The Big Ragu

Dear Local Foodies … THANK YOU !!
Our resident Food Adventures blog hit the 11 year milestone recently.  We also just recently surpassed our 500th feature article for  Dayton Most Metro .com  and are surpassing 8,000 Facebook fans.  We have been lucky to partner with Dayton Dining and help bring some incredible foodie events to the Dayton area.

The blog started as two people.  The lineup has changed a couple of times over the years. Each change brought expansion in activities and growth in community involvement.

Today our three Food Adventure Crew members, The Big Ragu, Jackie and Jessie promise even greater things in the future.  We promise to continue or traditions and add fun events as well.   Our presence locally is so much more than our social media of  Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  We are more that just our website www.DaytonFoodies.com.  We are Dayton’s food blog since 2008.  You don’t have to belong to a club or pay to read our articles.  Our photos are always ours.  We don’t copy, we set the trends.  We enjoy sharing our favorite places to eat with the people of the Miami Valley. We have no rules, and leave no plate unturned.  From charity events, to festival partners, cooking classes, whole 30

guidance, hosting restaurant events, recipes, TV spots, and so much more.  Here is a look back at Food Adventures over the last eleven years..

2008 VISIT TO CHINATOWN CHICAGO:
It all started in April 2008 with a visit to Chinatown in Chicago.  Big Ragu ate weird foods he couldn’t pronounce and went out of his way to try things out of his comfort zone. As the photos were published with some smart ass captions, calling it the “Food Adventure to Chinatown” The feedback was staggering.  Friends asked: “why don’t you do this for places in the Dayton area?”   A page on Facebook was created, before we knew it there were 500 likes on our page..  Not long after, DaytonMostMetro .com approached Food Adventures about writing a column, and the rest evolved from there.  Today we even have shirts, aprons and more for sale.  Now, 8,000 fans later on Facebook and 500 articles on Dayton Most Metro, we just

hit our 11th year of Food Adventures.

“BASH AT BRIXX” MEETING OF THE FOODIE MINDS:
Our first ever Food Adventure event was held in the private room upstairs at Brixx Ice Co. across from the Dayton Dragons stadium.  Owner Chris Bhai let us host a group and we all ordered off the menu.  He had a couple of drink specials and we gave away a $25 gift card to Brixx.  We went around the room with about 40 foodies sharing their favorite restaurant stories and menu items.  Jax and Big Ragu were both there.

 

 

GUEST BARTENDERS at the FIFTH STREET BREWPUB:
We have been lucky enough to do this 3 times over the years for various charities from food banks to local dog shelters.  The great staff at the brewpub, the great beer and the fantastic food make every event a breeze.  The patio is wonderful and this bar is a great place to relax and enjoy some local flavor all around.  What”ll it be? Can we serve you up a pint for charity?  Thanks to the literally hundreds of people who helped make these nights a success by attending.  Because of you, we surpassed $1000 in charitable donations from those 3 nights.

 

50 SHADES OF GRAPE FOOD ADVENTURE at ARCHERS CENTERVILLE:
Each attendee had to sign a contract of behavior, like the book.  The wine dinner featured dishes from the book and door prizes were epic.  One surprised guest got a pair of edible underwear.  Well that was a Food Adventure first.  The 60 foodies in attendance were served incredible courses and even got to keep the wine glass as a souvenir … It was etched “50 Shades of Grape…”

 

ALE FEST and ALE FEASTS:
We have attended Ale Fests in the street, at Wright Patt and at the Masonic Temple.  We have sampled dozens of beer in a day.  This event puts your palate to the test and the beer world is your oyster.  We love it and look forward for more Ale Fests and Feasts in the future.

 

DEALING BLACKJACK at ALTER FEST and INCARNATION FISH FRY:
For years the Big Ragu has helped these charities close to his heart. Dealing blackjack usually a day or two, at Alterfest, Alters Fish Fry and Incarnations fish fry has been the standard in the past.  We look forward to continued support in the future.  The fish frys and the AlterFest food is fantastic.

LIVING DAYTON TV APPEARANCES:
Food Adventures is thrilled to have a recurring spot on the Living Dayton TV Show.  Whether we are highlighting a local restaurant or a festival, the hosts could not be more gracious.  Sometimes we cook one of our family recipes on the air that is perfect for parties.  Most recently Jessie has cooked some Whole 30 compliant meals and the Big Ragu has even taken a pie in the face on live tv, It is all in fun and food and we appreciate the producers and staff for letting share our adventures on their show.

 

CELEBRITY FOOD ADVENTURES:
We have been lucky enough to have a Cassano’s pizza with Pete Rose, and meet Alton Brown from The Food Network.  From comedian Kevin Farley, to wrestlers Mick Foley and Jake the Snake Roberts, they all were Food Adventure fans.  Even American Idol star Alexis Gomez and Fox n Friends Brian Kilmeade wore our t-shirts.  We have met some really fun and famous foodies along the way !  They all love talking good eats.  Even Bengals stars Pete Johnson and Ickey Woods ate some burgers and cold cuts with us .  Everyday we’re shuff-a-lin.

 

AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF FOR CHARITY:
Each year we have been lucky enough to be celeb judges at Dayton’s biggest chili cookoff.  If you have not been to this

amazing event, you need to go.  for about $18 you get all the chili you want from usually about 20 restaurants.  They have hotdogs, beer, wine and soft drinks too.  All is included with entry.  They have gambling also and The Big Ragu has been known to deal some blackjack in a pinch.  This is one of those events where you can’t believe you ate the whole thing.  Amazing chili and cold beer, with gambling.  What more could you ask for?  Oh a DJ and dancing?  They have that too.  www.bestchili.org for info on this stellar event, that we are proud to partner with annually.

 

ARIAKE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI FOOD ADVENTURE:

We had an incredible event a couple of years ago when the owners of Ariake Sushi Bar and Grill let it all hang out.  They gave us a deal on a one night only “all you can eat” extravaganza.  The result was boats of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and wasabi everywhere.  The soy sauce and sake were flowing and everyone left stuffed and happy.  We appreciate the sushi chef and owners of this fantastic restaurant with Dayton’s only truly authentic Japanese menu in town.  If you have not been here – you are missing out.

AMERICANA FESTIVAL:

We visit the Amish Pretzel Women, Kowalski’s Hots, and Zombie Dogz among others. Walking the streets with 100,000 foodies makes the lines a little long, but we get there early and eat right after the parade.  We don’t mind fast walking some teeney boppers to get a gyro or pork chop.  Every man and women are for themselves in this patriotic day of food and fun.  We have been contemplating being in the parade but we cant figure out how to eat and walk at the same time.

 

ARCHER’S ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF:
We get asked each year to help judge the chili entered into the Archers chili cookoff .  What’s at stake?  MONEY to the winner and their chili is featured in the menu Archer’s Tavern in Centerville and Kettering for an entire year.  Last year featured an intriguing chili, when David Klass made a chili using REIGELE beer, made in Germany’s sister city to Dayton.  The result was a balance of flavor that took the

contest.  It was close, but the vigorous selection process showed one clear winner.  Try the chili next time you are at Archer’s.

 

BENGALS vs BROWNS BASH at BENNETTS PUBLICAL:
The battle of Ohio begins each year. This time the Bengals were at the Browns and Bennett’s provided specials on Platform Beer out of Cleveland and reduced prices on their Gorgonzola topped Steaks.   Have you been to this restaurant in Miamisburg? It is a helluva place to watch sports and eat good food.  We passed out t-shirts and the crowd enjoyed the game.

 

GUEST PIZZA SERVERS at BEAVERCREEK PIZZA DIVE:

The owners at the Beavercreek Pizza Dive were so generous and friendly. We marketed our appearances and a portion went to charity.  We served hungry kids from the Monday night pizza buffet which included a Ceasars Salad Pizza, BLT Pizza, and a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. We also served old favorites like pepperoni or veggie pies.  Get in there on Monday nights and check out this deal for yourself.  It is all you can eat and less than 10 buck a person.  Drinks are extra, and the even sere bread stick bites.

BEERS AND STEERS at KENNEDY VINEYARD:

Farm raised beef and the new Big Rack Brewery debuted their beers on a Food Adventure.  The brewery was part of the now defunct Kennedy Vineyard in New Madison Ohio in Darke County.  It has since gone out of business due to a fire and legal complications with a former partner.  It is sad to see such a tremendous family suffer the hardship of losing their winery, brewery and livelihood.

 

BIG BEER AND BARLEY WINES EVENT:
Normally taking place at the fairgrounds, it is a plethora of weird beers and rare barley wine drinks.  The bottles are strong and the alcohol is flowing.   This is a fun event and usually features lots of beers we have never seen before.  We are grateful to pour beers at the Dayton Most Metro Booth.

 

BIG BREWS AND BLUES EVENT:
For Diabetes Dayton’s benefit, this event has been held in Riverscape and Carillon Park.  The last year saw a hiatus.  We hope this beer bash is back soon, not only for a great cause, but because it is great fun!  They always feature great music and food vendors, along with dozens of beers to sample.

 

BIG RAGU’s HOMEMADE COOKING:
The Big Ragu gets to show his culinary skills in posts on social media or sharing recipes online. His cooking mostly concerns seafood, grilling out and Italian food.  Here is a Bleu Cheese Burger he made for a dinner party a few years ago.  It is a

on a bun.

CASSANO’s DOUGH PLANT TOUR:
Who could forget getting a personal tour of the Cassano dough plant from Vic Cassano’s grandson Chip?  Chip sowed us the enormous flour silos all the way through the process down to the packaging.  Cassano’s produced dough and thin crust dough for companies and restaurants nationwide. The facility is immaculate and a state of the art, one of a kind operation on Stroop Rd.  Sixty five years ago Mom Donisi invented her thin crust pizza and Cassano’s has been serving them ever since.

 

CELTIC FESTIVAL:
The annual street fair where you can get a Guinness, listen to Celtic Storm and eat local food vendors til you plop.  That’s what we do.  Our official mission is to hit as many new food vendors as we can each year.  A wee bit too much of food and drink, but we dance it off in the end.  This hugely popular festival is one you want to allow a few hours to take in.  Lots of great dressed up people at this one, channeling their inner Irishman.

 

RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS HAUNTED DINNERS at THE AMBER ROSE:

Our hugely popular ghost dinners at the Amber Rose. We have a local Paranormal investigation team, reveal their findings from hundreds of hours of surveillance at the Amber Rose.  Spirits surround you.  Unexplained photos, and sound recordings dominate the night.  The food is an incredible 4 course meal and we pair the dishes with 4 Rhinegeist Beers. Learn bout the history of the building and the ghosts thought to haunt the place including a playful woman named “Chickie.”

 

NIGHT OF GHOST HUNTING at THE AMBER ROSE (Creeks and Creeps):
The other dinner we have in October annually is a dinner that puts ghost hunters to the test.  Can you find some paranormal evidence given unfettered access to all parts of the Amber Rose building?  We will feed you and give you some alcohol, but bring your own ghost hunting equipment.  From 9pm -2am attendees get to search attics, basements, and crawl spaces.  In the past we called this Food Adventure “Creeps and Creaks,” because we debuted Creepshow Beer from Warped Wing at the event.  One of the spookiest nights of the year.

“RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS” at CARILLON PARK – DAYTON’S DELIGHTFUL DESSERT CONTEST GUEST JUDGES:

One of our early Food Adventures at Historic Carillon Park.  Cocktails, and a dessert party in the middle of this Dayton history museum is cause for great conversation.  We brushed elbows with some of Dayton’s finest philanthropists and chefs.  We were lucky enough to judge the dessert contest and dare we say ride a merry-go-round ?

 

DOROTHY LANE MARKET SCHOOL OF COOKING:
We have been fortunate enough to host a few classes at the school of cooking.  From our “Party on the Patio” or Food Adventure Holiday favorites, we brought the party the DLM Culinary Center.  We have grilled salmon and clams, made tomato pie and boozy milkshakes.  Even pineapple pizzas, homemade cheese wontons and penne pasta dishes that would make anyone proud.  We are grateful for the opportunity to have cooked for over 100 people during our 3 events.

EVENING UNDER THE STARS:
The Big Ragu was asked to emcee this event hosted by AIMIA, that benefited Feeding America‘s Good-To-Go Backpack Program.   There were amazing desserts, champagne, wine and live music.  A silent auction included cruise trips.  The fun-filled night was held at Dayton’s Masonic Temple.

 

GARLIC FEST:

Whether it is help organizing events and food vendors, or our cooking demos the day of the event.  We are proud to be a partner in Dayton’s Garlic Fest.  Always a “stinkin’ good time,”  this is one of most fun festivals we have ever attended.  June 29th 2019 will be at Carroll High School !  Jackie and Jessie will be doing free cooking demos during the day and live music, food and craft vendors go on until 10pm!

 

 

GEM CITY ROLLER DERBY:
We attended a derby in Huber Heights and watched the bumps and bruises while eating all of the concession food.  From popcorn to hot dogs, and from nachos to soft pretzels. We walked out a stuffed mess.  The action was as good as the food.  Don’t miss a match!

 

GEM CITY PODCAST:
We have a recurring role on the Gem City Podcast, giving an updated Food Adventure “state of the city” in food, each year.  The hosts are friendly and they are as big of foodies as we are.  We love talking new, old and closed restaurants, food trucks, festival food and more.  We slobber on the microphones every time and get lost in a food coma the minute we put on the headphones.

 

GERMAN FEST PICNIC:
Every year we hit them up for beer and pretzels. One year an Asian woman, stretched out the Big Ragu with a rigorous massage.  It actually helped him digest the festival food because she twisted him like a pretzel. Only in Dayton can you get an Asian massage for an Italian, at a German Fest.

 

GET WARPED at JIMMIES LADDER 11 DINNER:
Warped Wing featured their beers for each course of the meal served by Ladder 11.  We gave away shirts and Warped Wing  items.  It was a packed house upstairs and another successful dinner.

 

 

GIOVANNI’s FOOD ADVENTURE WINE DINNER:
An incredible Italian meal featuring the best items on the menu.  From pizza to salad , and pasta to the tiramisu to end the meal.  There was even a garlic cheese onion appetizer that knocked our socks off.  Each course was served with a glass of vino.  It was unbelievable and we need to do another one SOON!

 

GOOSE vs GRAPES DINNER at ARCHER’S TAVERN:
It was Goose Island Beer vs Wine and wine won. The five course tasting was a vote for which you liked better the beer or the wine with the pairing.  The packed dining room preferred the wines this time.  A night of deliciousness.

 

 

DAYTON’S OKTOBERFEST:
Whether we volunteer to pour beer, or we jut come on preview night for a lot of drink and food, we love this event.  Big Ragu has an annual stogey on site and the vendors  from Strudel to Cream Puffs get our attention every time!  We also love choosing from Hamburger Wagon or Crab Rangoon for a late night snack.  The Art Institute never envisioned this when it was built, we are guessing.

 

TV SPOTS on FOX 45 :
Whether we are promoting food truck rallies, festivals or cooking on live morning TV, we have had some memorable Fox 45 TV spots.  Who can forget us eating raw garlic at 7am on live TV?  How about the time the Big Ragu took a pie in the face from the Fox 45 reporter while dressed as Elvis?  We even had a down to the wire cooking demo that went off like a charm.  Usually on early morning , there is nothing like Food Adventures Crew on live television.

 

DAYTON’S GREEK FESTIVAL:
Early Saturday and Early Sunday of this weekend fest, we get classic gyros and bask in the glory of an uncrowded fest.  Part of the reason is we typically work the Italian Fest later that day.  We love George Karras’ band and the pastries too.  Oh and those Trigonas are delicious.

 

GREENE COUNTY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY and DARKE COUNTY FAIRS:
We go ape at the fairs every year.  We always knock down 3 of them, looting every food booth we can.  The best funnel cakes are in Greene County, the best wings are in Montgomery County, The best sandwiches and pies are in Darke County. Eat, visit, discover new stuff.  We usually bring pockets of food to the horse races and enjoy the crowd. No rules. Just fun.

 

HOPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY – FOOD ADVENTURE at COMPANY 7 BBQ with HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY.
Vandalia’s brewery the Hairless Hare knocked it out of the park with some delicious pairings to BBQ at Company 7 in Englewood.  There was brisket, pulled pork and desserts.  This HUGE Food Adventure saw 60 foodies attend.  All 7 BBQ sauces were out and flowing and we even ordered some appetizers of onion rings that were terrific. The people who own the Hairless Hare and Company 7 BBQ are class acts, and the kind of local business owners that make Daytonians proud.

 

JENNIFER SCHMIDT MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT:
For 3 years we helped man the grill at sold burgers and hot dogs at the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament.  Our Food Adventure Crew would fire up the grill at 10am and the hungry tennis fans and players would come running.  The event was held at Cloud Park in Huber Heights and was hosted by Carroll High School’s tennis team.  The tournament was in memory of Jennifer Schmidt, a former Carroll Graduate and Tennis Player in the mid 1980’s.  Sadly, after going to college, she was feared abducted and went missing on the campus of Purdue University her Freshman year.  The case was never solved, and no trace of her was found.  Each year the high school would help raise funds for the girls tennis team. Each year they paid tribute to her family and honored her name.  We gladly helped this worthy cause.

 

HORROR HOUND CONVENTION IN CINCINNATI:
This convention allowed us to meet 80’s actors, Walking Dead stars, and even 80’s rocker Dee Snider.  We had lunch with former Bengals star Domato Peko, sharing some LaRosa’s Pizza. We had a Zombie Dog with a Reservoir Dog Michael Madsen. We gave French Bread and “Peru” to Better Off Dead Actress Diane Franklin. We met so many other obscure celebs with horror movie roles.  This was one hell of an all day Food Adventure.  We got to bring Candyman start Tony Todd some Esther Price too.

 

IPA HOLI-DAZE at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
We got 8 local breweries to come to Stone House Tavern for an IPA showcase.  Dan Apolito helped organize the beer tasting and had appetizers available as well.  To see the owners and head brew masters of the regions greatest beer companies, all in one place was epic.  It was like being at the Mount Rushmore of Dayton beer history.  Stone House Tavern is in Waynesville and the bar and patio are perfect spots to enjoy their great beer and menu selection.

 

DAYTON’S ITALIAN FALL FESTA :

We first started working the kids area in 2008 at Italian Fest.  Then in 2009 we got traded to the beer truck at the festa.  Our volunteering has seen us grilling and serving wine, serving bottle water and soft drinks, and now we are back again at the beer truck where we belong, under the guidance of Kevin Sorice.  One of our favorite moments is Saturdays stuffed shell dinner, and smoking stogeys Sunday watching the Bengals play by the beer booth.  Big Ragu also makes cavatelli, tiramisu, and cannoli excursions.

 

 

ITALIAN BOOTH at WORLD A’FAIR:
At the World A Fair, We have been tossed around from the pizza maker station, to the pizza baker station.  We have grilled sausages, and served meatball subs. Working in the booth was blast for a few years and we hope to again work the booth if the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall get involved again.  The best part of the weekend is when our shift at the Italian booth is over and we get to scour the other booths for worldly food … Greek Gyros, Bavarian CreamPuffs, Empanadas, Cannoli and Egg Rolls .. YES!

 

JACKIE’s KITCHEN – HOMEMADE :
Our Food Adventure Crew member Jackie is also known as Hungry Jax, because she is usually pretty hungry.  Her upbringing in an Italian family in Utica, NY meant a lot of time in the kitchen.  She also has volunteered at Dorothy Lane Market’s cooking school for years.  Her homelife is full of cooking as well.  She tests recipes in her kitchen using her hubs and 2 kiddos as taste testers.  The result is her passing down the traditions to the next generation of foodies in her family.  From Chicken Riggies to Tomato Pie, from Turkey to side item comfort food that is off the hook, Jackie loves to entertain and is great at it .  We often share these kitchen posts and recipes on Food Adventures.

 

JESSIE’S KITCHEN:
The healthy influence in our blog comes from our in-house wellness coach Jessie Whitesell.  She is our Whole 30 guru who has her own company for life and nutrition planning.  She has helped dozens of people utilize foods to help improve their lives.  Her expertise in juicing and recognizing the power or performance in foods for athletics are helpful.  She also informs people with certain ailments, how to incorporate natural foods to help combat the illness.  Her kitchen can be found full of wholesome, natural and organic foods.  She has kids active in sports and a husband at home, so many of her nutritional tips for busy families on the go are priceless. Stay tuned as we will feature Jessie’s recipes, food photos, and whole 30 seminars.  Jessie’s ‘Health and Wellness” business page is HERE.

 

GUEST JUDGES AT DAYTON’s CHEF SHOWDOWN:

How about this Food Adventure? We get to judge the best food creations is a “chopped” inspired showdown from Dayton’s best chefs.  What a gig!  The best of the best in the area , battling it out with limited ingredients to come up with their tastiest appetizer offering.  Planned 2Give, is responsible for this event at the Convention Center in the middle of the Dayton Home and Garden Show.  It is an incredible honor to be affiliated with this contest for the last few years.

 

LIST OF TOP DAYTON FOODS:
Most recently we brought you a list IN ORDER of the Top 35 Burgers of Dayton and The Best 30 Soups of Dayton.  No one comes close to compiling a more comprehensive list than us .  We also have the guts to rank them in order and not just a list.  Having no agenda, or ties to groups makes us special in that category.  Like Howard Cosell, we tell it like it is.  We also had the top 30 foods of Dayton, you gotta try before you die.

 

WHO’D YOU RATHER?
Over the years we faced off  restaurants with the moniker “Who’d you rather get it on with?” Who could forget these classic showdowns?  Chains or not, we have not rules,  we eat it all.
Frickers vs Roosters,

Five Guys vs Smashburger
El Rancho Grande vs El Toro
Chipotle vs Qdoba,
Cracker Barrel vs Bob Evans

 

THE THRILLA IN WAYNESVILLA at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
One of our craziest and most fun event was the showdown between Rivertown Brewery of Cincinnati and Mount Carmel Brewery in Cincinnati.  The Food Adventure was setup like a boxing match with 5 rounds beer vs beer and the voting came to a squeaked out decision for Rivertown.  The highlight of the event was the owner of Rivertown Brewery, Jason Roeper, standing on the bar at Stone House Tavern giving a heartfelt plea on why his beers should win the contest.

 

DAYTON TRIVIA AND FORGOTTEN RESTAURANTS:
Who could forget our articles on Dayton Food Trivia ?  What about the Forgotten Restaurants of Dayton?  We lead the way with the most comprehensive breakdown of these topics.

 

THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY DINNER at NORTH CHINA:
Twice we hosted 10 course Chinese new year’s dinners at North China.  From pot stickers and egg rolls, to mu shu pork and 7 other menu items, this was a feast for the ages.  The service is always impeccable.  The food is served hot every time.  This is one of our favorite foodie dinners that we host.

 

 

 

JIMMIES LADDER 11 “JIMMIES IN JULY MARDI GRAS DINNER”:
A foodie paradise from gumbo to cajun specialties.  The decor was amazing and Jimmies Ladder 11 went all out on the party room.  The dinner was served in courses and the pastino chips were incredible too.  it was a hot time in the old firehouse.  Each course was paired with a beer from Abita Brewing company out of New Orleans.  Jimmy, Sue and the whole staff really went above and beyond.

 

CRAWFISH BOIL at STONE HOUSE TAVERN and ARCHER’S:

During Mardi Gras depending on the year, Archers or Stone House Tavern will host a crawfish boil.  Some years they had gumbo, crawfish etoufee and Jambalaya.  You never know what to expect, but the crawfish is usually boiled then laid on the table with onions, cajun spices, potatoes and sausage.  Attendees go nuts for this stuff!

 

 

JIMMIES ITALIAN KITCHEN FOOD ADVENTURE:
This dinner featured a 4 course menu highlighting a Pasta trio entrée, their homemade chicken rice soup, and fresh pizzas.  The event finale was homemade bakalava.  Owner Mo shared the story of his experience at the restaurant and the crowd cheered a great meal.  Maria and the staff led an impeccable service.  Everyone left stuffed!

 

GUEST PIZZA MAKERS at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY PIZZA:
Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizzeria was one of our faves.  It is now called Kings NY Pizzeria.  We had the fun opportunity of selling extra large 1 topping pizzas for $10.  It was amazing.  The response was incredible and we served dozens of friends!  Lots of photos, smiles and pizzas to go were served.  We even served pies to people who ate in the dining room.  One time Big Ragu dressed up in a huge mascot head and held up signs outside to draw in business.  The 2 times we did this was a riot.  We miss Johnny and Michelle at the store, but live visiting Kings when we can !  Big Ragu says their Sicilian is a secret menu item that you have to try !

 

KIDS MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA at PISANELLO’S PIZZERIA:
Our first kids related Food Adventure.  This was incredible since the kids made their own pizzas and got to see them baked.  When served they were treated to an incredible show of a local pizza dough tosses who did tricks.  It was amazing to see him juggle various doughs and his special moves.  Kids got door prizes for trivia questions and the pizzeria in Franklin was so generous to us.  We are lifelong fans of this place, check it out.

 

 

LITTLE SAIGON FOOD ADVENTURE and STORY of SURVIVAL:
This was an amazing dinner and amazing story of how a family escaped to America from Vietnam.  After the war, many South Vietnamese found themselves persecuted. The owners of this restaurant waited 2 years to sneak away in the middle of the night on a boat set adrift in the ocean with 40 others.  Some died on the way after 14 days with no food and water.  Finally the landed in Guam and were able to get to the USA in the mid 70’s.  Today they run the restaurant and have a happy existence.  The food is incredible and we are lucky to have this courageous family in our city.

 

MUNCH MADNESS at VINNYS:
Every year during the University of Dayton mens basketball season, Vinny features a buffet he calls the “indoor tailgate party.”  He does this every home game.  People show up and eat, then go to the game.  We love these days and have had times where his food on the buffet were incredible creations like sloppy joes, rib tips, pork chops, fish, and his staples of sausages and chicken wings always remain.  If you want a special tailgate party, hit them up during basketball season.  This place has great food and is a little known gem.

 

 

THE MOOSE and THE GOOSE at BULLWINKLES:
An incredible 5 course meal featuring pairings with Goose Island brewery.  Highlights were the ribs and the end of the night chef John Sizemore made bananas foster by hand for everyone.  It was delicious!  The upstairs party room and the service were exceptional.  We came hungry and left stuffed like the moose by the bar .  Hats off to John Forman and his staff.

 

NEW BEERS RESOLUTION or NEW BEERS EVE at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:

Another beer event at Stone House Tavern featuring 8 local brewing companies.  Each were showcasing a “new beer.”  an exciting chance for brewers to mingle with the locals and get feedback and also fill them in on philosophy etc, of their brewery.

 

WINE and SWINE PIG ROAST & LIVE MUSIC at KENNEDY VINEYARD:
Acoustic music on the patio, and wine slushies inside.  We enjoyed Big Rack Beers and Kennedy Vineyard wines.   The winery is now sadly closed.  We miss the wines and beer, but most of all we miss the friendly family that ran the Vineyard.  They are great people who had to deal with a crippling fire and a former business associate.  We wish them well in the future.

 

MAMMA DISALVO’S MEATBALL EATING CONTEST:
We were lucky enough to be guest judges at this hilarious contest.  With no hands, contestants have a limited time to finish the wonderful meatballs from Mamma Disalvos Restaurant.  Thank you to Lisa Grigsby  of Dayton Dining and Dayton Most Metro for the invite.

 

MARCH OF DIMES WALK FOR BABIES:
The late, great Bob Medlin took this event and made huge birthday cakes for the crowds.  We will never forget his warmth or the special people in our lives we met those days.

 

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE MORAINE and the CENTERVILLE ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFASTS:
Whether at Longhorn Steak House in Moraine or the Centerville High School, we have supported the pancake breakfasts for charity almost every time. The generosity of the people who hold these events , never cease to amaze us.

 

MIKESELLS POTATO CHIP PLANT TOUR:
Incredible access to the hometown chip company.  We loved every second and love being used as taste test dummies for new flavors.  We support this company and it is still family owned to this day.  It is fascinating to see the process from potato to packaging.  Please remember to support this local company by always having their snacks at your parties.

 

NELLYS FOOD ADVENTURE “TOUR OF BOLIVIA:”
Literally the best chicken we have ever tasted in our lives is here.  If you have not been, you are missing rotisserie chicken cooked over hot charcoal coals.  The flavor and freshness is unparalleled.  From salads to flan and chicken wings the sausage on toast and beef entrees were hits too.  So much food, so little time …

NIGHT MARKET:
The party at the old Yellow Cab building each month celebrates food and craft vendors. food trucks and local goods.  We love filling up on Dayton made stuff. Oh yea, there is beer here too !

NITE AT THE RACES:
The Rent Foundation of the Greater Dayton Apartment Association has been running this charity night for 11 years.  Food Adventures has supported them every step of the way.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY and OTHER FISH FRYS:
Every year we go to about 15 – 20 local fish frys during the Lenten season.  It is a yearly quest to visit new and revisit old fish frys.  The result is us being in a Friday and Saturday deep-fried coma until Easter.

 

FLEURS DE FETE at CARILLON PARK:
It was a chance for us to get lost in a thousand wines and end up in a beer garten at the end.  Various restaurants passed out appetizers and one guest passed our near the port a lets.  So you could say it was a successful festival.

 

GRAND OPENING OF GODFATHERS PIZZA with THE GODFATHER:
We met the godfather from Godfathers Pizza.  He wanted us to come out for the opening of the Miamisburg store and ribbon cutting ceremony.  He made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.  The mayor of Miamisburg was there too.  We all at pizza and talked a little business.  He signed some autographs and before we knew it he was on his way.  If you want the Godfather Pizza you knew in the 1970’s,  Go to Miamisburg and order the “SUPER COMBO DELUXE.” This loads the pizza up like they did back in the day and it is the ONLY way to order your pie and get that old-time taste.

 

TASTE OF OREGON DISTRICT:

When Hungry Jax and her pal Katie Gast, Oregon District guru, took a spin at the Taste of Oregon District, forks were flying. The best food of the event was a waffle cone filled with chicken tenders from Lily’s Bistro. 

 

RECIPES FOR FOREMOST SEAFOOD:
Big Ragu was honored to write recipes for Foremost Seafood’s newsletter  for a year.  It was an amazing experience using the best and freshest seafood in Dayton to make dishes to his heart’s content.  The company and the family are class acts.  Recipes featured were from swordfish to deep-fried cod, and garlic mussels, scallops, clams and perch were featured as well, depending on the special of the month.  If you have not visited this store off of Woodman Dr, you are missing Dayton’s #1 seafood secret.

 

THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:
This is Miamisburg’s festival where Food Adventures crew is deeply involved.  From food and craft vendors to planning meetings for months, we even help set up the band lineup!  The finale of the fest is the Elvis tribute band the Comeback Special featuring Ryan Roth.  Don’t forget the dozen food trucks, and Hamburger Wagon burger eating contest !  Also the Food Adventures Crew hosts the Green Tomato Pie baking contest and judges the winners.  From fried green tomatoes, to burgers with green tomatoes, this   a blast from the hula hoop contest to the rock n roll and bouncy houses.  Did we mention a $250 Cornhole Tournament ??????

 

 

FAREWELL PIZZA PARTY at ROCKY’S PIZZA RING:
All good things must come to an end.  When we heard Rocky’s Pizza Ring was closing we decided to have one more pizza bash Food Adventure at the site, before they closed.  It was an evening of story telling and great pizza.  Lots of trivia and memories were shared that night.  We miss it very much.

 

 

GORDON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:
In the past we have sponsored holes and attended this fantastic outing that celebrates the life of a man who struggled with Multiple Sclerosis.  His daughter Nicole puts on the event that finishes with a steak dinner at Soft Rock Cafe.

SUZY PENDER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:
We have sponsored a hole at this outing in memory of our friend who passed in 2001.  Good times and a great dinner afterwards at Jamaica Run Golf Club catered by Scratch Foods.

 

SHAKIN FLAVOR:
Shaking up fries with new flavor packets and chicken nuggets too!  This was a promotion by McDonald’s that the kids absolutely loved.  We took surveys, talked to foodies and passed out McDonald’s Bling. We ate more fries and chicken nuggets than man mountain Dean.  From BBQ to Parm flavor, the event was a blast.

 

DUNKIN DONUTS PROMOS:

We have been asked a couple of times to events at new Dunkin Donut stores. Jackie is familiar with their coffee back from her days in New York, so she is in tune with this one.  From their new fountain coffee machines to the mobile order drive thru, they’re hitting the digital age and going for a quick convenient cup of coffee in the morning.

 

SNOWHILL GOLF COURSE HAUNTED DINNER:
Our first haunted experience was this dinner in Wilmington Ohio.We had some great food and great creepy scares when they played sound bites of ghosts talking.  The decor and tone was scary and if you have the guts to spend the night in one of a few rooms you can.

 

“THIRD SHIFT” INTRODUCTION EVENT:
This event showcased the intro of  new beer by Coors.  This was their attempt at  craft beer.  It was delicious and the party was held at Webster street markets party area.  Foods were served using the beer in the recipe. Epic food Adventure and all the “Third Shift” beer you wanted.

 

COOKING CLASSES at THE SPICY OLIVE:
This is one of our favorite Food Adventures.  We come to the Spicy Olive in Austin Landing or West Chester and cook using balsamics and flavor infused olive oils.  The results are amazing.  Fresh olive oils make all the difference. Please visit this locally owned gem.

 

STANDING ROOM ONLY at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
We packed as many brewery owners and appetizers into the bar area at Stone House Tavern in Waynesville.  Each owner talked about how they were started in the business, and what their philosophy is on brewing.  Attendees got to rub elbows with the areas finest and ask them questions, give feedback and learn about the process.  Appetizers were delicious and served hot from the staff at Stone House Tavern.

 

SUBMARINE HOUSE’s SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK CHALLENGE:

This one is twofold.  Food Adventures hosts a pre-qualifying event where a dozen local celebs try to get on the leadership board.  Local celebs with the biggest appetites in town battle it out in April.  Then in June the championships for the contest happen. Each store champion faces off with each other in a bid to see who can eat 16 inches of heaven the quickest.  The Super Duper Cheesesteak sub is 3 times the meat and 3 times the cheese with the works toppings… we are grateful to be annual judges for the event!

 

SWEET TREATS FESTIVAL:
A festival where the local chocolatiers. confectioners, bakers, cupcake makers and more joined up for a day and featured samples of their best stuff.  To see all of these vendors and their good put Willy Wonkas factory to shame.  We hope to see this one back soon!

 

ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ADVENTURE at the SUSHI CLUB (now closed):
We loved the now closed “Sushi Club” in West Carrollton. It was a made to order, all you could eat buffet of sushi. The result was a frenzy of sashimi, nigiri and all the rolls you wanted.  We never understood the lack of customers, because the food was so good.  Our Food Adventure event here was a great success with about 50 hungry foodies getting their fill of sushi!  It was amazing to see the plates of hundreds of pieces of sushi rolls come out to the tables.  We miss this place dearly.

 

BUCK WILD BRUNCH at BUCKIN DONKEY:
This is our latest Food Adventure and will take place SATURDAY MAY 18th, 11am at the BUCKIN DONKEY in Moraine. It will feature 4 of the wackiest food creations we have ever showcased. The fun will also involve a mimosa and bloody mary bar.  Please join us .  Tickets are pre-pay only and are available online only by clicking HERE for more info.

 

 

There you have it – 11 years worth of Food Adventure events, stuffed into a weekly article.  We can’t begin to scratch the surface of the all of the fun, door prizes, charity money, Dinners, lunches and friendships gained.  We also have been to tastes of various city events, Urban nights, the Dayton musical festival.  So many Food Adventures and so many more to come!

We are so grateful for the participation of literally thousands of people at our events.  Thank you Dayton. There will always be a plate at our dinner table for each and every one of you.

Feel free to browse the photos below of Food Adventures past !