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Damon’s in Wilmington – Worth the Trip

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DAMONS IN WILMINGTON

Would you trade a 30 minute drive for a trip back in time to one of your favorite restaurants?

We did just that on a Food Adventure this month, and it was a throwback to times and tastes we thought were gone forever.

Do you remember Damon’s Restaurants?  They were known for their ribs since the late 70’s.  In the 1990’s went to a mega sports complex formats with huge screen TV’s , sound speakers at the tables and were one of the first to carry NTN Trivia boxes.  Then they suddenly went out of business.  Well, in Wilmington, Ohio, they never left and never changed a bit !

Damon’s was a perfect place to watch NFL Games, Baseball Games, NFL Drafts, March Madness, or play trivia on the screen with the big crowd.  It was a sports and food paradise.  We really loved these restaurants and were heartbroken when they closed.

Damon’s were at the following locations:
1) In the 80’s next door to the Paragon Restaurant on 725.
2) In Town n Country Shopping Center where BW3 is now.
3) Also at the site of the old “Champs” restaurant which is now Chappys  Taphouse on 725 behind J. Alexanders.
4) Where Little York Tavern is used to be a Damon’s Grill

JUST HOW WE REMEMBERED IT !

For whatever reason, Damon’s closed locally, but as we have told you, the one in Wilmington is one of 2 in the USA that still remain.  The other is in North Carolina.

The bottom line is that the Wilmington Damon’s is exactly how we remember the restaurant , and it is worth the 30 minute drive.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON DAMON’S RESTAURANT HISTORY:

— Damon’s Grill was based out of Columbus, Ohio and founded in 1979

— They opened up some other restaurants in Dayton, Columbus and Indianapolis and even internationally in the UK.

— Most stores were out of business by the 2000’s

— Wilmington Damon’s is  located at 1045 E Side Dr, Wilmington, OH 45177

— Wilmington Damon’s is managed by Charles Kelshaw, a long time employee for over a decade he has made sure the operation stays true to the original store.

INDIVIDUAL ONION LOAF PORTION

— Currently there is a Damon’s in Myrtle Beach.

— The only odd thing we noticed is they charge $2.50 for a basket of their famous rolls. But we quickly got over it and ordered some. It was worth it.

 

MUST EATS AT DAMON’S RESTAURANT IN WILMINGTON, OHIO:

— THE ONION LOAF:
This is a signature appetizer which is literally a condensed loaf of onion rings in the shape of a bread loaf. the taste is distinct and so is the sauce the always offer for dipping. Ketchup works just fine too. Don’t pass up this one of a kind throwback, it is exactly the same as we remember it. Sinfully rich, deep-fried deliciousness.

 

— CHICKEN WINGS with BUFFALO SAUCE:
Not only do you have to get the wings, you have to get them in Buffalo sauce. Somehow Damon’s perfected keeping the wings done

CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE

perfectly and crunchy, yet wet with sauce. It is the best of both worlds and the tangy heat may give you some sweat on your brow, but it hurts so good. It is not that hot, just perfect,

 

— THE FULL RACK OF BABY BACK RIBS:
WE have come to the main attraction. Not only the signature ribs, but the sauce you grew to love. We could not believe the familiar aroma that we had not smelled in decades. The sauce is incredible and the ribs are lean and melt in your mouth. This is the way to go baby !

These three “Must Eats” keep it simple and give you the main event of the menu.

Get a tall beer in one of their signature glasses and you have finished off one hell of a nostalgic Food Adventure.

 

For more photos please browse below.  Tell us your memories of Damon’s in the comments and let us know your thoughts on the restaurant in Wilmington.

For more Food Adventures  “like” us on Facebook HERE

THE FAMOUS RIBS

DIGGING INTO THE ONION LOAF

DOLLOP OF MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY

BABY BACKS UP CLOSE

DINNER ROLLS AT EXTRA CHARGE

MEMORABELIA FROM LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS

REMEMBER THESE DIALS? YES THEY STILL HAVE THEM !

A SPORTS PARADISE

TRIVIA , SPORTS AND GREAT FOOD AND DRINK

SALAD HELLZ YES

THE WHOLE SLAB

OOHHH THAT SAUCE

THE FAMOUS FULL RACK OF RIBS AT DAMONS

1045 E Side Dr, Wilmington, OH 45177

 

“The Growler” Opens on Wilmington Pike

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Co-owner Gary Leasure wants to offer you a beer!

Craft beer lovers who can’t get enough, you have another spot to get your growler filled. “The Growler” is now open in the former “Wright Wing” spot on Wilmington Pike. The same building has housed The Buckin’ Donkey Grille. and Monkeez previously.  Food Adventures has the scoop on the new place…

This sports dive is mainly bar seating and booths, with a few dining tables inside.  Outside there is one hell of a patio.  Other attractions include a killer Happy Hour.

Hungry?   Thirsty? Step inside…

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu, and Chef House are here to tell you …

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE GROWLER:

Dart Boards and more.

—Located at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, The Growler has a full service bar and plenty of TV’s to catch your favorite event.

—From 3pm to 7pm on weekdays, they have 1/2 off all appetizers and craft beers are only $3.50, tall domestic beers are just $2.25 during this happy hour time too.

—Other attractions: Pinball, dart boards, with live trivia on Wednesdays and Karaoke on Thursdays

Spicy Pulled Pork Pizza

—Owner’s Gary and Steve Leasure are lifelong Daytonians, suggest you check groupon.com for special deals.

—They have 10 rotating taps and various domestic, craft and import bottled beers too.  By May they should be selling their signature “Growlers to go.”

Good drink is usually followed with good eats, so lets get growlin, Food Adventure fans !

 

MUST EATS at THE GROWLER:

Loaded Fries

—LOADED FRIES:
Served on a pizza tin and foil this MOUND of fries is almost a mountain.  Roasted and covered with cheese and bacon, this sinful appetizer is over the top.  Get some ranch and ketchup for dipping and find your self closing your eyes and finding your zen.  We almost did yoga in our plate.

—THE SPICY PULLED PORK PIZZA:  
Unique idea of pulled pork pizza, but they kicked it up a notch with heat.  This pig pizza is on fire with flavor and just the right amount of kick.  Nice innovation, Growler.

The Original Sub

—THE SWEET CHILI WINGS:
A Sweet and Spicy saucy sauce, that is sticky and finger licking good.

—THE ORGINAL SUB: A nice 2 piece sub, with Italian style lunch meat.  Salami, Pepperoni, Capiccola, Marinara, Mozzarella and Banana Peppers make this sub a popular choice.  Served with potato chips it is a filling lunch or dinner.

—BREADED MUSHROOMS:
Nice and hearty, these breaded mushrooms, are a big order and they taste great.

Now for the craft beers…..

They are always listed on BeerMenus.com:  Right now their 10 taps are….
1) Yellow Springs Moon Balloon
2) Warped Wing Trotwood Lager

New place is open !


3) Warped Wing 10 ton Stout
4) Great Lakes Chill Wave IPA
5) The Brew Kettle’s Black Rajah
6) Three Floyds Yum Yum
7) Ace Pineapple Cider
8) Blue Moon
9) Bud Light
10) Miller Lite

Beers waiting in the on deck circle to be tapped…. are …..

-Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale
-Madtree Passion Fruit Tart Ale
-Warped Wing Hop Smuggler
-Bear Republic Brewing’s Racer 5 IPA
-Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout
-Platform Speedmerchant White IPA
-Jackie O’s Mystic Mama

Deep Fried Mushrooms

**** SPECIAL SCOOP !! ****  THE GROWLER’S ST PATTY  PARTY CLICK HERE

JELLO SHOTS!   NCAA MARCH MADNESS HOOPS EXCITEMENT!
IRISH CRAFT BEER!   BUSHMILL SHOT SPECIALS and more.

Party goes all day Friday, March 17th!

Keep the party going every week right here for feature articles weekly on Dayton Most Metro from the Food Adventure Crew.  Growl at you later.

Outside the Growler

They have a number of subs to choose from

Domestic Bottles 1.70 during happy hour

Wilmington Celebrates The Banana Split!

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bansplitThe nation’s only Banana Split Festival pays homage to simpler times with rock ‘n’ roll, cruise ins, crafts and rides were the ultimate in family entertainment.  Kicking off this Friday, June 12th from 4-10pm and Sat from 10am – 10pm, the festival, hosted by local Rotary clubs, donates all the proceeds to charity.
For directions and more  check the BananaSplitFestival website.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In downtown Wilmington, there used to be a restaurant called Hazard’s. The proprietor of the restaurant was Ernest Hazard. Like most merchants in Wilmington today he wanted to find a way to attract the students of Wilmington College to come to his restaurant.

It was a very blustery winter in 1907, so business was slow and the employees didn’t have a whole lot of work to do. So Hazard  decided that a good way to get some business was to create a new dish that was so unique everyone would want to try it. So he offered to furnish unlimited ingredients to the employees and have a contest to see who could come up with the most unusual dish.

splitSurprisingly enough, the winner of the contest was Ernest Hazard. He took a long dessert dish, arranged a peeled banana and three scoops of ice cream in it, and added a shot of chocolate syrup, a little strawberry jam, and a few bits of pineapple. On top of this, he sprinkled some ground nuts, and garnished his invention with a mountain of whipped cream and two red cherries on its peak.

Festival goers will still enjoy the many food booths and craft and collectible booths promoting the 50s and 60s, a classic car cruise in, games for the entire family, and free entertainment. But the highlight for most will be the “build your own” banana split booth.

Friday’s Entertainment Schedule:

Pony rides start at 4pm and run all weekend

4 – 7:30 –OSU Buckeye Mobile Tour
Travels throughout the State of Ohio engaging fans through interactive games, activities, Buckeye-branded vehicles and inflatables. Don’t miss the ‘Buckeye Experience’ at the Banana Split Festival. No charge for this event.

4-5:45pm Rewind – The band is composed of friends, classmates and family who share a common bond for the love of music from the golden oldie years of the 50’s, 60’s and a little of the classic country sounds.

6- 7:50pm Par 5, featuring Fathead Davis – An American roots singer-songwriter steeped in R&B, soul, and gospel

8-10pm Brent Keith Band – Country Heartland Rock

 

Saturday Schedule:

 

9am – 5K run starts
11am – 12:25pm – Heavy Medicine – Powerhouse blues, funk, soul and rock ban

12:20-1:30pm – The Folks – A two man act made up of Ben Schaad and George Carrington both of Wilmington

Noon:  Classic Car Show

1:30-3:30pm Sawgrass -High energy bluegrass quartet

 

4pm – Banana Split Eating Contest – In thkidse pavillion.
Three divisions: Adult, Teens & Kids

 

5:30 – 7:20pm Cheap Thrill – The Cheap Thrill Band- a 3 Piece Classic Rock band covering the songs of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, first got its start back in the 80’s.

 

7:30-8:15pm Blue Steel – Playing classic rock favorites from the 70’s & 80’s

8:15-8:30pm  Car Show Awards

8:30-10pm Blue Steel closes out the festival

Food Adventures does “Dinner and a Ghost!”

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Is Snow Hill Country Club Haunted ? Have dinner and decide yourself

Ever had dinner with a ghost?   Well here is your chance, Ghost Hunters!   Snow Hill Country Club is haunted, and had been serving up “Dinner and a Ghost” nights on Fridays in October for the past 12 years.    In fact, the place is so legendary, that it was featured on an episode of the Biography channel’s “My Ghost Story.”  The country club is located just outside of Wilmington, on State Route 73.  The “Dinner and a Ghost” nights feature food, fear and even an overnight stay.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten in many scary places, but this was our first “Haunted Food Adventure.”   The food is pretty straight forward.  On our two trips to the country club, buffet items included turkey and ham, while another night they featured ribs and salmon.   The meal is rounded out with salad, a couple of sides and a dessert plate shared by the table, or possibly some cake.

But we weren’t here for the food, we were here for the ghosts.  And Snow Hill delivered….

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— “Dinner and a Ghost” features appetizers in the bar and a buffet style dinner.    The menu has improved since the 1820’s and they wont be serving  rabbit, steamed onions, venison and beef tongue anymore. 

One of our dinners featured Ribs and Salmon

— After dinner, the hosts take you on a guided tour complete with historical information, sound recordings of unexplained voices, and even a couple of photos believed to be “supernatural.”  Tour gurus include historian Kathleen Madison and Ghost expert/Paranormal Investigator Shelly Suittor.   Supporting cast includes Ghost Hunters Kat Powell and Alicia Soich.

— After the tour, guests are encouraged to look around for about an hour and explore for themselves.  During this time a few notable unexplained “phenomenon” have been known to occur.

— Attendees may purchase alcohol at a full service bar on the main level.

— There are 6 guest rooms, and groups may make reservations to stay the night for about 100 bucks per room.   Included in the stay is “ghost hunting” all night, if you have the guts to roam the halls late at night.   Even golf may be arranged during good weather.

— Snow Hill Country Club is located in New Vienna, Ohio at 11093 New Vienna Rd (Daytonians know this as State Route 73).  Famous visitors have included Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and legendary 1920’s golfer, Walter Hagen.

— Minimum groups for ‘dinner and a ghost’ are 12 people.  Cost of dinner and tour is $45 per person.

Click to enlarge: What you think of the “orb” in this photo. Is it the sign of a spirit ?

 

MUST SCREAMS:

— Snow Hill was built and owned by the Harris family in 1820.  It was a popular Inn and tavern up through the 1900’s.  One of the oldest running businesses in Ohio, the country club is said to be haunted by spirits of past owners, family members and past guests.

— Many stories abound from the 70’s and 80’s like a man whom believed he hit a pedestrian in the road, but noone was found.   Or records of police and firefighters responding to alarms and seeing unexplained light and movements throughout the house.

— The Food Adventures Crew had a few unexplained happenings during our two tours:

Big Ragu was taking photographs in the dark, damp cellar thought to be a passage for the underground railroad.   In some of the photos, some circular orbs appeared, one very prominently.  We were told that many ghost hunters believe these are tell tale signs of “spirits” in the room.   To be honest, we do not know what to think, other than the orbs were strange and not in photos taken of the same place seconds earlier.  The prominent orb in the photo had a distinct outline and almost looked to have “veins” running through it.  Odd indeed.  Is it a spirit?  You decide.

The Big Ragu was in the storage area of the basement, when the door next to him opened about an inch and then slammed quickly.  He looked around the room at the handful of people near him and they had that “oh crap” look on their face.  Ragu opened the door and saw a dark empty hall with a staircase, there was nobody there.  There was also a moment where the Big Ragu felt something grab his back pocket.  He was unsure if this was a  fan who liked his behind or a ghost.

Elegant, yet Spooky: Stay the night… if you dare

— During our 2nd visit to Snow Hill, one of our fellow guests took a photo of what appears to be an apparition in one of the bedrooms.   Again, unexplained and just plain weird.

— Employees tell stories of glasses shattering, chandeliers swinging violently, and various apparition sightings.

— Recordings of various unexplained voices gave us goosebumps, especially one particular ghost that whispered the word “Becky” as clear as day on the recording.  The voice was creepy like Golem from Lord of the Rings movies, or like someone who ate too much at Golden Corral.

— An 1880’s portrait photo of an man was found in a cupboard, and when locked away, would keep appearing in various open areas of the country club.  One of the tour guests recognized the photo as her ancestor Thomas Wilson, a Civil War vet.   Since being identified, it was found out that he was a former owner of the country club, purchasing it at auction in 1898.  Since being identified, his photo has ceased moving inexplicably.

— A candlemaker tool levitated and slammed to the ground on a couple of occasions in front of various dinner party guests a few years back.   The theory is that the ghost of the original owner, Mrs Harris, might not be keen on a “peasant tool” being allowed in her formal dining room as decor.

 

With Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for “Dinner and a Ghost” at Snow Hill Country Club.  We were skeptical going in, and realized after 2 visits, some things happened that we couldn’t explain.  Were they spirits from lives past?   Look at our photos, listen to the recordings in person.  Is the place haunted?  Did we see “ghosts?”  You decide…. and check it out for yourself,  but we suggest you don’t go alone.

Click to enlarge: On our 2nd trip to Snow Hill a fellow guest took this pic. Is is a ghost?

So you want to get spooked?  Want a frightening Food Adventure ??

Then contact Snow Hill Country Club and ask for a private Dinner and a Ghost Group (minimum 12 people).  Tell them Food Adventures sent you!

Don’t forget, you can book an overnight stay and/or a round of golf !

For reservations contact General Manager Katie Gephardt at katie@snowhillcountryclub.com or call her at 937-987-2491.

The  Dinner and a Ghost website can be found HERE –>http://www.snowhillcountryclub.com/dinner-and-a-ghost/

For scary images, haunting plates and funny faces, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW FOR UNEXPLAINED AND DELICIOUS PHENOMENA !

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Banana Split Festival This Weekend in Wilmington

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w4bn9ubwln39mrcubysjw6v017myyxw1What’s a festival without great food? Expect Americana at its best and all the foods you would have expected to see back in the 50s and 60s. Of course, the build-your-own banana split reigns supreme.

One of the highlights of the Banana Split Festival is the make-your-own banana split booth. The choices begin once you are in line.

How many dips of ice cream do I want – 1, 2, or the traditional 3 scoops? Should it be chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, or … one of each!? Grab your banana and on to the topping bar for a choice of chocolate, strawberry, pineapple, or caramel topping. And don’t forget the chopped nuts, whipped cream, and cherries on top!

Now dig in – Yum, Yum!!

Games for all ages can be enjoyed at the festival. It’s really a street fair in nature – just good old fashioned fun. Remember the dunking booth and the fish pond? We’ve got it all for your family’s fun. Added to inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more, your children won’t want to leave!

Buckin’ Donkey Grille: The Menu Will Kick Your …

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Beef on Weck – Old Style Taste

The Food Adventure Crew have been tackling the only Polish-Irish Pittsburgh Bar cuisine in Dayton for months now.  Today, we share these experiences with you.

Our weekly Food Adventure installment brings us to The Buckin’ Donkey Grille at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  Sure, being Cincinnati Bengals fans, we have to stomach the Steelers posters, but the food is worth it.

Our friend, owner Sean Mckown, has worked in various restaurants, but honed his skills cooking for his buddies.  Over the years he has tweaked recipes and invented menu items that are remarkable comfort food.  Sean is a laid-back guy with a great sense of humor.  You can often catch him mingling with patrons as he is in and out of the kitchen.  Sean is our kind of guy, making food that his friends love.  He experiments in the kitchen, and has perfected his dishes over the years.  This is yet another locally owned spot, where almost everything is made from scratch.

Sit back, saddle up as we take you for a ride on the Buckin’ Donkey menu highlights.

 

Here’s the Skinny:

Sean McKown, Pittsburgh Native and owner of Buckin’ Donkey Grille

— Inventive, homemade menu with one-of-a-kind items or Chef Sean’s twists on standard favorites.

— One section of their menu is Breakfast, served all day

— Locally owned, sports bar atmosphere

—  Great drink specials:  In May, bottles of Corona are only $2.  Last month, Red Stripe beers were only 2 bucks.

— The large outdoor patio will get some good use this summer.

 

Must Eats:

— The Jumbalaya – spicy and addicting, Sean has been making this masterpiece in a cup for over 15 years.

Banana Peppers Stuffed with Chorizo and Cheese

— Old Style ChicagoWeck – A favorite of most of our friends.  Slow cooked Italian beef, marinated in au jus.  The weck bun makes the sandwich along with a dash of horseradish.  You want authentic, you got it.  Get your kimmelweck on.  Stop slobbering and order one.

— The Pork Belly Burger. – This is a favorite!  It is a burger of 80/20 beef, topped with cheese and strips of pork belly.  Inventive and delicious.

— Stuffed Banana Peppers – Stuffed with chorizo and cheese, these long sliced banana peppers melt in your mouth.  Warning: Your taste buds aren’t going to believe this.  Talk about original, try these on for size.

Frosted Flake French Toast – They serve breakfast all day

— Frosted Flake French Toast – It is what it says.  French toast, coated with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal.  So good and rich, that Tony the Tiger himself would be proud.  It is a savory breakfast item that immediately makes you feel like you are at home.

— The Pierogie Burger – A burger topped with a couple of pierogies.   Big Ragu loves these so much, it makes him want to dance to polka music.

— Shrimp Po’ Boy – We recommend the grilled shrimp version.  It is an amazing take on this Louisiana style sandwich.

— Homemade Desserts – Not many restaurants have the chef’s mom making the pies from scratch.   Buckin’ Donkey Grille does.    There is no set dessert menu,  so whatever she made that day, is what’s available.  Don’t worry though, they are all good.  You have to try the peanut butter pie, strawberry shortcake and the cheesecake.   We would run topless across lanes of traffic on Wilmington Pike to get a taste of these.  Another incredible unique favorite is their homemade walnut pie.  We are willing to bet that nobody else in Dayton serves walnut pie.  If someone else does, we will let you kick us in the walnuts.

Homemade Walnut Pie

There are so many great flavors on this menu, it is hard to pick just a few favorites.  Other honorable mention specialties that we recommend include The Reuben Sandwich and The Cuban Sandwich.  The grilled wings are great and so are the hand breaded deep fried pickle slices.  Also, the thin sliced onion rings are so good that we have been known to arm wrestle over the last forkful.  If you are feeling sassy, try the Porky Pig Burger, a pork/beef mix burger served on a doughnut!  It was definitely a unique tasting sandwich.

Also, don’t forget that Buckin’ Donkey Grille has $1 hot dogs and $2 chili dogs during every Cincinnati Reds Game!   They also feature live music on Saturday nights and trivia on Wednesday nights.

There really is no secret to this place.  The formula is great food at fair prices.   The servers are also very personable and attentive.  Sean McKown did it right.  Many Daytonians are grateful that he has brought a sampling of Pittsburgh to the Gem City.  Make sure you visit this seemingly typical sports bar, with the uncommon fare.  We know why they named this place the Buckin’ Donkey Grille, because the menu is kickin’ ass.

Browse through all of our original food photos from Buckin’ Donkey Grille in the album below.  Drool bibs not included.

Who else is ‘buckin the trends’ and settin’ the trends? … Food Adventures!  Ride us and ‘like’ us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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