soup

Everything From Soup to Crusts at Doubleday’s Restaurant

October 5, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

The comforting French Onion Soup at Doubleday’s

In the late 1980’s TJ Cinnamon’s was located in Centerville’s Cross Pointe Shopping Center. Success lead the owners to dive into another Food Adventure. They rented a space across the parking lot and converted it to sports themed eatery. They called it Doubleday’s as a tribute to baseball inventor Abner Doubleday. The next 25 years would see packed parking lots practically every night. Talk about cult following, the loyalists here come and munch down in droves. Doubleday’s is a rarity in the restaurant industry, because the menu is huge, yet practically everything is delicious. It is one of those places you could eat at every week for a couple of years and still need more time for menu items. Like we said, “everything from soup to crusts” ..pizza crust that is ..

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened in the late 1980’s by a Greek family. Future ownership has kept the menu the same and built a following on consistent quality.

— Huge selection of food items on the menu. Keep in mind, this doesn’t even include the numerous specials each day. Gordon Ramsey would have a fit over this length of this menu, but it has worked here for a quarter of a century. To see the vast 16 page menu, click —>HERE

The refreshing “Chicken Summer Salad”

— This place is popular, so expect a short wait during peak dinner times.

— There is a connected pizza shop called “Monster Pizza,” which serves unique and creative pizza pies with exotic topping combinations. Monster Pizza is some of the most delicious and underrated stuff out there. Check out the Monster Pizza Menu —>HERE

— Doubleday’s is a great option for a quick lunch. Trademark menu items like soups, salads and sandwiches ensure a good match. Almost every item on the lunch menu is under $7

— Sunday brunch is held Sunday’s from 11am -1:30pm. The attraction here is about 7 different kinds of omelets.

The Food Adventure Crew have tried almost everything on this extensive menu over the past 25 years. We have earned our stripes, and therefore pass along to you, our patented “Must Eats.”

Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Watch out for squirting cheese

MUST EATS:

— STUFFED PRETZEL BITES: Yeah, stuffed ! Inside each pretzel ball is jalapeno cheese, and if that’s not enough, you get a bowl of spinach queso for dipping as well.

— BBQ CHICKEN RANCH SALAD: Doubleday’s is our favorite place to grab a salad. In a menu highlighted by salads, this is one of our recommendations. Diced BBQ chicken tops a wonderful iceberg and romaine salad. you have your typical toppings like onions & tomatoes. But, what makes the salad is the tortilla strips, black beans and lime wedge to squeeze your way to that last touch of flavor.

— SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD: A seasonal choice, this salad features romaine lettuce, feta cheese, fresh strawberries and pecans doused in a vinaigrette dressing that is to die for. Of course the salad is topped with medallions of baked chicken.

— CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP: Comfort food in a bowl. One spoonful will take you back to your childhood, but without all the homework. Fantastic, creamy taste, with flaky pieces of crust mixed throughout.

— TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH: Triple decker club sandwich stacked high and laid on its side. You can’t go wrong with this classic combo of turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on wheat toast. Don’t eat the toothpicks holding the sandwich together.

The Chicken BBQ Ranch Salad is a Favorite

— “NIGHT OF THE LIVING MED” MONSTER PIZZA: It is hard to pick just one Monster Pizza option, but we think this one is the best. It is a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. IMPORTANT: We recommend you only order this Mediterranean pizza in the thin crust option.

— FRENCH ONION SOUP: Gooey cheese and saturated bread in a flavorful onion broth. You will burn your mouth every time waiting for it to cool down, but it tastes so good you can’t help it. It is hot, like a volcano, but smooth and soothing. Go ahead, make your day.

— “IT CAME FROM OUTER GREECE” MONSTER PIZZA: A unique pizza that you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton. Kalamata Olives, Grilled Chicken, Spinach and Tzatiki sauce (that white gyro sauce) top the pizza. Also feta, tomatoes and onions adorn this pie. So much flavor that, that you will feel Greek for a week. Quite simply, we love it.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Potato Soup – This creamy creation is probably their most popular soup.

Voodoo Veggie Monster Pizza: Loaded, Your choice of red or white sauce. ‘Nuff said.

Doubleday’s has great sandwiches. Even the grilled cheese is good

Chicken Burrito: It is as massive as Big Ragu’s head and able to control Hungry Jax hunger!

Mountain Salad: This heaping salad was created by Doubleday’s regular, New York Jets Center and Centerville native Nick Mangold. A salad that satisfies protein and nutrient needs, it features iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, onions, cheese and jalapenos. Topping options include blackened chicken or house sirloin steak.

We love Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern because of the quality and variety of food choices. From healthy options to one’s that would fill Babe Ruth’s appetite, Doubleday’s has something for everyone. Stop in this hot spot at E. 199 Alex Bell Rd, and see for yourself why there is always a crowd.

Check out our photos below from numerous Food Adventures to Doubleday’s Grill and Tavern. This is not a drive bye .. eye eye eye eye..

***COMMENT BELOW*** Have you been to Doubleday’s? Did we miss one of your favorite dishes? Sound off below so other Food Adventure fans can benefit from your taste buds !

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Chop Suey Carryout: The Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Dayton

September 19, 2013 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Something is to be said for a restaurant that has been serving dishes for over 40 years. Chop Suey Carryout at 1465 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering has quietly done just that. In fact, this eatery is the first place we ever tasted Chinese food. They don’t have a website or even a Facebook page, but they have been cranking out Asian classics and we have been having Food Adventures here since Gerald Ford was President. How has this place stayed in business for so long? The answer is consistently good food and good prices. Their recipes remain identical since the 70’s, and the result is generations of loyal followers.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chop Suey Carryout was opened in 1973 by a family who had moved to the U.S. from Taiwan. The same family owns the restaurant today, and have kept the location on E. Dorothy Lane for the entire run.

— As the name suggests, it is a great place for carryout. If you must dine-in be prepared for the retro dining room. We voted it “Best Dining Room for filming a scene from Kojak.”

— The prices are reasonable and all dishes come in size Regular or Large. Do yourself a favor, get the regular, it is a good sized portion and will save you some cash.

— All the meals are served in those “little Chinese to-go boxes,” even if you dine-in. It makes for a fun Food Adventure, just grab some chop sticks and go to town.

— Chop Suey Carryout is closed on Sundays, so make sure you hit them up Monday through Saturday til about 9pm.

Shrimp Chop Suey – The Best Chop Suey in Dayton

— Drink selection is very limited. They have a couple of soda brands and maybe a tea.

Now, get ready to wok and roll as FOOD ADVENTURES gives you our…

****MUST EATS !!!****

— CHOP SUEY: Of course ! How can you write an article about this place and not mention their specialty namesake? Answer: YOU CANT ! Unless your a food critic who doesn’t know what they are doing. Our favorite is the Shrimp Chop Suey, but you can get vegetable, pork, chicken or beef varieties. This creamy mixture of cabbage and vegetables is the best chop suey in Dayton. It is served over steamed rice and is very filling.

— CHOW MEIN: This dish is identical to Chop Suey, except it is served over hard Chinese noodles. Again you have vegetable or various meat options. However, we have been eating this dish since we played t-ball and we say go for the Shrimp Chow Mein option (or Chicken if you need a substitute)! The clear sauce on this dish has an amazing flavor and is how we remember it as kids. It is the best chow mein in Dayton and never disappoints.

Fantastic Hot n Sour Soup – be careful, it is always Scalding Hot !

— HOT & SOUR SOUP: Addicting, flavorful ..and SCALDING HOT ! Beware: this is served hot enough to burn your mouth for 20 minutes. The 20 minute wait is worth it, as this hot and sour soup rivals the big name restaurants in town.

— SWEET & SOUR SHRIMP: An old classic served up right by an old restaurant. We don’t know why it is so good, but Big Ragu says it is the best Sweet & Sour dish in the Miami Valley. Maybe it is the lightly crispy, deep fried batter on the shrimp. Or maybe it is the classic, deep red, sweet and sour sauce unlike any other. Secret: we think it is the combination when the two mix. Again, if you are a land lubber and hate seafood.. try the sweet & sour chicken option.

— SESAME CHICKEN: A good flavored sauce covering deep fried, white meat chicken. The sesame sprinkles are the finishing touch. Pour over white rice for sheer heaven.

Sesame Shrimp & all entrees are served in Chinese “to-go” boxes. Easy Chopstick eatin’

Honorable Mention: Egg Foo Young – Chop Suey Carryout is one of the few places in town that serves this dish and does it justice. The same can be said for their Moo Goo Gai Pan. Again, we have been ordering and eating this stuff before anyone twirled a rubix cube, so trust us. Also, the Kung Pao Chicken is great in a pinch. Most recently we tried a dish we have only seen at Chop Suey Carryout called Wor Shue Gai. It is a deep fried chicken dish, with a curious yellow sauce. It needs some spiciness, so we say stick with the ‘Must Eat’ classics !

Some things like disco music and Laverne & Shirley didn’t survive the 70’s. Chop Suey Carryout survived and is still stir frying and high flying today. Wok, don’t run, to this Kettering icon, and try some of our favorites. Discover why after four decades, Daytonians still stand in line for this takeout Food Adventure.

What is your opinion of Chop Suey Carryout? Comment below and tell us your thoughts or menu recommendations.

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Browse through photos of numerous specialties we have sampled over the years. Sorry, no smellivision included…

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Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

September 13, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

Some say the food at Christopher’s Restaurant is like a religious experience. That would make sense because the eatery is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel. Owner/Chef Chip Pritchard and his staff have developed a cult following with the locals, and a favorite stop of foodies who are passing through town. Why? Because it is comfort food. It is not pretentious, just good solid food. We met the owners at a farmer’s market and it has been a favorite Food Adventure stop ever since.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Known for their extensive, fresh menu it is a salad, soup and sandwich lovers paradise.

— Vegetarian and Vegan friendly choices make it a favorite healthy dining spot. Many gluten free menu items to choose from as well.

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

— Breakfast menu that rivals anyplace in Dayton. Most overheard quote at Christopher’s “you gotta come back for breakfast.” Tasty indeed.

— Christopher’s employs two bakers who make the desserts from scratch twice a week. Check the revolving choices and make sure you don’t miss out on these sinful offerings.

— Thursday nights are “theme nights.” Probably our favorite time to visit Christopher’s. Guaranteed great foodstuffs in a fun, inviting atmosphere. Most recently, we went to Caribbean Theme Night on September 12th.

— Christopher’s uses local farms, local produce, naturally raised beef, organic salmon (from Foremost Seafood), local free range eggs, and organic coffee and teas.

Speaking of which, The Big Ragu and crew have to tell you about …. the MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS

Many organic items like Ice Teas served with fresh, local mint sprigs

— THE CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL: A bacon sandwich with avocado, tomato, Neufantel cream cheese and bean sprouts. We crave this and get nights sweats thinking about this specialty sandwich.

— THE MEZZA PLATE: House Hummus, falafel, feta cheese chunks, kalamata olives, tomato slices, cucumbers and carrots surrounded by pita chips. This ain’t your grandparents vegetarian menu…

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP: Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé. Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— THE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Even if you are not a vegetarian, you gotta try this delicious and filling burger.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE: One of our all time fave soups is simply divine. Creamy goodness in every spoonful.

— CARROT CAKE: The homemade icing will have you saying “dude, seriously?” Try it, your tummy will thank us.

— BUMBLEBERRY PIE: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Yes, 3 berries, one pie. Served cold or hot, you can’t lose with this fresh, local creation. Big Ragu approved !

— TWO GOOD BREAKFAST: Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage and two pancakes or French toast.

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

Honorable Mention: Bacon & Tomato Omelette, Honey BBQ Chicken and The “Decent Breakfast” which features choices of fruit or home fries, choice of meat, 2 eggs and a biscuit, toast or English muffin.

This quaint dining establishment is a great place for a date, or a visit with your grandmother. Expect great service, as the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. The eclectic menu at Christopher’s Restaurant is a great place for a serious eater. From healthy, to vegan, from ethnic to good old fashioned American comfort food, they have it all. It fits the bill for practically any occasion. Best of all, many ingredients are fresh and local. Give it a try next time you are near the corner of Woodman Dr and Dorothy Lane. They are open Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm. They use organic to make meals that are fantastic.

Browse the many dishes in our photo album below from our many meals at Christopher’s.

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