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Applebee’s Brings Back Mix and Match All-You-Can-Eat Favorites

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Applebee’s roars into 2024 with the return of All You Can Eat Boneless Wings, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp for $14.99 when dining in.

“We know America loves our all-you-can-eat Boneless Wings – so what better way to kick-start the year by bringing them back plus endless Riblets and Double Crunch Shrimp?” said Applebee’s chief marketing officer, Joel Yashinsky. “Whether mixing and matching or staying the course with your favorite savory protein, there’s no going wrong!

The all-you-can-eat deal is good for dining in only.

 

As part of the deal, fans can start off with Boneless Wings, refill with Double Crunch Shrimp, followed by Riblets – or doubling down on your favorite All You Can Eat menu item.

  • All You Can Eat Boneless Wings: Crispy breaded pieces of tender boneless chicken tossed in your choice of one of six sauces: Classic Buffalo, Honey BBQ, Sweet Asian Chile, Garlic Parmesan, Extra Hot Buffalo, and Honey Pepper. They come served with signature coleslaw, endless classic fries, and Bleu cheese or house-made buttermilk ranch dressing.
  • All You Can Eat Riblets: Cut from the most tender pork for the ultimate bone-in flavor, Applebee’s riblets are slow cooked and come in either Honey BBQ or sweet Asian Chile sauce, plus a side of signature coleslaw and endless classic fries.
  • All You Can Eat Double Crunch Shrimp: Crispy battered Double Crunch Shrimp are fried golden brown and come served with cocktail sauce, signature coleslaw and endless classic fries.

Applebee’s also has launched three specialty mezcal margaritas featuring Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s Dos Hombres Mezcal and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana Tequila.

The margaritas are hand-shaken and poured table side. Price is $9.

  • The Breaking Rock Rita features Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s Dos Hombres Mezcal shaken with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ultra-premium Teremana Blanco Tequila, blue curacao, lime and a sky-blue sugar rim.
  • Passion Fruit Mezcal Rita is made with passion fruit, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Teremana Blanco Tequila, triple sec, lime and a gummi lip garnish.
  • The Classic Mezcal Rita features Applebee’s signature margarita mix with a hint of smooth smoke from Dos Hombres Mezcal, Teremana Blanco Tequila, triple sec and lime.

Red Lobster Introduces Cheddar Bay Shrimp,

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Attention Cheddar Bay Biscuit lovers! You’re in for a treat because there’s a new dish at Red Lobster that’s inspired by the restaurant’s famous biscuits. This week, Red Lobster announced Cheddar Bay Shrimp, a new addition to the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast menu. Cheddar Bay Shrimp feature a crispy batter that mimics the flavor of the buttery, garlicky biscuits we just can’t seem to resist.
cheddar bay shrimp

“Everyone loves our Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and our shrimp is a close second favorite, so it just made sense to finally put the two together! This first-ever mash-up is crispy, crunchy and full of flavor that will keep you coming back for more,” said Patty Trevino, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster.

When ordering the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast, you can choose four of ten new and classic preparations, including two premium selections and two shrimp selections. You’ll also have your choice of two sides.

In addition to the Cheddar Bay Shrimp, Red Lobster has also introduced a handful of festive cocktails, including Snowglobe Sangria, Fireside Martini, and Cran-Apple Smash.

 

And if you’d like to take your Cheddar Bay love beyond biscuits and shrimp this holiday season, Red Lobster is currently selling a Cheddar Bay Sleigh Ugly Sweater online for $45.

You can also select Red Lobster Christmas Tree Ornaments, a hoodie, tote bag or even a snow globe.

Chicken Louies Making a Comeback

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That famous taste you know is coming baaaccck !

Food Adventures has some secret scoop.  It is so secret in fact that we can’t release all the details of the deal, but we can tell you . absolutely that an iconic chicken stop is about to be reborn in Dayton.

Chicken Louie’s, a favorite for decades in the Dayton area, had a shop on N. Main St. and a store on the west side called “Lou’s Broaster Hut.”  Known for their broasted whole wings served plain or spun in one of 3 sauces, this “carryout only” spot became legendary in status.  Known for soulful sides, and late hours, people would travel miles or just walk up to the window to get a taste of Lou’s famous chicken.

Lou’s Broaster Hut was on 3rd Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE DEAL:

— In 1958, Chicken Louie’s began slinging wings in Dayton, and locals went berserk over the broasted style of cooked wings.  Marinated overnight, then deep-fried in a pressure cooker, the chicken had a distinct taste and the sauces complimented the chicken perfectly.  The menu featured wings, legs, thighs and breasts, and literally showed the price of each from 1 to 100 pieces.

Broasted Chicken and more

— Chicken Louie’s hit hard times in the turn of the century, as Lou had to take care of his ill mother.  He ended up closing for a while and selling to  his managing partner who ran the restaurant a little past Lou’s death in 2012.

— Chicken Louie’s was resurrected in 2014 in an unlikely place.  The same managing partner opened a side shop in the Super Subby’s restaurant in Miamisburg on Main St.  The shop served a limited Chicken Louie’s menu of wings, pies and broasted potatoes.  The location had spurts of greatness but never took hold in the Miamisburg community as expected.  As business dwindled, the Subby’s closed in December, 2018.

Coming in 2019

— Two private investors have stepped forward and bought all of the original equipment and recipes from the Chicken Louie’s establishment.  They will not only offer the famous broasted chicken wings, but they plan to offer the full original menu.  This means legs, thighs, broasted potatoes in butter, peanut butter pies, sweet potato pie, fish dinners, shrimp dinner, dinner rolls, cornbread and all the sides you remember.  Also available will be the 4 famous sauces: BBQ, mild, medium and hot.

— The plan is to open the first Chicken Louie’s in the city of Dayton proper, sometime before fall.  A site has been bought, signed and sealed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the exact location.  We can tell you that remodeling is about to begin.  The site layout will be similar to the popular carryout location on N. Main Street, that served up good food for decades.

Sweet Potato Pie

— The strategy is also to open a 2nd store eventually in the north or west Dayton area.  Again, we are not at liberty to disclose exact location plans, which would be premature of the 2nd location at this point.

Rarely is a Dayton iconic restaurant reborn from the ashes.  But, this will happen, and Miami Valley foodies will once again be able to enjoy Lou’s chicken.  Until the site opens, we will be licking our lips and deciding how many wings, pieces of shrimp and fish we are gonna order with our broasted potatoes.

See you at the window of Chicken Louie’s… real soon !

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow our weekly articles exclusively here on DaytonMostMetro .com.  We also have a Facebook page with nearly 8,000 followers.  Click here to like our page.

Feel free to browse our gallery below of Chicken Louie favorites.

Sauces

Famous dinner rolls

Hot Wing

Medium Wing

A mild whole wing

Broasted Potatoes

Peanut Butter Pie

BBQ Wings

Chicken Louie’s was on N Main for decades

 

 

Dining & A Show at the Racetrack

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Are you looking for something different to to for dinner?  Then the Food Adventures Crew has a tip for you.  How about dinner at the Dayton Raceway’s Skybox Restaurant at the Hollywood Casino while watching live horse racing at a table overlooking the track? The live racing schedule ends December 30th, so you have that much time to book an unforgettable night of fun and food.

Sitting at the Skybox Bar checking out the beers on tap…

Today, we spotlight an unsung restaurant that really doesn’t get any recognition, but has been putting out some decent food for a couple of years now.  It is the Skybox Restaurant at Hollywood Casino and Dayton Raceway.  It is a smaller restaurant, with a bar and booth area with seating capacity of about 60 people.  During live racing days, the restaurant spreads out serving tables in the racino area that overlook the track on different stairstep levels.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE SKYBOX RESTAURANT :

—A one of a kind experience in Dayton, this restaurant is  “Vegas Style” in decor, but during live horse race days, the dining room also includes the tables overlooking the horse race track on 3 levels.

— The races are Harness Racing, where the jockeys are behind the horse on a sled with wheels.  The horses have to trot and are not allowed to gallop.  Getting into the action is CHEAP !  You can bet as little as $2 on a race and you can use electronic betting machines near your table or place your bet at the nearby betting window with an employee.

Chicken Quesadilla

— Live Harness Racing season ends at Dayton Raceway on December 30, 2017 for a few months.
Mondays & Tuesdays: The first race begins at 2:15pm
Thursdays , Friays & Saturdays: The first race begins at 6:15pm
Here is the racing calendar for 2017.  Call 937-235-7840 for restaurant reservations overlooking the track with a spectacular view.

— Typical hours for the Skybox Restaurant on non-racing days are
Sunday thru Thursday 11AM-9PM and Friday & Saturday 11am – Midnight

December is Shrimp and Steak for $12.99

— The restaurant is casual American Pub Fare with a couple of local beers on tap, but mostly bottled beers in stock.

— Each month they have a dinner special of the month, December is Steak and Shrimp for $12.99

— Wednesday is trivia at 7pm with special appetizers and everyday they offer 4 domestic bottles in a bucket for $12 or a Birdie Bucket with 10 wings for $18.

All You Can Eat Ribs Dinner for $19.99 – was a past special.

Now you are at the party spot, but what are you gonna eat?  Well, luckily the Food Adventure Crew has been to the restaurant about 10 times and tried everything on the menu.  As always, over the couple years we have developed our “MUST EATS” at the Skybox Bar and Restaurant.. so here we go …

MUST EATS at the SKYBOX SPORTS BAR at HOLLYWOOD GAMING DAYTON:

— ALL YOU CAN EAT BABY BACK RIBS:
This is typically a monthly special, but anytime they offer the ribs on the menu, you have to grab them. Cooked to perfection, these ribs are slathered in a nice BBQ sauce and melt in your mouth. Fall off the bone? YES and right into your mouth. Ask for napkins, as it is how they say “finger lickin good.”

— THE PIZZA:
The pizza, especially the Margherita Pizza almost rivals local favorites like Spinozas and Old Scratch Pizza. Do you like Dewey’s Pizza? Then you will love the pizza at the Skybox.

— THE PRIME RIB DINNER:
This is sometimes a monthly special for $19.99. If you see it on the menu, you must grab one. The dinner is delicious and so are all of the sides offered. Great view, great steak and races? This is the life!

— CHICKEN QUESADILLA:
Want a huge appetizer that you can share? You wont go wrong with this giant, loaded quesadilla with cheese and veggies, even guacamole and sour cream are on the plate. Indulge! Enjoy!

 

— THE CHEESEBURGER:
Going simple and quick? This is the best bet and grab a homemade soup. Fresh ground chuck, and melted cheese make the sandwich. The condiments are typical and you build your own burger. Just a good solid, no frills option.

— HOMEMADE DAILY SOUPS:
We have had a couple of their soups, and the chefs really know what they are doing. These homemade creations from chili to shrimp and onion soup have been phenomenal. Always something inventive cooking up in the soup world at the Racino !

Deep Fried Pickle Chips !

— DEEP FRIED PICKLE CHIPS:
Sweet, sour and salty, this appetizer is a perfect one to share with the table. The other option is to grab some ranch dip and slay the basket yourself. Either way you win with good, tasty food, even if you lose your horse race bet.

 

There they are – the MUST EATS you shouldn’t miss at the Dayton Racino.
This is one of the most entertaining Food Adventures you will ever go on.

Not familiar with horse racing?

IT IS EASY to be a part of the action with these few tips.

HORSE RACING 101.

Here are a couple horse racing tips on us:

1) Bring a pen with you, buy a program, ask them to print out Dayton Raceway only, to save money. Use the pen to take notes and circle your favorite horses.  Sometimes betting on the name of the horse works just as good as looking at the stats/odds.

2) Bet $2 on each race, so if there are 10 races, you will only spend $20 on gambling the whole night, and that’s if you lose every race !  If your horse wins, you will be paid out based on the final odds of the horse after all bets were placed.  The higher the odds, the more cashola you will be paid!

3) Betting Options:
Bet WIN and your horse must win the race
Bet PLACE and your horse can come in 1st or 2nd and you win $$$
Bet SHOW and your horse can come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd and you win money.

4) Chances at big wins:
Bet EXACTA and you must pick 2 horses and they must come 1st and 2nd place in the exact order you pick.
Bet TRIFECTA and you must pick the horses that finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the exact order you name. You win some decent money if this happens, so it isn’t easy to do !

5) Get into the race by clapping and whistling and cheering your horse down the stretch…
Some of the more favorite shouts we have over heard are …..
“Come on Now 3, mon now !” (use any number you bet on)
“Tap that animal” a tongue in cheek urge to have the jockey tap the horses butt with the long stick to get him to run faster (we dont condone animal cruelty).
“Ghanan ha wa hooha” – while slapping your program on your knee (this is just what most people do, they yell an incoherent scream and go crazy, we are just trying to fit in and add to the excitement and volume.

6) Designate an empty beer cup to toss your tickets that are non-winners. We call this cup the bucket of broken dreams and empty promises.. it makes losing more bearable …

7) Watching the races from the table is great, but take about 6 minutes and during one race, walk outside and watch it from the track.  You will be about 10 yards from the horses and it gives you a feel for the speed and intensity of these races.  There is no other feeling like it.

Thanks for letting us into your electronic device this week.

Want more Food Adventures from around the Miami Valley? Then join the 7,400+ Dayton Foodies who are following us on Facebook by clicking here and “liking ” our page.

Enjoy our photos below.

“Natcho” – typical night out…

Onion and Shrimp Soup

Fish n Chips

Boneless Wings – Medium style sauce

Cheeseburger and Fries

Pizza with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Onions, and Green Peppers

Margherita Pizza is the best choice

Babayback Ribs dinner

Overlooking the track

 

 

 

 

Have You Been Eating Sushi Wrong?

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Is this the correct way to eat Eel?

Did you know there is a correct way to eat sushi?

Neither did we, and we have been doing it all wrong for years ! It’s a good thing we have Japanese native, Miko Whigham, in town.  Miko is here to teach us how to eat sushi correctly, like they do in Japan.  This will ensure politeness and manners, if you ever find yourself in an authentic sushi restaurant on a Food Adventure.

How do they eat Salmon sushi rolls in Japan ?

Miko is a sushi expert.  She grew up in Japan, moved to the United States decades ago.  She now owns her second Sushi restaurant called ARIAKE SUSHI BAR  which is near the Dayton Mall, at 59 Fiesta Lane, by the intersection of 741 and 725.

 

THE BIGGEST ERRORS IN SUSHI EATING:
Many of us find ourselves using chopsticks, when actually it is more customary to use your hands. This can save you from fumbling with chopsticks, if you aren’t well versed.  It can also save your sushi from crumbling, which happens to the Food Adventure Crew a lot.  Miko also says mixing the wasabi in the soy sauce is only a sometimes thing.

 

Exotic Sushi rolls at Ariake demand special handling

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS :  VIDEO
(Sushi rolls are the most common sushi, cooked or raw filling inside of rice cut into circles)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Brush a little wasabi anywhere on your sushi roll pieces using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece (it is typically a small circle shape) and dip it quickly into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth.  Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.


CORRECT WAY TO EAT NIGIRI SUSHI: VIDEO
(Ngiri is typically a piece of fish laying on top a small bunch of rice, raw or cooked)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.

What is the customary way to eat Nigiri ?

2) Brush a little wasabi on the fish side of your sushi using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth.   Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.
(#4 makes sense, we always dipped the rice side into the soy and it fell apart.. NEVER AGAIN !)

This VIDEO will help you with a little known Wasabi request …

 

Sashimi – Fatty Tuna

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SASHIMI: VIDEO
(Sashimi is raw fish, sliced into bite sized squares)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until blended.
3) Using chopsticks, pick up a piece of sashimi, dip the fish part into the soy sauce
4) Put the whole thing in your mouth.

 

CORRECT WAY TO EAT A HAND ROLL:

Fold the Hand Roll Bottom closed, pour a few drops of soy on the top

1) Hold the roll like an ice cream cone
2) Using chopsticks, smear a small amount of wasabi across the top opening of the roll.
3) Fold the bottom opening closed and hold it closed with your pinky finger while holding the hand roll like an ice cream cone.
4) Pour a small amount of soy sauce across the top opening of the roll.
5) Take bites out of the roll, like eating an ice cream cone.

 

OPTIONAL WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS AND NIGIRI: (THE GINGER MOP METHOD): VIDEO
There is another way to soak your sushi with soy and wasabi. Food Adventures has named this the “Ginger Mop Method”
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until it disintegrates.
3) Next, using your chopsticks, get a pinch of ginger, and dip it into your soy sauce

Japanese native Miko Whigham, owner of Ariake Sushi

4) Using the ginger like a “mop”, brush the sushi with the wet ginger, spreading soy sauce on the sushi. If you want to break tradition, you can mix wasabi into the soy sauce here.
5) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand, if it is nigiri (fish on a bed of rice) turn it fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce. If it is a roll you can dip it by hand or by chop stick.
6) Put the whole thing in your mouth.   Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.

There you have it, you are now an official Sushi Ninja…

Thank you to Japanese native Miko Whigham for her guidance on “How to eat sushi correctly.” Make sure you visit her restaurant, Ariake Sushi Bar in Miamisburg for Dayton’s most authentic Japanese menu.   When you do, you now know how to mind your sushi manners!

Please browse our sushi photos below, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Now you can tackle sushi in the “correct manner”

How would you address this roll??

Kani, Tuna and Salmon Nigiri – use the upside down dip method

Spicy Tuna Roll

Shrimp Tempura

Sushi is life

Tell your friends to use their hands !

Sushi Boat at Ariake

How would you tackle this one? With your hands !

Sashimi Plate

Sushi roll

Roll topped with eel

Ariake Feast !

Dreams come true at Ariake Sushi Bar

hello , lover…

Mackrel, tuna and yellow tail

The Kani imitation Krab is good stuff

Some sushi rolls come deep fried

Love the Spicy tuna roll

Hand Rolls – $1 – limit 1

 

Sashimi Plate

Ngiri Plate – Salmon, Tuna, Crab

Tuna Roll

Outside Ariake Sushi near the Dayton Mall

The Top 30 Soups of Dayton, 2017

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Warm up with Dayton’s best soups of 2017

Voltzy making his Cabbage Roll Soup

As the next cold spell moves in during 2017 and you are craving a soup to warm your heart, consider this list.  The Food Adventures crew, Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list of Dayton’s Best Soups for 2017.  From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer.  So, all you serious eaters, get a spoon, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

IN ORDER from the best (because no one else does that) are Dayton’s best Food Adventures in a bowl… , here they are…

** DAYTON’S TOP 30 SOUPS for 2017 **

 

1) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO:

Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco

A top soup from one of Dayton’s top Chefs and caterers, Jenn DiSanto.  She starts with homemade chicken broth from scratch.  The soup is stocked with fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables, and tortilla strips. End it all with a dollop of sour cream on top.  This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss. This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten.  This soup is Chef House’s favorite !

 

The beginning of Rue Dumaine’s incredible gumbo

2) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE:  
This one HAS to be on the list..  The owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Network superstar, Emeril Lagasse.  Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing.  This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton.  We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.  This pick is an obvious one.

 

Jay’s Clam Chowder, A Dayton icon

3) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:  
When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list.  Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it.  The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup.  Crackers or not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.  As you take a spoonful, the nostalgic atmosphere of Jay’s restaurant helps make it that moment in time where the world is in perfect balance.

 

Sizzling Rice Soup from China Cottage

4) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP FROM CHINA COTTAGE:  
For decades they have been serving this white meat chicken, fresh vegetables and steaming rice kernels in an unforgettable broth.  This is on the appetizer menu as a soup for two.   Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer for two, but who wants to share something this good?  Get the soup for your meal, like we do !  The flavor is a perfect balance of mushrooms, carrots, other vegetables and rice in a white meat chicken and broth mixture.  Another great creation from Chef Tiger Wang.

 

Little Saigon’s Sate Shrimp and Pork Soup


5) SATE SHRIMP AND PORK SOUP with RICE NOODLES from LITTLE SAIGON:  
This Vietnamese style “Pho” soup is a spicy bowl of broth, rice noodles, shrimp, pork and vegetables.  Served with a side plate of cilantro, lime and bean sprouts, it packs some heat.  Not hot enough?  Doctor it up with the table side chili paste or a homemade in-house sriracha sauce.  This is a meal sized soup, with an appetizer price tag.

 

6) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”:

Dublin Pubs World Famous Potato soup draws them in

It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible.  It is rich, filling and sinful.  We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it.  We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it.  This soup has a cult following in  Dayton, and is Hungry Jax’s top pick!

 

7)  THE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP from VOLTZY’s ROOT BEER STAND:
The best soup in a root beer stand in the United States.  Voltzy homemakes this stuff with cabbage, tomatoes, rice and his signature burger meat. In his words, it is so delicious,  you will sing “Touch me in the Morning.”  Cabbage rolls not your style? Then try his almost equally delicious “Cheeseburger Soup” or “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.”  Yes, Vandalia like the city… Voltzy is nuts, it is undeniable.

 

Get into Amber Rose and try the Turtle Soup

8) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE:
This soup is exotic, thick and hearty.  It is a  old recipe, passed down by Elinore, the previous owner of the restaurant.  We absolutely love Amber Rose’s take on this old school favorite.  It is beyond good.  This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more.  Visit Joe Castellano and his chefs and try it for yourself as an appetizer to one of their Eastern European meals.  Extra points for uniqueness on this one.

 

Up close with the Clam Chowder at Sweeney’s Seafood

9) CLAM CHOWDER at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: 
Creamy and thick with chunks of clams and potatoes, this is a filling bowl of soup.   Paprika and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites.  We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers that owner Lisa Long and her chefs knock out of the park.  Add another star to the list.  Hungry Jax can’t get enough of this one.

 

10) SEAFOOD CHOWDER from DOROTHY LANE MARKET:  Maybe because it

Seafood Chowder from Dorothy Lane Market

simmers all day, it enhances the flavor.  Whatever the reason, we are entranced with this self serve option to go at Dorothy Lane Market for this incredible soup.  Rich and creamy and two terms that simply cannot be stressed enough.  Chunks of fish and more fill the soup with corn and other vegetables. This is a nice, thick soup. We can’t inhale it fast enough on hungry rainy days.  If there ever was a bowl you wanted to lick clean, this would be the one….

 

The Chicken Gumbo from DiSalvo’s Deli

11) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI:
Another homemade soup from scratch.  Chef Ronnie DiSalvo himself makes the soup with perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, in a delicately light broth.  The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.   This deli takes pride in its food, and this is another example of their incredible creations.  Their motto is “made with love from the heart.” And we like to add, and straight to your mouth!

 

12) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO:  

The Shrimp and Pork Soup from Linh’s Bistro

A big fan following for this soup.  It is an enormous bowl with filled one of the classic Vietnamese “Phos” (soups) offered at Linh’s Bistro.  This meal sized magical creation contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp.   Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all.  The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime.  Separate some cilantro leaves from the stems and drop them into the bowl.  This soup defines the words Food Adventure.

 

Doubleday’s French Onion Soup

13) THE FRENCH ONION SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN:
Lets be honest.  Any one of Doubleday’s soups could make this list.  In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one is a favorite.  Dayton  regulars have stuffed the restaurant for decades, and many have felt the hot, gooey dripping flavor of the french onion soup.  It is easy to get lost in Doubleday’s large menu, but dont overlook this “must eat.”  The steaming pot of soup is perfect for a snowy day.  Try their Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Potato Soup as well.

 

14) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11: 

The New Orleans Gumbo from Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite.  Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having managed one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years.  The soup is perfect.  They really hit the mark on this one.  Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds.  Goes perfect with their craft beer selections and sandwiches!

 

Bullwinkle’s Clam Chowder is made in house

15) THE CLAM CHOWDER AT BULLWINKLE’S: 
Clam Chowder at a rib place?  The answer is yes, young Jedi.  This soup is homemade and downright addicting.  Generous chunks of clams in a mix of potatoes and cream sauce make this one of our “Must Eats.”  Not many people know about this soup, but now you do.  We are not responsible for any addictions.  Make sure you start your meal here with this savory favorite.  Their menu is filled with amazing items like this one.

 

Archer’s Chili

16) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN:
Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff.  The winning chili goes on the menu for a year.  All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program!  The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation!  The current chili is a meaty concoction with a little bit of heat. It is topped with cheese and Fritos.  Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups and one of our favorites.

 

17) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT:

Mushroom Bisque at Christopher’s

Vegetarians  rejoice!  This Dayton soup is for you.  A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful.  The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible  Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star.  Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.  The restaurant atmosphere is homey, and lends to the comfort factor of feeling at home with this warming soup for the soul.

 

Wild Mushroom Soup from Hawthorne Grill

18) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL:
It is pure comfort in a bowl.  The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful.  Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on.  This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.  Chef Candice Rinke has established herself in the upper tier of Dayton’s chefs.  This soup is an extension of her hard work.

 

 

Pickle Soup from Blind Bob’s

19) THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S:
Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, don’t judge a book by its cover.  This is one of the best soups in Dayton.  The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly mild and rich.  If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it.  We congratulate Blind Bob’s for not only the uniqueness, but for the amazing taste.  This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!  Also, Blind Bob’s many craft beers go great with this soup!

 

Vegetarian Chili and Tequila Chili from Lucky’s Taproom

20) TEQUILA CHILI at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  
Unique blast of flavor from the kitchen at Lucky’s.  Owner Andrew Trick has developed an underground following for his terrific food. This chili is a highlight on the menu and one of the most loved items.  Lucky’s offers a regular or vegetarian option.  Recommendation: There is no better pairing on this list than the Tequila Chili and one of Lucky’s numerous craft beers.  So go to Lucky’s, thumb through the beer booklet, pick one out, and thank us later.

 

21) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT:  

French Onion Soup at Nick’s Restaurant

Gooey, warm, and wonderful soup that is the pride of Xenia.  The soup is always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.”  This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons.  But what hit us most is the rich flavor.   Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the cheesey strings.  Take a spoonful and you will immediately see why this soup made the cut.

 

Coconut Soup from Siam Pad Thai

22) THE COCONUT SOUP at SIAM PAD THAI: 
Another exotic choice on this list.  Cherry tomatoes, lime juice and mushrooms highlight the ingredients in this soup.  The tangy, light flavor make this soup the most refreshing on our list.  Owner, Fon Chrisman is a culinary genius in Thai food.  If you have not been to Siam Pad Thai, we suggest you pair this soup with one of their Thai dishes, or specialty sushi rolls. We promise you will be craving this soup in no time.

 

Hot n Sour Soup from Young Chow

23)  THE HOT AND SOUR SOUP at YOUNG CHOW:  
We scald ourselves every time, because we cant wait to get into this soup’s shredded goodness.  A perfect balance of tofu, pepper and pork, this hot and sour soup is fantastic.  This soup made the list because it is just that good.  And guess what else, the price is nice.   We looked at your fortune cookie, it says you need to go to Young Chow.

 

24) TANTANMEN RAMEN at RAMEN RICKSHAW: Also known as “Peddler Noodles,” this soup is the epitome of homemade.  Freshly made, daily noodles seeped in a pork broth that has simmered for 12

Tantanmen Ramen from Ramen Rickshaw

hours. Flavorful secret spices and green onions finish off the soup.  Served in a small bowl, we can use a fork, spoon or even drink this delicious soup, just to get it in our bellies.

 

25) TOM YUM SOUP at TIK’s THAI GRILL:  A spicy broth filed with mushrooms and green scallions.  They also call this “Lemongrass Soup.”  It also includes a secret combo of Thai herbs, lemongrass, tomato, and lime juice.  The lime juice packs a punch right back to the lime juice that started the whole thing.

 

Tom Yum Soup from Tik’s Thai Grill

26) TOM YUM GOONG SOUP from HOUSE OF THAI:
Shrimp and mushroom in a hot and sour broth is the amazing menu item featured at this hidden secret in Beavercreek known for their Pad Thai.   Not many people are familiar with this delicious Thai restaurant, but the soup deserves a spot on this list.  It is obviously an old family recipe, and it is as fun to eat as it is to say the name.  This is chin dripping, grab your napkin style good eats.  If you are going to do it up, do it up right at the House of Thai.

 

Curry Udon Noodle Soup from Ariake

27) CURRY UDON NOODLE SOUP from ARIAKE SUSHI BAR :  A thick, soup with curry flavors and a nutty aroma.  Slices of pork, egg slices and wheat noodles fill the bowl.  It is a challenge to eat this without getting your chin or shirt dripped on, but the noodles are fantastic.

 

The last spoonfuls of Kabuki’s Spicy Vegetable Soup

28) THE SPICY VEGETABLE SOUP from KABUKI:  This soup is complimentary with big dinner orders.  It is a fantastic mix of spicy pepper broth, bean sprouts and onions.  This can clear your sinuses and make your cold feel better all at the same time.  It is the perfect tune up for a sushi feast.  Enjoy the color and aroma of the soup, it tastes as good as it looks.  We have come to learn that at Kabuki, everything is great.

 

Pozole from Chiapas Mexican Grill

29) THE POZOLE from CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:  The owner of Chiapas tells us this is his grandmother’s recipe for a chicken and hominy soup.  The broth is soothing yet spicy.  The chicken is tender and shreds of it soak between hominy corn.  Radishes float on top of this beautiful looking soup.  One of the most unique soups on this list, it is authentic Mexican fare.

 

Pulpo and Camarones Cocktail en Salsa (seafood gazpacho) from Taqueria Mixteca

30) PULPO CAMARONES COCKTAIL en SALSA (Seafood Gespacho) from TAQUERIA MIXTECA
Served cold, this tomato based soup is stocked full of seafood.  From huge shrimp, to baby octopus and calamari, it is not for the squeamish.  Hardcore seafood lovers, however, will eat it up.  It is served in a gigantic goblet and is easily enough for two or more.  The vegetables and slices of avocado make the soup.

 

We have two honorable mentions:

a) SIZZLING RICE SOUP from NORTH CHINA and

b) SHRIMP and PORK SATE from PHO MI

And one final thing..

 

Best Chain Restaurant Soup?  Chicken Gnocchi from Olive Garden

Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden

That’s it, that’s our list !  What did we miss?  Do you agree or disagree with our choices ??  Please comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Meanwhile, check out our incredible photo gallery of Dayton’s best soups, below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE !

Sizzling Rice Soup from North China

Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Doubledays

 

The Tom Young Goong Soup from House of Thai

Pozole from Chiapas Mexican Grill

Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco

Linh’s Bistro has a great Shrimp and Pork Soup

Pho Mi has a beautiful Shrimp and Pork Sate Soup

Sweeney’s Clam Chowder

The Best Tamale’s in Town: Chiapas Mexican Grill

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Chiapas Mexican Grill

With the wacky weather lately, the saying, “Chilly today, Hot Tamale” applies here.  Of all of the Mexican eateries in town, only a handful can claim to be “authentic” to the Mexican people’s tastes.  These menus are not Americanized, but are true to the way people dine in Mexico City or Chiapas, Mexico.  Simple, fresh ingredients and simple, homemade recipes.  Authentic is the case of Chiapas Mexican Grill in Centerville on State Route 48. The small diner is a perfect atmosphere for an authentic, Mexican Food Adventure.

As you know, what makes our food blog different, is that we visit a restaurant many times before we write a thorough article.  If a place shows promise, we revisit, and go on different hours, and different days and try almost every dish on the menu.  That way, one can

Chorizo Soft Taco – note the corn tortilla and lime

REALLY get the feel of the place.  Not just a one or two plates and a forkful of a friend’s dish, we are talking full Food Adventure experiences.  That is our philosophy to share with you reliable feedback on the very best spots in the Miami Valley.  After at least a half dozen visits to Chiapas Mexican Grill, we are here to give you the full scoop and some incredible photos.

From Horchata cinnamon like milk drinks with our friend Elsa, to Chimichangas and Enchiladas during Sunday football, we ate it all and are ready to share the goods.

 

Chicken Chimichangas

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:

—Located in the heart of Centerville at 298 N Main St.  The quaint dining room seats about 50 people.

—Locally owned operation by a family from Chiapas, Mexico.  One of the owners used to work at Las Piramides restaurant in Centerville.  He finally convinced family members to get in on his plan to own their own authentic restaurant.

—Menu features family recipes and dishes from their town of Chiapas, which is at the most southeastern part of Mexico, near Guatemala.

—They are open 7 days a week with special prices on Margaritas on Mondays and Fridays.  All tacos

The Best Tamales we have ever eaten

are just $1.99 on Mondays.

 

This place is definitely one for your Food Adventure hit list. Each meal starts out right, with warm tortilla chips and some excellent salsa, packed with fresh cilantro.  Now that your tastebuds are warmed up… We present to you the best of the best of their menu… our patented feature ………… MUST EATS !

 

Half of the dining area

MUST EATS at CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:

—TAMALE’S:
The best tamales we have ever had, hands down, Chico.  We know their secret.  They use banana leaves instead of corn leaves.  The bbq sauce, the corn mush and the pulled pork combine for a taste we have never experienced before. Our mouths are watering for more.

 

—IN HOUSE HOT SAUCES: IMPORTANT! Take advantage of the 2 homemade in house hot sauces, one red one green.  They are great to add to your salsa to thicken things up, or squirt across your dinner of choice.  Also dive into the bottled sauces on the table called El YucatecoXXX and Cholula

A spicy shrimp dish called Camarones ala Diabla

—TACO’S – SOFT and CRUNCHY:
The soft tacos are incredibly authentic, and are made with soft CORN tortillas which is, of course, the difference.  No cheese on the soft ones, just meat, onions and cilantro.  All tacos are served with lime quarters.  Grab these quarters, and squeeze every bit of lime juice onto your taco meat.  It makes the whole thing.  All the taco meats are good, but our top 4 soft taco meat choices you “must eat” are : a) Chorizo, b) Shepard Style (rotisserie pulled pork), c) Chicken and d) Carnitas (steak).  Don’t forget to add some salsa or house hot sauce.

Behold the Chicken Fajitas, still steaming and sizzling

The crunchy ground beef taco is delicious and loaded with lettuce and shredded, white, Mexican cheese.  Don’t forget to order one of those.

Get your butt in here on Mondays, when all tacos are $1.99, for a feast you will not soon forget.

 

—CAMARONES ALA DIABLA (Spicy shrimp): Large, perfectly pan seared shrimp, in a plate with hot sauce, rice and beans.  We got lost for a moment in our plate.  What woke us up was the  powerful flavor and HEAT! This is definitely a MUST EAT.  Good dish, make sure a soft drink, water or beer is near, Gringo.  Wow, was this dish something to write home about.

Under these mounds are two of the best chile rellenos in town

 

—CHICKEN FAJITAS: Served sizzling from the kitchen, the result is a nicely seared collection of chicken, green peppers, onions and tomatoes.  Served with lettuce and tortillas on the side, along with sour cream and guacamole, you have the building blocks for an epic fajita creation.

 

—CHILE RELLENOS CHIAPANECOS:
Oh man, this dish is the best of both worlds.  It is two, large stuffed peppers on a plate.  One is filled

The huge Torta Milanese. a lightly breaded Chicken Sandwich

with cheese, and the other is filled with ground beef and potatoes.  The results are one of the best chile rellenos plates we have ever eaten.  It has plenty of cheese sauce, salsa and rice so you can use the extra tortilla chips to make your own nacho scooping end to this dinner.

 

—TORTA DE MILANESE (chicken):
A huge sandwich, with a lightly deep fried chicken breast inside.  This is a big, delicious sesame seed roll, with all the fixins.  Each half could be a lunch sandwich on its own.  Eating this will have you yelling “Arrriba.”

 

—FLAN:

Flan, an incredible dessert

A delicate little dessert.  Like carmalized vanilla pudding with whip cream and cherry, the caramel drizzle sauce is naughty too.  We are not going to lie, we each could have eaten four of these, they were that good.

 

Honorable Mention:  

—POZOLE:
The owner’s favorite.  It is a spicy soup filled with chicken and hominy.  The warm, red broth will soothe your soul. The recipe is a family tradition from Mexico and like almost all of the menu items, a recipe from their Grandmother.

 

Cheese Quesadilla with fries (kids plate)

—THE GOLD MARGARITA: 
A family favorite.  Try it frozen, walk out smiling.  No shortness of tequila here.

 

**Note: We learned something on our trip to Chiapas.  Every table has a ketchup bottle from a company called “Tip Top Ketchup.”  We read the label and realized it was a local condiment company from Tipp City.  It went perfect with the fries on the Torta plates and kids cheese quesadilla plate.  We have found ourselves a new ketchup alternative.

The deep, rich color of the salsa, packed with cilantro

That does it for our rundown of what you gotta try at this new hot spot.

 

The small sign in the window says Taqueria, which means a place where tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes are made and sold.  That is an understatement.  This place is a treasure.  The building has housed eateries from Poor Richards and the Hungry Elk to Wrapsody, Roc-a-Fellas, and House of Kabab.  We look to see this one stay a while. Chiapas Mexican Grill, you’ve come a long way, baby!

For more original Food Adventures, please “like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Feel free to browse more photos below from our multiple visits to CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL.

Ohhh those warm chips.. endless baskets

Carne Asada (steak)

Tip Top and fries

Grab a tortilla and turn the spicy shrimp into a shrimp burrito

Tostada – old school right there….

Spanish rice

In House Hot Sauce – the key to a good meal

The other half of the dining room

Chorizo, chicken and Pork tacos

Tamales !!

Salsa – a dip and a dance

Rollin up that fajita like a boss

Tacos and Tacos and Tacos (pork and steak)

Gettin corny with a steak taco

Since 1924 out of Tipp City

Crunchy Taco – ground beef

Pork Soft Taco

Chicken Soft Taco

Up close – Shepards Taco – (Pork)

Another Food Adventure begins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Course Food Adventure at North China

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Crab Rangoon and Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings

We don’t monkey around.  Everyone who knows us, know we do things original and right.

Today, we announce one of the biggest and boldest Food Adventure dinners yet…. and it just happens to be at one of our favorite spots.  North China Restaurant in Centerville will host the “Year of the Monkey” Celebration dinner, with 10 courses of food !

Since 1987, North China Restaurant has been pleasing Dayton area foodies, with tastes of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine.  May 19th they team up with our crew for an epic eating extravaganza!  From appetizers to entrees, this “Year of the Monkey Dinner” promises to be a throwback to 80’s Chinese American restaurants, with a touch of family style dining.

Tickets are PRE-PAY only and can only be bought online at this link —> CLICK HERE.   There is limited seating, so get your tickets before we sell out.

Just what kind of Food Adventure have we come up with?  Let’s get the scoop…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mongolian Chicken

— WHAT: 10 Course Food Adventure Dinner Event at North China Restaurant

— WHERE: 6090 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459, next to Woodbourne Library.

— WHEN: 6:30pm THURSDAY MAY 19th

— WHY:  Celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” … and a chance to eat some good food!

— COST $29 per person & includes tip.  Water and Hot Tea included.  Alcohol and Soft Drinks, additional cost.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE—> CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

 

How are your chopstick skills?  It doesn’t matter, because you will get forks and spoons too… so get ready here are the 10 courses of MUST EATS during the Year of the Monkey !

 

TEN COURSES OF MUST EATS AT NORTH CHINA: (sorry, no substitutions)

Top of the Entrance to a Dayton Original

1)  SIZZLING RICE SOUP:  A light brothed soup with vegetables, rice and chicken.  A perfect start to awaken your taste buds and senses.

2) EGG ROLL: The best in Dayton, bar none.  Handmade, hand rolled, and stuffed with pork, cabbage and a touch of peanut dust.

3) CRAB RANGOON: Handmade, on site, this cheesey goodness should be dipped in sweet and sour sauce with a dash of soy sauce.

4) HONEY TERIYAKI GLAZED CHICKEN WING: The delicate sweetness, the savory deep fried morsels…. ’nuff said

5) MU SHU PORK:  A wrapped “Chinese burrito,” The wrapper is rubbed with a plum and hoisin sauce, and pork and vegetables are added, and the “tortilla” is gently wrapped and served.  One of the most special delicacy attractions at North China.

Crispy Shrimp Entree

6) MONGOLIAN CHICKEN ENTREE: North China’s best selling dish.  Prepare to become addicted.

7) CRISPY SHRIMP ENTREE:  Deep Fried Shrimp, in a sweet and spicy, yellowish, brown sauce.

8) PEPPER STEAK ENTREE: Sauteed beef slices with onions and green peppers

9) KUNG PAO CHICKEN ENTREE: Cubed, stir fried chicken in a slightly spicy brown sauce

10) SHRIMP WITH VEGETABLE ENTREE: A lighter dish, served with broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Entrees will be served with STEAMED WHITE RICE and shared family style.

Dinner will end with the all familiar fortune cookie… which will probably say “you just ate too much on a Food Adventure.”

 

Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu will be passing out door prizes, t-shirts, gift certificates and more.

Please join us for this epic Food Adventure celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” at North China Restaurant.

Join the 6,200 Foodies in the Dayton area following Food Adventures on Facebook, “like” us HERE.

“We are not food critics, we are just three people who love to eat at Dayton’s best spots.  No Rules!”

Soy, Sweet N Sour, Hot Mustard, & Tea – your accessories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sizzling Rice Soup

2016 : The Year of the Monkey

Pot Sticker.. pot steeeeka !

The greatest egg rolls in the world

Hand Made Crab Rangoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mu shu Pork

Sign of good things coming

Pot Stickers – so good

North China never dissapoints

Mongolian Chicken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to Food Adventure Bliss

Shrimp and Lobster Sauce

Crab Rangoon

Chicken and Broccoli

Happy Family Dish

Hot Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DLM Food Adventure Cooking Class Promises Some “Firsts”

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The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House are featured in this months DLM’s “Party Foods Class.”

 Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan, LeeAnne “Chef House” and Steve “The Big Ragu” Milano promise a cooking class like no other on Friday night August 14th.   This event will be a mix of a party, a cooking demo, trivia night and some prize giveaways.  The night is going to be as wild as Donald Trump’s hair !

The “Party Foods” class marks the first time that the Food Adventures Crew will be taking over the Culinary Center at Dorothy Lane Market in Washington Township.  And it looks like a good one, filled with wine and beer as well.

Food Adventures is a popular Dayton food blog, with  over 5,400 loyal Facebook followers.  The trio of foodies is also known for their weekly articles on DaytonMostMetro .com that feature anything from mom and pop local restaurants, to festival events, recipes or foodie tips!  From time to time the Food Adventure Crew will host dinners at local restaurants to spotlight a great place that you may not have heard about.  They partner with area festivals, food happenings and even support over 50 charity events, every single year.  Much more than a free Instagram account they even have one of those (#Dayton_Foodies) and a Twitter following too (@Food_Adv) !

You can also visit their website www.DaytonFoodies.com for a list of upcoming appearances.

Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are proud to be a part of this year’s DLM Cooking Schedule, and due to the overwhelming response, we will be back in the fall for yet another class!

 

Party With the Food Adventures Crew – Limited tickets available at DorothyLane.com

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the AUGUST 14th CLASS !

WHAT: Party with the Food Adventures Crew !  A cooking class featuring the secret recipes of The Food Adventurer’s favorite party foods !

WHEN: 6PM – 9PM  FRIDAY, AUGUST 14th

WHERE: 6161 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio.  Located right next door to our Washington Square store.

COST: $75 per person, tickets may be bought by clicking HERE. Limited seats are left as we are approaching a sellout….

WHAT ELSE: You will have hands on cooking, recipe copies and tastings of the following super-secret, family favorite party foods:

 

Artichoke Garlic Cheese Dip with Homemade Melba Toasts

— GARLIC-ARTICHOKE CHEESE DIP with HOMEMADE MELBA TOASTS

— LOUISIANA CAJUN BEER SHRIMP

— TOMATO PIE

— PARTY CHICKEN

— RED CURRY MARINATED FLANK STEAK with a SWEET ASIAN SRIRACHA SAUCE

— COCONUT BREAD PUDDING

— GRILLED PINEAPPLE SKEWERS with CHOCOLATE SAUCE

— This menu will be paired with beer and wine.

Some of these recipes even feature Chef House’s, locally made,  HouseMade Sriracha which is available on Dorothy Lane Market shelves.

Come hungry and ready to have some fun.  The Culinary Center will never be the same….

 

Meet the Food Adventures Crew !

Hungry Jax

JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

Jackie relocated to the Dayton area in 2006.  This Italian girl from Upstate NY found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere than what she was used to back home in Utica, NY.  However, different proved to be good a she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it! Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s.  She loves to use her husband, John, and two daughters, Coraline and Ashlyn, as her lab rats to test recipes out.  Some of her recipes have even been published in National Food Magazines!  But as much as she loves to cook, she also loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the clean up)!  Other foodie interests include 8 years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking and being an Alton Brown fan since way back when he wore bowling shirts.  Jackie is excited to be part of the Food Adventures team and is always looking forward to experiencing some new eats!

 

 

LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat.  Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice.  She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley.  She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!  LeeAnne is also the owner of Housemade Sauces which specializes in a locally made Sriracha Sauce and a  Hot Honey Sriracha Sauce, which have won national awards.  Chef House is also the owner of the new “Bad Dog” Hot Dog Cart which features local dogs, local toppings and local buns!  She is also involved in putting on the “Night Market” events at the Yellow Cab Building.  She is definitely a foodie fixture around town, and an up and coming Chef.

The Big Ragu

STEVE MILANO aka “THE BIG RAGU”:

A lifelong Dayton resident, his early food influence was in his mom’s kitchen and his dad’s grill.  Other incredible food memories are his grandparents’ Italian and German/Scottish cooking.  Ragu’s love of food is only matched by his love of sports, travel, karaoke and just needing to be held.  An attention seeking missile, Ragu’s favorite foods include Seafood, Italian Food, and Chinese/Japanese cuisine.  Other hobbies include overeating  and a slight attraction to deep fried menu items.   Whether a locally owned business, fine dining, a dive, buffets, fast foods and even a few chain favorites, he enjoys visiting them all with a “no rules” attitude.  You can usually recognize him at festivals by the sweaty guy with the food stain on his shirt.  Emotionally eating his way through life with the Crew, they leave no plate unturned.  Most recently, his recipes have been featured in the monthly Foremost Seafood Newsletter.  This “foodie in his forties” is proud to be involved in dozens of local charity committees.

 

We hope to meet you at our Dorothy Lane Market Party Foods Class, where we will be cooking up a storm.   Seats are limited, get yours before we sellout.  Learn some new recipes,taste some fantastic party eats, and go on a full blown Food Adventure !

Tomato Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coconut Sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Adventure aprons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana Cajun Beer Shrimp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Pineapple Skewers

Chef House and her Housemade Sriracha

Housemade Sauces and salt rubs

Tomato Pies out of the oven

Tomato Pie – delicious

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cajun Shrimp peeled

Louisiana Style Shrimp

DLM class in progress

Mary Cooney teaching pasta at the Culinary Center

Homemade Melba toasts

Homemade Melba toast are the secret to this recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Herradura Restaurant: Great Mexican Seafood Dishes & More

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Seafood Dishes like “Mariscos Acapulco” are ‘Must Eats’ at El Herradura Restaurant

Whether you like the authentic Taqueira style Mexican food, or the somewhat Americanized Tex-Mex food found around town, you can find both options at El Herradura Restaurant.

Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew have visited this spot on Upper Valley Pike in Springfield a couple of times.  We have been there when it is packed, been there when they had Mariachi Bands, and been there on a quiet Sunday afternoon.   One night Dayton Most Metro’s own Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining even joined us!  So this article takes all angles into account.

The menu is extensive, and we’ve tried many dishes.  Sure, we can give honorable mention to their delicious queso and salsa, but let’s dig deeper.  We discovered some secret offerings that you can take advantage of everyday.   But,  in our opinion, when it comes to this menu, seafood is king !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 1236 Upper Valley Pike in Springfield and open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

— They have a large outdoor patio deck with decorative umbrella tables, and a fun atmosphere

If you get a Taco, get it “Paul’s Way”

— Mom and Pop Restaurant owned by husband and wife Paul and Yadira DePuy.   Yadira is a native of Mexico, while Paul grew up in Springfield.  The menu reflects some of Yadira’s family recipes and some of Paul’s food loves.

— Large Bar area that is perfect for happy hour or “just drinks” nights.

— HD TV’s throughout the Dining Room for Sporting Events !

 

We made our way through the literally hundred options on the El Herradura menu and now we point you toward the best stuff on the menu ..

Get ready Dayton foodies,  here is your  “Must Eats!”

 

MUST EATS:

— BLUE CADILLAC MARGARITA:  This is actually a “must drink,” that packs a powerful punch.  We found this to be our favorite margarita.   In fact “The King” loved it.  His expertise in Margaritas goes back to his Air Force days in Texas!  The berry flavor is delicious.  Beware: this potent potion is a served in a big margarita glass.  Make sure if you order it, that you eat something, or you will be run over by the Blue Cadillac !

“Tilapia Cancun” at El Herradura Restaurant: You gotta try it !

—CANCUN TILAPIA: Grilled, Whole Tilapia served with rice, beans.  One of the Big Ragu’s favorite’s.  Exotic, delicious and the fish is very tender and delicate.   The filet meat slides right off the bone.  Sure, you have a whole fish on your plate, but are you a Food Adventurer or not ?  Impress your amigos, by ordering this eye catching plate.   The taste will have you hooked, pun intended.

— MARISCOS ACAPULCO: Grilled scallops, grilled shrimp, and pan seared imitation crab served on a hot fajita plate with mango, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole.  It is creamy and delicious.  One of those meals you can’t stop eating, even when you are full.

— TACO’ S PAUL’S WAY:  This is a little known secret that is not on the menu.  It is how many of the employees and owners eat their tacos.. the authentic way.  Paul’s Way Taco’s are served  on soft corn tortillas, with your choice of meat, chopped onions, cilantro and fresh limes.  There is no cheese on this one.  Listen Gringo, these tacos are the real deal, and it is how they serve ’em up South of the border.  We suggest the chorizo meat or chicken meat in the tacos.  Get an authentic taste of Mexico City, and you don’t need a passport.

— SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA:  Pan seared scallops, shrimp, and a cheese sauce, rolled inside a tortilla.  The Chimichanga is not huge, we could have ordered two of them.  Your friends will have a fork in your plate looking for a taste, but tell them to scram, Vamoose !  They can get their own.  This seafood chimichanga ranks among the top of all time.

Owners Yadira and Paul, DePuy, a true “Mom and Pop” Restaurant !

— SEAFOOD MOLCAJETE: Fish, Scallops, and shrimp served in a bowl with red, yellow and green bell peppers. onions, cheese, rice, tomato, lettuce and sour cream.  The pile of seafood is delicious and they’re tagline is “more shrimp than you can eat.”  This is a Food Adventure dish for sure !

— FRIED BANANA BURRITO:  Banana lovers will crave this sweet dessert.  It is like bananas foster in a blanket.  Pan seared bananas, wrapped in a tortilla then fried.  It is finished with drizzles of chocolate, caramel and cinnamon.  Not a large burrito, the size is just perfect for a delicious end to your meal, muchacho.

 

Springfield has a new El Hefe (boss) in town.  Take our lead, hit up the seafood dishes and the Paul’s way Taco’s.  Our list of Must Eat’s won’t disappoint.   Whether you live in the Springfield area, or are passing through, make El Herradura your destination for a meal, soon.  Have a cold Dos Equis on tap for us!

As we leave Springfield and get back on the road, we say to you .. ADIOS AMIGOS, see you next week…

Want more food photos and insight on Dayton’s best Food Adventures??  Then shake your maracas, and “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew HERE !

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30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

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The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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A Second Helping of … North China Restaurant

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Mu-Shu Pork before it goes into the "burrito wrapper"

Mu-Shu Pork before it goes into the “burrito wrapper”

The best deserves a second mention.  Our feature article spinoffs, called “A second helping of “ are made for such occasions.  You may recall our article over 3 years ago where Food Adventures proclaimed to the world that “North China Restaurant has the best damn egg rolls ever!”  We decided North China is worthy of our “Second Helping” feature.  So hop on on our Food Adventure and grab some chopsticks, as we break through the Great Wall.  Let’s dive into a second helping of one of our favorite places in the Miami Valley, NORTH CHINA !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Things have not changed a at North China a bit since our 2011 article, and that’s how we like it.  We have visited North China dozens of times since the last article.  Whether carryout or dine-in, we are never disappointed.  The food quality is still amazing and so is the consistency.

— The service remains top notch.  Your water glass is never empty, and you will never have that “where is our server” look on your face.

— This Centerville eatery is closed every Monday.  Also, every year during July, they take a family vacation and close the restaurant for about 10 days.

— Family owned for almost 30 years, you get to know the family when you come here.   They are friendly and the place is full of regulars who have been visiting for decades.

The Big Ragu happens to be one of those regulars, and we have eaten almost every item on their extensive menu since 1987.

So now, it is time to list the one-of-a-kind, earth shattering, ground breaking… MUST EATS for North China !

 

MUST EATS:

— MU-SHU PORK:  Like little crepes from the heavens.  These delicacies are made table side and are the Chinese version of burritos.  First, the tortilla like wrapper is primed with a plum sauce.  Then, a stirfry mix of pork, cabbage and veggies are loaded and wrapped.  Be careful eating these.  The burrito wrapper can also double as a water slide, shooting soy sauce and goodness down your shirt.  Big Ragu has a closet full of stained shirts that have been”touched” by his North China Mu-Shu Pork adventures.

— ZHA JIANG MIAN:  Say what?  We just call this #7 on the Korean Menu.  It is “lo mein” type noodles served with a sauce of black bean paste and stir fried pork.  This is a special dish that you must ask for.  One of the “secret tips” at North China is that they have a Korean Menu by request only.  In the mood for an exotic and authentic Food Adventure?  Get the Zha Jiang Mian, but make sure you ask them for hot sauce and the dry hot pepper too.  Being authentic, it is a little bland but a couple of spoonfuls of hot sauce brings this dish alive !

— THE EGG ROLLS:  Handmade, freshly made, every day.  The killer ingredient is the peanut dust or peanut paste used in these egg rolls.  Dip them in a mixture of soy sauce and sweet and sour, or mustard sauce.   The Big Ragu has such a strong addiction to these that we have written letters to Dr. Phil about it.

Mongolian chicken - omg good

The Mongolian Chicken is beyond amazing.

— MONGOLIAN CHICKEN: A honey-like glaze sauce on shavings of white meat chicken, over a bed of crispy noodles.  You can ask for it “spicy” like the Big Ragu does.  It is a perfect mixture of sweet and heat.

— ORANGE BEEF: Lightly fried strips of beef that curl when cooked.  This mouth watering dish is made with fresh orange peels, and a homemade brown sauce.  The incredible taste of this entree, makes it a favorite.

— CRISPY SHRIMP:  A deep fried dish that Big Ragu dreams about every other night.  This sweet concoction has a sauce with a yellow tint, and a tiny hot pepper kick.  If you wanna play naughty, get this offering over some white rice and go downtown to China Town.

— CRAB RANGOONS or CRAB ANGLE: Hand made every day by the owners.  If you order them, you will be fighting over the last one.

Honorable Mention:

Chicken Wings – Those damn chicken wings they serve you at lunch are so deliciously sticky, but you only get one served with a small crab rangoon.  Don’t fear friends, you can actually order a plate of these tremendous, sweet wings.  Or you just be a pain in the azz and ask for two wings and no crab rangoon with your lunch.

Pot Stickers – Yet another incredible appetizer from scratch.  They are steamed, then pan fried for that brown crisp edge.  The special soy sauce served with them is the secret to bringing out the pork flavor.

Hello noodles - the Korean Menu is good - tip: It needs some hot sauce

North China’s Korean Menu is by Request Only. Our favorite is this dish, #7 Pork Noodles with Black Bean Sauce (tip: add hot sauce to this dish to enhance flavor)

House Noodle Soup – We have been enjoying this masterpiece since the late 1980’s.  It is a huge portion at a cheap cost.  The big soup bowl is filled with noodles, shrimp, beef, scallops and a few veggies.  Such a large serving that The Big Ragu always takes about half of it home.  We suggest you get the “spicy” version, but you have to ask for it.

Szechuan Chicken or Shrimp – The best in Dayton, hands down.  Deep fried and a comforting mix of hot and sweet tastes.

Sizzling Rice Soup – The only kind like it in Dayton.  Been serving it since 1987.  Chicken, broth, light veggies and rice.  Makes you feel warm inside.

It was hard for us to just name a few of the menu items, because everything is so good here.  But we gave you a decent map to the dishes “you gotta try.”  Explore the menu, we have for almost 30 years!  So please, head to North China and as we always say .. “Wok dont run.”

 

A little note on what makes Food Adventures unique:

As our fans know, we don’t go to a place, get a couple of entrees and an appetizer, then write an article.  No, no, no.. we are different, we are Food Adventurers.  That means we visit a restaurant many times, different days, different times and eat practically everything on the menu before it becomes a feature story on Dayton Most Metro.  That’s what’s needed to get a feel for a restaurant.  That’s the difference when you are reading Food Adventures.  No drive-by visits or shared photo from a restaurant’s Facebook page.  Fanatical foodies appreciate the little known secrets and the inside scoop.  We do things you won’t see anywhere else: original stories, original events, and original ideas.  No stock photos here.  This philosophy isn’t something we ripped off or started yesterday. We have been doing this since 2008.  Food Adventures isn’t our job, it is our hobby and passion, so there is no agenda.  We can be honest about what restaurants we love without worrying about advertising or if they belong to a local club.  We are independent and free to write about whatever foodstuffs we want. That being said, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK if you haven’t already !

Also, check out our photo gallery below of all things good at NORTH CHINA restaurant in Centerville.

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Road Trip Food Adventure? Seafood Fest in Cincy Starts Tonight!

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Delicious, Whole Steamed Lobsters for $10.95

Whole lobsters for $10.95??

WHAT? .. No, the proper comment is YES! YES! YES!  Wanna take a drive?  It is time for a fish, mollusk, and crustacean FOOD ADVENTURE!

The Great Inland Seafood Festival takes place this Thursday through Sunday on the banks of the Ohio River.   More specifically, the fest is at Newport Landing in Newport, KY.

The Food Adventures Crew are the only ones in Dayton with the full scoop on this road trip !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Great Inland Seafood Festival runs THURSDAY, AUG. 14 – SUNDAY, AUG. 17th.

 — The event is on Newport Landing, in Kentucky, literally behind the Newport Aquarium, in a parking lot, on the banks of the Ohio River

  — Admission is FREE !  We suggest getting there EARLY, whatever day you plan to go, to avoid crowds/lines.

Make sure you try one of the HUGE crabcakes

 — Festival Hours are: 

          THURS 5pm-11pm

          FRI 5pm-11pm

          SAT: Noon-11pm

          SUN: Noon-9pm

 

Now, pay attention, because we are gonna tell you something most important.  We are gonna share with you our favorite things, because we are not ‘shellfish!” (groan)

MUST EATS:

 — WHOLE MAINE LOBSTERS FOR $10.95:  Need we say more?  Served with drawn butter, these are the tastiest items and best deal at the festival.  We usually eat 2 or 3 each.  Yeah …. Food Adventure problems.  They sell thousands of lobsters each year, so you don’t have to worry about clawing your way to the top to get one.

— THE COLOSSAL CRAB CAKES: Delicate enough to be delicious, but huge enough to curb your hunger, you gotta try one of these pan seared babies.

What about the other stuff? Well the world is your oyster.. There are fried seafood platters galore, and combos too.  Not all the food is fried, there are some steamed items like tilapia and other grilled items.

Be warned, seafood is expensive, so some of the sampler and combo plates can be $20.  So don’t be “crabby” when you see a few price tags.

Take it from us, eat some seafood, enjoy some free live music, check out the view, and even visit some watering holes at Newport Landing afterwards… Bring some friends, now is not the time to “clam up.”

In fact you can do what we like to do.  Go to the festival early, then explore Newport, and hit the festival again on your way to the parking garage at night.  Nothing says Food Adventures like live, whole lobsters at 10:00pm !  Hope to see you there if you make the drive.

There is something fishy going on here, but that’s how we like it at the Great Inland Seafood Festival.

 

Do you like seafood?  Want to SEE more FOOD?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by  clicking HERE.  It is a foodie’s paradise, and we aren’t just “fishing” for compliments.

Check out the photo gallery below for some incredible pics of all angles of the festival !

 

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Haunted Houses, Pad Thai & ***FREE DVD CONTEST***

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Chicken Pad Thai - a staple of the menu

Chicken Pad Thai – A staple on the menu at Siam Pad Thai.

What does Pad Thai have in common with Haunted Houses?  That’s easy.   A Food Adventure, celebrating today’s nationwide DVD release of local horror film “Haunted House on Sorority Row.”  Want to win a free autographed copy of this scary ass movie?  All you have to do is comment below, and one winner will be chosen at random.

The Food Adventure Crew recently sat down with the film’s director, Henrique Couto and cast members Erin Ryan and Joni Durian..

The Food Adventure took place at Siam Pad Thai on Wilmington Pike, a favorite spot of both Big Ragu & Henrique Couto.  We ate and talked about the film, various favorite foods and favorite horror flicks.  Everyone was very excited about the release of the DVD.  We let the noodles and the comments fly!

 

First, let’s start with the film HAUNTED HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW…… now available on DVD ! Want a copy?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Locally filmed thriller, with suspense, blood, guts and boobs..  check out the intense trailer HERE !

— Dayton’s own, Henrique Couto is making a name for himself in independent movie circles.

 

Henrique with his new DVD !

“Haunted House on Sorority Row” was filmed locally. The DVD is now available on Amazon.com, or win one by commenting below !

MUST SCREAMS:

— The DVD may be bought at these retailers: Amazon.com,  Game Swap at the corner of Dorothy Lane and Woodman Dr. and FYE at the Fairfield Commons Mall.  

— If Amazon needs to restock, you may have to wait a few days, but in the meantime order our favorite film, by Henrique, last year’s dvd Babysitter Massacre !

— You can find more of  Henrique’s items HERE.

You may recall that The Big Ragu went to the theater showing of “Haunted House on Sorority Row” earlier this year at Englewood Cinemas.

What makes this film so special?  Henrique says it is his scariest movie of all time.  Joni believes the scenes of pure survival in the house, comes across strongly in the film.  Erin thinks the psychological, role driven aspects of each character, gives the film its frightening feel.  As for you the viewer, well you gotta a pick up a DVD and see for yourself.

We also got a chance to ask the group some questions about their favorite scary movies, restaurants and more !

See how you stack up to their answers:

 

 

Who loves what

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you didn’t eat any popcorn during the flick, we are about to eat.  We also hope we didnt scare you with the spooky, locally made, must see movie.. if we did, just relax.

 

 

Coconut Milk Soup

Coconut Soup – delicious and unique. Click to enlarge

Now let’s talk Thai – Oh yeah, we talk Thai.. we talk Thai gooooddd.  *** SIAM PAD THAI *** to be exact!!  Now can you deal with this?

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Since 2008, owner “Fon,” has brought her recipes from past restaurants she owned like Ban Thai, and Yummy Burger

— Seating is limited to about 30 people in this little spot, located at 3027 Wilmington Pike

— Attractions include Thai Specialties and Sushi !

 

With our many visits to Siam Pad Thai, we have developed some favorites, we list as “must eats.”

MUST EATS:

— THAI TEA: Feel free to send us thank you cards for this tip.  A mix between an iced tea and a milkshake, this is one of those “you gotta try this” items.

— COCONUT SOUP: Warming to the soul, this soup contains lime leaves, tomato, mushroom, lime juice and of course coconut milk.  Perfect for a cold day, actually perfect for any day.  A delicious taste of Thai.

The deep fried Terminator Roll

Deep Fried Terminator Roll: Try it and “you’ll be back”

— SOFTSHELL CRAB:  One of the only places we know of that serves this delicacy year round.  It is a delicacy and dare we say Food Adventure on a plate.  Get over your fear, because this crab is edible, shell and all !

— THE PAD THAI:  It doesnt matter if you get chicken, shrimp or vegetable, this is the real deal and some of the best stuff in town.  Our filmmaking pal Henrique Couto agrees and pegs this his favorite dish at his favorite restaurant.

— THE DEEP FRIED TERMINATOR SUSHI ROLL: Sushi roll with Cream cheese, cooked salmon, eel sauce, sesame seeds, then deep fried in a light batter.  They must call it a Terminator Roll because once you try it… “You’ll be back.”

Honorable Mention:  The Mango Dessert served with sticky rice and coconut milk is a good one.  Also, seafood lovers will love the Seafood soups in a Clay Pot for a nice Food Adventure.  There are a few variations of seafood,noodles, etc. so choose your interest.

 

****PRIZE CONTEST****

ONE lucky fan who comments and shares the story will get a free DVD copy of “Haunted House on Sorority Row,” autographed by the director Henrique Couto !
The winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday.

Thanks to Henrique, Erin and Joni for joining us on an official Food Adventure!

Had enough to eat?  After seeing the film and eating at Siam Pad Thai, you will know the difference between a Columbian Neck Tie, and a Pad Thai.

If you want more of Food Adventures, then you MUST CLICK LIKE on Facebook HERE !!!

Until then, check out our sexy, scary and scrumpious photos from our  visits over the years to SIAM PAD THAI !

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A Second Helping of .. KABUKI

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Fresh Salmon and Fresh Tuna at Kabuki: Test Your Food Adventure Limits

“Please, sir, I want some more.”  —Oliver Twist

Food Adventures has a new, original feature called a “Second Helping of…” 

Food Adventures already sets itself apart from the rest, because we dine at a place many times before an article materializes on Dayton Most Metro.   From time to time, we will revisit some of our favorite Miami Valley eateries, and let you know about new specialty items that are delicious, or standard fare that you “gotta try.”   This is not a recycling of an old article, but some new takes on the menu.  You can still expect the same killer “food porn” photos, and “must eats.”

This time, we dive into one of our all-time favorite Food Adventure spots.   So sit down, pull yourself to the table, and enjoy a second helping of.. KABUKI !

You may recall our original article on Kabuki Korean and Japanese Restaurant, in Centerville, if not CLICK HERE.   The restaurant continues to ‘pack em in’, and has a loyal following, like no other sushi spot in the Dayton area.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Del Sot Bibimbob: A Korean Dish

— Located at 848 S. Main St. in Centerville, the menu is mostly Japanese, with a touch of Korean specialties as well

— The secret to this restaurant’s success is fresh, delicious food.  The kitchen area and sushi bar are immaculate.  We believe that a clean environment is especially important when serving raw food.  It also shows respect for the art of sushi !

— Pay attention and save with coupon specials through email, mail and facebook!

— Warning, peak hours may become crowded in this cozy, tight dining room.

 

Kabuki is a perfect place to get out of your comfort zone and experience a true Food Adventure.   Try something new and wild.  This is the spot to do it !  We have ordered almost everything on the menu and love theses sushi rolls: Boston Roll, Playboy Roll, Mexican Roll, Rock N Roll Roll, and the Spider Roll, along with some other favorites:

 MUST EATS:

Tuna Tataki: Seared for Your Pleasure

— SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL:  A must eat for the sushi beginner.  The roll is stuffed with cooked, fried shrimp. What’s not to love?

— DEL SOT BIBIMBOB:  From the Korean menu, this is a true Food Adventure pick.  The dish is served in a hot stone bowl.  It includes mixed vegetables& beef served over steamed rice , all topped with a fried egg.  It is served with a side of hot & spicy sauce.  Big Ragu liked it so much, he actually danced and sang a new Hanson  song “MMM Bibimbob.”

— RAW SALMON (SAKE):  This is a slice of uncooked salmon on top of rice.  Yes it is raw, but drip some soy and wasabi on it, and it melts in your mouth.  We don’t know the secret, but Kabuki has some of the tastiest salmon in town.  We just keep coming back for more.

— RAW TUNA (MAGURO): A raw piece of tuna, over a small ball of rice.  So hearty, it is almost like a piece of steak.  So full of protein, one bite will make you feel nourished and alive.  For $2.75 per piece, it is an exotic delicacy.

— ATLANTIC ROLL: A seafood lovers dream, with specialties from the ocean.  This roll is filled with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, & avocado.   On top of the roll is snapper and wasabi sauce.   Grab a pair of chopsticks and work some magic.

Honorable Mention: Not in the mood for experimenting?  Then try the Chicken Teryaki or Katsu Chicken Meal, guaranteed to please the “meat and potato” types who love BBQ Chicken.

 

With healthy eating a concern to so many people, we will share a favorite menu item that will keep you bathing suit ready .. Wear it to the restaurant, we don’t care.

LITE BITES:

Kabuki: One of Dayton’s Best

 — TUNA TATAKI:  This ‘must eat’ is big on taste, light on calories.  It is a plate of seared, ahi tuna, splashed with a citrus vinegar sauce.  A cross between cooked and raw, this dish is a simple ‘back to the basics’ taste of sushi.  The fresh tuna is healthy and pleasing to the tastebuds, which makes it a win-win combination.

 

Looking for a great lunch or dinner option that isn’t the same old thing?  Then take advantage of the offerings at Kabuki like we do, and have yourself your own Japanese and Korean Food Adventure.  You will not be disappointed.  With a website name like EatAtKabuki.com, you know this stuff is good.

Want more good stuff from Food Adventures?  Then join the thousands following these “foodies in their forties” on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Check out our Kabuki photos below for some of the most incredible food in the Gem City.

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Fresh Food Adventures at Fresco!

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Do you you hear that rumble? It is your stomach craving affordable gourmet food.  The answer is one of Dayton’s best kept secrets, a little restaurant called Fresco.
World class dishes made from scratch with fresh produce from Chef Jenn DiSanto and her staff are what brings loyal foodies to this one of a kind eatery.  Located at 3141 Far Hills Ave  near the Dorothy Lane intersection in Kettering since 2010, Chef Jenn has been serving her “Mediterranean and eclectic global” menu.  The Big Ragu describes the menu as Food Adventure Central.
Hello .. what’s not to love?  Even the restaurant name is based on their commitment to fresh ingredients.

If you have not heard of Fresco, or have never been there, then this is your wake up call.  Great prices and knowledgeable sous chefs that have experiences cooking outside of Ohio, result in a kitchen that cranks out amazing, extremely delicious meals.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chef Jenn DiSanto is the only rap-music loving area chef that has studied and worked culinary magic in Belgium, New York, Connecticut and Atlanta.  You can count on one hand the classically trained Dayton area chefs, and Jenn DiSanto is one of them.  So, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE and her expertise for priceless dining experiences!

— Clean, casual, yet professional dining room seats about 20 for dine-in lunch or dinner.  Lots of regulars, and a personable staff provide and inviting atmosphere.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Made from Scratch

— Practically all the dishes use Organic and Local ingredients, with a commitment to FRESHNESS.

— Salad Dressings made from scratch that will tickle your tastebuds.  Typically 5 or more choices on hand every day.

— Healthy menu with Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free menu options.

— Daily specials feature one of a kind dishes.  For more info, visit frescofood.net or click HERE.

— Catering and meals-to-go are popular choices.  The menu even features the “feed a family of 4 for $28” section.  Food this good at those prices in unheard of in the Dayton area.

— Hours are Monday through Friday 11:30am – 7pm.  Remember, no weekend hours except catering or special private events.

 

In a place where EVERY menu item is spectacular, it is hard to nail down the best.  But like Fresco, Food Adventures never disappoints, so here are our “Must Eats !”

MUST EATS:

— HOMEMADE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:  Made from scratch using homemade chicken stock and fresh ingredients, words like “delicious” don’t do it justice.  The soup is garnished with sour cream, cheese tortilla strips.  Try this soup and you will understand why it is indescribable.  This soup is one of our favorites of all time.

Thai Chicken Sliders are a “Must Eat”

— KALE and CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP:  A perfect fix for the upcoming brisk weather.  This soup is so good, you will make ‘yummy” noises while eating.  The kale is trimmed and cooked to perfection.  It is the right partner to this incredible broth and bean combination.

— THAI CHICKEN SLIDERS:  The Big Ragu says these are the best sliders he has ever had in his life.  The sandwiches have an incredible Thai peanut sauce made from scratch that is added to a shredded chicken mixture.  Topped with lemon grass and ginger pickled cucumbers with basil and cilantro slaw for an addicting punch of flavor.

—ROASTED SALMON WITH MANGO CHUTNEY:  Before roasting, the salmon is seasoned with a house rub.  This is fresh salmon, not frozen and it is perfectly cooked for an amazing taste.  Finishing touches include a homemade mango chutney that is “to die for.”  Sides include potatoes and grilled veggies.  At $15.50, this dish is a steal.  You would pay up to double at fancy restaurants and still not touch the taste of this dinner.   The Big Ragu will go on record as saying this is the best salmon dinner he has ever had.

—SIDE SALADS:  Yeah yeah we know…you think it is just some crisp greens.. but not so fast my friend…  The real attractions here are the homemade dressings.  These “liquid must eats” are made from scratch.   One of our favorites is the White Balsamic Vanilla Bean Dressing.   Other incredible flavors of dressing include Lemon Sherry Vinaigrette, Onion Vinaigrette and a unique Bacon dressing (with no Bacon Fest

lines).    The Big Ragu recommends the Red Wine Vinaigrette as his favorite.  Eating healthy never tasted so wonderful.

Delicious Roasted Salmon with Mango Chutney. Served with crisp potatoes and grilled veggies

Honorable Mention: Grab some handmade Fried Green Tomatoes when they are featured.  They are great to share, but so tasty that we won’t share ours.   We also love the Fish Tacos every Friday.  Attention shrimp lovers, the Shrimp and Grits dinner is pretty good.  Polenta is used instead of  grits, and the combo of creaminess with the vegetables is amazing.   This article would not be complete without mentioning the great Arepas on the menu or the savory Grilled Panini Sandwiches offered.  Oh and did you know you can bring in your own alcohol when you dine in ????

Chef Jenn is one of our favorite local personalities, and her service is as “fresh” as the food.  This locally owned, family business is a must stop for anyone who appreciates homemade food, and culinary expert cooking at its finest.  Looking for a place to eat and want to change things up?  We got one for ya.. and now you know, it’s Fresco.

Want more foodie fun?  Check out Food Aventures on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE.  Over 2100 fans cant be wrong. Our first new like get a “free style rap session” with Chef Jen and ourselves.

Check out some of the most amazing photos we have ever posted in our gallery below from numerous Food Adventures to FRESCO !

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