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A New Steak & Seafood Dining Option

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Located inside La Guadalupana super market on Burkhardt Road, the restaurant that was formerly Marisquería La Guadalupana has now morphed into Sonora Grill. A seafood and steak bar and grill, they’ve still kept some of their Mexican dishes on the menu, but they’ve added rib eyes, t-bones, and New York strips.

 They have octopus, calamari and shrimp dishes, with 3 ceviche options, oysters 4 ways, as well as pasta, salmon and many more options on the menu. They also frequently offer live music during the dinner hour. All meals are available for carry out. Online ordering is also available on their website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonora Grill Seafood Steak Bar & Grill

5450 Burkhardt
Dayton, OH 45431937-963-5700

Sun – Thurs 11am – 10pm

Fri  & Sat 11am – 11pm

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

 

 

 

 

Secrets of Cassano’s and The Dough Plant

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Chip Cassano inspects the hi-tech equipment in the dough plant

***** WIN A FREE PIZZA WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW ***** JUST COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN – winner will be chosen at random on Monday
For decades Daytonians have taken pizza for granted.  We don’t realize that Dayton, Ohio is one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the history of pizza.  And it is all because of Vic Cassano and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi.

Now, 63 years later, The Cassano’s franchise is going strong, and not just in the pizza restaurants.  Cassano’s headquarters on Stroop Road in Kettering is also a facility for dough production.

Vic Cassano Sr. in his early Pizza Days during the 1950’s

— SECRET 1: What most Daytonians don’t know is their dough is produced here, and sold nationwide.  Whether balls of dough or sheeted pizza crusts, hundreds of restaurants serve products made with Cassano’s dough.  We are not allowed to name the companies, but let’s just say they are some big wig, national restaurants, that you definitely would recognize.  There are also hundreds of small restaurants that use Cassano’s, dough as a shortcut for great pizzas, calzones, breads and more.

After a year of preparation, Food Adventures is ready to tell you a story, much of which is unknown to Miami Valley residents.  It is the untold insight into the dough plant, the history and personal triumphs of the Cassano family.

Hand cutting hundreds of pounds of dough from the mixer

Before we get to secrets inside the dough plant lets get the scoop on Cassano’s history:

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON CASSANO’S

— JUNE 4th, 1953 – At the urging of a friend in New York, Vic Cassano decides to sell pizza at the Kettering grocery store of his in laws, Mom and Pop Donisi.  Using a thin crust recipe developed by Mom Donisi from her days in Italy, they make pizza available for the public.  It is a huge hit, and they sell 400 pies the first day on Schantz Avenue.  It is Dayton’s first introduction to pizza.  Needless to say the grocery store, soon became a

The Cutter presses 6 inch to 18 inch crusts for freezing

pizza shop.

— SECRET 2: THIS SUMMER DATE in 1953 ALSO MARKS THE INVENTION of THIN CRUST PIZZA in THE UNITED STATES.  Don’t let anyone tell you different, Dayton, Ohio is the center of that storm.  That would have been a hell of a day for a Food Adventure.   

Dough Balls are produced through a mostly automated system

— SECRET 3: Vic Cassano decides to cut the pieces in tiny squares.  WHY?  Because in 1953 it wasn’t “lady like” to be holding and handling big slices of pizza in your palm.  Cassano’s square slices were the polite and dainty way to enjoy the Italian treat.
— SECRET 4: Vic Cassano was not only a pizza genius, he was a mechanical genius.  He patented the first self cleaning oven.  To this day, his family  still finds dozens of papers in the office, detailing patented inventions from cooling and refrigeration systems to appliances.

Vic Cassano Jr. streamlined operations efficiently

 — SECRET 5:  Cassano’s was the first franchised restaurant in Ohio and possibly the United States.  The early 50’s were a time of business and law challenges, as many scenarios were never seen before.  Cassano’s was instrumental in the development of what we know today as franchising laws.  This allowed Cassano’s to steadily grow in the 50’s and 60’s.

Heart Shaped Pizza option in February

— SECRET 6:  Vic Cassano’s company was the first to ever freeze dough on a large scale.  He experimented with recipes and developed a full Italian menu.

— Owners of the local iconic pizza places like Marion’s Pizza and Ron’s Pizza, originally had affiliations with Cassano’s.

— In the 60’s and 70’s,  Cassano’s added affiliated restaurants like Sandy’s Hamburgers and London Bobby’s Fish and Chips.  They now had over 100 stores in total.  They served pizza on a cardboard slate, and “to go” orders were slid into bags and crumpled at one end, while leaving a”puff” in the bag, so not to damage the pizza or its toppings.

Unforgettable Tour of the Dough Plant – and Dough Samples !!

 — Here comes THE BIG CHEESE: In the early 80’s Cassano’s introduced their masterpiece pizza, the Big Cheese Pizza.  This was their deluxe pizza with double the cheese on top.  This became a menu staple and you can still order the Big Cheese “Vic’s Way” (with black olives) or “Mom’s Way” (with green olives).   During this time, Cassano’s started serving their “to go” and delivery pizzas in boxes.

—  In 1986, Vic Cassano sold the business.  A year later Mom Donisi passed away.  As the family saw their former business struggle in other people’s hands, so Vic Jr. decided to buy it back in 1989.  It was a short hiatus and the pizza business atmosphere was saturated with saturated with national and local companies.  To say it was extremely competitive is an understatement.

Side view of a legendary Cassano’s Pizza in the making

— With Vic Cassano Jr. at the helm, the 90’s were the start of a new, efficient direction of cutting waste and streamlining the business.  It worked.

— Vic Cassano Sr passed away in 2002, at the time his son kept rebuilding the brand and would expand operations at the dough plant.

Sheeted Pizza Crusts, stacked and ready to be packaged

— The amazing strides and improvements in efficiency, allowed more investment in equipment.  A centralized call center was finished in 2003.  Vic Cassano Jr. had turned the corner and was working on bringing back some nostalgia back to Cassano’s like the Pizza King logo, the London Bobby Fish and Chips and more.  In, 2010, Vic Jr. unexpectedly passed away.  To his credit, he had prepared his children Lora, Chip (aka Vic the 3rd), and Chris over the past decades to take on the new leadership role.  They did just that, carrying on the vision of their father and adding even more to the legendary name.

An up close look at the one and only BIG CHEESE PIZZA !

— Today, under the management of the third generation Lora Cassano-Hammons, Vic Cassano III, and Chris Cassano, there are almost 40 pizza shops and over 600 employees.

— Product developments included bringing back “Pizza Packs to go” and a new “Home Edition” Frozen Pizza line found in stores and available to be shipped nationwide.   The Stroop Rd. location has gone back to carry the “London Bobby Fish and Chips” meals again.

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips available at the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s

— About 3 years ago, The Cassano’s Cares Foundation  was set up.  It is the charitable arm of Cassano’s set up in memory of Vic Cassano Jr.  Their purpose is to give back to local charities and organizations.  Memorable events included an evening with Pete Rose and a Corvette giveaway.  There is also an annual golf outing to support the foundation as well.  There is even a Vic Cassano Health Center on Edwin C Moses Blvd.

— In June 2016, almost 63 years to the day after the first pizza was sold, the Ohio Historical Connection declared the Cassano’s Stroop Rd. office a historical site.  Now your Food Adventures on Stroop Rd, can be truly historical !

 

Now, let’s go from modern history to secrets inside the Dough Plant …..

These two flour silos hold 75,000 pounds of flour… EACH !

INSIDE THE DOUGH PLANT:

— SECRET 7:  The dough plant, located at 1700 East Stroop Rd.  produces approximately 50,000 – 70,0000 pounds of dough daily.  Only about 20 percent of that is for Cassano’s restaurants.  The remaining 80 percent is sold to other food establishments.

— SECRET 8:  The plant uses 30,000 pounds of flour each day.  The facility is equipped with 2 huge flour silos that each hold 75,000 pounds of flour.  WOW,  this place would make Willy Wonka proud.

Caroline “Mom” Donisi. Her recipe from Italy was the spark

— SECRET 9:  The plant has a capacity to produce about 8,000 pounds of dough in an hour.  Depending on the size, that can equate to 100-200 dough balls per minute during the morning shift.  In the afternoon shift, the plant switches gears to produce pizza crusts from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.  The crusts are shrink wrapped to prevent breakage and boxed and loaded into a freezer or  refrigerated delivery trucks.

The Chopped Steak Sub

— SECRET 10: The dough recipe has been tweaked slightly over the past 20 years.  When making pizzas these days they even “tack” the dough with a docker to control bubbling of the dough.  Remember those bubbles in the 70’s and 80’s on Cassano’s pies ?  You don’t see those anymore.

All this talk about dough has us a bit hungry.. may Food Adventures suggest some “Must Eats” from our decades of devouring Dayton’s original thin crust pizza?  CASSANOS !

Cassano’s Headquarters is named a Historical Site, June 3rd 2016

MUST EATS:

— THE BIG CHEESE “VIC’S WAY”:  Mounds of cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives and more cheese!  This is it.  This is the Cadillac of the Cassano’s menu.  So good, it will make you sleepy afterwards.  A flavorful, filling, and unforgettable pie.  As Vic used to say.. “It’s one heck of a pizza!”

— THE CLUB CASSINI: Ham, Pepperoni, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone Cheese and Italian dressing on a Mediterranean flat bread bun.  This was a great

Packaged Dough, ready for the freezer

surprise and has such a meaty and creamy, delicious flavor.  This is an unknown menu gem.

— PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH EXTRA SAUCE:  The Big Ragu has been using this trick since 1986.  He suggests you always order your Cassano’s pepperoni pizzas with extra sauce. They take their time and spend a little more time on your pizza.

— THE CHOPPED STEAK SUB:  Get your messy groove on with this Steak patty, topped Provolone Cheese, Pizza Sauce,  dripping with Mushroom Gravy, sprinkled with Onions and Banana Peppers.

Dough off the conveyor belt

— THE 30 INCH PARTY PIZZA:  Get it, you only live once.  Perfect for parties – birthday or super bowl.  $100 gets you a deluxe and 80 bucks gets you a one topping pizza pie.   This humongous pizza is a party in a box…. a pretty big box.

We are honored to be able to take a behind the scenes view at the Cassano’s pizza and dough plant.   The factory employees and management are always friendly and

Top it with sauce and you got something going….

accommodating.  Thank you for letting us see the legendary Dayton magic firsthand.  Congratulations to the Cassano family on all of their accomplishments.  They are a great family and we are lucky to consider them friends.  We are excited to see what the future holds for this Dayton original.

Honorable Mention: The Spaghetti Dinner:  Sometimes we just crave the simple pasta and sauce combo.  So pure, so peasant, so good….

Don’t forget to check out our weekly Food Adventure feature articles on MostMetro. com

For daily Food Adventure updates, hit us up on Facebook and LIKE US HERE….

Pizza Kings and the Hit King – Pete Rose

1970’s pic of Mario Andretti with the famous pizza pie in a bag – old school

Now available frozen – cooked 80% for you to finish cooking at home

Frozen Dough ready to go

Chip has given us a few tours of the plant,.

Stroop Rd Headquarters

Part of the Cassanos Call Center

Chicken Parm

Trimmed dough gets recylced

Sheet Pizza Dough

Dough cutters

Sauce it up

Compressing the Dough to crust thickness

Look at those pallets

True dat

Hungry Jax’s kids were Cassano kids for a day !

THE BIG CHEESE – VICS STYLE

Dough balls

Pepperoni pie

Chip, PIzza King and Chris Cassano

Pizza with Pete Rose

London Bobby Fish and Chips Dinner

Did you know Cassanos has hand tossed pizza ?

Our friend Mike explaining the dough process

sealed !

Shrunk wrapped to prevent breakage

All those pizza crusts …..

The Big Cheese is the way to go …

Cassanos ships these all over the USA

Into the freezer

The Pizza King, Lora Cassano and Big Ragu !

Chip talking about the automated processes of the plant

Ravioli app

Dough coming through

Cassanos – always testing the dough

A pepperoni Cassini – Ragu loves them….

Submarine House Crowns Champ, Announces Expansion

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Andrew Oakes, 2016 Super Duper Cheesesteak Champ

A big crowd watched the Super Duper Cheesesteak finals Saturday afternoon at The Beavercreek Submarine House.   Of course your source for Dayton food scoop, Food Adventures was on hand.  After an hour of build up, they brought out the cheesesteaks like the Star Wars “Imperial March.”

The crowd grew silent, the judges looked at the stopwatch.. and GO.. the contest was on.  Nine Champions from each individual Submarine House store around Dayton, were now facing each other in an “eat-off” that has become an annual tradition.

The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge is where you must eat a 16 inch long Super Duper Cheesesteak in under 16 minutes.

“Super Duper” in Submarine House language means a 16 inch cheesesteak with triple the meat, triple the cheese, and the “works” toppings.  The works is onions, mushrooms & peppers cooked with the steak, mushrooms, and topped with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and hot pepper relish.

NO SUBSTITUTIONS, NO CHANGES, you must eat the sandwich “as is.”  This challenge is a true Food Adventure!  Not for the squeamish, this contest is fast paced.  Don’t blink, or you could miss the finish !

As the nine contestants took their first bites, 3 leaders emerged, 2015 champ Aaron Smith, 2013 champ Andrew Oakes and 2014 champ Clayton Naylor. They chomped, they chewed, and almost spewed, but instead washed it down intermittently with water.

Now the scoop on what happened next…..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Submarine House’s 16 Inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

— The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge benefits Dayton’s Children’s Hospital.  The Submarine House owners, Jason and Brody Danner, started the event by presenting a check in excess of $15,000 to the hospital’s charity fund.  What an incredible donation.

— Andray Simmons, a young man who is the goodwill ambassador from Dayton Children’s Hospital was introduced to the crowd.  Andray is battling sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder.  He thanked the crowd for the charity support, and the whole place erupted in applause.  A touching moment for the crowd and Andray, who was there with his family.

— More money was given away as they drew a $500, $1,000 and $10,000 cash prize for 3 different, lucky Submarine House customers!  It was insane!

Chef House Judging the contest with the Paparazzi everywhere

— Then came the eating contest… Judging the contest were Chef House and the Big Ragu from Food Adventures, Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining, Brian Jarvis from Beavercreek City Council, WHIO’s Larry Hansgen, K99’s Frye Guy, and finally Sallie Taylor, Zac Pitts, and Katie Kenney from Living Dayton TV show.

— The winner was …. ANDREW OAKES, from the Centerville store, with a time of 1 minute, 36seconds.  Andrew becomes the first ever “two time” champ.  A close second was Clayton Naylor and close third was Aaron Smith.  Both men were literally a few seconds away from winning.  Trophies were passed out, photos were taken, and interviews made.

— SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Jason and Brody Danner shared the information with us, and Larry Hansgen announced to the crowd… Submarine House will be EXPANDING.  The Centerville Submarine House is moving to a larger location on 725 where the old Blockbuster Video was located.  There will be a Submarine House opening up in Huber Heights in the old Fifth Third branch at 5376 Taylorsville Road.  (((BOOM! A Food Adventure is gonna take place there soon !)))

So that’s it folks, another year of cheesesteaks in the record books.

As the fans and “paparazzi” left the building, we all promised to do it again next year.  In the meantime, order a Super Duper Cheesesteak for yourself.  There is a reason they call it “16 inches of heaven.”

Promise us that you will check out the photos below from the event, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE..  Dayton’s #1 food blog for restaurant photos, dinner events, TV spots, festival fun, charity events, cooking classes and Food Adventures like this one… from Beers to Bananas Foster, we eat it all.. no rules.

Submarine House owner’s Brody and Jason present Children’s Hospital with a $15,600 check

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s official, Chef House declares 2016 Submarine Champ Andrew Oakes

Are you rrrready ???

Chef House, Andrew Oakes and the Big Ragu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hungry contestents

Andrew Oakes and Ambassador from Children’s Hospital, Andray Simmons

Andray Simmons, Dayton Children’s Hospital’s Goodwill Ambassador addresses the crowd

The new champ is interviewed by WHIO’s Larry Hansgen

The Big Ragu eyeballs just HALF of a Super Duper Cheesesteak !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Duper Cheesesteak Finals, Saturday !

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16inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

2016 clash of the cheesesteak champs, climaxes this Saturday at 1pm at the Beavercreek store.  The battle to see who can eat a 16 inch Super Duper Cheeseseak the fastest is a day away, and you are invited to come watch the devastation!

The individual store champions are set. The judges are set, the cooks are ready, the grill is hot and the buns are warming.

Last year’s champ Aaron Smith looks to retain his title from 2015, where he ate the sandwich in  mere 89 seconds.  Dayton Most Metro’s Food Adventures Crew was there last year and will be there again judging for the 4th year in a row.  Chef House and the Big Ragu will join  K99 radio personality The Frye Guy, Beavercreek Mayor Brian Jarvis, and Living Dayton’s hosts Katie Kenney, Zak Pitts and Sallie Taylor and Lisa Grigsby from DaytonDining to decide the winner.  The Champ will get check for $1,000 plus their name on the Cheesesteak Championship Belt.

The event ends with an incredible donation presentation to Dayton’s Children’s Hospital, which was over $15,000 last year.  There is also a $10,000 prize drawing at the contest from the entries collected in 2016.   Submarine House is a great company, who gives back to Dayton and deserves our patronage, plus their cheesesteaks kick some serious butt.

Come out and watch the fun, it is usually standing room only, but you gotta see this!  Stay afterward for your own Food Adventure and try a cheesesteak for yourself, or many of the other popular sandwiches, pizzas and more on the menu.

SEE YOU THERE for CHEESESTEAKS, CHARITY and MORE !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Aaron Smith set the record in 2015 by eating one in 89 seconds

WHAT:  The Super Duper Cheesesteak Championship Finals

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 16th at 1pm

WHERE:  The Submarine House, 3195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434

WHY: Proceeds of the cheesteak challenge benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital

 

Hang out with Food Adventures Crew at Submarine House after the contest, and grab some drinks and grub.. we will be autographing sub buns and lettuce for our fans…

Here is one “Must Eat” you should know about on this special day!

 

MUST EATS:  

— THE 16INCH SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK:  Dubbed “16 inches of heaven.” It is a cheesesteak with triple the meat and cheese, tossed and grilled with peppers, mushrooms and onions, then topped with the works (lettuce, tomato, spices, mayo, hot pepper relish), all on a 16 inch sub bun.  If you have not tried this sandwich – it is a Dayton Icon and a MUST EAT.  It is DELICIOUS ! Not a big eater? Get the 8inch version and find cheesesteak bliss.

 

See you Saturday !  Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow our everyday Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

Like us on Facebook, love us in your hearts ….

 

Donation to Dayton Childrens Hospital 2015

How fast can you eat this ?

Some hangry contestants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gooey cheese

16 inches of heaven

full sub

Ragu takes the challenge

cooking em up in Centerville

Super Duper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champ !

Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and 2015 Champ Aaron Smith !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef House will be a judge !

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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National Becomes Local: Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine

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Bob and Jordan

Bob Medlin & Jordan Frank of Longhorn Steakhouse, volunteer time & resources to many Dayton charities

We just had to tell you.  We just had to tell you about something happening in your community that you have no idea about.

As you know, 95% of our weekly Food Adventure articles feature local mom and pop establishments serving up great food.

But sometimes, there is a need to mention something that is going on at a Nationally owned restaurant.  In this case, no one is more deserving than Bob Medlin, the manager of Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, located at 1921 West Dorothy Lane.

We know,we know…. ” the dreaded chain restaurant,” but there is one thing you local purists can’t ignore.  It is the constant donation of resources and volunteering that Bob Medlin and his staff give to the Miami Valley.  The Big Ragu and Crew volunteer at a lot of charity events, and we notice that Bob Medlin and Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine are involved in almost every charity group that we support.  The staff believes in not only serving quality affordable food, but they go an extra step in volunteering for many charitable organizations.

Food Adventures joined forces with Longhorn Steakhouse Moraine, to support the March of Dimes Walk for Babies.  We ate at their pancake breakfasts that supported the Sandy Hook Elementary victims, and the Mobley Family who endured terrible losses in a local fire.  The Big Ragu and Crew have also run into the Longhorn staff at the annual AMBUCS Chili cookoff, that benefits Dayton citizens with various disabilities, by providing them equipment to become more mobile.

After talking with the management and the staff, we realized, this was just the tip of the iceberg.   Just some of the charities helped by Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, either directly or indirectly through volunteering staff, or donating resources, food or supplies, are the following organizations:

Food For Kids (Vandalia)Outside 1921 West Dorothy Lane location in Moraine

Dayton Hospice Walk

Snuggled Up Inc. – bedding for Dayton area kids

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s Rent Foundation – prevents homelessness in Dayton, by paying rent for families in crisis.

Shoes for the Shoeless and Brief Blessings – helping Dayton area children with basic needs such as shoes and underwear

Ronald McDonald House of Dayton – Staff volunteered to rake leaves, clean up yard

Dayton Circles – dedicated to ending poverty

Back2Back Ministries – Helping local orphans and abandoned children

Kiser Elementary– helping educate refugee children who have settled in Dayton.

Christ’s Church of Bellbrook’s – various charity programs

Relay for Life Charities from American Cancer Society– pancake breakfasts to raise money

Bob Medlin serving up food at the March of Dimes "Walk for Babies"

Bob & the Longhorn Steakhouse Staff volunteering at the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and giving out cake

Apex Church charity Rib Dinner to benefit Relay For Life Charities

Donated supplies for Apex Church missionary charity support of 6 Mexican orphans, and 1 orphangirl  in India

Big Brothers Big Sisters program of the Greater Miami Valley – Helping Dayton children reach their potential

Dayton Life Enrichment Center – providing groceries and meals to needy families of Dayton

Target Dayton Ministries – serving meals to Dayton’s homeless and poor

Miami Valley Womens Center – helping new moms and dads with loss of an infant

Harvest House  – helping rehabilitate females who have been abused, or dealing with depression

Victory Project – helping Dayton youth in the Juvenile system rebuild themselves and stay crime free

Miracle League of Dayton – providing special needs children a baseball field where they can play

These are just some charities off the top of the staff’s heads.  The thing is, they don’t toot their own horn, they just help out the community in so many ways.  And it is contagious.  As we talked to the staff, we realize they all want to help and get involved, because they see how their company has affected lives for the positive.

And so many lives have been affected by the Longhorn Steakhouse staff.  We have yet to mention donations to local elementary schools, or events for the Fairmont track  football, basketball , and volleyball teams!  They even had volunteers help cater a prom dinner.

Longhorn holds Pancake Breakfasts for various charities

Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine, holds Pancake Breakfasts for various charities, here is one of our delicious plates that we devoured

Longhorn Steakhouse of Moraine events have benefited local pet adoption companies and local cancer survivors. There have been Dayton Demonz hockey team charity work, volunteer staff car washes for charities.   Bob Medlin and his co-workers have helped donatefor benefits for cystic fibrosis and leukemia.  They have helped local feeding centers, local food banks, and helped organize local clothing donations.

Although they have a full staff supporting and volunteering for many of these events, there are 3 managers at Longhorn who have instilled and lead this philanthropist philosophy with their employees.   The first person we have already mentioned, is manager Bob Medlin.  The other two, are managing partner Jordan Frank and Rita Hayworth, fundraising specialist.   Together they provide a great, caring work atmosphere of giving back to the community.

So the next time you are in the mood for some steakhouse type food, you may want to mosey on over to the Longhorn Steakhouse in Moraine and keep paying it forward.  You may even get to see Bob Medlin, and tell him thank you for their community support.  Let him know you saw his charity work “shout out” on Food Adventures.  Bob and his staff are very humble, and the staff never boasts about their charity work.  They participate enthusiastically and take pride in helping various needs in the Dayton area.  We are grateful for fellow citizens like this and want them to know, we greatly appreciate all you do.  Thanks for making a local difference with a national company.

Please view our gallery below of  photos inside Longhorn Steakhouse and the staff volunteering at various events.

Also, make sure you become a Food Adventure fan on Facebook, by CLICKING HERE TO “LIKE” US.

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Who’d You Rather: EL TORO or El RANCHO GRANDE ? **+Win Free Dinner **

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Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Again, Food Adventures asks who’d you rather get it on with.  This time a plate from El Toro or a plate from El Rancho Grande?

In this battle for the border, we know Daytonians are picking sides and drawing their line in the margarita salt.  Comment below on which of these two Mexican Restaurants you like better and why !  One winner will be chosen at random and will win dinner with  The Food Adventures Crew at their favorite, either El Toro or El Rancho.  You will act as a referee for us as we also invite our biggest critic, the witty Michael R Hawk !  Let the insults fly !

Now, before you Dayton foodie purists jump all over our white cheese sauce…  We love Mexican Restaurants Taqueria Mixteca (feature article) and Taco Loco (feature article) as our personal faves.  Since we have featured those more obscure restaurants that most people have not been to, we decided for a more familiar fight…

Sound the bell, it’s time to rock the pinata !

First off, margaritas are chick drinks, so we will let the girls sound off and fight it out over who has the best margaritas of the two places.

Both places have fantastic service and tie in that category.  The tacos, and chimichangas are impossible to tell apart.  Also, the desserts like flan and fried ice cream are pretty much the same at both locations.

Del Mar Trio - Ragu's all time favorite

Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande features Lobster, Shrimp and Fish

As for everything else.. Here is how the Food Adventures judges saw it.

 

JAX’S VOTE:  EL TORO

— Jax says “The Salsa at El Toro is Better.”  The taste and chunkiness is second to none.  This gives El Toro an early knockout in my book.

— Hungry Jax says “El Toro’s Fajitas Reign Supreme.”  The fajitas at El Toro are the best.  I love fajitas.  Whether you get, steak, chicken or pollo (fish) fajitas, they are very filling and huge portions.

— Jax says “El Toro Gets the Slight Edge in Carnitas Tacos and Enchiladas.  To put it bluntly, these two restaurants have a bunch of dishes, that under the cheese sauce, none of us can tell apart from each other.  I like pork tacos and enchiladas, and El Toro is better by the slightest of margins, and the consistency is good across the 9 locations.  So, El Toro gets my vote by low blow.”

 

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE: EL RANCHO GRANDE

El Toro beef tacos

Beef Tacos from El Toro (we added their terrific salsa)

—The Big Ragu says, “The Del Mar Trio dish at El Rancho Grande is the champ of both menus.  A must eat! Grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp served on a fajita plate? FIGHT OVER !

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho has Pacifico beer on tap.  I have never seen that beer anywhere in my life, other than in bottles.  Also, they feature Negra Modelo on tap.  The other place is too punch drunk to beat that!”  El Rancho Grande has similar draft beer choices at the 8 locations from North Dayton to Middletown.

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho’s Chilles Rellenos are a deal maker.”  Stuffed with cheese, these huge poblano peppers are melt in your mouth delicious.  Stick a fork in them, they’re done!

 

Sound off and tell us which one you like, here is your chance for a free Food Adventure !

 ***** FREE DINNER WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW *****

LET’S HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE !  It is now your turn to comment on “Who’d you Rather : El Toro or El Rancho Grande?”

Pacifico Clara on Draft? YES ! YES ! YES !

Pacifico Clara on Draft at El Rancho Grande? YES! YES! YES!

Hold onto your sombrero, muchacho!  One person who comments on the story below will win dinner at their favorite, either El Rancho Grande or El Toro with Food Advntures!  They will be joined by Food Adventure’s biggest critic, Michael R. Hawk, for an interesting evening of fun and food.

 

Want to see our WHO’D YOU RATHER stories over the past 3 years?  Click on the individual links below !
Who’d You Rather?  FRICKERS or ROOSTERS? 

Who’d You Rather?  CHIPOTLE or QDOBA?

Who’d You Rather?  FIVE GUYS or SMASHBURGER?

 

Check out our photo gallery below for some great photos of El Toro and El Rancho Grande offerings.  Dont’ forget to join the thousands on Facebook who “like” Food Adventures by clicking HERE !

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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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Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten – Part 2

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The Upper Krust Centerville Location

As the new year dawns, we ask “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?”  Well not when it comes to Food Adventures!   In this week’s installment, The Food Adventures Crew take you on a trip of years gone by.  We call it “Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten.” 

IMPORTANT:  This article is a follow up to one posted last year.  Before you comment saying “you forgot this place,” please make sure it wasn’t mentioned in our very popular “CLOSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN RESTAURANTS PART 1” (click here to view).

Let’s dive right into some of  “Dayton Restaurants that are Closed but not Forgotten” (part 2).

THE UPPER KRUST – Legendary sandwich shop with locations on North Main Street and in Woodbourne Village in Centerville near 48 and Whipp Rd.  Who can forget the “Tom Turkey” sandwich or the choice of beets, chips or apple sauce.

TALL TIMBERS –  This old style “supper club” on Troy Pike in  Huber Heights, was known for steaks.  It was actually in an old building built by Benjamin Van Cleve in 1916.  Approximately 25 years ago, a fire closed the restaurant once and for all.  We remember dining there as kids and using the “Entertainment” coupon for a free entree.

LAWSON’S – These milk stores/convenient stores were all over the Dayton area in the 70’s,  and even had delis inside.  Lawson’s was a Cleveland based company.

SAMPAN – On Webster Street, this oriental restaurant was one of the first ones in Dayton.  They had those cool 70’s style, steel serving plates.

Remember Lawson’s Convenient Stores??

TONY’S DUNKER’S DELIGHT DONUTS – Near the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering, this place had a cult following.

PEKING INN –  This spot was known for their signature dish “Peking Duck” and serving dinners in hot metal covered dishes.  Peking Inn was located on 725 near the middle of Centerville and is now “Las Piramedes” Mexican restaurant.

PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE – They used to be all over the place in the 70’s and early 80’s.  Who could forget the metal topped wooden plates and the damn buttery rolls!  Sliding your tray down the cafeteria line, watching them cook steaks, and visiting the trough salad bar.   You can still visit one on Airway Rd. for old times sake.

CHIN’S ORIENTAL CAFE / CHIN’S GINGER GRILL – A fixture in downtown Dayton and in Tipp City, It was hard to see these 2 locations go.  For decades, Daytonians enjoyed these restaurants that were definitely ahead of their time.   Facility issues and lack of business, as well as an owner who wanted to retire, led to the closing of the Downtown Dayton location in 2003.  The Tipp City eatery would follow in the next few years.

THE COLONY CLUB –  Old school supper club, full bar, but we got “Shirley Temples.”,   They were known for their hopping atmosphere as well as steaks and seafood.  The Big Ragu took a dinner date there during school dances in the mid 80’s.

Hamburger HEaven

Muscle Cars & Good Burgers at Hamburger Heaven on Woodman Dr.

URBAN SUBURBAN TAVERN: Remember the Butcher paper signs on the wall with the weekly specials written on them?  Owned by Dayton icon Urban Goeke, this spot was a popular destination in the early 80’s.  Located near Marshall Rd and Stroop, specialties included, steaks,  seafood and burgers.  Good prices and great values, this establishment was bought out by the owners of Elsa’s and converted to a Kettering Elsa’s location.  Not many people know that Urban Suburban was the first Dayton restaurant to serve buffalo style chicken wings.

HAMBURGER HEAVEN: This spot was a popular oldies car drive in destination on the weekends on Woodman Dr in a converted Red Barn restaurant.  They were known for their burgers, especially a huge creation called “The Galaxy Burger” which we loved.

BOBO CHINA – Little spot on Bigger Rd that used to be a Burger Chef and a Chucks Burgers and Stuff.  They had great egg rolls and one of the first buffets in town.

BOSCO’S / THE OAKS – Dart throwing, beer swilling, and live band watching pubs located at the corner of Bigger Rd and Hewitt Ave.  Big volleyball events and summer parties were also hallmarks here.  The spots were vacated and made way for the latest restaurant to close at the same location, Italian eatery, Arthur’s.

 

THE MANDARIN KITCHEN – Formerly located at S. Ludlow, this restaurant was owned by celebrity chef Ming Tsai’s parents.  This restaurant was known for its “Yu Shang” dishes and twice cooked pork.

 

TALEGATORS – Freshly demolished to make way for a new McDonalds, this place had some stellar wings, especially the sweet chili wings.  The sauce would make you smack your lips and smack your momma too.  Known for their live music and bar specials as well, this place had a cult following.

Talegators - incredible wings

Talegators: Incredible wings ! Gone but not Forgotten…

THE SAVORY –   An underrated steakhouse at 2335 Smithville Rd. that was in an old “A” frame building that was obviously an IHOP or Howard Johnson’s.  Cozy atmosphere, good food…  The spot later became the first Cadillac Jacks !

PIZZA QUEEN INTERNATIONAL – Opened in 1978, by the Castro family, this place served pizzas from locations in West Carrollton and on Marshall Rd in Kettering.  In the earl 1990’s, the family decided to close the pizza shops and turn the West Carrollton location in into El Meson Restaurant which is still operating today under the same ownership.  Even though we love El Meson, we still miss Pizza Queen to this day!

SCOTTY’S HAMBURGERS – This place was very similar to White Castle, but with a diner feel inside.  The Big Ragu specifically remembers eating at the location on N. Fairfield Rd that would later become Bud Frantz’ Fairfield Inn and BR Scoteses’s.

 

BUD FRANTZ’ FAIRFIELD INN – Family restaurant known for big portions and decent prices.  Chicken and steak were the specialties.  This spot later became BR Scotese’s.

B. R. SCOTESE’S  – Chef David Glynn opened this restaurant as a tribute to his grandfather.  The place had some terrific Italian specialties, but unfortunately went out of business in the 90’s.

Daytonians Loved Parkmoor Chicken in the 60’s

LAI LAI – Chinese restaurant near Woodman and Dorothy Lane intersection.  They were one of the first Chinese restaurants to use coupons to lure customers and lunch crowds.

BOB’S FOOD WAREHOUSE – This grocer on Woodman Dr. in Kettering was a pre-cursor to Sam’s club.  They had great prices and bulk items, but you had to bag your own stuff in their boxes.  Kind of a local GFS … Wrestling magazines and pulled pork were among the items sold.

THE PARKMOOR – Dixie Style Chicken, this drive-in diner was a popular Daytonian stop in the 50’s and 60’s.  To this day, people talk about their chicken.  Miss that taste?  Well, the rumor is that Hasty Tasty Pancake House still offers the original Parkmoor Recipe Chicken today !

DUKE’S GOLDEN OX – When the owner of the place is a fixture at the bar, you know this is a special eatery.  Duke’s was original from the A-frame architecture to the drink menu.  Known for their steaks and ribs, we loved the bbq sauce that was almost sweet and tomato like.  The ambiance was an old school supper club mixed with a palm readers lair.  It was spooky, yet cool inside, and you didn’t know what time of day it was outside, as we don’t remember the place having any windows.

WAREHOUSE BEER DRIVE-IN –   The first chain of Dayton drive-thru’s with incredible Soft Pretzels.  Many drive-ins around the area today are just old Warehouse Beer Drive-ins.

STEVE KAO’S – An early, local version of PF Changs, this restaurant was very popular in the 80’s. Unfortunately inconsistent food quality led to diminishing business causing this spot to close. Their Kung Pao choices were terrific and they had some great appetizers too.

 

DRIFTWOOD BOWLING LANES – You wouldn’t think that a Bowling Lane would have good food, but this one did.  This place even had waitresses!  The cabbage rolls and Hot Shot sandwiches drew good lunch crowds.

PIETRO MAURO’S ITALIAN DELI –  Located on Bigger Rd across from the Victoria’s Secret call center, this family owned Italian deli had great breads, cheeses and old world specialties.  From desserts, to stuffed peppers, to great sub sandwiches, we were sorry to see this place go out of business.

 

THE DUTCH PANTRY – We like to describe this as an old time, Amish version of Bob Evans.  Dayton had a few locations including Springfield and Englewood.  Food Adventures enjoyed the waitresses’ old fashioned, Dutch outfits.
The Dutch Pantry

RYANS STEAKHOUSE – The moist bread rolls and the deep fried okra first stole the heart of Daytonians in the 80’s.   The closest ones left are in Columbus and Marion, Ohio.  So you can still grab yourself a fork and enter the trough !

VITO’S – An Italian restaurant located on Dorothy Lane near Delco Park.  They were known for their simple pasta dishes and quality, family owned feel.  We miss the manicotti !

SHADES OF JADE –  The huge “Pu Pu Platter” appetizer sampler was a signature dish of this Chinese restaurant across from Wright State.  Fun decor including running fountains added to dining experience here.

 

MYUNG SUNG – This Huber Heights Chinese restaurant was memorable with a seating area where you could sit on the floor.

THE BBQ HUT – The 298-RIBS phone number, the Broasted Chicken, potatoes and BBQ Specialties made this place a fixture on Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  They gave you that little dinner roll with each meal, that for some reason with a slab of butter was absolute heaven.

When a place had RIBS in their phone number, you know it was good

THE VENETIAN – Great pizzas in this small spot on Stroop Rd. which is now Mama DiSalvos Restaurant!  The stepped up area in the back of the dining room housed a pool table.  They had great french fries too !!

DANIELS PARK ROW – They had the best shrimp scampi on earth.  This restaurant on Patterson Rd. was a throwback to the 50’s supper clubs where women would wear mink coats to dinner.  Good food, dark atmosphere.

 

AL & JOE’S FOODTOWN – Grocery store that was your typical 60’s grocery.  No frills, and the place always smelled like freshly sliced deli meat.

 

LATITUDE 49 – Centerville eatery where the Melting Pot is now.  Latitude 49 had some of the best calamari in the world.  We loved the aquarium decor and miss that place to this day.

BAYOU CAFE – The first Cajun restaurant in Dayton was a late 80’s venture.  This was the first place that your Food Adventurers tried alligator !  The spicy, cajun shrimp was fantastic too.  This site was most recently a Fox n Hound and Harrigans South, as well as a BBQ place.

There was a York Steakhouse inside the Dayton Mall

 

GARTSKA’S –  This Greek based eatery was a fixture in Bellbrook for many years.  Though the restaurant is gone, we haven’t forgotten their diverse menu and many incredible dishes.

 ALEX’s CONTINENTAL INN –   Dancing and music accompanied great food.  They had a couple of streaks, but finally closed within the last couple of years.  The first time Big Ragu ate lobster in a restaurant was here.

CAMBRIDGE INN –  Old style English cafeteria in Centerville, very reminiscent of Neil’s Heritage House.

YORK STEAK HOUSE – Located inside the Dayton mall, this cafeteria style steakhouse served items “a la carte.”  From Steaks to Seafood, this national chain was a staple in the Dayton Mall for many years, and was located just inside the entrance.

EMPIRE FAMILY RESTAURANT – Popular family spot on the corner of County Line Rd and Dorothy Lane.  After closing in the early 90’s it became a great Chinese restaurant called “China House” which also closed a few years later.

 

CHINA HOUSE – They served one of the best dishes we have ever tried called Walnut Shrimp.  Surprisingly, the location closed unceremoniously a few years ago, without warning.  It was located very close to The Greene.

SUTTMILLER’S – An old school supper club on N. Main.  This Dayton icon’s  standard was 70’s food and 70’s hairstyles.

Chmiels hometown family grocers

We miss Chmiel’s, a Family Owned Grocery in Centerville

THE MEAT HOUSE – Where’s the beef?  Everyone at the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering knew this was the meat house.  Whether chicken, pork or steaks they had it all here.  Also, this was one of the first places in Dayton where you could buy pre-formed hamburger patties.

SWEETHEARTS – Ice cream and video game place that we visited as kids.  These were some of our first Food Adventures alone.

GRINDSTONE CHARLEY’S – One of the casualties of the TGI FRIDAYS type restaurant wars.  We guess they couldn’t compete with the clones like O’Charley’s.

CHMIEL’S – Family grocery store in Centerville with a fantastic bakery.  Located on 725, it is now a “Big Lots” store.

The Dayton area had so many good restaurants that are gone, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN …….   Being lifelong Miami Valley residents, our memories of these places will live in our stomachs forever.

DID WE MISS A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS STORY or OUR FIRST INSTALLMENT LAST YEAR (click here to see).?????  WHICH ONES DID WE LEAVE OUT ???

Please comment below with your memories of these places, or any other you would like to mention!

Want more fun with The Food Adventures Crew?  Then check out their Facebook page and “like” them HERE !

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Six Pack: Top 6 DRUNK DINING SPOTS in the Dayton Area

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Intoxicated royalty: The “Awful Waffle”

Here is another original food story that you won’t see anywhere else.  However, it is a part of Miami Valley eating that is worth mentioning.  Behold the dreaded DRUNK DINING.

We have all been there, or at least helped a friend through a night of inebriation.  What’s the best fix?  Answer: Soak up that alcohol up with a full blown Food Adventure.   We are here to help you, not unlike Betty Ford, but our expertise is more on the caloric end.  The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have compiled Dayton’s first ever  TOP 6 DRUNK DINING SPOTS.  These are just our six pack.   We would love your comments below on who made your list.

1) THE WAFFLE HOUSE – The greasy spoon, the unruly crowd.  Simply put, the ‘awful waffle.’   The only time that the Waffle House sounds good is when you are too drunk to know what you are getting yourself into.  Go in this place at 2:30 a.m. and not a sober person is to be found.  It is a land where diets are blown and the key words are smothered and covered.  We are talking about hash browns, covered with cheese and another assortment of ingredients.  The rest of the food isn’t worth mentioning and the good thing is that you won’t remember anyhow.  We also recommend not going into the bathrooms after 3 a.m, it looks like a war zone in there.  This restaurant gets extra points for the sheer entertainment factor of other drunks in the dining room.  It is like a 3D movie, but without those annoying glasses.

The sign is like a beacon, calling all buzzed

2) PERKINS – Pound for pound, their waitresses are the biggest bad asses.  Some have even been seen chasing drunk patrons in the parking lot.  But alas, the wonderful, green neon sign is a beacon.  It calls to inebriated souls to come in and sober up with some pancakes.  In fact, they have some of our the pancakes around.  But don’t mess around with the Sugar Free Syrup, we learned the hard way that it screws up a perfectly done pancake.  Perkins also offers many fried foods such as  cheese sticks, green beans, chicken tenders.  If that won’t sober you up, at the front counter is a bakery display with muffins the size of your head.  Those should surely soak up the booze.  A full breakfast and dinner menu offers plenty of choices that will act as a sponge in your stomach, sucking you back into sobriety.

 

3) TACO BELL – If your vision is blurry then a  ‘run for the border’ is in order.  The late night drive thru makes life simple.  This might be everyone’s “Go To” drunk dining place.  The food is cheap, the meat and tastes so damn good when you are a bit hammered.  The worst part of  Taco ‘Hell’ is that the drive thru that takes forever.  That would be because every other drunk person has the same idea as you.  What do we recommend here?  Does it really matter?  It is all the same.  Flour Tortilla, Melted Cheese, & that questionable ‘meat product’ loaded with fillers.   For you healthy drunks out there, there is the Cantina Collection of lower calorie options.  Like it matters at this point!  Drawbacks like ‘early morning gas’ kept this restaurant out of the number 2 spot.

Mexican Pizza – because red sauce & bean paste is a good idea to mix into a volatile stomach

4) WHITE CASTLE – Oh, how we love our White Castle!  It is one of greatest dining experiences a person can have either drunk or sober.  First, the strong smell of the onions will start to sober you up immediately.  Secondly, the first one tastes so damn good, you just keep stuffing yourself until you don’t know any better.  Want a side dish? Splurge on a get a large sack of onion chips and go to town on these.  When your friends are drunky pants, White Castle will make them dance.   Get a crave case, that way you won’t crave em for a while.  We particularly love  when our friends launch into philosophical drunk conversations about why there are 5 hole punches in the meat patty.  The bad news is the 24hour White Castle Restaurants are only in Cincinnati these days.  You’re buzzed and happy and then all of a sudden it happens.  A belch and then the stomach cramps.  It is pretty much all over from here.  Our advice:  Roll the windows down on the way home so you don’t create a “Rolling Dutch Oven” (you might have to google that term).  It is the gift that keeps on giving because the next morning, you can be assured that you will be doing a lot of sitting.  You know why they call them sliders?  Because they slide in and slide out.  Unfortunately, only 2 White Castles are nearby.  One is on Salem Ave and the other is in Franklin off I-75.

 

Onion chips soak up the alcohol

5) STEAK N SHAKE – This restaurant is the only late night choice for drive thru OR dining alongside other corralled patrons.  The slick floors offer an obstacle course like dining room for some of the more drunk guests.  It is like Russian roulette to see who gets squeezed into a booth next to the Big Ragu for an elbow filled eating experience.  Great prices and decent drunk food make this a stellar choice, probably one of the greatest drunk dining spots in America!  The burgers and shakes are incredible.  The staff are used to drunk bastards, and they will even give your drunk ass one of those little white Steak n Shake paper hats to wear while dining.  This place has food that mixes well with alcohol like chili cheese dogs, steak burgers & milk shakes.  Plus it is open 24 hours and serves breakfast.

 

6) DENNY’S – This is one of the more interesting places that you can visit after 3am.  There is only one remaining in Dayton, on S. Main St. near the fairgrounds.  The food isn’t the greatest but does the trick.  We actually love the onion rings.  The choices from dinner to breakfast give you a good variety, if you can read the menu at this point.  Denny’s is the best spot to see an unusual variety of people from all walks of life.    Nothing says drunk dining like eating a Grand Slam Breakfast next to a drag queen.

The Steakburger : a dream on a bun if you’re drunk

Honorable mention, we give a tipsy nod to the following:

SMOKIN’ BAR-B-QUE – The place to stumble after a night of drinking at the Oregon District

AL’S SMOKEHOUSE – Ribs downtown at 4am?  Yes !

BILLS DONUTS – It is fascinating to watch people with bloodshot-eyes trying to concentrate and pick out donuts from a glass case at 3am.

COUSIN VINNY’S – Open til 4am, these guys will deliver to trashed patrons.  Don’t pass out while waiting for your pie.

**Remember Food Adventure fans,  always drink responsibly and get a designated driver***

For more fun from these “foodies in their forties,”  like FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook HERE.

What are your favorite spots for a late night drunk bite???  Please comment below !

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Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

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End of an Era: The Grub Steak

All good things must come to an end.  In this week’s Food Adventure installment, our crew bids farewell to a Dayton institution, the Grub Steak.  On Saturday, Feb 23rd the restaurant on Alex Rd in West Carrollton will serve its last meal.   Started by Joe Bissett 50 years ago, steaks, seafood and ribs have been a hallmark of this classic supper club, whose original location was on North Main Street in Dayton.   Food Adventures had to say goodbye to this old friend of the Miami Valley and visit the legendary menu one last time.  In the 70’s we ate there as kids in our “toughskin” pants and wide collared shirts. In the 80’s we impressed high school dance dates with the Grub Steak’s elegant dinners.  In the 90’s and beyond we visited the restaurant through its changes and moves to State Route 35 and West Carrollton.  It is now down to the final plate. But before it ends, lets remember how it started.

Grub Steak founder, Joe Bissett in the 1980’s

MEMORIES ON MAIN STREET

In 1963 Joe Bissett opened up a small restaurant and bar at 1410 N. Main St.   With his chef Ray, Joe soon invented a new way to eat ribs, called “Royal Ribs.”   They are small slabs of boneless pork loin on wooden skewers.   Originally, in the 1960’s The Grub Steak charged $1.50 for a complete Royal Rib Dinner.  Soon they were the largest pork tenderloin user in Ohio.   Of course, The Grub Steak was also known for steaks, which were hand cut by the kitchen staff.   Various favorite steaks included the NY Strip, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, T-Bone, The Hotel Steak (sirloin), and the huge Kansas City Sirloin.   In the 80’s things were changing and the Royal Ribs Dinner now cost $4.95.  The restaurant needed more seating so an addition was built onto the restaurant.  The construction also included a courtyard and business was booming.  Over the years, Joe Bissett became a local legend.   He was an avid golfer, and manged the restaurant until his passing in 1994.

Former owner and Joe’s daughter, Dawn Bissett, sat down with The Big Ragu this week to reminisce about her experiences at this  iconic restaurant.   She recalls customers celebrating countless birthday parties, anniversaries and engagements  inside the doors of the Grub Steak.  Dawn started working at the coat check room, and eventually worked her way up through the ranks to managing the restaurant at North Main St. and on The Grub Steak II on State Route 35.   She recalls the North Main Street bar constantly bustling with regulars and restaurant staff preparing drinks.  Dawn explained, “My fondest memories are the wonderful customers and the many staff members I met over the decades.”  She said loyal customers and lifetime employees became family to her.  We were lucky enough that Dawn shared some of her private family Grub Steak photos with us for this Food Adventure article.  Please browse the photo album below to see these true blasts from the past.  In 1998, Fred and Sheila Fieberger took ownership of the Grub Steak, and eventually moved the restaurant south to West Carrollton in 2008.

The Creamy Peppercorn Dressing is homemade

GRUB STEAK LOCATION IN WEST CARROLLTON
For the past few years, Fred and Sheila have brought Grub Steak specialties to a whole new generation.  From homemade bread, to the incredible salad dressings, they stayed true to the original menu.  Today the Grub Steak is managed by Heather Wimberly, their daughter who has been dealing with huge crowds in the closing days of the restaurant.   Heather and her wonderful staff took the time to host The Food Adventure Crew this week, and for that we are very appreciative.  Make sure you get to the West Carrollton location by Sat Feb 23rd, for one last memorable dinner.

LAST CHANCE TO GET SOME GRUB – WHAT ARE YOU GONNA ORDER?

You have a few more days to get your last bite at the Grub Steak, and if you do we recommend these classic trademark dishes and sides.    Looking for an appetizer?  Go traditional with the cocktail shrimp, served chilled.  Nothing beats these succulent bites in a classic setting.  Also, realize that you are in a restaurant that makes their own salad dressings.  In fact, they are so popular, they are for sale in pints.   We recommend you get a salad with the creamy peppercorn dressing.  It is simply fantastic, and our favorite.  Big Ragu has loved this dressing since his childhood, and even more today.  He has not tasted anything remotely close to this unchanged recipe.  One of the highlights of our meal was the homemade dinner rolls served piping hot and with a side of butter that would make Paula Deen proud.

For an entree you can’t go wrong with any steak on the menu, but we would suggest the Hotel Steak & Royal Ribs Combo.  The Hotel Steak has virtually no fat on it and we would suggest you get it butterflied.  The flavor of the steak is amazing and will bring a smile to your face.  The accompanying pork loin with four skewers was a familiar sight.  These “royal ribs” were brushed in Grub Steak’s tangy, special barbecue sauce.   The royal ribs were incredible and had us craving more.

The famous “Royal Ribs”

Grub Steak has some great side dishes like the golden fried hash browns.  We would also recommend the stewed tomatoes as a traditional choice that is filling and sweet.  And what about the corn fritters served with maple syrup? They are excellent!    For dessert, fend for yourself because The Food Adventures Crew is about to go into a food coma!

FOOD ADVENTURE MEMORIES

Our childhood memories of The Grub Steak are mainly at the Main Street location which was also near the Upper Crust.  The Big Ragu remembers the dimly lit dining room had a great steakhouse vibe to it.  The place seemed to always be packed.  We recall waiting at the bar with oour parents sipping a kiddie cocktail until a table was available.  It was a fun experience as a child going to this fine dining restaurant, the staff made it seem like a big deal.  The waitresses were from a past era when being a server was a long term career.

On any given night you could see local Dayton Celebrities such as WHIO TV’s Don Wayne,  or none other than Emmet Royer from BHA.  Unfortunately Toby the Dog was not with him.  But still, The Grub Steak was the place to be.

The “Hotel Steak” – served butterflied as we ordered

Summed up, our memories include good food, reasonable prices, and with great service.  It is tough to see The Grub Steak closing.  We saw servers with tears in their eyes, showing appreciation to long time customers.  It was an emotional night.  When places like this disappear, we seem to be left with chains serving similar food.  In Dayton’s tough economic times, unfortunately we are seeing see a lot of struggling mom and pop restaurants.  The Miami Valley needs these establishments for their personality and tie to the community.  Food Adventures exists to share our favorite locally owned restaurants with our fans.  We seek not only to promote our Dayton favorites, but actually spend our dollars there.  But enough of our soapbox.

Thank you to the Fieberger family for being such gracious hosts.  We loved the food, but the dinner was bittersweet, as we know this the end of an era.   And so it goes, with heavy hearts,  we say to this classic local eatery.. “Goodbye Old Friend.”

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*Please note the Grub Steak is for sale.  Call the restaurant at (937) 276.4193 to discuss further*
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