Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

The Dublin Pub

Guest Post: Where To Eat in Dayton

By

Where to eat in Dayton Ohio for attorneys and legal professionals

At the Mike Mobley Reporting office in Dayton, if we have not started talking about “What’s for lunch?” by 9:30 am, the flu is probably about to hit our office. We love court reporting but we love food as much. We love it when we have clients visit the office for depositions from out of town and want a suggestion on where to eat in Dayton. There are so many little treasures we have all over our fine city. Here are a few suggestions we give people on a regular basis. If you are visiting Dayton, give one of them a try.

Quick Lunches in Dayton:

Flying Pizza – New York Style pizza by the slice. You can go traditional thin crust, Sicilian thick crust or my favorite, one of each. We’ve had a number of New Yorkers come back to the office after lunch and say they felt like they were home at Flying Pizza.

Skyline Chili – Stole this one from the “Where to Eat in Cincinnati” article but even though Skyline is Cincinnati chili, Daytonian’s still love it. Here is what our legal videographer Steve had to say about Skyline – Love it or hate it, “Cincinnati style” chili is the most well-known regional dish we have to offer. This polarizing style of chili features a meat sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa laid over either a bed of spaghetti or hotdog and covered with mounds of shredded cheese. More than anything else on this list, this is a risky recommendation as many who try out our special brand of chili leave either loving or despising it.

El Meson Food Truck – If you are in Dayton and lucky enough to have the El Meson Food Truck any place close to where you are taking depositions, you have to give it a shot. Their grouper soft tacos or chorizo burritos are amazing. They have some wonderful South American desserts to follow. If you are spending the night or week in Dayton for depositions, El Meson’s original restaurant is an amazing to place to have a longer lunch or dinner.

Longer Lunches or Dinner in Dayton:

The Dublin Pub – Always a favorite at Mike Mobley Reporting, The Dublin Pub is an Irish Pub that has great drink options but even better food options. They have great appetizers like the Emerald Ale Dip to the Barney Stones or just a pint of Guinness. One of my favorite sandwiches is the Ruck (smoked beef brisket, Guinness BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese on a pretzel roll) and they have the best Fish and Chips and/or Shrimp and Chips in town. You can’t go wrong with the Hell’s Belle’s Pasta or Bully Prime Shot either.  Enjoy!!

Franco’s – Another gem of the Gem City is Franco’s Ristorante Italiano. Everyone at Mike Mobley Reporting loves Italian food and Franco’s never disappoints. From the Alla Panna Gorgonzola to the Lasagna to the Scalloppini Entrée, the food is magnificent.

Mama DiSalvo’s – Like I said, we love our Italian food at Mike Mobley Reporting. Mama DiSalvo’s is about 10 minutes south of downtown Dayton but the food is out of this world. The homemade pastas, meatballs and sausages make my mouth water just thinking about it. The sauce is homemade by Mama and even sold in most of our grocery stores. I love the homemade gnocchi and the lasagna. The smells from the angel hair con scallops will make you feel like you are in Italy.

Dinner Only in Dayton:

Pine Club – A few minutes from downtown and basically on the campus of the University of Dayton, the Pine Club has the best steaks in town. They’ve won all kinds of national awards but it is as hometown as it gets. The Pine Club is another Dayton diamond that will make you feel like you just ate at one of the nicest restaurants in the country. If you’re going all out have the broiled lobster tail appetizer and one the classic steaks so you get the best of both worlds.

El Meson – See the Quick Lunches section above

Thai Nine – Thai Nine is located just outside of downtown in the historical Oregon District. The Oregon District is home of two earlier mentioned favorites The Dublin Pub and Franco’s. Thai Nine specializes in upscale Thai dishes and has wonderful sushi. If you like Thai food and like to pick your heat, don’t miss this one!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd Mobley is the president, accountant, and videographer for Mike Mobley Reporting. He has served on numerous committees of national and Ohio court reporting industry associations. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Oregon District Now Has More Brunch Options

By

Brunch at The Trolley Stop

Starting this Sunday, April 23rd The Trolley Stop, located at 530 E 5th St,  will open their doors on Sunday for  brunch (menu shown right)  from 11am -2pm, then remain open the rest of the day with their regular menu.

This is awesome news for those that have enjoyed their Saturday brunches, but now you have one more day to enjoy their patio oasis and enjoy a leisurely meal.  Of course you’ll want to indulge in the make your own bloody mary or mimosa bar, where you can create your own special concoction for just $7.

.  

 

 

 

 

The Trolly Stop is proud to serve farm fresh eggs, sausage and pork from KJB Farms in Tipp City as well as locally grown vegetables from Fulton Farms and Patchwork Gardens.  Their menu offers options for vegetarians and vegan guests.

Did you know you can rent out the small house out back for small private parties? There are 3 small rooms, a restroom, and a bar, and it seats 20-25.

Trivia Fact:  The  building was constructed in 1839 and is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Dayton.

Salar Brings Back Brunch

We’ve missed brunch at Salar, but now it’s back every Sunday from 11am -2 pm!  Reservations are suggested for this eatery located at 400 East 5th Street and can be made at (937) 203–3999 or book online with OpenTable.

Chef Margot Blondet serves up a menu bursting with the rich flavors and passion of her native Peru.  Here’s a peak at the brunch menu:

 
Other great options for brunch in the District include:

 The Dublin Pub

The Carvery & Buffet brunch served from 11am – 3pm and  includes Farm Fresh Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Home Fries, Fresh Fruit, Biscuits, House Made Sausage Gravy, Made To Order Omelettes, Carving Station With Assorted Entrees, Salads, Side Items And Desserts.$17.95,  $ 7.99 for kids 12 and under kids under 5 free

Blind Bob’s

Serving up great breakfast sammie’s, tropical oatmeal, orange french toast, and Bob’s Benedicts Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm  Brunch entrees run $6-9 and can be complimented with a Bloody Mary or Bloody Maria.  Outdoor dining is available on the patio at 430 E 5th St.

Lily’s Bistro 

Known for their New Orleans inspired Beignets, breakfast burritos, waffles, disco fries or  their Hangover Cure- a big bowl of potatoes, scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, and mushroom gravy served with toast, you can enjoy brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm.  Entrees range from $10 -13 and Lily’s is located at 329 E 5th St and their are 3 outdoor patios to enjoy dining al fresco.

 

Whose Reuben Rules?

By

A year ago I would have told you that I don’t even like Reubens or Melts at all. Generally I do not like rye bread. I have never ordered corned-beef on purpose and swiss cheese ranks nearly last on my list of preferred cheeses. However, a year ago, without reason I ordered the Reuben over lunch. It wasn’t bad. Since that day I’ve been searching for Dayton’s best!

During this time I’ve come to love this sandwich and this is where you can find the best of the best. 

The Reuben is a melt by definition and a modern deli staple. Having worked in a deli in college I was no stranger to the sandwich but it seemed to be stacked against my preferred taste. The Rye, Russian/Thousand Island dressing, corned beef and kraut all work together, each ingredient made better as part of the whole.

Before I give you my list, let me tell you where not to stop.  Stay clear of the chain delis. I have been to both Schlotsky’s and Subway as a point of comparison. There are too many great restaurants in Dayton creating these works of art from scratch to settle for a $4.99 fast food version. Do yourself a favor and hit one of these spots I’ve visited for you.

6)  Archer’s Tavern in Kettering and Centerville does it all. I love their wings, my kids love the burgers, but their Reuben deserves some consideration. Nicely sliced corned beef, generous sauerkraut and lots of cheese made theirs a real contender. Their sauce wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was grilled perfectly making the sliced Rye a bit crunchy the way I like. Get the fries. They are double fried, fresh cut, a nice addition to this sandwich. The grilled Reuben and fries are just a bit over $8.00.

5) The most expensive on my list and with the best dressing is Christopher’s in Kettering. Christopher’s is often overlooked on Dayton food lists and their Reuben stands out like the restaurant itself. They start with great Rye bread toasted perfectly, with a homemade dressing and plenty of kraut atop of the sliced corned beef. I asked for extra dressing for my chips and that was no mistake. Go ahead and get the half sandwich. The full size was 3 napkins big and I needed a nap back at work 2 hours later. The half sandwich is plenty and easier on the wallet. The half is $5.95, whole sandwich is $9.95 and stick with chips and extra dressing for dipping. 

4) Zinks Meats and Fine Wine in Centerville makes their own Corned Beef and slices it in house. They cook the sliced beef and cheese on the flattop before assembling the sandwich. A thick toasted marble rye held the 1/3 pound of beef and supported the saurekraut well. No complaints. Zinks had the right amount of dressing and the cheese melted a got that nice cheese crust on the edges, giving the sandwich additional texture. The meat didn’t fall apart and came with full flavor and chew. With chips and pickle, you are in for $8.99. Knowing that beef and dressing is made in house, makes it worth the price. 

3) The Dublin Pub. The Irish know corned beef and Dub Pub delivers a couple of versions of the Reuben. I stick with the original with extra dressing for my fries. The Dub Pub has more of a shaved slice to their beef which ensures every bite is easy and tender. The Pub offers an Uptown version of their Reuben that adds cole slaw and pastrami to an already hearty sandwich. At 8.99 with fries, this Reuben is a great lunch, grab a Guinness while you are there, call the boss, you’re gonna be late getting back to the office.

2) FlyBoy’s Deli. Contrary to popular belief, the Reuben is not a New York Deli original. Folklore suggests that the Reuben originated in Kansas City. FlyBoy’s doesn’t care about folklore and makes a sandwich tough enough for NYC. The Rye bread holds up after being buttered and crisped in a Panini press. The Corned Beef is tasty and tender like you’d expect from a big city deli. It’s a big sandwich and worth every penny. $7.99 and I would recommend the New York potato salad as a side. 

1) DiSalvo’s Deli. Ronnie Disalvo is doing something right. I’ve had the Reuben two ways and both were tops. Order it with Pastrami or Corned Beef. Get there early for lunch, the corned beef goes fast. Secret to their success? It’s the butter and grill press they used to really get a great crust on the bread while melting the swiss to perfection. The corned beef is prepared in house and the Rye is the best in town. Grab the Reuben, a deli side and a Coke and you are out the door for $10.00. 

Where am I headed next for a Reuben? Great question. Two stops are in my near future. Tanks on Wayne, famous for breakfast, chili and burgers is rumored to have a Reuben worth writing about. Corner Kitchen has also rolled out a Reuben that has a spicy slaw in place of Kraut and a fried egg. That is moving the Reuben to another level.

You’ve seen my list, now you tell us Dayton, where do you go for the perfect Reuben?

The Dublin Pub Celebrates 15th Anniversary

By Leave a Comment

dubpublogo-smallWednesday is a day for celebrating! We are celebrating 15 years at the Dublin Pub!! In honor of being open for 15 years we are going to feature a couple of throwback menu items such as Prime Rib and Guinness BBQ Ribs! We will also have throwback prices which means perfect pints for $3.50!!!!! See you Wednesday friends! Thanks for a great 15 years! Sláinte

Dublin Pub to Host Glenlevit Scotch Tasting

By Leave a Comment

The Dublin Pub will be hosting a Scotch Tasting with special guest, Chris Williamson, from the Chivas Brothers Distillery on Tues, Dec 4th starting at 6:30pm.  Chris was awarded the Chivas Masters award by Pernod Ricard, which is a highly sought after qualification recognized worldwide and only select individuals are able to achieve this accolade each year.

Additionally, this is the coming out party, and homecoming, for our new Head Chef, Tony Balsamo. Chef Tony, you may remember, was the original Head Chef of The Dublin Pub from opening night in 1998. He left in 2005, and went out to grow his expertise and management styles (just as the pub has done) during the past 7 years, and now the two have matured perfectly like a great Scotch, are back together destined for greatness. Chef Tony has prepared an excellent array of appetizers to compliment the seven scotches we will be tasting.

 

The 7 Scotches: Glenlivet Single Malt 12, Glenlivet 18, Glenlivet 21, Glenlivet french Oak 15, Glenlivet Nadurra 16, Chivas, and Chivas Regal 18

Food: Scotch Egg (Hard boiled egg wrapped in seasoned sausage, breaded & fried), Smoked Salmon Twist wrapped in puff pastry and creme fresh, a traditional meat pie, and a Scottish shortbread dipped in dark chocolate to end the day.

Cost: $40, and tickets are on sale now at Dublin Pub, located on the corner of Wayne and Fifth Avenues in the Oregon District.  Expect door prizes and giveaways as well.

 

Festival Recap: Food Survivial at Dayton Revival

By Leave a Comment

“Jerk Chicken Wrap” from Caribbacanas

Did you get a chance to sample some of the “street eats” at The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival?   The Big Ragu did !  In between our favorite musical acts, he experienced a truly unique Downtown Food Adventure.

It is so great not to have to deal with anyone in weird festival mode anymore, or a “sudden health kick for a night.”  You know the ones, who then they eat biscuits and gravy the next day after hiking in Kentucky.  Just eat the festival food and quit trying to impress your girlfriend.

The bash was hosted around 3 separate concert stages with indie bands, Ohio bands and some national feature acts.  Were you  listening to John Legend and enjoying legendary sandwiches? How about listening to Train while eating plantain?  Whatever the case, good food was available throughout the event in a 3 block area.  Some vendors were local, others were in from as far away as Miami, Florida.  The two day festival gave Daytonians plenty of time to sample vendor food in iconic places such as Cooper Park and in front of Memorial Hall.

 

Fried Pickles from The Dublin Pub

There were food trucks, grill setups and deep fryers a plenty! The aroma of freshly prepared specialties filled the air at the Dayton Revival.  Food vendors included local favorites like  Bessie’s Noodles, The Dublin Pub, Ritter’s Frozen Custard,  and Smokin’ Bar-B-Que.  Other Dayton based vendors we love included Red Wagon Cafe, Brock Masterson’s Catering and Frickers.

The Big Ragu also sampled food from places we were not so familiar with such as Caribbacanas, The Burrito Bus, D-Fish D-Chicken, Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe, Los Tucanes, Ma & Pa’s Kettle Corn, G’s Barbeque and Enrique’s Place Latin Grill.

Pork Sandwich from Bourboun Street Grill and Cafe

Take some time to browse through the incredible photos in the album below to get a taste of what was available for consumption.  From Gyros to fried fish, from beers to jerk chicken wings, we tried almost all of the offerings.  We covered the eats from fried pickles to kettle corn.  On this Food Adventure we learned this: nothing is better than good music, good food, with good friends in a great hometown.  What more could you ask for?

Did you get a chance to sample some of the foodstuffs at the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival ?  If so, what did you think?  Please comment below!

Do you REALLY want to like Food Adventures? Then hit us up on FACEBOOK by clicking here and “liking” our page !

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/DaytonRevival/]

Austin Landing Lands 3 Independent Restaurants

By Leave a Comment

Tom Sand and Chef Anne Kearney

Successful Washington Township restaurant Rue Dumaine will be moving  to the new Austin Landing, where it will share a kitchen with a second more casual concept , Alligator Annie’s,  in a 10,600 square-foot building.  Thomas Sand Jr. and Chef Anne Kearney, founder and chef/co-founder of Rue Dumaine, hope to use their location at Austin Landing as a way build on their passion for food and a good experience.

“When you walk out of our restaurants at Austin Landing, I want you to say you had an experience,” Sand said. “We try to create a place where you can go and be treated the way you want to be treated, experience good food and good service, refresh and rejuvenate yourself and let the worries of the day disappear.”

Rue Dumaine will continue serving the American bistro fare inspired by French cuisine for which it has become known, while

Alligator Annie's

Alligator Annie’s will take the form of a casual Southern-style social club and will offer lunch and dinner service 7 days a week.

Since their departure from New Orleans, Sand and Kearney said they have enjoyed becoming part of the Dayton community and sharing a bit of themselves with anyone looking for a good meal. They said they look at the choice to open at Austin Landing as a decision to put down roots in a community setting in which everyone is there to benefit each other.

“We are making a commitment to this village, city, state and region we call home.” Sand said. “This venue will allow us to showcase the partnerships we have formed with our nearly 100 vendors, local farmers and artisans and provide our present and future clientele with more food options. We look forward to exploring all the possibilities.”

And in a long talked about expansion, The Dublin Pub will be opening a 6000 square foot second location.  “Since the day we opened up, we’ve always had a focus on expansion and growth,” Tieber said. “We know that a lot of restaurants make mistakes with expansions, but we’re doing this right. We knew with Austin Landing coming, it would be a perfect fit for a pub location.”

Tieber said The Dublin Pub would be partnering with other local restaurateurs Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp of Archer’s Tavern with the intention to create their flagship Irish Pub with hopes of a multi-pub chain expansion. “Dan and Mike have over 40 years of corporate restaurant experience between them.  We knew combining our talents and over 60 years of experience would make the transition and growth to a second location successful,” Tieber said.

He said the newest location of The Dublin Pub would have the same beloved recipes and provide the same atmosphere and live music as the original Downtown Dayton location, making it a great fit for the Austin Landing development.  “We’re blessed with being a restaurant that caterers to a lot of different crowds,” Tieber said. “We are one of the few restaurant concepts that can transition well from being a perfect location for lunch for the business crowd and dinners during the week to becoming more of a bar atmosphere on the weekend.”

Randy Gunlock, president of RG Properties, the commercial real estate firm developing Austin Landing, said it is fitting that the first restaurants to open at Austin Landing will be independents.  “Rue Dumaine and The Dublin Pub have garnered excellent reputations throughout the community, and Alligator Annie’s is poised to follow suit, making all three restaurants a perfect fit with Austin Landing,” Gunlock said. “We all want a unique experience when we go out, and Austin Landing will be the place where people will come to enjoy that experience. “

Work is set to begin this year on construction of the restaurants, and RG is looking toward a spring of 2013 opening date for each.  Gunlock said RG Properties is active in conversations with a number of other restaurants, working to bring the best mix to the Austin Landing development. He said the company is targeting small and large chains as well as independents and hopes to settle on between four and five full-service restaurants and four and five fast-casual restaurants.

 

 

Jane’s Best Bets (3/16 – 3/20)

By Leave a Comment

Hopefully you remembered to change your clocks/watches this past Sunday.  Or, you can be like me and not have to change your watch since you didn’t change it back in October for the last daylight’s saving’s time.  As we spring forward, here are some upcoming events to check out!

On Wednesday, begin the St. Patty’s festivities a little early by attending the Irish Beer Tasting at Heathers Coffee & Café.  Or, find out how to make it A Gluten-Free St. Patrick’s Day at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking.  Thinking about starting your own business?  Head to The Entrepreneurs Center for their New Business Information Session, which is a FREE practical seminar to help answer your questions about starting, buying, or expanding a small business.  At Sinclair, attend The 5 Things You Need to Know About Excel.  Even though I’m an Excel nerd, there are still so many things I have yet to discover about it!  Over at The Neon, attend the Free Screening of RIZE, a movie about “krump” dance.  Or, if you like inside information, head to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret.

On St. Patty’s Day, start your day off before work at The Dublin Pub for The Official St Patrick’s Day Itinerary.  Or, head to one of the Irish bars in the area, such as Flanagan’s Pub, Harrigan’s Tavern, or Harrigan’s Tavern – South for their super fun St. Patty’s Day Celebrations!  Over at Spinoza’s, attend the Drinkin’ of the Irish Beer and eatin’ of the Corned Beef & Cabbage…Pizza.  For those of you who like scary movies, attend the DAI Movie Night: Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.  Sorry, I’m not in that flock!  And if you are into finances (or perhaps you should be), make your way to Books & Co. as Financial Guru Suze Orman will be there!

On Friday, attend the Fling in the Springs, in which there will be several art openings, a “laughter therapist” (I’m all about it but that person probably hasn’t heard my jokes!), live music, and raffles in Yellow Springs.  If you follow the “no meat” on Fridays during Lent rule, attend the All-You-Can-Eat Fish Dinner at Romer’s Bar & Grill or the All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry at Yankee Trace Golf Club.  Remain in the Irish spirit with ‘The Celtic Tenors: Dublin to Dayton’ at the Schuster Center.  Over at the University of Dayton’s Kennedy Union Boll Theatre, attend the UD Dance Ensemble Spring Concert.  There will be more opportunities to see dance at Bellbrook High School as The Miami Valley Dance Company presents…Cinderella Ballet.  Beyonce talked about being bootylicious, but at Town Hall Theatre, you will be able to see Pinkalicious, The Musical.  And in other theater news, you will be able to see Beyond Therapy at Dayton Playhouse, Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre, or The Drowsy Chaperone at Victoria Theatre.

On Saturday, get your heart rate up by attending the ‘Spring Has Sprung’ Healthy Families 5K Run/Walk at the Greene County Combined Health District or the Harrigan’s St. Patrick’s Day 5k Charity Run.  Feeling in the mood for a little art?  Attend Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art at the Dayton Art Institute.  All you history buffs should plan to attend The War Nobody Knows, at the Dayton Metro Library’s Kettering-Moraine Branch.  Over at Bellbrook High School, attend the Spring Gala – Cinderella & Repertory Pieces.  You will be able to catch the UD Dance Ensemble Spring Concert at their Kennedy Union Boll Theatre.  Some theater options include The Drowsy Chaperone at Victoria Theatre, Pinkalicious, The Musical at Town Hall Theatre, Beyond Therapy at Dayton Playhouse, or Mid-Life, The Crisis Musicalat Beavercreek Community Theatre.  Head to Stivers School for the Arts for Rise Up & Dance, presented by Cityfolk.  Support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Miami Valley by attending the Doors of Compassion Event, where there will be amazing food prepared by the area’s most elite chefs!  And finally, enjoy live music at the Schuster Center with The Celtic Tenors: From Dublin to Dayton.

On Sunday, skip making breakfast and attend the Glen Helen Association’s 36th Annual Pancake Breakfast.  Receive a FREE Italian Ice at Rita’s to celebrate the arrival of spring!  At the Dayton Art Institute, check out their new exhibit, entitled Creating the New Century: Contemporary Art from the Dicke Collection.  Or, catch one of the many shows you missed earlier this week, including Beyond Therapy (Dayton Playhouse), The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical (Beavercreek Community Theatre).  And finally, if you enjoy a good laugh, head to Wiley’s for their Open Mic Night.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What is out on the lawn all summer and is Irish?

Paddy O’Furniture

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!