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Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival

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Welcome to the Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival! Join us at Courthouse Square for a day filled with delicious plant-based goodies. Indulge in a variety of vegan dishes and beverages from local vendors. Whether you’re a hardcore vegan or just curious about plant-based options, this festival is perfect for everyone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste some amazing vegan creations and discover new favorites. Come hungry and leave happy at the Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival!

Join us for the 6th Annual Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival presented by Sprouting Dreams LLC on September 21st at Downtown Dayton Courthouse Square and presented by Sprouting Dreams LLC.

Vendor Application: https://forms.gle/J2rGw7w49rCvZbo78
Speaker/Performer Application: https://forms.gle/4ZTSyQvDj7rcR1ad9
Volunteer Application: https://forms.gle/WSCQ59PPNG2TkXT26
Sponsorship: https://forms.gle/4ECZ1Vr4AH4ar3oz9

If you or your business want to contribute or be highlighted as a sponsor, send a message. Your participation is crucial for success and offers visibility. Feel free to send a message for details. We appreciate your consideration!

Love. Peace. Veggies.
DáVes Malone
Sprouting Dreams LLC – Community Events

Dayton Vegan Spring Market

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Welcome to the Dayton Vegan Spring Market!

Come join us at Courthouse Square for a day filled with delicious plant-based treats, eco-friendly products, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, this event is perfect for everyone!

Indulge in a variety of vegan food vendors offering everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Explore unique handmade crafts and sustainable products that align with your values. Connect with local businesses and organizations dedicated to promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support small businesses, enjoy live music, and soak up the springtime vibes. Mark your calendars for the Dayton Vegan Spring Market – we can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for the 6th Annual Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival presented by Sprouting Dreams LLC on September 21st at Downtown Dayton Courthouse Square and presented by Sprouting Dreams LLC.

Vendor Application: https://forms.gle/J2rGw7w49rCvZbo78
Speaker/Performer Application: https://forms.gle/4ZTSyQvDj7rcR1ad9
Volunteer Application: https://forms.gle/WSCQ59PPNG2TkXT26
Sponsorship: https://forms.gle/4ECZ1Vr4AH4ar3oz9

If you or your business want to contribute or be highlighted as a sponsor, send a message. Your participation is crucial for success and offers visibility. Feel free to send a message for details. We appreciate your consideration!

Love. Peace. Veggies.
DáVes Malone
Sprouting Dreams LLC – Community Events

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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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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Yaffa Grill: Our New Favorite Spot

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Marinated Chicken on the Yaffa Grill

If Fred Flintstone  was on Colonel Glenn Highway, he would say “Yaffa Gotta Do !” …and guess what, he would be right.

Yaffa Grill can be summed up as “simply exotic.”   It has worldly tastes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine that are as authentic as they are delicious.  At the same time they serve the food on paper or styrofoam plates.  You see?  Simple and exotic.  Food Adventures have tagged this as our new favorite eatery, and have been visiting the 2 Yaffa locations with some frequency.

Want an authentic, unique Food Adventure that is affordable and fun?  Then look no further than Yaffa Grill.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— They have two locations, one at 2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy (across from Wright State), and the other at 21 Alex Rd in West Carrollton which features a Middle Eastern Market.  A local family from Palestine, owns both businesses.

 

— The food is Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean.  It is unique and exotic, but delicious!  You will see spindles of meat and flaming shish kebabs.  Yaffa Grill is a great place to experiment and try some new dishes out of your comfort zone.  You will be happy you did!

 

— The prices are right.  The most expensive thing on the menu is a whole grilled chicken for $15, and we know you cant eat that by yourself.

Click to enlarge this incredible appetizer called “Musabaha” which is much like hummus

— Very casual atmosphere.  The dining area is almost like a “to go” deli.  Warning: the drink selection is very limited  (cans of pop and bottled water).

 

Don’t know what to order or where to start on such a diverse menu with possibly unfamiliar choices?  No problem, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have a list of “must eats” that wont disappoint you.  There are various spellings out there of the dishes below, but we will use the spellings on the Yaffa menu.

 

MUST EATS:

—MUSABAHA : The hardest thing about ordering it, is pronouncing it.  It is a crushed chickpea puree, much like a hummus, with olive oil, lemon juice and spices mixed in.  One of our favorite appetizers for sure.  Dipping the pita bread served into this appetizer is one of life’s golden pleasures.

 

—EGGPLANT SALAD:  The Big Ragu has seen his fair share of eggplant dishes.  This was one of the most unique and delicious ones we have come across.  Served cold, it is perfectly mixed with roasted peppers, tomatoes and vegetables.  Excellent pairing with the pita bread, it is a meal in itself.

 

— YAFFA MIX GRILL: A sampling of 3 of the best shish kebabs in Dayton.  The plate consists of a chicken shish kebab, steak kebab, and a beef/lamb mixed kebab.  It is fun to watch the cooks prepare the kebabs on the huge skewers, over the open flame.  We loved this dish.  The grilled meat and vegetables make it a heart healthy choice.

 

Kufta Kebabs. Get the Mixed Grill and sample all 3 types of Kebabs

— THE HALF GRILLED CHICKEN:  We don’t know how, but Yaffa Grill made a delicious chicken like we have never tasted before.  The Mediterranean spices were marinated and infused into the chicken in some sort of delicious sauce/rub.  The result was a lip smacking, moist, melt-in-your mouth experience.  A definite ‘must eat.’

 

— BEEF SHAWERMA:  Flame cooked lamb and beef, sliced from the meat rotesserie.   We especially love dishes that are carved off of rotating spindles of meat.   It is a tasty treat that explodes with flavor.   When served in a wrap, it is a “Food Adventure on the go.”

 

Honorable Mention:  Fatayer: a delicious bread stuffed with your choice of spices.  Lentil Soup:  Yeah, we never thought we would ever write this, but the lentil soup is amazing.

 

With so many great choices on the menu, it was hard to limit our ‘must eats.’  Even the “Baba Ghanouj” dip was some of the best we’ve had.  If you like hummus, try it.

 

Dates, and other produce at Yaffi Market in West Carrollton

Yaffa Grill is a perfect place to experience a new culture and have your very own Food Adventure.  It is a fascinating place for true foodies, and a sampling ground for those with an open mind, who are tired of the “same old thing.”  Vegetarians love this place for the flavorful entrees!  They even have a kids menu with hot dog, burger and chicken nuggets option.

Yaffa Grill does not have a website yet, or a Facebook page, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some delicious food.  Don’t forget that the West Carrollton location has a market  with various hard to find imported groceries from far away lands.  Canned goods, baked items, meats, nuts and even dairy products line the shelves.  It is definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you get some grub at Yaffa Grill,  The Food Adventure Crew cherish it as one of their favorite places in Dayton.  We are addicted, and we think you will be too.

Here is something you wont see anywhere else online, the Yaffa Grill Menu —> PAGE 1   PAGE2   PAGE3   PAGE 4

Some of our best photos of the year are in the picture gallery below, so make sure you scroll through them to see all of the dishes that Yaffa Grill has to offer.

What’s almost as good as a freshly grilled Yaffa Kebab?   The answer is “liking” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.

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Food Adventures gets Shish-Faced + ** $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY**

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Click to Enlarge: The Mother of all Shish Wraps

You ain’t gonna believe this shish.  WANT A $20 GIFT CARD TO SHISH WRAPS??  THEN COMMENT BELOW ON THIS STORY.  A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM !

When you think of Brown Street, you often think of people who are sh%# faced.   But alas, we aren’t talking about those people.  We are talking about people who are literally Shish Faced.  These people are stuffing wraps in their mouths and can’t get enough of the great flavor.  Want to get Shish Faced too?  Then head to 1200 Brown Street, the home of a locally owned eatery called Shish Wraps.   This family owned business has capitalized on the assembly line technique.  Think of it as a Mediterranean version of Chipotle, and better too !   What you can expect is affordable, savory food, with a Lebanese influence.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Opened 8 months ago by first generation Lebanese-American brothers Simon and Tony Abboud who are both University of Dayton Graduates and Centerville grads.

— The focus is a healthy, fresh, tasty twist on Lebanese and Mediterranean food.  Their motto is: “Live Long. Eat Healthy. Eat Shish.”

All meat is cooked over a rotisserie flame: You think you’re Hot Shish ?

— Menu items come from family recipes, a love of cooking, and results of experiments over the years.

— The main attraction are burrito like wraps featuring one of 3 meats: Chicken, Beef or Kafta (beef links blended with onions and spices)

— The meat is cooked over fire, on rotating kabob skewers for a char-grilled taste.  No buttery, oily soaked meat on a flat grilling surface means HEALTHIER for you !

— Vegetarian? No problem.  The falafel (fried chickpea fritters) and vegetable wraps are great meatless alternatives.

 

Big Ragu loves Shish Wraps, so this isn’t his first rodeo.   He told Chef House and Huongry Jax about it and now they are Shish heads too !   Now we’re gonna tell you some shish …

 

MUST EATS:

— CHIPS & HUMMUS :  The creamy, garlic goodness of this hummus is amazing.  This is seriously one of the most flavorful hummus plates in town, and it is homemade on site!

— SHISH FRIES:  The Big Ragu will go on record as saying these are the best fries he has ever eaten.  The fries are dusted with garlic, olive oil and a generous heap of feta cheese.

Kafta Bowl

Kafta Bowl – spicy beef links over hummus, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. MUST EAT !

— SHISH BOWL: You can choose chicken, or falafel but Jax says GET THE KAFTA BOWL !  Kafta is ground beef mixed with parsley and spices and it is some good shish.  Served with hummus, Mediterranean pickles, tomatoes and lettuce, this is a healthy dish that tastes damn good.  Be warned, you will be craving future visits for this stuff.

— SHISH WRAP:    We love these.  The menu says build your own, but may Big Ragu suggest the Chicken Shish Wrap?  It comes with an incredible cabbage mix and load it up with your favorite veggies! Get Shish sauce or Tzatziki sauce on it which are must eats in themselves.  An added bonus is that the pitas are lower calorie than other wrap places.  You can choose your own meat, sauces and veggies so style it your way.

Honorable Mention: The Tabouli – a healthy choice that is freshly chopped in-house.  It is seasoned with the perfect amount of lemon juice and served with pita slices.

Make sure you check out our gallery below with some incredible photos from our many visits to SHISH WRAPS… Our fans know we never post a story on a one time visit, this is not a “drive by.”  You deserve better.

Now is a perfect time to get some of this good food as the UD Basketball season gets into swing.  If you are downtown or near the U.D. campus, visit SHISH WRAPS, for a quick bite. This place is definitely “the shish.”

We realize everyone needs to get a little Shish faced now and then.  For more info on menu and hours, visit the Shish website HERE.   Visit 3 Shish Heads, Food Adventures, on Facebook and like them HERE !

HOLY SHISH !  We got a $20 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY TO SHISH WRAPS !   Comment below on this article, tell us why you deserve the Shish, and fill out the entry form and  we will choose someone at random ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

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Fresh Food Adventures at Fresco!

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Do you you hear that rumble? It is your stomach craving affordable gourmet food.  The answer is one of Dayton’s best kept secrets, a little restaurant called Fresco.
World class dishes made from scratch with fresh produce from Chef Jenn DiSanto and her staff are what brings loyal foodies to this one of a kind eatery.  Located at 3141 Far Hills Ave  near the Dorothy Lane intersection in Kettering since 2010, Chef Jenn has been serving her “Mediterranean and eclectic global” menu.  The Big Ragu describes the menu as Food Adventure Central.
Hello .. what’s not to love?  Even the restaurant name is based on their commitment to fresh ingredients.

If you have not heard of Fresco, or have never been there, then this is your wake up call.  Great prices and knowledgeable sous chefs that have experiences cooking outside of Ohio, result in a kitchen that cranks out amazing, extremely delicious meals.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chef Jenn DiSanto is the only rap-music loving area chef that has studied and worked culinary magic in Belgium, New York, Connecticut and Atlanta.  You can count on one hand the classically trained Dayton area chefs, and Jenn DiSanto is one of them.  So, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE and her expertise for priceless dining experiences!

— Clean, casual, yet professional dining room seats about 20 for dine-in lunch or dinner.  Lots of regulars, and a personable staff provide and inviting atmosphere.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Made from Scratch

— Practically all the dishes use Organic and Local ingredients, with a commitment to FRESHNESS.

— Salad Dressings made from scratch that will tickle your tastebuds.  Typically 5 or more choices on hand every day.

— Healthy menu with Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free menu options.

— Daily specials feature one of a kind dishes.  For more info, visit frescofood.net or click HERE.

— Catering and meals-to-go are popular choices.  The menu even features the “feed a family of 4 for $28” section.  Food this good at those prices in unheard of in the Dayton area.

— Hours are Monday through Friday 11:30am – 7pm.  Remember, no weekend hours except catering or special private events.

 

In a place where EVERY menu item is spectacular, it is hard to nail down the best.  But like Fresco, Food Adventures never disappoints, so here are our “Must Eats !”

MUST EATS:

— HOMEMADE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:  Made from scratch using homemade chicken stock and fresh ingredients, words like “delicious” don’t do it justice.  The soup is garnished with sour cream, cheese tortilla strips.  Try this soup and you will understand why it is indescribable.  This soup is one of our favorites of all time.

Thai Chicken Sliders are a “Must Eat”

— KALE and CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP:  A perfect fix for the upcoming brisk weather.  This soup is so good, you will make ‘yummy” noises while eating.  The kale is trimmed and cooked to perfection.  It is the right partner to this incredible broth and bean combination.

— THAI CHICKEN SLIDERS:  The Big Ragu says these are the best sliders he has ever had in his life.  The sandwiches have an incredible Thai peanut sauce made from scratch that is added to a shredded chicken mixture.  Topped with lemon grass and ginger pickled cucumbers with basil and cilantro slaw for an addicting punch of flavor.

—ROASTED SALMON WITH MANGO CHUTNEY:  Before roasting, the salmon is seasoned with a house rub.  This is fresh salmon, not frozen and it is perfectly cooked for an amazing taste.  Finishing touches include a homemade mango chutney that is “to die for.”  Sides include potatoes and grilled veggies.  At $15.50, this dish is a steal.  You would pay up to double at fancy restaurants and still not touch the taste of this dinner.   The Big Ragu will go on record as saying this is the best salmon dinner he has ever had.

—SIDE SALADS:  Yeah yeah we know…you think it is just some crisp greens.. but not so fast my friend…  The real attractions here are the homemade dressings.  These “liquid must eats” are made from scratch.   One of our favorites is the White Balsamic Vanilla Bean Dressing.   Other incredible flavors of dressing include Lemon Sherry Vinaigrette, Onion Vinaigrette and a unique Bacon dressing (with no Bacon Fest

lines).    The Big Ragu recommends the Red Wine Vinaigrette as his favorite.  Eating healthy never tasted so wonderful.

Delicious Roasted Salmon with Mango Chutney. Served with crisp potatoes and grilled veggies

Honorable Mention: Grab some handmade Fried Green Tomatoes when they are featured.  They are great to share, but so tasty that we won’t share ours.   We also love the Fish Tacos every Friday.  Attention shrimp lovers, the Shrimp and Grits dinner is pretty good.  Polenta is used instead of  grits, and the combo of creaminess with the vegetables is amazing.   This article would not be complete without mentioning the great Arepas on the menu or the savory Grilled Panini Sandwiches offered.  Oh and did you know you can bring in your own alcohol when you dine in ????

Chef Jenn is one of our favorite local personalities, and her service is as “fresh” as the food.  This locally owned, family business is a must stop for anyone who appreciates homemade food, and culinary expert cooking at its finest.  Looking for a place to eat and want to change things up?  We got one for ya.. and now you know, it’s Fresco.

Want more foodie fun?  Check out Food Aventures on Facebook and “like” us by clicking HERE.  Over 2100 fans cant be wrong. Our first new like get a “free style rap session” with Chef Jen and ourselves.

Check out some of the most amazing photos we have ever posted in our gallery below from numerous Food Adventures to FRESCO !

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Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

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Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

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

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

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

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

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

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

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

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

Love Facebook?  Want some more from your favorite “foodies in their forties?”  Then check out Food Adventures on Facebook   —> HERE

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19 Beers and The Perfect Burger: One Eyed Jacks

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The University Shopping Center across from Wright State’s Nutter Center is a unique place to eat. You have the normal options of Subway, McDonalds, Bob Evans, etc… but in the mix of the mediocre there are a few places like Jeet, The Flying Pizza, and Tiks Thai Express dishing out some really good food. But, my favorite is One Eyed Jacks. Founded April 14thof 2008, Jacks has been serving up cold beer and hot burgers straight to the mouths of Wright State Students for years.

Busy behind the bar shot at One Eyed Jacks.

Friday night crowd keeping the bar busy on a Friday.

The brilliance of One Eyed Jacks lies in its mix of quality atmosphere, food, and drinks. During the day, Jacks is perfect for winding down with a cold beer and a burger, but on a weekend night the mood changes. As people roll in, the band sets up, and the group conversations all merge into a wall of sound and you find yourself in a pure party setting.
There is no musical prejudice at Jacks.  The Rumpke Mountain Boys had several people trying their hand at a jig with others bumping, grinding, and yes hula-hooping to their wonderful bluegrass twang. Upcoming acts like Cappadonna from the Wu Tang Clan (Mach 30th) will undoubtedly have a lot of people bouncing around the stage trying some new moves that maybe they shouldn’t.  With smiles everywhere, band playing, the bar hostesses hard at work, and the kitchen buzzing, it is impossible to have a bad time at Jacks.

The 2am Burger at One Eyed Jacks

Egg, Burger, Bacon, Hashbrowns... That is all you need to know.

With all of that atmosphere, it would be a shame if there wasn’t substance to back it up. Jacks does not disappoint. The Veggie Zaffer (my regular choice) is the most amazing piece of late night satisfaction in Dayton. Two house sauces, siracha-kraut (a creative twist on kim-chi) and tatonka   (a mildly spicy cream sauce) sit on a huge spicy black bean burger with cheese, onion, and swiss. It is spicy, rich, and if you think you need meat to have a good burger, this will prove you wrong. While the Zaffer is fantastic on its own, it is served with a mound of hot, perfectly greasy, seasoned, and battered french fries. There are few words outside of addictive that I would use to describe these flawless fries. While I am prone to ramble on about the $7.99 Zaffer basket and how every order should be placed with extra tatonka and blue cheese on the side their other options are something too.

Like the “2am” burger. For $7.99 you get a large beef patty sitting atop a hash brown and covered with cheddar, ketchup, bacon, and an egg. Or, if you’re just a little peckish share some pizza nuggets ($7.99) stuffed with cheese and pepperoni served up with marinara for dipping. The whole menu from pizza to wings, from burgers to salads is consistently good, packed with flavor, and reasonably priced all under $10.

An appitizer platter at One Eyed Jacks

The pickle spears are fantastically crunchy.

Open 11am-2:30am Monday through Saturday and 12pm-2:30am on Sunday, One Eyed Jacks is a fantastically assembled bar with great service, 19 beers on tap, fantastic food, and a variety of music that few rival. (Not to mention $3 shots of Jameson on the 14th of every month.) Head to Jacks if you are down for a fun night with good people.