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the king

NEON Opening PUZZLE + Great NEON News!

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Hello Everyone!

We’re moving right along to wrap up one of the best summers on record at THE NEON. If you still need to see THE KING, Thursday will be your last chance to catch it with us. LEAVE NO TRACE and THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS will hold for another week, and we’ll open a new crowdpleaser – PUZZLE.

Synopsis for PUZZLE: “PUZZLE is a closely observed portrait of Agnes, who has reached her early 40s without ever venturing far from home, family or the tight-knit immigrant community in which she was raised by her widowed father. That begins to change in a quietly dramatic fashion when Agnes receives a jigsaw puzzle as a birthday gift and experiences the heady thrill of not only doing something she enjoys, but being very, very good at it. Stepping out of her domestic bubble to pursue her new hobby, Agnes meets Robert, a wealthy, reclusive inventor who immediately recognizes her talent and recruits her as his partner for an upcoming world jigsaw tournament. Each day she spends out in the world, puzzling and conversing with Robert, takes Agnes further along on the road to a new understanding of herself and her strengths.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

For all the details about numerous other NEON events and happenings, click this LINK to read our weekly newsletter.

Be sure to pay close attention to this weekend’s schedule – it includes a couple extra screenings on Labor Day!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Aug 28 – Thursday, Sept 6:

THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Aug 28-30): 3:10, 7:40
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon (Aug 31-Sep 3): 12:40, 5:15
Tue-Thu (Sep 4-6): 5:30

LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) 1 Hr 49 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Aug 28-30): 2:50, 5:20, 7:45
Fri & Sat (Aug 31 & Sep 1): 2:50, 7:30, 9:50
Sun (Sep 2): 7:30
Mon (Sep 3): 2:50, 7:30
Tue-Thu (Sep 4-6): 3:10, 7:45

THE KING (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Aug 28-30): 5:00
FINAL DAY – Aug. 30!

PUZZLE (R) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday & Saturday (Aug 31 & Sep 1): 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday & Monday (Sep 2 & 3): 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Tuesday – Thursday (Sep 3-6): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

DR. FROM INDIA (NR) 1 Hr 29 Min + Discussion & Meditation
Sunday (Sep 2): 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Sept 7 – JULIET, NAKED
Sept 14 – THE WIFE
Sept 21 – FAHRENHEIT 11/9
Sept 21 – LOVE GILDA
Oct 12 – THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN

Kevin Farley, Funnybone & The Dublin Pub

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Comedian Kevin Farley enjoying Irish fare at Dayton’s Dublin Pub with the Food Adventures crew

It is still not too late to get your tickets to see Kevin Farley at the Funnybone tonight or tomorrow

HERE IS A LINK TO TICKETS for SHOWTIMES
SATURDAY MAY 20th 10:00pm
SUNDAY MAY 21st at 7:30pm

The Big Ragu sat down with the comedian and actor this weekend at the Dublin Pub and had one heck of a Food Adventure.  Kevin Farley is proud of his Irish American heritage and a lover of good Irish food.  He is a humble, down to earth, guys guy, who is one of the coolest cats in the room.  Oh and funny as hell.  We talked sports, we talked music and bad lyrics.  We talked family, metaphors and of course FOOD!

We even picked out some cigars from the Dublin Pub humidor after lunch and bonded a bit.

Kevin Farley holding up his Potato Soup for a Food Adventure picture = PRICELESS

What a perfect venue for a great visit to learn about his career, insight and places he is going,  His take on life is simple to see.  He works hard and makes things happen.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on KEVIN FARLEY:

—A Madison, Wisconsin native he loves the Green Bay Packers, will root for some Wisconsin Badgers, and is pretty much a fan of Wisconsin teams.  We are working to get him on College Gameday next time they visit Madison ! Hey Herbstreit !!   Little help ?

—He is a graduate of Marquette University and remembered Dayton played them in basketball.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – a must eat Irish dish at Dublin Pub

—Kevin of course had a famous brother, but has been growing his own brand, breaking ground and making an identity of his own for years.

—Kevin Farley is a foodie.  He enjoys Irish Food, Buffets, Italian food, Sushi and Seafood.  He seemed impressed with the Dublin Pub, taking advantage of the  Bottomless Chips, Potato Soup and Corned Beef and Cabbage.  He was a true Food Adventurer, and now has the t-shirt to prove it.

—Kevin currently lives in West Hollywood and is in tune with the entertainment and food scene.

 

KEVIN FARLEY PROJECTS YOU “MUST SEE”:

Kevin doing stand up

—His standup routine is a riot.  Kevin is currently touring the Midwest he has pretty full schedule this summer hitting other states like Texas, Florida, Washington, and Nevada to name a few.  He will be back in Ohio at a Cleveland show in September.  His full stand up schedule can be seen at www.kevinfarleyofficial.com/

—His “Kevin Farley on the Road” podcast – Check out Kevin at Itunes for his free podcast.  Here is the link: CLICK HERE

— “F is for Family” – Kevin’s animated series on Netflix with fellow comedian Bill Burr.

— “Still the King” a CMT Channel original starts it’s second season on July 11th !  Kevin Farley stars alongside Billy Ray Cyrus.  How bout dat? Catch me outside watchin that.

 

Kevin Farley is an official Food Adventure Fan !

Now drumroll please for our feature must eats as suggested by KEVIN FARLEY!  Take this tip and hit these spots when traveling.  you have the expertise of a famous foodies behind you!

KEVIN FARLEY’S “MUST EATS” RESTAURANT LIST:

GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE – Chicago, IL

LURE FISH BAR – New York City, NY

CECCONI’S – West Hollywood, CA

DAN TANA’S  – West Hollywood, CA

Favorite Closed Restaurant – BEN BENSON’S STEAKHOUSE in NYC

 

MUST EATS at DUBLIN PUB from KEVIN FARLEY:

—POTATO SOUP: Why is it “world famous?”  add bacon and cheese and you’ll know why…

—CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: Center cut corned beef brisket, red potatoes and steamed cabbage.  Kevin prefers they “hold the onions.”  An authentic dish and delicious, unique plate of goods.

— After Meal Cigar – mini -Macanudo cigar from the Dublin Pub humidor

Big Ragu’s Pub Fries

Dayton Most Metro wants to thank Kevin Farley for taking time out for a Food Adventure.  He was great company and we look forward to seeing his standup shows this weekend.  JOIN US BY CLICKING THE LINKS ABOVE !

For more exclusive Dayton food scoop, follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking here.    We aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.

Below are some more photos from our Dublin Pub visits !

A piece of the fish n chips

The Dublin Fry Burger

The Ruck Sandwich

Harps Lager

Inside the Pub

Dub Pub Bar

Addition room

The Beef Bully

Shepards Pie and green beans

Channel your inner foodie at Dublin Pub with all kinds of sandwiches, add egg to any of them.

 

Bread Pudding

Shepherds Pipe

DubPub

Fried Pickles

Black n Tan Onion rings

Beef Barley Soup

Lots of Taps

Spinach dip and chips

 

 

 

 

 

The Top 35 Burgers of Dayton

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2 of Voltzy's 20 ounce "Hogs"

Two of the 20 ounce Hog Burgers from Voltzy’s. Home of Dayton’s Best Hamburger !

According to our good friends at Dayton Dining, May 28th is National Hamburger Day.  Today, we celebrate with this timely article.

THIS IS THE UNDENIABLE TOP 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO.   Some are well known icons, some are not.  What they all have in common is incredible taste and freshness.  Each is a burger in a class of its own.

For years, Food Adventures has scoured the Miami Valley, trying different places over and over again to make sure we get the definitive list.  We have eaten each burger on this list at least twice to ensure placement, accuracy of ranking and consistent quality.  Our hard work and chewing has paid off.

Now, without further delay, Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu present, in order, the best 35 burgers of Dayton, Ohio.

 

The Slyder 10 ounce Cheeseburger

The 10 ounce Cheeseburger from Slyder’s Tavern. “The Pride of Belmont”

THE BEST 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO

 

1) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” and ” THE HOG BURGER ” at VOLTZY’S ROOT BEER STANDE: Fresh hamburgers and fresher service.  Dayton’s #1 burger is in a shack, but at least they have bathrooms.  We are amazed at how many people still have not tried this place.  The owner Rick Volz, is known for his grumpy, yet playful attitude with the customers.  If you go in the wrong door, forget to call in your order, or deviate from the regular toppings, you will feel Voltzy’s wrath.  It is his “schtick,” similar to the Seinfield show’s “soup nazi.”  Enduring the insults is worth it for a taste of his cheeseburgers.  Voltzy grills each and every hamburger himself, and he does it to perfection.  The 2 burgers here that are MUST EATS are the CHEESEBURGERS ,which are sliders and priced at 10 for $12.  The other burger is THE HOG, a 20 ounce mammoth burger that he named after his ex wife.  One of his sleepers is the Betty Ann Burger, named after his mom.

The Secret: His 80/20 chuck mix is ground fresh every morning.  His burgers are steam grilled with onions and cheese, and topped with sweet heat mustard.

 

 

The TANK BURGER !

The Tank Burger with Cheese, a Cult Classic in Dayton !

2) ” THE 10 OUNCE CHEESEBURGER ” at SLYDERS TAVERN:  Make sure you get the 10 ounce burger for the full experience.  This is a ‘burger lovers burger,’ with a fresh taste.  You get it all, lots of toppings and you can taste the seasoned meat.   If you don’t get a handle on the burger early, it can get a little messy.  A burger with a huge underground following, and comes in at #2.  Make sure you check out “The Pride of Belmont” on Watervliet Rd.

The Secret: They use Dot’s Market fresh 80/20 Ground Chuck.  “Grandma’s old iron cast stove and steel grill” in the back is also a key to cooking the burgers perfectly.

 

 

3) ” THE TANK BURGER WITH CHEESE ” at TANK’S BAR & GRILL: One of Dayton’s Iconic Dayton Burgers.  It is as simple as that.    This burger has a cult following of thousands and thousands of fans.  People come from all over to this spot on Wayne Avenue to try the legendary burgers.  Sink your teeth into one of these big, meaty legends !

The Secret: The owner Dan ” Tank” Tankersley says it himself..”Fresh, fresh, fresh… and the quality helps too.”    We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

 

 

The "Lark Burger" from Meadowlark has a unique and distinctive flavor

The “Lark Burger” from Meadowlark has a unique and distinct flavor

4) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at THE PINE CLUB:  You think they have great steaks?  You should try their Cheeseburgers! This iconic restaurant on Brown Street, is the most unlikely place to find a good burger.  But it makes sense, doesn’t it?  Some of the best quality meat in  town in here.. right?  It’s so good that they sell their raw hamburger meat in 5 pound bags “to go.”

The Secret:  They grind the hamburger meat daily, at the same time that the butchers are carving the most famous steaks in Dayton. Rumor has it that they add a little bit of ground lamb to their burgers.

 

 

5)  ” THE LARK BURGER ” at THE MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT: Served on a sturdy kaiser roll with white cheddar, this is one of the juiciest burgers we have ever eaten.  Trust us, and order one of these burgers.  It is a sophisticated, delicious and unique tasting burger, and unlike any other on this list.

The Secret: Fresh Rosemary spice is worked into the all-natural, Ohio Beef patties, which are also seasoned in wine.  The burger is as aromatic as it is delicious.

 

 

The “Jerk Burger” at Ye Olde Trail Tavern in Yellow Springs has Jerk Seasonings and Jalapenos

6) ” THE JERK BURGER ” at YE OLDE TRAIL TAVERN: Talk about a Food Adventure in a bun, this burger has a lot going on.  The cheese topped jalapenos bring the burn, the beef brings the flavor, and the jerk sauce is the icing on the cake.  A burger so unique, we have never had anything like it.  This one is #6 with a bullet !

The Secret:  They tout that they have their own special “beef blend” for their burgers.  This and the inventiveness of the jerk sauce on the burger are the secret.

 

 

7) ” THE ONION STRAW BURGER ” at THE HORSELESS BUGGY EATERY:  They won 3rd place in the nation for food truck’s with the best burger.  We love them for the size of this burger.  The presentation of this hefty burger is usually met with “ooohs and ahhs,” from people standing around at food truck rallies.

The Secret: The burger is pattied fresh daily with special seasonings.  The onion straws are made fresh to order, on a bakery style Kaiser roll.  These onion straws are that crunch that puts it over the top.

 

 

The Onion Straw Burger from The Horseless Buggy Eatery, a Food Truck

8) ” THE VOSS BURGER ” at O’LEARY’S PUB & GRUB:  Two hand smashed patties totaling  2/3 pound of meat, with cole slaw and any other of your typical toppings.  A nice Kaiser roll with  a long toothpick holds it all together.  This burger is messy but so delicious.  One of the best burgers we have ever eaten, but get it with cheese !

The Secret: The burgers are ground daily at Zink’s Meat Market less than a block away.  The high quality and fresh 80/20 ground chuck, catapult this burger onto our list.

 

 

9) ” THE BOURBON BURGER ” at BRIXX ICE CO.:  A huge hamburger, that even feels warm through the bun.  With lots of toppings, it is surprising, but the bourbon sauce is still very noticeable.  There is no better atmosphere to enjoy a burger than inside this old building, or on the patio overlooking the Dragon’s stadium.  This burger is simply phenomenal.

The Secret: It’s all in the bourbon sauce.  It haunts your every bite, in a good way, letting you know “I’m still here.”

 

 

10) ” THE MOWHAWK BURGER ” at MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL (FOOD TRUCK): A huge burger on wheels.  Chef Aaron serves up some of the best burgers in Dayton. They have a distinct taste.  Truly a delicious burger with great toppings.  Make sure you grab one of these, when his food truck is in town.  You can thank us later.

The Secret: He uses fresh ground ribeye meat.  The result is a big, juicy, delicious burger.   It is as simple as that.

 

 

“The Voss Burger” from O’Leary’s Pub in Centerville

11) ” THE GOAT BURGER ” at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  A nice, filling burger with a ton of flavor.  It is made of local, Dayton beef, and a pile of toppings.  Unhinge your jaw and bite into a serious burger.  Andrew Trick and his staff do this up right!

The Secret: The beef is from Keener Farms, which produce locally grain fed beef.  The freshness is evident in every bite.

 

 

12) ” THE TASTY BURGER ” at THE HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: Like a “Big Boy” sandwich, only better.  It is juicy, tasty and filling.  This is one of the lesser know burgers in town, with the biggest flavor.  Every bite is like music to your mouth.

The Secret: The greasy grill of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House, seasons the burgers perfectly.  The bun and tartar sauce on your tongue, seals the deal, and makes it a MUST EAT.

 

 

13) ” THE STICKY BURGER ” at ARCHER’S TAVERN:  This unique burger is another MUST EAT.  It is the #1 selling signature burger on their menu.  Part-owner Dan Apolito says in his 5 years at Archer’s, he knows of only 2 people that tried it and didn’t like it.  If you’re thinking about it, go for it!  Peanut butter as a topping makes it a Food Adventure for sure !

CARVER’S CHEESEBURGER

The Secret: Peanut Butter, Bacon, & Pepper Jack Cheese give it a hot, sweet almost Thai peanut taste.  They suggest you order it with no lettuce , no tomato, no onion or pickles

 

14) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at CARVER’S STEAKS & CHOPS:  This burger is only available at the bar or “to go.”  It is not on the regular menu, so this burger is one of the best kept secrets in town.  A deliciously seasoned burger with all the ‘fixins.’  The weck style dinner bun makes it easy to eat.

The Secret:  They use steak scraps to make the burgers.  The burger is also served with carmelized onions and a housmade A1 aioli sauce.

 

 

15) “THE THREE CHEESE BACON BURGER” at ONE EYED JACKS:  Provolone, Swiss and Cheddar cheese adorn this burger , as do 2 big pieces of bacon.  This is one of the best burgers we tried, and the flavor is one-of-a-kind.  It is one of those burgers that when you take a bite, you say with a full mouth “oh my gawwwsh.”

The Secret:  When they mix the meat, they add herbs and spices.  The result is a very distinct taste of basil and other ingredients.  This burger is one of the dark horses on the list.

 

The “Bourbon Burger” from Brixx Ice Co. is a Food Adventure on a plate

16) ” THE PARAGON  STEAKBURGER ” at THE PARAGON SUPPER CLUB: The burger is a modest 6 ounce serving, and a great deal at just $7.50.  When you add the bun, tomato, lettuce and onion, it becomes a mouth stretcher on that first bite.  We choose to add american cheese, mustard and ketchup to seal the deal.  It is even great when ordered “to go.”

The Secret: They grind the trimmings of their filet mignon steaks for the patties of this burger.  The result is lean, flavorful magic.

 

 

17) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at KOWALSKI’S HOTS:  Yes, a burger from a hot dog stand made this list, and rightfully so.  Fresh meat on a NY style weck bun, with concession style condiment choices where you doctor it up yourself.  The $5 price tag is worth every bite, and when the relish, mixed with the weck bun and meat hit your taste buds, we say “goodnight Irene.”

The Secret: He puts a meaty coney sauce on the hamburger. The way the juicy meat soaks into the weck bun is a perfect vessel for delivering this burger to your mouth.  We found ourselves dancing while standing and eating it at the cart.

 

 

The “Mohawk Burger” from Mohawk Freestyle Grill Food Truck

18) ” THE LARGE, CLASSIC  CHEESEBURGER ” at E. O. BURGERS:  Located at the Greene, not only is this a great burger place, but their shakes are killer too.   Make sure you get the large cheeseburger, take your number, sit down and wait for the main event.  Condiment carts at the tables have sauce toppings including A1 and Cholula.  It doesn’t matter what you top it with, it is a great burger.

The Secret: They use 100% USDA Prime Beef, and the taste is terrific.  Fresh, handmade patties everyday with USDA Prime Beef quality, means consistently good burgers.

 

 

19) ” THE CHEESEBURGER” at JIMMIES LADDER 11: This six ounce masterpiece is probably the best deal on our list.  The burger, the toppings and the atmopsphere is 100% Dayton.  We love it. With so many great items on their menu, it is no surprise that their burgers kick butt too.

The Secret: The burgers are 100% Angus meat, mixed with secret house seasonings.  It doesn’t hurt that the burger is served with Mikesells Chips.

 

 

The “Goat Burger” from Lucky’s Taproom is a Masterpiece

 20) ” THE URBAN BURGER ” at ELSA’S KETTERING SPORTS GRILL:  Made famous by the legendary Dayton restaurant owner, Urban Suburban, this burger has been a Miami Valley favorite for decades.  The recipe is untouched since Elsa’s Kettering took over, and the result is still magical.  Get it with cheese.

The Secret: Fresh meat, never frozen and a pile of toppings.  Big eaters with big appetites, this burger is for you.

 

 

21) “ THE GROUND BEEF BURGER” from CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT:  Easy to eat, and absolutely delicious.  This burger is as unique as the restaurant that serves it.  They pride themselves on organic, all natural burgers with no additives.  The proof of that choice is in every bite.  The most picturesque burger on our list, it looks like a magazine ad.

The Secret: A bakery quality, multi-grain roll holds the burger together perfectly.  It is the handle that carries that non additive beef burger into your mouth, like a valet for your taste buds.

 

 

The Large, Classic Cheeseburger from E.O. Burger at the Greene

22)  ” THE BISTRO BURGER ” at COCO’S BISTRO:  This Angus beef burger is served with bacon, carmelized onions and the most incredible Boursin cheese sauce.  One of the more unique burgers on the list, the taste is instantly recognizable.

The Secret: It is all about the creamy, rich, Boursin cheese sauce.  The first bite is one of those “wow” moments.  The kaiser roll is stellar too.  We cant stop saying the word Boursin after eating this… Boursin, Boursin. Booooorr. siiiiine. It’s all about boursin,bout de boursin, no trouble…

.

 

23) ” THE BLEU CHEESE STUFFED PEPPERCORN BURGER  ” at THE TROLLEY STOP:  It is a juicy burger, made with local beef.  It is stuffed with bleu cheese.  You must stuff it in your mouth.  Not a lot of condiments are needed for this special treat.  The chef at Trolley Stop has really kicked up their menu, and this is just another example of that.

The Secret: It is made with Keener Beef, a locally raised beef, which gives a very fresh and organic feel to the burger.

 

 

The “Ground Beef Burger” from Christopher’s is Delicious & Picture Perfect

24) ” THE BIG NICK BURGER ” at NICK’S RESTAURANT:  Xenia natives know this is a great burger.  For the others that don’t know, welcome to another place where you can “get the beef!”  The Big Nick is a tasty 1/2 pound burger, and the only place in the area where you can get a side of smelts with it.  Call it a Xenia Surf and Turf ! We love it !

The Secret:  They claim the perfect blend of 80/20 ground chuck.  We say they are right!  You have to love a burger whose call tag it, “What’s on your Big Nick?”

 

 

25) ” THE BLACK JAX AND BLEU BURGER ” at SEA JAX TAVERN:  This nice sized burger is served with carmelized onions, pepper jack cheese and crumbles of bleu cheese.  Lots of flavor in this one.

The Secret: The burger is “blackened” before the incredible toppings are added.  The cajun spices on the meat are a nice touch.

 

 

The Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg has been legendary fro over 100 years !

26) ” THE HAMBURGER ” at THE HAMBURGER WAGON:  Any place that people that people stand in line 15 deep in the bitter cold or intense heat, just to get a taste of the burgers, has to be on this list.  There is no doubt, this place has a cult following.  In fact the “place” is actually a wagon in the street.  Since the Great Flood of 1913, the Hamburger Wagon has been an icon in Miamisburg.  The burgers are topped only with onion, pickle and salt & pepper.  The pride themselves on needing “no stinking condiments.”

The Secret: The burgers are actually a mix of burger and sausage meat.  Also, the grilling method of deep frying the burgers, by pressing them down with a spatula, in a large iron skillet gives the hamburgers than one of a kind “crunch” when you bite into them

 

 

27) ” THE ITALIAN BURGER ”  at BLIND BOB’S: A generous 1/2 pound burger with provolone cheese, marinara sauce and carmelized onions. The atmosphere and quiet fanfare for this burger, makes for a fun experience.  Definitely a hamburger not to be overlooked.

The Secret: The burger is “stuffed” with provolone, green peppers and basil.  It oozes with every bite.  Eat it quick, so it oozes into your mouth and not in your hand.

 

 

“The Italian Burger” from Blind Bobs is stuffed with Provolone, Green Peppers and Basil

28) ” THE APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER ” at BUNKER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL:  A nice sized hamburger with bacon and cheddar cheese.  You have to pour the BBQ sauce on yourself, since it is served on the side.  The result is a smokehouse flavor that is a refreshing twist.  This is the only burger on the list that is served with shredded cheese.

The Secret: Fresh Angus beef combined with applewood smoked bacon is the key to this bad boy.  It gives a nice maple hint to the burger and shredded cheese.

 

29)  ” THE PUB FRIES BURGER ” at THE DUBLIN PUB:  A burger with fries, cheese and bacon crumbles on top.  When you combine Dayton’s favorite pub fries and a great burger, you are bound to have a winner.  Add the “Dub Pub” atmosphere and you have yourself a Food Adventure escape from reality !

The Secret: The cheesey pub fries topping are what puts this on the list.  The burger is good, but the pub cheese fries on top, make it outstanding.

 

 

The “Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burger” at Bunker’s in Vandalia

30) ” THE DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER “ at CADILLAC JACKS: A great sports bar atmosphere for one of the best burgers in town.  Make sure you get the “double” burger, it is time to play with the adults. Great flavor from the first cheesey bite, to the last.

The Secret: Fresh ground sirloin and ground chuck mix, with tons of cheese.  The result is a melt in your mouth, delicious experience.

 

 

31)  ” THE HAMBURGER ” at GEEZ GRILL and PUB:  A solid, great tasting pub burger.  This burger is one of the dark horses on our list. “Mama G” hits the mark again with her menu items.  Make sure you get some cheese on it

The Secret: The meat is fresh Ground Chuck, pattied daily by hand.  And that was all it took in this case.

 

 

The Double Cheeseburger from Cadillac Jack’s. Soooo Cheesey !

32) ” THE HALF POUND HAMBURGER ” at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: A diner that is a throwback to the “good ole’ days”.  Killer food and good service.  Grab a 1/2 pounder at George’s to fill your carnivore cravings.  No frills, no dramatic presentation, just a damn fresh and tasty burger in a bun, on a plate.

The Secret: Fresh meat cooked on a flaming grill.  The grill is so fierce, you can see it flare up from time to time if you are seated in certain areas of the dining room.

 

 

33) ” THE YUMMY BURGER ” from WHITE LOTUS RESTAURANT: A true Dayton dive with a friendly cook / owner.  Here your hamburger could be cooked next to some chicken pad thai.  The burger is delicious and the prices are cheap. “Yummy burger?”  Hell yes it is!

The Secret: The owner will tell you that her “love” that goes into the burger is the secret.  But we saw the trick.  It is fresh ground meat, with garlic salt and pepper, cooked on that old, seasoned, flat top grill.

 

 

34) ” THE MINNESOTA JUICY LUCY ” at ROMER’S BAR & GRILL:  This 1/2 pound burger is stuffed with provolone, pepperoni and jalapenos.  The result is a tasty hamburger that oozes cheese with every bite from inside the burger.  Yet another Food Adventure on a plate, this one takes it to a whole new level of taste.

The Secret: The “inside out burger” mentality of the Juicy Lucy and the unique stuffings of course.  The pepperoni and jalapenos give it a salty and sultry burn in every bite.

 

 

“The Yummy Burger” from White Lotus

35)  ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at BENJAMIN’S THE BURGER MASTER: A great burger that deserves a spot on our list.  The gooey cheese and the meat, it’s the simplest burger on this page.  And it simply tastes great.  They also have the best BBQ wings in town.

The Secret:  The simplicity equals good taste. The burgers are fresh, 100% ground beef, seasoned and topped simply.  Sometimes, less is more.

 

 

Honorable Mention: 

” THE BIG FRICKIN’ BURGER ” at FRICKER’S: This burger is a full pound of beef.  The patties are brought in fresh, not frozen. This burger stacks two of the 1/2 pound patties, resulting in a massive burger, and a great frickin’ deal at just $7.99.

The Secret:  Cooked over a flaming grill.  Great grill marks, and a great taste.

 

 

“The Big Frickin’ Burger” at Fricker’s is a pound of meat, flame grilled, for less than 9 bucks

” THE MAID RITE  ” at MAID-RITE SANDWICH SHOPPE:  They are sweet tasting, tiny, little sloppy joe like sandwiches.   We are letting them slide by into the burger category.  The small sandwiches are addicting and delicious.  There is a HUGE fan following of this restaurant, and many people travel an hour for these little icons.  The eatery is located at 125 N. Broadway St in Greenville, Ohio.

The Secret: It is the cooking technique, which is a closely guarded mystery.  Some say they add sugar to the meat, others think they steam the meat in Pepsi.  We have no idea, we just know we love them.

 

Honorable Mention Chain Burgers:  “The Garbage Burger” from Max N Erma’s, The Big Boy Sandwich, and White Castle Hamburgers.  These regional chains along with the Red Robin burgers are MUST EATS.  We  give a shout out to Five Guys and Smashburger as well…    We eat it all,  no self contradictions here.

 

“The Hamburger” at Geez Grill & Pub. A solid entry into the list.

There you have it, that’s our list of the top 35 Burgers in The Miami Valley !  Comment below and give us your beefs, take it easy on our buns…

As you can see, Food Adventures   never does anything halfway, and this is no different.  Notice, we have no contributed or borrowed stock photos here.  All of these pictures are original, because we actually went to the places and ate the burgers at least 2 times each.  Yes, multiple visits is what keeps Food Adventures on top of the pack.

Want more of the best foodie spots in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Join Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu as they leave no plate unturned.

 

DID WE LEAVE ANYONE OUT?

IS SOMEONE IN A SPOT THEY SHOULDN’T BE?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU !  COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR “UNDENIABLE LIST” DAYTON’s TOP 20 BURGERS !

Also, check out our photo gallery below.

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Brixx Adds New Menu Items in Time for Dragon’s Season

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New “Brixx IPA” brewed exclusively by the Dayton Beer Company fro Brixx Ice Co.

A Soft Pretzel as big as a steering wheel?  That’s just one of the new “Must Eats” that Brixx Ice Co. has added to their new menu this week,  Dont worry, Brixx kept all of your old favorites like the Build your own burger, meatloaf and more.  They have just branched out and are experimenting with some new choices, to see if they become favorites.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Owner Chris Bhai and his staff have been in training and are ready with their newest menu.

— Some of these items are so new, they weren’t available for ordering at press time… these specialties were…

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Free range chicken breast with spicy sauce, on a kaiser roll

The Hawaiian Chicken – Chicken breast served with a grilled pineapple

Braised Beef Burger – 1/2 pound burger with beef shoulder and gravy on top

 Pork Pleaser Burger – 1/2 pounder topped with pulled bbq pork and bacon

Italian Beef Sandwich – with peppers and all

Deep Fried Turkey and Bacon Sandwich – The bacon may be deep fried too

 Deep Fried Turkey Hot Shot Sandwich – open faced with the works !

Turkey and Waffles – Brixx’s take on a Southern classic

Food Adventures was however, able to get their mouths on some of the new specialties Brixx is trying out.

We found some delicious choices that are simply, MUST EATS !

 

Hand Breaded Mac n Cheese Bites, as Big as Baseballs

Hand Breaded Mac n Cheese Bites, as Big as Baseballs

MUST EATS:

— BRIXX IPA: The first must eat, is a must drink.  It is the house IPA, brewed for Brixx exclusively by The Dayton Beer Company.  The beer appears milky and cloudy, but tastes true to the form of a mild IPA.  In other words it is slightly “hoppy” if you like that groove.

— THE GIANT SOFT PRETZEL:  This thing is as big as a steering wheel.  It is served with a cold beer cheese made with Dragon’s Milk Beer, which really makes the whole appetizer.  It is one of those food items that you can’t stop eating.  We could drink the beer cheese dip as a soda.

— MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY SIDE ITEM:  New item, but the homemade stuff we have come to expect from Brixx.  You won’t see people leaving this side dish on their plate.

— SRIRACHA GINGER BBQ DRAGONS TOES: Whether you get boneless or traditional, this sauce is incredible.  You feel the heat up front, then the sweet ginger taste smolders by.  Nothing says wings like a mouthful of this flavor.  Wow this stuff is good, and packs a small explosion of heat!

Sriracha Ginger BBQ Dragons Toes, Hot and Delicious !

Sriracha Ginger BBQ Dragons Toes, Hot and Delicious !

— MAC N CHEESE BITES: These aren’t bites, these are snowball-sized spheres of hand breaded mac n cheese.  Leave it to Chris Bhai and Brixx to push the envelope with this sinful menu item.  These appetizers are rich, creamy and crunchy all at the same time.  This appetizer is our bet to become a fan favorite.

 

There you have it Food Adventure fans.   Now it is your turn to step up to the plate.  Whether it’s the new IPA or the new appetizers, Brixx gives you even more reasons to take a swing at their menu with your taste buds.  Spring has sprung, and the Brixx’s new menu has begun.

Please check out our gallery below with original photos of the new menu items. No stock or contributed photos here !

Are you a foodie?  Want more fun info about dining spots in and around Dayton?  Then join the 5,000+ fans who “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.     Don’t forget to check us out each and every week with a feature article here on Dayton Most Metro.

This is Hungry Jax, The King, Chef House and The Big Ragu saying “See ya at the Brixx.”

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Local Food Event to Feature “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists”

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Drinking some Rhinegeists

Amber Rose Restaurant  hosts “Rhinegeists & Poltergesists” one night only on April 17th

What do you get when you mix 4 courses of great food, 4 great beers, and ghosts?  The answer is at The Amber Rose Restaurant on Friday night, April 17th.  The beer and dinner pairing is called “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists,” and is the brainchild of Food Adventures food blog and Dayton Dining.  The one-night-only event will feature beers from the Cincinnati Brewery, Rhinegeist, paired with the unique tastes of The Amber Rose Menu.  There will also be paranormal investigators on hand with new 2015 study findings on the “haunted” restaurant.   Tickets are on a pre-pay basis and only available online through DaytonMostMetro.com.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE:  THE AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT – Dayton’s premiere restaurant for European comfort food, in a historic building built in 1912.  Practically every menu item is made from scratch, with Lithuanian influences.  The Food Adventure will be held in the upstairs private party room.

WHEN:  APRIL 17, 2015 at 7PM

COST: Tickets are pre-pay only, $35 per person, and includes tip!  TICKETS CAN BE BOUGHT at THIS LINK

 

FOOD MENU: Owner Joe Castellano and his stellar staff have come up with this 4 Course meal offering:

Course 1: Garlic Chicken & Gouda Flat-bread, Smoked Salmon & Dill Flat-bread

Course 2: Shiitake Mushroom Angel Hair Pasta

Course 3: Roasted Pork Tenderloin topped with Major Grey’s Chutney and served with Cheesy Grits

Course 4: Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

We love the delicious food at the Amber Rose !

4 Course Dinner, Served with 4 Beers !

RHINEGEISTS:

Here are the beers that will be featured from the Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati

Course 1: Rhinegeist Rakau:  an American Pale Ale

Course 2: Rhinegeist Fool:  a Saison Farm House Ale

Course 3: Rhinegeist Zen:  a Session Pale Ale

Course 4: Rhinegeist Hustle: a Red Rye Ale

 

POLTERGEISTS:

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue.  The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner.  She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.”  Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist.  Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away.  When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video.

The person who is believed to haunt the restaurant

“Chickie,” one of the ghosts believed to haunt The Amber Rose

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner.  They have appeared on on National Television!  Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI.  Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be?  Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist?

This promises to be the biggest and baddest Food Adventure to date.  Get your tickets HERE before they are all gone.  We are expecting a sellout crowd of about 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural.  We will stick around for some cash bar drinks after the event and discuss beers and hauntings !

Join The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, The King and Chef House for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and spirits.. literally and figuratively.

For more fun on Dayton’s best places to eat, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

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Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot.  They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy.  But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well?  Yes !  The addition is called B & B Slices.   Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go.   Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza.  So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect  the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

 

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will.  These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven.  The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you.  Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough.  Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action.  One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza.  If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

 

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one.  The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough.  So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

 

Hungry for more Dayton eats?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here!  Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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Flavors in Centerville Offering Healthy Meal Plans “To Go.”

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Pizza boat - with Zucchini

Zucchini Boats from Flavors are Delicious !

Today, The Food Adventures Crew shows you an easy way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for healthy eating.  Flavors in Centerville continues to launch their “Meals by Flavors” option, where you can plan your healthy meals for the week.  You can pre-order 1 meal, or as many as you want.  Imagine that, full on, healthy Food Adventures in convenient packages!

We all love Flavors Eatery for their one-of-a-kind, healthy food specialties, that taste delicious.  They have so many dishes that taste amazing, yet are low calorie,  low carb and packed with nutrients.  When new owner, Ryan, bought the Centerville location from Elaine and Rich, he stayed true to their menu.  One of his visions was adding this meal program that helped him lose weight.

Now, you can get certain meals “to go” and keep your waistline healthy throughout the week.  With “Meals By Flavors” you can turn your resolution, into a lifestyle.

To stay skinny you gotta know the scoop.. so here it is…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Ryan and his son

Centerville Flavors Owner, Ryan and his son

— The concept is simple.  Stay on track with your diet by substituting legumes and vegetables for your favorite carb foods.  The idea is to “fool” your tastebuds into  thinking you are eating your favorite foods.  A perfect example is using shredded Zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti or pulverized cauliflower instead of rice.  The menu is developed to taste good, and deliver all the nutrition and protein your body needs, in a low fat meal.  Simply stated, the flavors are so good, you don’t miss a thing because it satisfies your cravings.

— You must email flavorsorders@gmail.com to request a menu, and to place your orders too .  Orders take approx 48 hours to prepare, and may be picked up at the Centerville location at 865 E. Franklin St.

— Orders are typically packaged in air tight containers, so that when refrigerated, they will last a few days.  Some dinners will last longer than others, depending on ingredients and packaging.

— Menu prices typically run between $6 – $12, depending on the dish.  Please note: the $12 meals were sometimes enough for two meals, and we have big appetites.

 

Now, we present a Food Adventures first.  Our all-time healthiest list of “Must Eats,” thanks to “Meals By Flavors”

 

MUST EATS:

 — ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS with TURKEY PEPPERONI  & MIXED GREENS SALAD: Hulled zucchini filled with marinara sauce, spinach, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  The boats are then topped with a little bit of thinly sliced, fresh mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.  (In the past we have also seen these offered with lean ground beef).  The result is a cross between a pizza and a potato skin, with hardly any calories.  Fantastic must eat, at the top of our list.

Stuffed

Stuffed Green and Red Peppers

— FISH TACOS:  The fish offered is usually Salmon and/or Tilapia, and sometimes Wahoo whitefish.  The fish is seared and served with a cup of spicy Boom-Boom sauce, two low-carb tortillas, and Flavor’s signature salsa loaded with lime and fresh cilantro. It also comes with a side of apple and vegetable slaw lightly seasoned and placed on a bed of fresh baby spinach.

— CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD:  One of our Food Adventure faves, right off the flavors menu!   It starts with spinach and romaine salad with hand-pulled roasted chicken.   Also packaged are black beans,  apple and veggie slaw, sunflower seeds, cheddar-jack cheese, and of course, Flavors House Sauce.  Light, fresh and delicious, this chicken salad is a must eat, no brainer.

—ROASTED RED PEPPER PIZZA:  The dough is actually a low carb tortilla.  It is then loaded with spinach and roasted red, green, and yellow peppers.  Add to that a generous portion of chicken and cheddar-jack cheese blend. This meal is served with a side of buttered, poached carrots.

— AVACADO COOKIES:  Made with nothing except Avacado these dark black cookies are amazing and a guilt free treat.Salad

Honorable Mention: Red and Green Stuffed Pepper Dinner: A big meal of peppers stuffed with homemade refried beans, roasted chicken, spinach and topped off with salsa.  It is served with a side of mixed veggies.

Also the Smoked Brisket Salad deserves a mention. Thinly sliced smoked brisket on a mix of romaine and spinach leaves.   Meal also includes apple-veggie slaw. The salad is also topped with a bed of black beans, sunflower seeds, and Flavors House Sauce!

Flavors Eatery always pleases, and their “Meals By Flavors” program is no different.  Brillant usues of legumes, vegetables and sauces make guilt free seem so easy.

 

But our article doesn’t end here…. With Flavors Eatery there are 3 other important things we would like to mention.

 

**** 3 OTHER THINGS TO NOTE ***

Bottles of sauce at DLM1) The Flavors Eatery in Centerville now serves dinner every day until 9pm, except Tuesday and Sunday.  This is great news for many of us that enjoy flavors, but wished they had extended hours.  Our prayers have been answered!

 

2) There is a Flavors Eatery now in Downtown Lebanon, at 4 South Broadway, where Rich and Elaine have expanded their franchise!   They are running the new restaurant just like the original !  Stop in and say hello to this great mom and pop team !

3) Bottles of FLAVORS AMAZING HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE are available at Dorothy Lane Market.  What are you doing sitting there?  Grab a bottle already !  This sauce goes great on anything from chicken and seafood, to salad and nachos.

 

So get on your computers, email flavorsorders@gmail.com, and tell them you want the “Meals by Flavors” menu.  For those of us with a busy lifestyle, it keeps your diet on track during the week!

Want to keep on track with all the foodie happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook, and join the thousands that know, we set the cutting edge trends that other follow.  Keep up with the Food Adventures crew of Hungry Jax, Chef House, the King and the Big Ragu and comment on your favorite eateries.

Also – check out our 50 photos below of Flavor’s best items !

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Some Opened, Some Closed – 2014 Dayton Restaurant Changes

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Murphys Irish Pub opened this year in Bellbrook

Murphy’s Irish Pub opened during 2014 in Bellbrook

 

 

Here we go with a look back at last year’s Miami Valley food happenings.  That’s right 2014, the year in Dayton food.

Who opened? Who closed?

Dayton Dining & Food Adventures have the scoop on the restaurant movers and shakers of the Miami Valley!  So all you foodies, take a stroll with us down memory lane, and don’t forget a fork.

 

Newcomers to the Dayton food scene are as follows:

**** OPENED IN 2014 ****

1) TAVERN ON MAIN, Centerville: They dropped the Beef O’Brady’s moniker and went independent in 2014.  This Centerville pub, features a sports bar menu and 37 different beers on tap.

 

Peanut butter jelly sushi

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi from Sumera, Click to Enlarge

2) BASIL ON MARKET, Troy:  This summer saw the opening of this downtown Troy restaurant.  The bistro style menu features Italian dishes mostly, with steak, Irish and Thai dishes too. Call it a “completely global menu.”

 

3) TJ CHUMPS, Huber Heights:  The local growth continues as this sports bar funds an expansion into the Huber Heights market.  What can you expect?  More great food from steaks to salmon, as well as casual favorite like burgers and wings.

 

4) LITTLE YORK TAVERN, Troy: The former owners of LeDoux Restaurant, opened this expansion on Main Street in Troy.  People are drawn to their pizza menu and more!

 

5) AUSTIN LANDING CHAINS, Springboro: The Austin Landing development has a couple of restaurant additions, albeit chains.  Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill out of Charlotte, NC is an upscale version of J. Alexanders.  Also, a 15 year old breakfast chain, Another Broken Egg, opened to crowds in 2014 at the Landing as well.  You may also recall many people going ape over the opening of another chain with a cult following, Dewey’s Pizza.

 

Sea Jax sign

Sea Jax is another new star in 2014

6) CROSSROADS BBQ, Fairborn: Priding themselves on BBQ cooked low and slow, this eatery also offers wings, pizzas and sandwiches.  This family owned spot has a few signature items you gotta see to believe, like the “McGooey.”

 

7) LA COLOMBIANA, Beavercreek: Authentic Colombian restaurant located near the Fairfield Commons mall.  A family owned business, this unique dining experience that promises to be a cultural lesson in Food Adventures.

 

8) AREPA’S AND CO., Kettering:  The 2nd Street market veterans opened a second location in the area of Dorothy Lane and Wilmington Pike.  Maybe this is the restaurant that will finally take hold in that location.  Attractions are fresh Colombian comfort food, unique menu items and great patio dining in the summer months.

 

tuna tar tar

Tuna Tar Tar at Firebirds Grill, the new place at Austin Landing

 9) SEA JAX, Centerville:  Ron Sweeney teamed with sous chef Renee Cole to develop a menu of Specialty Burgers, Seafood and craft beers on tap. The place has been busy since its opening earlier in 2014 and they’ve just announced they’ll be open for lunch starting Jan 13th.

 

10) ZETLAND STREET RESTAURANT, Bellbrook: Up and coming chef Zachary Stringer, leads the way on this fine dining menu.   With tasty dishes like Bacon Jam Burgers to Ginger Miso Salmon, you cant go wrong.

 

11) CARILLON BREWING COMPANY, Dayton: Food and Beer Menu inspired by Dayton’s early settlers.  Look for a hodge podge of German and Irish inspired dishes, much of them comfort foods.

 

12) KETTERING  GRILL & CAFE, Kettering:  Located at 3800 Wilmington Pike they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Salads, Sandwiches, Seafood and Burgers seem to be the base of the menu.

 

13) SUMERA, Kettering:  Touted as “the American sushi company,” this place takes a unique direction with the sushi.  With inventions like the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll,” they make fans of people who aren’t sushi lovers.  They also accommodate the sushi lovers with traditional fare.

 

winaNS

Winan’s Chocolates is now at The Greene

14) WINAN’S CHOCOLATES, Beavercreek:  They opened a presence at The Greene in 2014.  It may be a perfect fit for shoppers to relax with coffees and candies while people watching on the patio.

15) THE OLD ARCANA, Arcanum: It’s a bit of a drive through farmland to get there, but the quaint homey feel of this restaurant was a much needed addition to the town. Serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and some amazing bakery goods, and often featuring live music, too.

 

Unfortunately, some businesses bit the dust in 2014.  The Big Ragu, The King, Hungry Jax and Chef House, fondly remember these now defunct, Gem City eateries.

 

**** CLOSED IN 2014 ****

 

1) THE BAGEL CAFE, Kettering:  Locally owned breakfast and NY Deli style bagel shop with longtime ties to the Dayton area.  In slow decline over the past few years, unfortunately this eatery with the best bagels in town, couldn’t survive the down turn.

 

 2) THE FILLING STATION BAR & GRILL, Riverside: Linden Avenue bar and grill that once housed after-parties for the Gem City roller Girls.  We are gonna miss their wings and salads the most.  Good news is that some

 

Reeses sundae

Are Reese’s Pieces Sundae’s gone forever now that Friendly’s closed?

3) THAT CREPE PLACE:  Located in the Greene, they couldn’t muster the revenue to keep up with the rent.  Crepe lovers don’t fret, Crepe Boheme at the 2nd Street Market will fill your cravings quite nicely.

 

4) STACKERS, Dayton:  We were sad to see this locally owned sandwich shop close on S. Smithville Rd.  The place could not get a break, as it was targeted  by vandals and really never recovered from those losses.

 

5) PONDEROSA, Riverside: Although this long standing throwback near Airway Rd closed, there is still one more Ponderosa franchise in Englewood.

 

6) TWO CHINESE BUFFETS: Ichiban Seafood Buffet and Golden Dragon Buffet closed in 2014.  Both were located less than a mile from each other on 725 in Centerville.  Looks like we will have to search elsewhere for mounds of crab legs, and overflowing plates of stuffed mussels and sushi.

 

7) FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANTS: Five locations closed abruptly in the Dayton area during 2014.  Bad news for all of us who love Reese’s Pieces Sundaes and Clam Boats.

 

Amelias salmon

We are going to miss the Salmon from Amelia’s Bistro

 

8) CHAMMPS, Centerville: The unexpected closing of this chain was early in 2014.  Since then, we hear a new tenant is slated to move in during 2015!

 

9) AMELIA’S BISTRO, Bellbrook:  We were sorry to see this fine dining establishment go the way of the dinosaur.  They had some of the best salmon dishes in the business.

 

10) HAZEL GRILL, Miamisburg:  Located behind the Dayton Mall, this spot housed Dayton’s first Max n Erma’s restaurant for decades.  Sadly, the place could never create a large amount of positive buzz.  Since Hazel couldnt make it, we suggest Max n Erma bring back the telephone tables and the beer spicket shaped like two giant boobs.

 

11) TAGGART’S PUB, Dayton: After 17 years at the location on Patterson Rd., Taggart’s closed its doors.  We would frequent the bar for special events and Steak Frys after golf outings.

bread [pudding fromRoot 48 made with Bills Donuts

Root 48.. we will miss your Bread Pudding made with Bill’s Donuts !

12) WOODY’S BAR-B-QUE, Beavercreek: Cheap prices, good bbq and incredible homemade pies.  This closing hurt us, as we loved the owners and the food.

 

12)  THE TROPICS, Kettering: Rumored to be another casualty in the argument between parking lot rights during Fraze Pavillion concerts.  Sad to see, as we loved visiting their restaurant and seeing them at the AMBUCS chili cookoff.

 

14) TWISTED ROOT / ROOT 48, Centerville:  After a car literally plunged into the wall in the restaurant, then called Savona, things never were the same.  Another twist of bad luck erupted as the newly named Twisted Root faced a lawsuit to change their name.  Now enter Root 48, a casual version of Chef Keith’s creations.  For some reason the concept never caught on, and the place closed a few months later.

 

15) SIDELINE BAR & GRILL:  The newly revamped spot on the split of Woodman and Wilmington Pike, in the former Perkins/Starlite location.  We are going to miss their killer menu item, Deep Fried Babyback Ribs.  Unfortunately the fans never caught on to this sports bar, and it was forced to shut its doors.

 

16) GRANNY’s 4200 PLACE,  Moraine: We sure miss the great breakfasts, especially the biscuits and gravy and the  great homemade pies that were a staple of this homey place.

 

Fried Ribs - only in Dayton at sidelines.. not anymore

When Sidelines Bar closed in 2014, we lost the only Deep Fried Ribs appetizer in Dayton

In 2014, we also saw a Dayton Icon, Neil’s Heritage House, reduce their hours to only holidays and special events

 

Our Springfield friends who owned El Herradura Mexican restaurant, closed the doors recently, but plan to reopen in 2015.  We wish them success.

 

**** WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2015? ****

THE CORNER KITCHEN, Oregon District: Wow, how times have changed in the Oregon District.  Remember Sloopy’s,  the drunken 90’s meat market dance club?  Well, it is about to house a restaurant that strives to be a “finer diner.”  We look for great things from this place!

GINGER & SPICE ASIAN BISTRO, Dayton:  This Asian restaurant will be opening in late January on Brown Street. Owner Grace Peng has a long resume of cooking in some top shelf restaurants, including the long gone Steve Kao’s.

 

EL RANCHO GRANDE, Dayton:  Coming to the corner of Stewart and Brown Street, will be opening their 7th area Mexican eatery.

 

MACK’S TAVERN, Centerville: The yet unopened bar that won Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary contest, is slated to open in January.  Stay tuned for a sneak peek at the menu over the next few weeks.

 

THE DAYTON BEER COMPANY, Dayton: Thirty six taps have been installed and work continues on this 2nd location for Pete Hilegman, one of the pioneers of our region’s brewery explosion.  Located at 324 E. Second St, in the old Weiler Welding Building, just a quick walk from the baseball stadium.

 

PERSIS INDIAN GRILL, Miami Township:  In the spot that formerly housed Boosalis Baking (now located in Cross Pointe Shopping Center) it looks like  finishing touches are coming on the construction for this modern Indian eatery that will serve lunch and dinner.

 

AIRWAY KITCHEN, Riverside:  Where once there was a Ponderosa on Airway, there will soon be a greek buffet restaurant, owned by the same family that operates the Starlite Dinner.

 

Don't Tell So we promised not to name names yet, but 2 of our favorite south of town spots are both working on second locations and sadly we know of one other that will cease operations at the end of January…. stay tuned to DaytonDining for all the tastiest news in town!

Did we miss a place?  Who did we forget?  Please check our gallery below for photos of the new spots, and the other spots that are now closed forever.  Also, don’t forget to “LIKE” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.    It’s a foodie paradise…

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Endless Pizza at Beavercreek Pizza Dive & **WIN 2 DINNERS**

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Beavercreek Pizza Dive Owner Teresa with Food Adventure’s Chef House on “Housemade Sriracha Night” at the Monday Night Buffet!

Why are crowds packing into the family owned pizzeria in Beavercreek on Monday nights?  The answer is the Beavercreek Pizza Dive’s “All you Can Eat Pizza Buffet Monday’s.”

Want to join in on the fun for FREE?  Then just comment below on this story and one lucky winner will win 2 FREE Buffet Dinners on any Monday night.  You might even be joined by the Food Adventures Crew !  

Sure, we had gotten their delicious pizza to go, but we had not yet been there on buffet night.   For those of you who sneer at buffets, try our no rules approach and you won’t miss out on yet another great foodie attraction.  Housemade Sauces by our own Chef House made a special appearance this past Monday and her Dayton Original Sriracha Sauce was in many of the night’s pizza recipes !  This night was special!   It was a Sriracha Takeover !!!  The result was our being blown away by some of the unique, fresh pizza tastes!  Chef House was also able to help a local dog charity, The Miami Valley Pit Crew, with proceeds from the evening.

For those of you who sneer at buffets, you are missing out on yet another great Food Adventure opportunity.  But there is much more to this place than the Monday night buffet.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The pizza is New York Style, Hand Tossed Pies.  The dough is made fresh daily, and rests for 2 days before it goes into the pizza ovens.

Half B.L.T. Pizza and Half Greek Pizza !!

— Owners J.R. and Teresa Geraci have owned the “dive” approximately 7 years, and are constantly improving their menu.

— The friendly service is as well known as the pizza here.  When we say this is one of the most attentive, friendliest group of workers we have met, we mean it.  It is not uncommon to see regular customers come into the restaurant and  greet the staff with a hug.  There is a family feel environment which is, sadly, rare these days.

— Beavercreek Pizza Dive is located at the corner of Dayton Xenia Rd. and Grange Hall Rd in Beavercreek.

— Dine in customers typically get a complimentary sample of the pretzel or bread bites while waiting for their dinner.

— Other specials include Tuesday buy any pizza and get a cheese pizza free of the same size, and everyday specials announced daily on their FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

— We suspect the eatery was named Beavercreek Pizza Dive, because owner J.R. was a diving coach at Beavercreek… just a hunch

What is to follow is more more than a hunch.  It has been developed after years of research and many trips to the “dive.”

It is our patented “MUST EATS”

 

The 215 Cheesesteak Pizza.. just like a Philly Cheesesteak on a crust !

MUST EATS:

— THE MONDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA BUFFET: Just $6.99 per person.  Kids under 10 years old eat for $1.99.  The reason we listed this as a “Must Eat,” is that there are specialty pizzas that are not on the menu, but still in experimental phase and only available Monday nights..

For example, THE TACO PIZZA is a “must eat” but is only available on the buffet.  It is topped with pulled pork, lettuce, tomato for a unique spin on a taco pizza.  This is Chef House’s favorite pizza at the dive.  Don’t forget to spice it up with a few squirts of her Housemade Sriracha sauce!

Also, the MAC N’ CHEESE PIZZA is a “must eat,” only available Monday nights on the buffet.  Cheesey, gooey mac-n-cheese, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, all on top of the Beavercreek Dive’s fresh, hand tossed crust.  It is rich, sinful,and delicious.  The King says “this is probably my favorite menu item.”

 

These Breadstick Bites are the closest thing to 70’s/80’s Noble Roman’s Breadsticks, even down to the cheese dip !

— THE 215 CHEESESTEAK PIZZA : Named for the area code of Philadelphia, this “Philly Cheesesteak Pizza” has it all.  Instead of pizza sauce, they use a cheese sauce.  Oh yes, a thick gooey, creamy cheese sauce and a shaved steak slices.  Other toppings are onions, mushrooms, and a secret house seasoning.  This is the Big Ragu’s favorite pizza at Beavercreek Pizza Dive. Come getcha some. fella !

 

— THE BREAD BITES WITH CHEESE SAUCE: Amazing appetizer that is the closest thing we have found to the old 1970’s-80’s version of Noble Roman’s breadsticks !!  Try them and tell us if they are not strangely reminiscent of a taste thought long gone in Dayton…. But you must get the cheese sauce for dipping to complete the deal !

 

— THE CHEESEBURGER PIZZA:  Who uses mustard instead of pizza sauce?  The Pizza Dive does, and it is an amazing take on pizza.  After the mustard sauce goes on, the pizza is topped with ground beef, tomoatoes, onion, and bacon.  It is even topped with ketchup and cheddar cheese.  They need to rename it the BACON CHEESEBURGER pizza, because that is exactly what it tastes like.  This was one of our  “daaaamnnn” faces for sure, when we tried this one.  Extreme flavor?  You got it here.

 

Taco Pizza (left) and Cheeseburger Pizza (right)

— THE B. L. T. PIZZA:  Love your bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches?  Then try this pizza with no pizza sauce, just olive oil.  It is then sprinkled with partial pieces of bacon and cheese.  the last step is adding the cold flavors of mayo, lettuce and tomato.  Open up and say ahhh.  The crunch of the bacon and lettuce is an undeniable pleasure in life.  If it drips down your chin, we won’t tell anybody, just save us a piece, ok ?

 

— HAWAIIAN PIZZA: For all you exotic types, we have found your next  love. Maybe it is the crust, maybe it is the pineapple, bacon and ham.  Or is it the final touch of cheddar cheese?  We just know the end result is a ‘luau in your mouth.’  Whether you dine in or “lei” on your couch and eat this pizza, it is a great tasting, satisfying pie !  The King was a big fan of this pizza.

 

The Real Deal Steak Sandwich. Shaved slices of steak with all the works…

— THE REAL-DEAL STEAK SANDWICH:  Oven baked subs, with the buns brushed with an olive oil/buttery combination.   Served glistening and piping hot, you gotta be careful of you could burn your tongue.  We did anyway, and didn’t care because it is so good, we couldn’t wait to dig in.   It is hard to put into words the creamy feel, yet bold flavor of this sandwich.  It is shaved steak and cheese, not a frozen patty.  The peppers, onions and mushrooms are the perfect finish to this masterpiece on a bun.   It  was so good, we found ourselves daydreaming the next day about it.  The Big Ragu highly recommends this sub. It’s a foodie’s paradise!

 

— CINNAMON SUGAR BREAD BITES with HOMEMADE FROSTING DIP:  These are like Bigfoot.  Rarely seen.  They usually are an extra-special treat, brought out by the staff with the homemade cream cheese frosting dip.  They are so labor intensive that offering it on the menu would back up the kitchen and ruin everything.  Although, these bites are so good.. if you find them, your table will be mobbed like ours was !!

 

Click to Enlarge the ultra rare sight of “Cinnamon Bread Bites”

Honorable Mention:  THE ITALIAN CALZONE was pretty good, and the buttery glaze they brush the calzone crust with is simply divine.   THE BOMBER is the double layered crust pizza that is a meat lover’s pie.  It is a massive pizza where the toppings are inside, and there is crust on top and on the bottom.   Also, THE HANDMADE PRETZELS are a kid pleaser and adults love them too !

Note: The cookies and rice krispie treats are a nice distraction.  Although the sign says they have them, they  have not sold cannoli for a while, but if you order the cinnamon bites mentioned above, you won’t miss them.

Check out the incredible photo gallery below of mouth watering photos from our various visits to the Beavercreek Pizza Dive.  Whether you get a pie to go, or visit Monday night’s buffet, you better dive on in here and get some of their MUST EATS !  Better yet, get it for free…. (see below).

 **** NOW WHO WANTS FREE PIZZA ???  ****  To enter the contest, all you have to do is comment on the article below and tell us why you want 2 Free Monday Night Buffets at Beavercreek Pizza Dive.  One winner will be chosen at random next week.  The Food Adventures Crew may even join you for dinner!  One comment per person, please !!

 

Follow the four Food Adventurers: Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu on FACEBOOK HERE.  “Like” them on Facebook, love them in your heart.

Tweet Tweet @food_adv

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The Top 25 Soups of Dayton

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Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco – Click to Enlarge

As the weather turns colder, nothing warms the soul like a good bowl of soup.  Our DaytonMostMetro Food Adventures crew, Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list  of  Dayton’s Best Soups.  From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer.  So, all you serious foodies sit back, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

 

In no particular order, here they are…

DAYTON’S TOP 25 SOUPS

 

1) THE JUMBALAYA at BUCKIN’ DONKEY GRILLE:  For 15 years, owner Sean McKown has perfected his Jumbalaya recipe.  He tested it on friends and family, and the end product is a culmination of those efforts.  The result is a masterpiece in a cup.  Filled with sausage and seafood, it has just the right amount of tangy flavor and heat.  We squirt some hot sauce on this bad boy and go to town..

 

2) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO: Homemade chicken broth from scratch.  Fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream on top.  This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss.  This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten, made by the best chef in Dayton, Jenn DiSanto.  This soup is Chef House’s favorite !

 

“The Shrimp and Pork Soup” at Linh’s Bistro is Pho-nomenal !

3) SALMON BISQUE at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: Creamy, with fresh salmon chunks, this rich soup is a crowd pleaser.  We can’t think of a better soup on a crisp cold day.   The fresh thyme, dill and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites.  We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers, now we have another gem added to the list.

 

4) THE LOBSTER BISQUE from DELI at WEBSTER ST. & TOP OF THE MARKET: Served piping hot in a generous bowl, we were blown away by the lobster flavor balance with the creaminess of the bisque.  The soup is absolutely delicious, and very filling.  Congrats to the Deli on Webster & Top of the Market for staying true to the elegance of this soup,yet putting a hearty, delicious spin on it.  This is one of The Big Ragu’s favorites !

 

5) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO:  Welcome to the enormous bowl world of the “Pho Soups” offered at Linh’s Bistro.  This meal sized soup contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp.   Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer this Vietnamese soup with the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all.  The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime.  Hand pull some cilantro and dump the rest of the side items into the bowl.  This soup defines the words Food Adventure.

 

The Woodhouse Chili at Archer’s Tavern: A good story behind it

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

 

7) THE POTATO SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one shines.  This soup has wowed Dayton crowds for decades, and has somewhat of a cult following.  Doubleday’s large menu makes this a perfect starter to a great meal.  The rich, creamy flavor is a great warm up, for a snowy day.

 

8) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11:  Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite.  Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having cooked at one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years.  He hones his craft, and has hit the mark on this one.  Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds.  Goes perfect with their craft beer selections !

 

 

The Warm Goodness of North China’s “Sizzling Rice Soup”

9) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN: Now here is a good story.  Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff, and the winning chili goes on the menu for a year.  All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program!  The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation!  The current “Woodhouse Chili” is made with fire roasted tomatoes and jalapenos.  It is topped with cheese and Fritos.  Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups on our list.  That’s why it is “The King’s” favorite on the list.

 

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

 

11) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP at NORTH CHINA:  This masterpiece is actually a meal sized bowl for 2 as listed on the menu.  But sometimes, we get a wild hair, and order this as a meal.  Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer, but who wants to share something this good?  The flavor is a perfect balance of vegetables and rice in a broth flavored with a hint of salt.  In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one can’t be ignored.  They have another mega soup that almost made our list, the “House Noodle Soup” is a must eat too!

 

The Lobster Bisque at the Deli at Webster Street is delicious

12) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI: Another homemade soup from scratch.  Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth.  The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.  Chef Ronnie DiSalvo takes pride in his food, and this is another example of his incredible creations.  It is made with love from the heart, straight to your mouth!

 

13) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: Vegetarians  rejoice!  This Dayton soup is for you.  A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful.  The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible.  Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star.  Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.

 

14) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE: This soup is exotic, thick and hearty.  We absolutely love Amber Rose’s spin on this old school favorite.  We aren’t sure how traditional it is, but it is beyond good.  This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more.  Try it for yourself as an appetizer to an Eastern European meal.

 

15) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL: It is pure comfort in a bowl.  The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful.  Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on.  This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.

“The Pickle Soup” at Blind Bob’s is a Dayton Original

 

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

 

17) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”: It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible.  It is rich, filling and sinful.  We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it.  We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it.  This soup is Hungry Jax’s top pick!

 

18) CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP at CHINA COTTAGE:  This is a house specialty, and we have never seen a creamy chicken soup offered at a Chinese restaurant other than here.  There is good reason.  No one else’s chicken soup could compare.  It is a deliciously light cream soup that cleanses the pallet and readies your taste buds for those spicy dishes made from Chef Tiger Wang.  This soup is definitely a Dayton Original.

 

19) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT:  Always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.”  This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons.  But what hit us most is the rich flavor.   Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the gooey cheese.  Take a spoonful and you will see why this restaurant is the pride of Xenia.

 

“The Chicken Gumbo” at DiSalvo’s Deli. You wont see this online anywhere else, we got the scoop !

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

 

21) HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP from ALL SOUPED UP:  The 2nd Street market has some tremendous food shops.  In the middle of the market, “All Souped Up” is impressing the masses with creations like their Chicken Noodle Soup.  Homemade noodles, pieces of delicate chicken, and a small balance of vegetables make this soup.  It tastes like something your mom or grandmother would make.   It is fun to take a seat at the market and enjoy this soup and get lost in the goodness.

 

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

 

23) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE:  This is a no brainer.  Hello, the owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Netwoork superstar, Emeril Lagasse.  Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing.  This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton.  We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.

 

The Guinness Onion Soup at Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia is sinfully gooey

 

24) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:  When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list.  Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it.  The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup.  Cracker sor not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.

 

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

 

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

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

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Top Dog: Zombie Dogz Food Truck Still Leading the Pack

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“New Dog #2” Zombie Dogz Latest Pup!

Who waits in a line 70 yards long for a hot dog?   The answer is a lot of people in the Dayton area, as long as they are waiting for a Zombie Dog. In fact, with over 16,000 “Likes” on Facebook, this food truck is nothing short of a phenomenon!  Since Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew are frequent visitors to this traveling delight, we decided to spread the word amongst our foodie readers!  Hungry Jax even marked this territory as one of her “Top Five Eats in Dayton” so no one has had more Zombie Dogz than us …

With Halloween approaching and The Walking Dead Zombie show starting back up, it is the perfect time for a Zombie Dogz Food Adventure  article!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Zombie Dogz is a food truck that takes hot dogs to a gourmet level with their unique toppings and handcrafted side dishes.

— Mom and pop establishment founded in 2012 by David and Lee Ann Van Artsdalen. They recently welcomed the newest member of their family this spring, baby Barrett Axel!

 

 

— Budget friendly at only $6/dog, you’ll be able to feed your own pack a hot dog that’s been grilled, tucked into a grilled bun and topped with combinations that will make you howl in delight!

The Van Artsdalen Pack” – Lee Ann, David and Baby Barrett Axell

— Not a carnivore? No worries! They offer tofu dog’s as a substitute.

— In the “ZD” logo, you’ll see the silhouette of David and Lee Ann’s dog, “Gauge”!  He even has a Zombie Dog named after him, the “Killer Gauge”.

 

Zombie Dogz offers up hot dogs that will surely make you salivate! You can find a full menu on their website, however they rotate it weekly to offer a wide variety.  To see what Specialty Dogz are offered this week, and to stay on top of their latest creations, tune into their Facebook page HERE.   They have so many delicious dogz, that it’s hard to nail it down to a few faves….. but we did.  Here are our top dogz aka Must Eats !!

 

MUST EATS:

— CALLING IN DEAD: There’s nothing dead about this dog. An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese  and finished off with crumbled crackers.  It’s your childhood in a bun…. but better.

— THE DEAD DIXIE: This pup is covered in diced green apples, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles and their signature bbq sauce! A great way to eat all of your food groups in just one bun!

— THE GERMANATOR (DAYTON OKTOBERFEST SPECIAL):  Topped with a braised beef brisket, crispy fried onions and a homemade beer cheese. This dog would surely satisfy the appetite of a former Governor of California!

“Calling in Dead”: Your childhood in a bun.

— NEW DOG #2:  It’s not uncommon for one of their new masterpieces to debut nameless. Zombie Dogz enlists their Facebook followers to take part of the naming process! This dog debuted at Oktoberfest as well. Topped with apple cider braised carnitas, spiced apples, arugula, butternut squash puree, and a sage crumble.  It is simply Autumn deliciousness, with toppings Chef House can appreciate.

— THE NIBBLER:- An American classic turned Zombie! This is their take on a coney is topped in homemade chili, diced red onions, mustard, and muenster cheese.  The King likes to tear into these like a dead walker into fresh meat!

— KILLER GAUGE – Named after their beloved dog, this hot dog is topped with a buffalo chicken dip, celery bits, blue cheese and ranch.

 Honorable Mention: THE GRANDE ZOMBE: Pronounced “Grand-ay, zom-bay,” this spicy little number includes queso sauce, shredded lettuce, cilantro sour cream, and crushed corn chips.  We like to heat up the night with this graveyard favorite.  Also, check out Big Ragu’s favorite, the dessert Zombie Dog called the “RED ROCKET” which is a banana in a bun  covered with peanut butter powder, stawberry jelly, white chocolate chips and pop rocks ! 

 **** IMPORTANT: Not every one of these Zombie Dogz are offered all the time.  They typically offer a few choices and rotate those throughout the year.  David and Lee Ann are always coming up with new flavors, so stay tuned.

 

“Dead Dixie”: Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Bliss.

From festivals, to food truck rallies, horror conventions, Oktoberfest or special single appearances, Zombie Dogz delivers the goods.  Our advice when they are around .. GET THERE EARLY, because this food truck is anything but dead.  They are easily the most popular food truck in Dayton.  Is it the Zombie Name?  Is it the one of a kind, unique toppings?  Is it the reasonable prices? The great customer service? For us, it’s all of the above!

The question we hear most is “Where can I find a schedule of where they are going to be?”  The answer is to stay updated through the Food Truck link on  Dayton Most Metro or follow Zombie Dogz on their Facebook  page. 

Speaking of Facebook, follow our new Food Adventure Crew with Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King, and the Big Ragu on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Cant get enough Zombie Dogz?  Then check out the photo gallery below for our huge collection of  pictures.  Food Adventures has some fantastic photos of many of their offerings!

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El Herradura Restaurant: Great Mexican Seafood Dishes & More

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

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

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

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

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

MUST EATS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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Dayton Food Trivia, Rumors & Secrets You Don’t Know

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“Read my lips, I want a damn steak from the Pine Club !”

Today we release some secrets, and Dayton Dining will never be the same again.  Call it  “Dayton Babylon: Little known trivia relating to Dayton Food and Restaurants.”

Sit back and enjoy, as Food Adventures gives you our favorite foodie trivia of the Miami Valley:

1) THE INVENTOR OF MARION’S PIZZA USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OF CASSANO’S:
Yes it is true.  Marion Glass was once an employee of Cassanos.   After leaving, he opened up a sandwich shop, then later his own pizza place.

 

2) IN 1988, THE PINE CLUB MADE VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR. WAIT 45 MINUTES FOR A TABLE:
Oh, this happened alright.  As the story goes, the Vice Prez was forced to wait in his limo until the table was ready.  That’s one popular steakhouse !

 

3) HOUDINI ESCAPES FROM A BARREL OF DAYTON BEER:
The date was December 11th,  1916.  The place was at Keith’s Theater downtown, near E. Ludlow Street.  Harry Houdini performed the Chinese Water Torture trick with a Dayton twist.  He escaped from a 60 gallon barrel filled with Olt’s Beer, a Dayton brewed lager.  Maybe Dayton Most Metro can do something similar with Big Ragu on their Brew Tours

 

Houdini Escaped From Inside a Barrel of Dayton Brewed Beer in 3 minutes

4) TOTENKO SERVES ROACHES TO FOOD CRITIC: 
In the late 1970’s, Dayton Daily News Food Critic Ann Heller was writing one of her first articles on the Asian restaurant near the Dayton Mall called “Totenko.”   When they served her meal, she noticed there were dead roaches in the food on her plate.  The restaurant closed for a few days with the intent to re-open, but it never did.  The business would later become Chi Chi’s on State Route 725.

 

5) THE WRIGHT BROTHERS WERE FOODIES WHO HOSTED HOLIDAY DINNER PARTIES:
The Wright Brothers were known for hosting extravagant dinners at their homes each holiday.  They would invite friends and family for these tremendous feasts.  Nothing like the food served by today’s airlines…

 

6) IN 1842,  FAMOUS ENGLISH AUTHOR, CHARLES DICKENS, VISITED THE GOLDEN LAMB WEARING A BEAVER HAT AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE THE HOTEL DID NOT SERVE ALCOHOL. 
Evidently, he asked for some brandy and was refused due to it being a “temperance hotel” (no alcohol).  He even wrote a pissed off passage in his American memoirs about the experience.  Sorry Charlie …

 

7) MIKESELLS IS THE OLDEST POTATO CHIP FACTORY IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE WRIGHT BROTHERS HELPED:
Dayton is home to the oldest potato chip company in the USA, 104 years old and still counting! The kettle cooked Mikesells are pretty much the same chips DW Mikesell peddled in 1910.  Speaking of which, when he first starting delivering chips by bicycle, his bike needed repair.  The Wright Brother’s bicycle company came to the rescue and DW Mikesell was back delivering chips in no time !

 

8) THAI 9 USED TO BE A PEANUT FACTORY:
Love the spacious dining room with the wooden floors and upstairs area?  That’s because the place used to be a peanut factory.  That’s what we were told by management when the restaurant first opened.

 

Charles Dickens Normally Doesnt ask to Drink Brandy in a Beaver Hat, But When He Does, it is at The Golden Lamb

9) ESTHER PRICE CANDIES USES LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK AND BUTTER IN ALL OF THEIR CANDIES:
How about that, Esther Price was being organic and eating local, before it was cool.  You go girl.  No wonder we love these chocolates so much!  Get on with your bad, creamy self.

 

 

 

10) THE BAR AT JAY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE WAS MADE IN 1882 for JAMES RITTY’S PONY EXPRESS RESTAURANT IN DAYTON:
If you have had a beer or cocktail at the Jay’s Seafood bar, then you have experienced a piece of Dayton history.  This huge mahogany bar was made from 5400 pounds of wood.  That makes it the coolest bar in town … bar none.

 

11) IN 1970, PONDEROSA APPOINTED DAYTONIAN JERRY OFFICE to CEO.   HE GREW COMPANY REVENUE FROM $42 MILLION to $490 MILLION in the 1980’s:
Oh yes, wide ties, and aerobics with leg warmers couldn’t stop Jerry from bringing the supreme salad buffet to America!  Check him out in this 1984 Ponderosa Commerical.

 

The owners of Pizza Queen dumped anchovies for deep fried tilapia

El Meson used to be Pizza Queen International. Click to Enlarge.

12) THE BAR AT SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE IS THE OLD BAR FROM TEQUILA WILLIES BY THE DAYTON MALL:
A little known fact is that this decorative bar, now at Sweeney’s, was the bar at the Tequila Willies Restaurant near the Dayton Mall.  The story goes, the previous tenant at Sweeney’s got it at auction and had it installed.

 

13) THE OWNERS OF PIZZA QUEEN CLOSED THEIR STORE TO OPEN THEIR DREAM RESTAURANT, EL MESON: 
Yes, The Castro family decided to dump pizza toppings for tapas.  Some Daytonians might have been disappointed at first, but now El Meson is a staple for bringing exotic South American eats to the Miami Valley.

 

14) THE HOT HEAD BURRITO FRANCHISES STARTED IN DAYTON:
Cynthia Wiley and Raymond Wiley from Kettering came up with the concept, and opened their first store in 2007.  It has been a hot commodity since, and they haven’t let it go to their “heads.”

 

15) THE OLDEST ACTIVE CHINESE RESTAURANT IN DAYTON is CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:
Since 1973, this oldest active Chinese Restaurant in the Dayton area has been slinging New York style stir fry and Cantonese cuisine.  Try the Chop Suey, it will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.

 

16) THE PULL TAB CAN and POP TOP CAN WERE INVENTED BY DAYTON INVENTOR,  ERMAL FRAZE:
Ermal’s company, Dayton Reliable Tool Company started making his invention in 1959.  When  people worried about the sharp edges of the pull tab, he then invented the pop top on today’s cans in 1977.   Think of all the beer buzzes and caffeine fixes he made possible.  He is obviously the namesake for Fraze Pavillion and the tribute in Warped Wing’s Ermal Beer.

 

Pull tab - thanks Mr Fraze

The pull tab was invented by Ermal Fraze of Dayton

17) DAYTON WAS THE 2nd U.S. CITY TO IMPLEMENT THE FOOD STAMPS PROGRAM:
Dayton takes care of it’s impoverished residents.

 

18) INVENTOR OF THE ICE CREAM SCOOP WITH ANTIFREEZE INSIDE WAS THE OWNER OF THE RED WING ICE CREAM COMPANY IN DAYTON:
Ever use one of those ice cream scoops with antifreeze in it, so the hard ice cream is easy to scoop?  According to the owner’s daughter, that scoop was invented in Dayton.  Red Wing Ice Cream used to be located near the arcade. Now you know the “scoop.”

 

19) FOOD NETWORK CHEF MING TSAI’S FAMILY USED TO RUN A RESTAURANT IN THE 1970’s CALLED “THE MANDARIN KITCHEN”:
This restaurant was a pioneer in bringing gourmet Asian Food to Dayton.  The Mandarin Kitchen had a cult following.  Our memories include the restaurant having this amazing aroma throughout the dining room.

 

20) THE HAMBURGER WAGON IN MIAMISBURG STARTED BECAUSE OF THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913:
Sherman “Cocky” Porter served his own recipe of hamburgers to the victims of the flood out of a wagon.  They were served with no condiments, just pickle, onion, salt and pepper.  101 years later, the wagon is still a Miamisburg and Dayton icon, and the recipe is still the same.

 

Orville at a dinner party

“Ain’t No Party Like a Wright Brothers Party, cuz a Wright Brother’s Party Don’t Stop “

21) CULP’S CAFE IN THE ARCADE WAS THE FIRST DAYTON RESTAURANT TO HAVE AIR CONDITIONING:
People like the sweaty Big Ragu appreciated this.  The restaurants hayday was in the 1940’s when they served 5,000 customers a day.  Yes, we said each day.  The “new” Culp’s Cafe is in Historic Carrillon Park.  It is also a ‘cool’ place to hang out ..

 

22) ORVILLE WRIGHT USED TO TEACH HIS NIECES AND NEPHEWS HOW TO MAKE FUDGE AND HARD CANDY:
Nothing like keeping the kids occupied with a little foodie fun.  If things had went differently, he could have been Dayton’s version of Willy Wonka !

 

23) BRIXX ICE COMPANY IS NAMED BECAUSE THE BUILDING WAS ACTUALLY AN ICE COMPANY THAT SUPPLIED DAYTON IN THE LATE 1800’s:
The restaurant across from the Dayton Dragon’s stadium, used to be an ice company that supplied most of Dayton with ice.  They were singing “Ice, Ice, Baby” back in the day!

 

 24) ICE CUBE TRAYS AND FREON REFRIGERANT WERE BOTH DAYTON INVENTIONS.
Ice cube trays were invented in 1959 by Arthur Frei, while Freon Refrigerant was invented by Thomas Midgley Jr. in 1928.

 

Ice Cube Tray - invented in Dayton

Bet Ya Didnt Know That the Ice Cube Tray Was Invented in Dayton…

25) THE TROPICS, AN ICONIC RESTAURANT ON NORTH MAIN STREET, BROUGHT IN CHEFS FROM CHICAGO.
Now we know how they made their one of a kind cuisine.  Luring “windy city chefs” in with lucrative deals.  This restaurant seated 700 people at it’s peak during the 60’s and 70’s.  At that time it was one of America’s top rated restaurants.

 

That’s it, thats the list .. hope you found some fun facts ,a and interesting conversation pieces you may not have known.  Dayton has a great history of food, and now you know a little more about it!

Did you like our story on Dayton Food Trivia?  Then make sure you “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !!

Check out the gallery below of funny photos relating to Dayton food trivia !

 

 

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Introducing NEW Food Adventures Crew & Fried Chicken at Lily’s Bistro ($25 Gift Card)

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Food Adventures Just Got More Adventurous !

Food Adventures just got a whole lot more adventurous….. and you can benefit by winning a $25 gift certificate to Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon district.

*** FOOD ADVENTURES WITH BIG RAGU and THE CREW ***

Blazing the trails in the foodie forums since 2008, Food Adventures has developed a large following…

Today, we add some big players to the mix.  They include Chefs, Foodie Fanatics, royalty and an appetite for Dayton that has never been bigger.  Although we have a couple of new faces, FOOD ADVENTURES with BIG RAGU and THE CREW, is still the same FOOD ADVENTURES you have come to love.  We will continue to have the MUST EATS, killer food photos that make your mouth water, and multiple visits to a place before we write an article.  Will continue to give you “THE SKINNY” on our favorites.  Follow our relentless pursuit of the best eats in the Miami Valley!

Together, your humble Food Adventurers will seek out locally owned restaurants, unique places off the beaten path, and even give our slant on some familiar favorites. Whenever we visit a place, we call it a “Food Adventure.”  You can expect pictures of each Food Adventure we embark on. You can expect us hugging waiters, visiting mom & pop establishments, posting nostalgic blogs, tongue-in-cheek comments and emotionally eating our way through life.   We don’t take ourselves seriously, enjoying the adventure all the way.  “We are not food critics, we just love to eat!”  Food Adventures won’t limit ourselves, we try it all – NO RULES !  We will leave no plate unturned.

You know the Big Ragu already ...

You already know The Big Ragu

We will continue to set the trends, host Food Adventure dinner events, and give our unique spin on Dayton’s best “Mom and Pop” places in the Miami Valley.  Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew will continue to attend and support numerous local food and charity events.   We eat it all, and the photos are ours. No stock pics here.  We aren’t a share and click site.  We are Dayton Originals, so all of our stuff is original content. Often imitated, never duplicated, accept no substitutions.

You can find us here:

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/foodadv

Website: DaytonFoodies.com 

Twitter: @food_adv

Instagram: Instagram.com/Dayton_Foodies

 

Our recent “Meeting of the Mouths” happened last Sunday at Lily’s Bistro on Chicken Dinner night.  We will get into the Must Eats from that night shortly, but first…,

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to MEET THE NEW CREW !

 

Chef House - expert foodie !LEEANNE HOUSE aka “CHEF HOUSE”:

Chef House or “The Sriracha Mamma” is all about the heat.  Lover of all things spicy she is constantly in the kitchen coming up with fun new ways to whip up veggies and add a little spice.  She is a Dayton native, with lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, working with some of the best chefs in the Miami Valley.  She loves to keep it local especially in the summer when beautiful produce is plentiful. She is a true foodie who knows we have a lot to offer in Ohio!

Chef House’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure :

(in no particular order)

1) Meadowlark (they do veggies right!)

2) Rue Dumaine (it never disappoints)

3) Fresco (best chef hands down)

4) Oregon Express (favorite pizza since I was a kiddo)

5) My kitchen ! …  duh!!!!

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JACLYN SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX”:

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

Jackie’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Lock 27

2) The Cakery

3) Sweeney’s Seafood

4) Dorothy Lane Market

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 And our final Food Adventurer…
The King - all smilesBLAKE KING aka “THE KING”

After hopping the globe with the Air Force, The King recently touched down in Dayton with his wife and daughters. Flying recon for great local food, the Big Ragu has set the course for his newest wingman, and he is logging some serious mileage. The King is a dessert FREAK! There is no shake too shaky, pie too flakey, nor cake to…cakey for this lunatic. He wants to find the best dessert in Dayton. Please help him. He needs it, a lot.

The King’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places for a Food Adventure:

1) Taco Loco

2) Jet Freeze

3) Bill’s Donut Shop

4) Hasty Tasty Pancake House

5) Submarine House

 

 

Now to the food of the day .. not a typical article for us, this is just about one dinner …. The Sunday Chicken Dinner at Lily’s Bistro

Get your hens ready….

HERE’S THE SKINNY: 

— The dinners go from 5pm – 9pm on Sundays only

— The menu is pretty much fried chicken, with the sides, appetizers, and desserts changing from week to week.

— The prices are $9 for a 2 piece dinner, $16 for a 1/2 chicken dinner, and $28 for a whole chicken

— Sides are $3,  good prices, no clucking around

Now we ruffle our feathers and give you our patented.. Must Eats!

 

Buttered Johnnycake..

Johnny Cakes at Lily’s Bistro. Click to Enlarge the Goodness

MUST EATS:

— JOHNNY CAKES:  It might have been chicken night, but the appetizers and sides stole the show !  We couldn’t stop talking about the Johnny cakes. Pancakes, as an appetizer? This was right up our alley. The King wished he could have bottled the scent to keep by his pillow at night. Made with jalepeno, for just enough contrasting kick to the sweet buttery mapleness.   These cakes were  slathered in butter and syrup and simply amazing.  Who would have thunk it?   Crispy, sweet and spicy made for a perfect combination, and Chef House’s favorite dish of the night.

— SMOKED SALMON DIP:  Another great appetizer of the night, served with bagel “nuggets.”  We started out polite, then found ourselves thumb wrestling for the last bits.  Addicting, and addiction is an ugly thing.

— HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES: We are talking the real deal, mashed with decent sized chunks in them.  We wondered why conversation stopped, it was as if all the Food Adventurers discovered these at the same time and were very quietly stuffing their faces.

— COOLDADDY COCKTAIL:  This spicy cocktail is a must.  Who could pass up a drink that features Chef House’s Sriracha sauce? Tequila, handmade pepper syrup, strawberries, cilantro are also among the ingredients.

— BEIGNETS:  Pronounced “Ben-yays.”   Known in some circles as “pizza frite”, “zeppole” or fried dough, these puffs of dough are a perfect end to a rich dinner.  Ever so slightly covered with sifted powdered sugar, Big Ragu had white on his “man bib vest” in no time.

 

Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel nuggets - a must eat

Smoked Salmon dip, made in house, with Bagel Bites

Honorable Mention:  The mac n cheese and hand breaded, fried okra deserve a nod!

Thank you for reading our special  Food Adventure with Big Ragu and the Crew!

We always visit a place multiple times before we write a story, so we are ready for a trip back to Lily’s.. want to join us?  COMMENT BELOW on the story for a chance to win!

**** CONTEST **** WIN a $25 Gift Certificate to LILY’S BISTRO WITH BIG RAGU AND THE CREW !!   Just comment on the story below for a chance to win.  One entry per person, please.  A winner will be chosen at random.  We will revisit this restaurant for an another Food Adventure and you are welcome to join us !
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