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Archer’s Celebrates 6th Birthday! All Week!

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Half off all bar drinks all week (beer, wine, liquor)

The uber popular eatery, Archer’s Tavern will celebrate it’s 6th birthday starting tomorrow with a week long celebration of activities.

The restaurant located at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike,  is also known by the intersection of 48 and Sheehan Rd., across from the Mega Kroger in Centerville.

Food Adventures has loved this place since this place since the get go.. Why?  It is a simple formula, good food, good service , good prices.  They also have a great draft beer list.  Whether you are a regular customer, or havent tried the place, this upcoming week is a great time to catch some fun events at Archer’s Tavern.  

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE 6th BIRTHDAY WEEK PARTIES:

SATURDAY JUNE 25th– Their famous CRAWFISH BOIL for $7  plate.  It goes from noon – till its gone.  This is a MUST EAT !!   Can you eat more plates that than the Big Ragu who will be stopping by?  Also, featuring Louisiana Brewery, ABITA beers that pair perfectly with the “mud bugs.”

 

Crawfish $7 a plate Saturday at noon

SUNDAY JUNE 26th– They will feature a BLOODY MARY BAR, CORNHOLE, LADDER BALL, and GIANT JENGA. All day Sunday.

 

MONDAY JUNE 27th– It is a BEACH PARTY on the patio. Hawaiian shirts are a must !

 

From MONDAY JUNE 27th thru FRIDAY JULY 1st – you get half-priced bar drinks from 11am-9pm (beer, liquor, wine).

Happy 6th Birthday !

 

TUESDAY JUNE 28th– Archer’s Tavern’s official birthday! There will be BIRTHDAY  CAKES and it is PATIO POUNDER DAY where you can MAKE YOUR OWN SANGARIA CONCOCTION.

 

Owners Dan and Mike have a lot planned next week

WEDNESDAY JUNE 29th– ALICE IN WONDERLAND THEME.  Dress up as your favorite character as Archer’s taps kegs of MAD HATTER BEER !

 

THURSDAY JUNE 30th– Sports day! All kids wearing a sports jersey get a FREE COOKIE !!  Also, BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS, 9am – pancake breakfast – FREE !  All young athletes and parents are welcome to the motivational seminar from former Buckeyes Tim Williams and Donnie Avege.  Also former Philadelphia Eagle, Andy Harmon will be in attendance.

Keg tappings and more

 

FRIDAY JULY 1st– SUPERHERO DAY – BATMAN AND BATGIRL will be on hand to meet the kids. You are welcome to take photos.  We have a feeling Hungry Jax’s kids will take advantage of this one…

 

The Big Ragu will see you at Archer’s

It is a great week to eat and drink to your heart’s content.  Stop in and you may see some of the Food Adventures Crew at some of these events.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY ARCHERS TAVERN !! – we wish you many more years of success.

 

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Flown in Crawfish from Louisiana !

Beers and Crawfish boils – this Saturday

Look at those crawfish

Crawfish Boil

Archers – good food, good service , good prices

The Burgers at Archer’s really stack up

1/2 off all drinks all week

it is worth repeating half off drinks ! ALL WEEK !

Archer’s – 6 years of success in Centerville

Plenty of seating – see you there !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015: The Year in Dayton Food

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Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern opened up last year at the Cornerstone

Now a gastro intestinal look back at the food year that was… 2015.

Who burst on the Dayton food scene in 2015?  Who left us forever, breaking foodie’s hearts?  The Miami Valley saw a lot of comings and goings this past year.  Food Adventures is here to review the list and get your comments on the gains and losses in 2015.

The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House, have put their heads together for “The Year in Dayton Food.”

Whether you liked it, loved it, or lost it, Dayton dining would never be the same.  Don’t forget to comment below, and let your opinion be heard.

HERE WE GO …………..

 

WHO SIZZLED ONTO THE SCENE in 2015?

BAD DOG, NICE TACO:  It is part “on site food vendor” and part catering/delivery business.  This company has really turned some heads with the delicious dogs, tacos, nachos and omelettes served at various events and breweries.  Co-owner is our very own Chef House who has evolved the business over 2015 to include delivery and catering.  Fresh, local ingredients is the philosophy of Bad Dog, Nice Taco and the inventive toppings and salsas are sure to excite your taste buds.  Launched in July 2015, we look for more innovative food from them in the new year.

BAGGER DAVE’S BURGER TAVERN: A chain with big burgers and regional craft beers.  They boast no walk in freezers and serve all their meat fresh.  Did we tell you that they make their own soft drinks too? Every Thursday, Bagger Dave’s features 50% off craft beers.  Expect this place to be packed with thirsty patrons!  The Big Ragu says – Get an appetizer of deep fried artichokes and stick to their specialty burger menu page, you won’t go wrong.  Also, some of the best chili in town.

The “Elvis Presley Memorial Combo” can be found at 2 new area Chuy’s locations

 

BENNETT’S PUBLICAL: Miamisburg’s newest sports bar just opened at 67 S. Main Street.  Coined a “family sports pub,”  The atmosphere is very nice with a wood, oak and old brick rustic feel.  Yet it keeps an inviting elegance about it.  We love sports bars and their specialty is wings with spiced breading.  They also have gravy fries.  Yes Dayton, gravy fries.  We need this place in our life.  Did we mention bacon wrapped, Gorgonzola stuffed dates? The Big Ragu  says cancel all of his appointments… see ya there.

 

CHIAPA’S MEXICAN GRILL: “Authentic” Mexican food comes to Centerville.  The buzz has been good, with raves about the tacos.  A small, clean casual joint, Chiapas is a perfect place for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.  We look forward to trying it as soon as the opening crowds subside.  Early feedback says it is similar to both Taco Loco and Taqueria Mixteca.

 

CHUY’S TEX-MEX:  A chain restaurant that invaded both Austin Landing and Fairfield Commons Mall this year.  Known for great guacamole, huge portions and a strange Elvis shrine & Mexico connection, it is a fun, party atmosphere. The Elvis love continues with Menu items called “Green Chile fried chicken” and “The Elvis Presley Memorial Combo” featuring enchiladas.  With other entrees named “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” and Burritos “as big as yo’ face,” how can you not love this place?

Dayton Beer Company opened a huge location downtown on Madison St. featuring 36 Ohio beers on tap !

CORNER KITCHEN: If your food is made with love from scratch, people will crave more.  That is the philosophy of The Corner Kitchen on the corner of Fifth St and Wayne Ave.  Great excitement surrounded the opening of this restaurant, and they have delivered with a delicious menu.  We look for big stuff in the future from the culinary duo of owners Jack and Natalie Skilliter.

 

DAYTON BEER COMPANY, DOWNTOWN: This new location could not be more different than the original Dayton Beer Company on Dorothy Lane.  The downtown location on Madison Street, is huge.  It is a warehouse atmosphere with a Hofbrau house feel.  The giant facility features an outdoor patio, brewing area, seating and the enormous bar.  The bar showcases a huge selection of 36 beers.  The beer menu is listed on wooden planks above the bar.  Only Ohio beers are featured,  As kegs blow, workers will scramble to climb a ladder and replace a plank with a new beer choice or replacement.  This is what a brew house should feel like.  Congrats to owner, Peter Hilgeman!

 

DONA MARGAROTA’S:  A Mexican restaurant that opened in Yellow Springs in 2015 has been catching some rave reviews. The owners have transformed a former KFC into a nice little Mexican diner.  We here the steak tacos are a must eat !  The place definitely has personality and people with a passion for food behind it.
ELE CAKE BISTRO & WINE BAR:  This sleek little bar in Austin Landing also serves small plates from ribs to ravioli.  Of course besides a nice wine and beer selection, they have a full line of coffees.  But this is Ele, the legendary desserts here are a must to either eat in or take home.  A great place to treat yourself after a rough work day, or a perfect place to meet a friend for a drink!

Fronana opened a location on 27 W. First Street in 2015

 

FRONANA: Robert Walker has a hell of a product.  A healthy, all natural banana based ice cream like dessert that is healthy and tastes sinful. In 2015, he went from just a bike/cart peddler to a brick and mortar business on West First Street.  One of the most inventive guys we have met, his personality and service with a smile has attracted ice cream lovers from all over the Dayton area.  Did you know you can find his stuff in Dorothy Lane Market and Dot’s Market, too ?

 

GREAT STEAK & AMERICA’s TACO SHOP: A split store featuring the old mall food court standard “Great Steak and Potato Company” menu and the edgy chain of “America’s Taco Shop” who features Tacos al Pastor and Carne Asada.  Cheesesteaks and Tacos anyone?  Sounds like a great Food Adventure stop.

 

IHOP: After 3 decades, The International House of Pancakes is back and plans to expand locations in Dayton.  Get ready for more whipped cream as the Miami Valley is going “Rooty Tooty Fresh n Fruity.”  Does anyone remember the IHOP on the corner of 725 and 741 where Waffle House is now ?   We do and wonder do they still have the strawberry, blueberry, butter pecan, and boysenberry flavored syrups?

 

Mack’s Tavern, kicking typical bar food up a notch in 2015

KETTERING GRILL AND CAFE:  An extensive menu, and they serve breakfast all day?  We just fell in love.  From the pasta dishes, to the breakfast, our meals have always been stellar.  Located at 3800 Wilmington Pike, we look for some more great food to be served by this spot in 2016.

 

MACK’S TAVERN: Owner Mackenzie Manley has a passion for serving good food and drink.  Mack’s Tavern first burst on the scene before they opened by winning the “Best Bloody Mary in Dayton” competition.  Since then she has been tweaking her family recipes and coming up with inventive menu items.  From the Boar Bites to the inventive pizzas, or signature Mack n cheese dishes, this menu is perfect for tasty late night food or lunch.

MARILYN GRILL: A new soul food restaurant is in business on 143 N. Main Street,  They even feature a Sunday buffet.  Ribs, Wings and Pulled Pork are some of their specialties. Mouthwatering photos of Cheesesteaks on their Facebook page warrant a visit by themselves!  We have a Food Adventure date reserved in 2016 for these guys!

NELLY’S CHICKEN: A family owned business that really just changed locations from West Carrollton to 79 S. Main St. in Centerville in 2015.  They also kicked up their concept a notch.  Bolivian spiced, rotisserie chicken is the mainstay of the menu.  Authentic Bolivian side dishes add to the exotic menu as does the atmosphere.  The Santillan family are friendly and own the eatery. They have incorporated many family members into the business.

Fade into Bolivian food… Nelly’s Chicken opened a Centerville location in 2015

NIBBLES:  Chef Maria Walusis has a fine dining menu that you must try.  Her restaurant is turning heads at 105 S. 2nd Street in Miamisburg.  From crab cakes to creme brulee, this gourmet restaurant even hosts private events.  Also check out the cocktail selections while you are there.

NIDA THAI CUISINE:  Locals say this new Thai spot is beginning to get a cult following.  Located at 853 E. Franklin St in Centerville,  the restaurant hits the basics of Thai cuisine, soups, curry, stir fry, noodle and pad dishes.  We have put this eatery on our hit list of new ones to try, and a Food Adventure is in order.

 

OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL:  Also known as Falastin Cuisine and Mediterranean Hookah, this family owned restaurant is at 6129 N. Dixie.  Owned by a husband and wife team, they hope to bring fresh tastes of exotic cuisine to the area.  They have some of the best looking Kufta Beef kabobs we have ever seen.  We are looking forward to a Food Adventure visit to this spot, soon!

 

OLLIE’S PLACE: A wonderful beer store, and a restaurant with an unparalleled beer selection.  The restaurant features 60 beers on tap and about 95 bourbons to choose from.  That doesnt even count the extensive bottled beer slelction.  And food, whoa the food is good.  Very unique menu items from bacon tempura asparagus to the cranberry spring rolls.  With a store next door of 1800 beers, where do you think we stocked up our beer supplies on New Years for our parties??  Check this place out on 725 in Centerville, and prepare yourself for brew overload.

PARK CITY CLUB:  Chef Dana Downes of Roost has a great reputation, and big things are expected out of her new restaurant near Fraze Pavillion.  The menu is affordable gourmet cuisine and even features a Sunday brunch.  We will be visiting Dana and her staff soon and cant wait to try some of the creations like the “Carribean Fried Chicken Thighs.”  See you at their 580 Lincoln Park location!

Ollie’s Place burst into 2015 featuring 80 beers on tap and a carryout next door

PERSIS INDIAN GRILL:  This is a chain restaurant with its first Ohio location at 9486 Springboro Pike.  We have not had a chance to try the food yet, but the atmosphere looks very nice.  Their specialty is a “Dum Biryani” style entree with your choice of meat.  It is over rice and sounds like the main spices are lemon and tumeric.  This is a perfect place for a Food Adventure!

 

RAPID FIRED PIZZA: Locally owned concept of a quick “build your own pie” with various ingredients.  Think of it as a “top your own” thin crust which is then cooked by a wood fired oven.  Fresh, quick and delicious are the hallmarks of this parlor.  Based on the crowds, it seems to be a pretty popular new spot.  Signature salads are another popular draw here.

 

SG 75 BISTRO: Formerly “Sooo Good Cafe,” they went for plan “B” this time.  We mean “B” as in Burgers, Bacon, Brews and Bourbon.  That is their menu mantra, which includes some killer signature sandwiches that feature a fried chicken breast or portbella mushroom.  We have heard great things about this place and will report back after an extensive foodie investigation.

SONG’S SUSHI:  A Korean and Japanese restaurant, well known for their sushi.  With one of the more elaborate Korean menus in town, this place will give any foodie a fun chance to explore their tastes.  Lots of good online buzz about this place on Airway Rd.

SPENT GRAIN GRILL: Food at Warped Wing Brewery?? YES !  Andrew Trick from Lucky’s is partnering to bring food made from scratch to thirsty and hungry patrons.  The name spent grain, refers to the leftover malt after the brewing process, and they will be using it to make flour.  The buns, soft pretzels, tortilla, pizza dough and more is made with the in house flour.    But we think there wont be much leftovers here as the menu looks delicious.  We will be having a Food Adventure with the owners soon!

TWIST CUPCAKERY: A Confectioner that opened downtown specializing in cupcakes, wedding and birthday cakes.  Their motto seems to be “baking is our passion.”  By the looks of their prodcuts, they are some talented, passionate baking artists.  We need to try these guys out !  They are located in the heart of downtown at 25 S. St. Clair St.

THE SPICY OLIVE: This amazing shop features dozens of infused flavor olive oils, and balsamic vinegars.  If you like to cook, this place is a dream world, and will make your life so much easier. The fresh oils and flavors will kick anyone’s home meals up a notch.  Out of Cincinnati, this is the 3rd shop opened by owner Melanie Cedargren. 

The Spicy Olive, Olive Oil and Balsamic Store, opened at Austin Landing in 2015, to rave reviews

THE SUSHI CLUB: All-you-can-eat sushi? YES!  Made to order? YES!  The first of its kind in the Dayton area, this concept has evolved and now includes all-you-can-eat hibachi, appetizers and even desserts as part of their “endless menu.”  So now you don’t have to be a sushi eater to enjoy the place.  If you love sushi, this is your Disneyland, on Alex Rd in West Carrollton.  If you are a beginner, it is a perfect opportunity to explore, sample and experiment with various options.

WINAN’S CHOCOLATES, CENTERVILLE: A nice coffee and chocolate shop has opened near the corner of Far Hills and Whipp Rd.  It has all of the favorites you have come to love from Winan’s.   Yes, “Wetzels” have finally come to Washington Township.  For some of you it brings your cravings much more closer to home.

WRIGHT WING, KETTERING: This is an expansion of the Fairborn restaurant and is located on Wilmington Pike in the old Buckin Donkey Grille.  This is a manly menu with wings, subs and pizzas.  We hope them continued success in 2016.

ZOUP!:  A soup and salad joint that was part of the big reconstruction on Miamisburg Centerville Rd where Whole Foods was erected.  This chain restaurant features salads, but the main draw is soups.  From Lobster Bisque to Chicken and Dumpling Soup, this pace has the gourmet soups, to comfort soups, to everything in between.  A great place to visit when you are on the go.

WHAT RESTAURANTS THAT CLOSED THEIR DOORS in 2015?

 

ADOBE GILAS:  Mexican party place at the Greene that seemed to have a fiesty, fiesta crowd each day for 8 years.  Rumors swirled as to why it abruptly closed, but nothing was ever confirmed.  The food was ok, it was the drinks that will be missed.

 

Anticoli’s Giuliano Tavern in Miamisburg, closed in June 2015

ANTICOLI’S GUILLIANO TAVERN: This Italian eatery never gained the following of the original Anticoli restaurant.  Classic and delicious Italian dishes like lasagna and manicotti were some of our favorites here.  It was sad to see the iconic Dayton family have to close this restaurant.

 

ANTOJITOS CRIOLLOS: Dayton’s Puerto Rican Restaurant on Linden Avenue had promise, but seemed to be open spotty times and never regained itself from various stumbles.  Internet rumors swirled as to why they closed, but no official reason was given.  They had the most incredible fried chicken bites called “Chicharrones de Pollo.”  The owners are also active in the “A World A Fair” Puerto Rican booth, so we hope to see them remain involved.

ASIA HOUSE SUSHI BAR & GRILL:  This Centerville sushi house located in Washing Park Plaza, just off of Lyons Rd., was formerly Ichiban Seafood Buffet.  It closed its doors in 2015, after never quite catching enough clientele.

BELLA VINO:  This wine bar had an incredible selection of vino, but just couldnt build up enough regulars to stay in business.  Known for a nice patio and some recent menu improvements, we were sad to hear of their closing.  They still operate a location in West Chester.

BUCKIN’ DONKEY GRILL: We cried when this place on Wilmington Pike closed.  From the Frosted Flake French Toast to thew Pierogi Burger, to the incredible pies and desserts, this place was special.  Owner Sean still caters and sells pies, and says you never know if you might see the Donkey again at another location.  We hope to see it happen!

 

Goodbye to Puerto Rican restaurant “Anojitos Criollos” & their fried plantains

CORK WINE & DINE: Formerly the Wine Loft, this place was beloved by many for the drink and comfortable ambiance.  Owners out of Columbus closed the shop late this year.

 

CRAZY MANGO BAR & BISTRO: The former owners of Bahn Mai, opened this restaurant at the Greene.  Unfortunately, this beautifully decorated restaurant closed in July 2015.  Who else is gonna miss those long Crab Rangoon Sticks?

 

DENNY’S: Oh how the mighty have fallen.  From the after hour diners leaving the 1470 dance club for some food, this Denny’s was busy late into many nights.  We know it’s a chain, but we loved a grilled cheese and onion rings at 2am.  Denny’s corporate office orchestrated the restaurant closing in December for unspecified reasons.  It is hard to believe that you cant get a Grand Slam Breakfast in Dayton anymore.  Goodbye to an era and an icon.  

 

DOMINIQUE’S BISTRO and BAR: Lack of business forced this upscale restaurant to close in 2015, in Oakwood.  Formerly “C’est Tout,”  the owner had been in business for 12 years.  Lack of business was the reason for the shut down.  It is very sad to see the persons affected, and good things that go away in Dayton.

 

Denny’s – we will miss your pancakes, and late night meals with drag queens

FRIENDLY’S: Oh say it ain’t so !  Not the Reece’s Pieces Sunday, nooo.. Corporate offices called for all 5 Dayton restaurant chains to close.  No more clamboats, no more Fribbles… Doesn’t it just make you want to stand up and scream for ice cream??  We will miss this place.  Goodbye old friend….ly.

 

GRANNY C’S BAKERY: This Huber Heights favorite had to close after more than 5 years in business.  Increased costs forced the owners to close the place.   Known for strawberry donuts, cakes and pumpkin rolls, they also rode the cupcake craze.  We wish the McDaniel family (owners) the best in 2016.

 

HOUSE OF KABAB:  In May 2015, the restaurant closed.  For some reason, the menu did not catch on as much as they hoped after almost 5 years.  Specializing in Persian and Mediterranean dishes, they had some excellent hummus and appetizers.  We will miss this place.

 

NEW YORK PIZZERIA: An immigrant owned pizza place on 5th Street closed its doors this summer.  No reason was given for the closing of the business that had been around about 5 years.

 

OINK-a-DOODLE-MOO: The Kettering location was closed in 2015, yet a couple area spots are still open.  Owners had previously indicated re-opening in another location.  Stay tuned in 2016 for future developments.  Affordable BBQ will always be missed, we hope they re-open soon.

2015 saw the last Reese’s Pieces Sundae served in Dayton, when Friendly’s closed 5 area restaurants

 

OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE: This closing might have rocked the Dayton area the most in 2015.  A true locally devoted business with a huge following of regulars, Olive was a beloved restaurant.  Located in the old Wympee building.  Owner Kim Collett said she was unable to come up with a rental agreement to stay in business.  She also said she planned to take a break from the restaurant industry and try something new.  We wish her the best of luck.

 

PASHA GRILL II: Opened 2 weeks before it closed.  We hardly knew ya!  The owner realized shortly after opening that he would be unable to run 2 restaurants at once.

 

PATRIOT STEAKHOUSE: A family owned business in Lebanon that went for high quality cuisine at reasonable prices.  For some reason the increase in sales did not meet the needs for the operation to stay in business.  The result was the loss of another good eatery in 2015.

 

PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE:  For decades this steakhouse chain has had a hold in the Miami Valley.  At one time the CEO lived in the Dayton area.  Not even that could help the steakhouse recover as it fizzled year after year.  We will miss the tin plates, ribeyes and chopped steaks.  We will miss the dinner rolls and fighting for tongs at the crowded salad bar.  So long partner, as you ride off into the sunset.

House of Kabab closed in 2015 in Centerville. Their Tilapia Dinner was our favorite

QUAKER STEAK AND LUBE: Buckets of wings and tons of flavor options was the signature of this chain.  Now, after 13 years, the Atomic Wing Challenge is no more.  Popular with bikers and Wright State Students, the reason given for the close was the selling of real estate where the restaurant was located.  Well, that sucks.. we will miss those tall mugs of beer, and those addictive wings.

 

RINALDO’S BAKERY: The true loss of a legend, this bakery closing will have effects reaching into the Italian festival.    Many may know that a portion of the Italian Fest desserts are made by Rinaldo’s Bakery.  The Stolfo family operated the business for 50 years.  Due to health concerns of the son, the family decided to close their doors.  They simply couldnt handle the workload at their ages.  We will forever miss the Italian Wedding Cakes, half moons, and the adult cakes that would fly out from time to time.

 

Ponderosa – we will miss your 70’s style chopped steaks and 80’s style salad bar

ROUSH’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: A Fairborn staple closed in 2015.  Mike and Joyce Gharst had bought the business fro the Roush family, and were looking to retire.  The business was up for sale for a year with no buyers.  This restaurant was a throwback family restaurant with the 1950s and 60’s style.  Simple, delicious, comfort food.  You could order of the menu or try the “hot buffet.” There really are no more places like this anymore.

 

SAMMY’S EL PUEBLO:  Popular burger and Mexican food spot in Springboro closed to make way for another Doubleday’s Restaurant.  We will miss the chile relleno and the Mafia Burger.

 

SMOKIN ACES BAR & GRILL: Formerly “the Filling Station,” this bar and grill closed in 2015.  We do not know much bout the close, but we hope that someone will fill the vacancy shortly.

 

SPRINGBORO FISH MARKET:  After 8 months, the owners of this seafood store decided to close.  Their specialty was fresh seafood and cited a lack of business as the reason for ceasing operations.

 

The closing of Olive, an Urban Dive, rocked the local foodie scene

SUMERA: Locally owned idea of sushi mixed with traditonal or non-traditional American items.  They had a delicious menu, but sadly cited weak sales as a reason for the closing.  We loved the staff, menu and mangement.   We were sad to see them go.  The tuna and salmon at this store was amazing as was the Peanut Butter and Jelly sushi roll !

 

ULBRICH’S HOMETOWN BAKERY: Donuts were the specialty of this family owned business.  Although this location closed, there are still locations in Huber Heights and Englewood. Such tasty treats, sad to see them go.

 

UNDERGROUND SPORTS BAR: Troy restaurant owned by the Cheeky Meat Pies establishment, closed its doors in 2015. No reason was given for the sudden close, but we hope the best for the owners in 2016.

ZETLAND STREET:  Their commitment to serve , farm-fresh local foods wasn’t enough to keep this Bellbrook eatery afloat.  Ever wonder if some locations truly are cursed?

There you have it, the food year in review for 2015.  Did we miss any?  Which ones are you excited to see?  Which ones closed that you are heartbroken about?  Please comment below and give the Dayton area some feedback !

Also, don’t forget to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 

Italian Wedding Cake from the now closed Rinaldo’s Bakery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were sad to see Sumera close in 2015, and loved their peanut butter and jelly sushi roll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sammys El Pueblo said bye bye in 2015, we will miss the Chile Rellenos like these…

Greek Night at Boston’s

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GreekNight-DMMGreek Night is back at Boston’s Bistro! If you are in the mood for Mediterranean flair, delicious Greek food, wine and music, then stop by 7500 North Main Street between 7 and 11pm on Saturday July 11th. One of the treats of the evening is Middle Eastern belly dancing by the beautiful, Deniz with Caravan Workshops. Bouzouki music provided by George Karras and Themi. $5 cover gets you in the door. The authentic Greek Kebab dinners are an additional $14.95, and served from 6-8pm.

 

Where: Boston’s Bistro

When: Saturday July 11th

When: Dinner 6-8pm, Live Music and Dancing 7-11pm

How Much: $5 cover, $15 optional Greek dinner

 

 

Young and Rude – Beaujolais Nouveau Day

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Glass of Beaujolais noveau

Pinkish purple in color and fruity on the palate, Beaujolais nouveau is an incredibly popular wine.

When discussing wine, age and date are critical factors in understanding the product you are enjoying. Under the town hall in the city of Bremen, Germany lies the Schatzkammer (treasury cellar). It has twelve large casks of wine stored there, named for the Apostles. One of the casks, the Judas cask of 1727, still has a wine in it that is very drinkable. The bulk of the 3,000 liter (793 gallons) cask is still the wine from that year, but it is periodically refreshed with younger wines. The wine inside is known as Rüdesheimer Apostelwein 1727, and it is the world’s oldest drinkable wine. It is not often sold. You can visit as a dignitary or wine expert and get a taste of it, or save up around $200,000 to buy yourself a half bottle of it. People seek out the oldest of wines, and will pay top dollar for a sip of history. Or sometimes just to own it.

There is the other side of that equation. On the third Thursday of every November, the region of Beaujolais, France sends out millions and millions of bottles of Beaujolais Noveau. As opposed to long periods of fermentation and aging, this wine goes from harvest to bottle in six to eight weeks. This wine was traditionally created to be consumed at the end of harvest time, as a celebration after months of hard work. It is not a wine to be cellared; because of the high acidity and fast fermentation it does not age well. It is meant to be consumed within the first year of pressing. It is light and fruity, with hints of banana, strawberry, and pears. People looking to bridge the gap from white wines to reds find this to be the right wine to try out, with The Wine Bible going as far to say it is “the only white wine that happens to be red.” Others have described it as “young and rude” because of its fast fermentation and processing time. It is best served slightly chilled to allow the fruit flavors to emerge. Because of the thin skins and short processing time, it is very light on tannins.

Gamay grapes on the vine.

These Gamay grapes will be wine by the time you finish this article.

The grapes, Gamay noir à Jus blanc, better known as simply Gamay, are highly acidic, tough pieces of fruit that are not well suited to making a fine wine. But they do grow very fast. They are ready for picking two weeks before Pinot Nior grapes, which earned them a ban from the Burgundy region. Phillipe the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1395, had wines with a reputation to protect. The horrible, harsh little grape was going to ruin that. He banned them, and they moved south to the Beaujolais region, where they became a hit. They are bad wine making grapes. They go through a process called carbonic maceration to make the wine, which bucks the traditional way so the acids in the grape do not take over the flavor profile. The grapes, uncrushed, are loaded into a large, sealed container. The pressure of the weight of the grapes crushed some of them at the bottom, an important part of the process. Carbon dioxide is then pumped into the vessel, forcing the oxygen out and kick starting the fermentation process. Other varieties of Gamay grapes are also fermented through this process. The law requires Gamay grapes, much like grapes for Champagne, must be hand-picked for the wine making process.

Japanese bathing in wine

The Japanese love the wine so much they bathe in it.

Why all the celebration over a cheap red wine with white wine tendencies? Have you been out drinking on Cinco de Mayo? Or tipped back a green beer on St. Patrick’s Day? People are in for the celebration, not necessarily for the quality. The release of the wine is an event in itself, since everyone knows what day the wine is going to be released. It was November 15th every year, but was changed to the Thursday date to take advantage of weekend wine consumption. There are celebrations in the area and around France, with some in France cheating the time by celebrating it with Japanese counterparts. There have been races from Beaujolais to Paris and London over the years to see who can deliver the first case of the wine. There are cries of “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrive!” (The new Beaujolais has arrived), fireworks (the first bottles are opened at 12:01 AM), and parties across the countries involved. The Japanese even bathe in it.  In the United States it is used as a table wine for Thanksgiving due to the two holidays having such close proximity. The wine is pairs well with food in general, so roasted turkey with tart cranberries and savory stuffing all sits delightfully with Beaujolais Noveau.

If you want to try some yourself, the fine people at Dorothy Lane Market will be celebrating it all day today with samples at their stores.  A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg also has a Beaujolais Nouveau tasting event at 7pm tonight. You can even pick up a bottle or two of it for the upcoming Thanksgiving feasts. Today is not a celebration for vintage wines in dusty cellars, or rare wines that are conversational pieces. They are celebrating the other great qualities of wine; bringing together people to drink, chat, and enjoy each other’s company. Cheers!

From Burgundy, with Love – National Chardonnay Day

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Bottles of wine from France and California

A sampling of the wines from the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting.

Steven Spurrier did not set out to send the wine world into a great upheaval. He was an advocate of French wine, and always looking for ways to further that belief. He was so confident of the superiority of his beloved wines that he arranged a blind tasting versus the wines of California to prove it. Paris was selected as the site (of course), and judges from all over the country were brought in for the event. The Paris Wine Tasting was going to prove once and for all that French wine was superior to all other comers. The year was 1976, the same year the United States was celebrating its bicentennial. Little did anyone know at the time that the U.S. was going to cause another major upheaval in a major European power during that anniversary.

Chardonnay was the white wine of choice for both countries; the French brought in a Bordeaux for the red, and the U.S. offered a Cabernet Sauvignon. There was so little doubt in the outcome, France sent no media. TIME magazine was the only press that attended the event. In a decision that stunned everyone in the wine world, the wines in the United States were declared the best across the board.

The Judgment of Paris launched California wines into the spotlight, Chardonnay being thrust straight to the forefront. But Chardonnay had a well-deserved reputation in the wine industry for centuries before that. No one is sure when or how this flexible grape came into being. The most popular theory is that the Romans brought the Gouais blanc variety of grapes to Gaul as they marched through Europe. The grapes started to cross breed with the native Pinot grapes, and the Chardonnay grape was born. In its European home it was used to create white Burgundy wine, seen as one of the finest white wines in the world. There was a blend of the soil, the flexibility of the grape, and the oak it was kept in that develop rich and complex flavors. It is also one of the three grapes (with Pinot noir or Pinot Meunier) that are commonly used in champagne production. Chardonnay vines love chalk, clay, and limestone soils the best, one reason it flourished in the Burgundy region. The vine also travels well, making it the second most popular white wine grape in the world, and fifth of all wine grapes.

Chardonnay grapes

Chardonnay grapes, just waiting to be plucked.

Planting Chardonnay grapes in your vineyard is almost a rite of passage; it is a relatively easy grape to grow. It also is not picky about where it grows, taking root all over the world. It buds early in the spring, but the right techniques can delay the budding for warmer weather to keep the grape’s acidity. The quick ripening does not have to be delayed, making it perfect for a short growing season. Cooler regions, like northern California and New York, are also ideal. The grapes do not ripen as quickly, allowing them to stay on the vine longer to develop some flavor. That is the one small drawback of this super grape. On its own, it does not have much flavor. It is completely dependent on two things: the soil it is grown in (or terroir) and oaking the wine (storing it in oak barrels). This means that the vintner has a big opportunity to implant their own mark on it. They have choices on if they want to put in oak (imparting vanilla and caramel flavors) and where to grow it. If they do not use oak barrels to mature the wine, they will use stainless steel columns. The stainless steel adds nothing, so the flavors of the soil are more pronounced. Cooler climates will impart fruit notes like apple or pear, while warmer climates can add tropical mango and pineapple flavors. The vintner can also choose to put the wine through malolactic fermentation. This changes malic acid to lactic acid, adding a butteriness to the wine. The charm and popularity of Chardonnay comes from the malleability of the flavor profile. This wide spectrum of flavors means that it can go well with any dish, from savory to sweet, if you select the proper wine.

A glass of Chardonnay

Golden, dry, and delicious.

It is not all sunshine and spring breezes for this widely loved wine. Talking about Chardonnay with some friends, one of them called it “the McDonalds of wines”. Much like McDonalds, and to the chagrin of many wine drinkers, Chardonnay is global. It is sturdy, easy to grow, and very profitable. With so much of it planted all over the world, it is very common as well. It lacks a distinction that a Chablis, made of the same grape, enjoys. The lack of flavor in the grape also means that it can be overpowered by strong flavors, especially when it is left in the oak too long. It has also been popular for a very long time, so it is associated with older wine drinkers. And no one wants to be drinking what their parents drank.

The Judgment of Paris opened the floodgates for Chardonnay all over the world. The tête-à-tête match in 1976 was not a random event; every competition between France and the United States afterwards has had similar results. The celebration and overall continued popularity of this dry, impressionable wine resulted in the creation of National Chardonnay Day in 2009. The actual day it is celebrated on, much like the wine it celebrates, is still malleable. It is near the last week of May, but various sites have it being honored on the 22nd or 23rd. It has also been enjoyed some years as late as May 26th. Of course, enjoying Chardonnay on all of those days is just as acceptable. Head to Arrow Wine, Rumbleseat Wine, The Wine Gallery, or any of the many wine merchants in Dayton and pick up a bottle or two to enjoy with friends. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them in the comments below or on Facebook! Now, who has the wine key?

Here Comes the FLEURS ET VIN Festival!

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“Fleurs et Vin” Festival will feature over 400 wines for tasting !

Get ready to raise your wine glass this Sunday at Carillon Park , because Dayton’s premier wine and gourmet food festival arrives!!

That’s right, the one and only shindig known as “FLEURS ET VIN” (flowers and wine in French) takes place this weekend!

This is a Food Adventure and Wine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss.  The Big Ragu will be there in full force!

 

WHAT:  FLEURS ET VIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: At Historic Carillon Park,  1000 Carillon Blvd.  Dayton, Ohio 45409

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 18th from 1pm – 4pm

WHY: To benefit AIDS Resoruce Center of Dayton Ohio

MUST DRINKS:  Over 400 wines available for tasting and a Beer Garden !

MUST EATS:  Local restaurants providing samples of menu specialties.

Restaurants Include: Amar India, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Central Perc European Cafe, Chappys Tap Room and Grille, Coco’s Bistro, El Meson, Figlio, Giovanni’s, Jay’s Seafood, Kohler’s Catering,  Lock 27 Brewing,  Mamma DiSalvo’s,  Neil’s Heritage House,  The Oakwood Club, Salar Restaurant and Lounge The Dock, The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market and Thai 9.

WHAT ELSE: Live Music during the festival by J.t. Fedrick and the Sax Groove, a silent auction that ends at 3pma and a Live Auction that starts  at 4pm 

COST: $70 in advance, $75 at the door  click HERE for more ticket info

Just in Case: Don’t drink and drive- Divine Services will be on hand if you and your car need a ride home.

Fleurs Et Vin is something you must experience as a true Daytonian.  Experience the best wines in the world, paired with Dayton’s Best Restaurant offerings.  It is for charity, which makes getting a ticket a no brainer.  Support Dayton, support the AIDS Resource Center, and join the fun at Carillon Park.  Treat yourself to a Food Adventure !

We raise our wine glasses high and say “Here’s to Fleurs Et Vin, the toast of the town this Sunday!”  See you under the big tents!

Are you a Dayton foodie?  Then join us for more fun Food Adventures by “liking”us on Facebook.

Check out our photo gallery below from last year’s event!

 

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New Menu, New Staff at Bella Vino! **Win a $20 Gift Certificate**

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Hello Baked Brie

Up close look at the Baked Brie

Bella Vino in Springboro, isn’t your average wine store.  Sure, they have all the chardonnays, merlots, and syrahs one could dream of.  But now, they have kicked it up a notch.

Under new management, Bella Vino brought in Chef Jen Anticoli, who has introduced some dishes that are fabulous when paired with wine, or even just dining on the patio.  The Big Ragu & Crew are all about good eats outdoors.  If you are the same way, then Bella Vino will quickly become one of your favorite spots for a Food Adventure

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Bella Vino Wine Merchants is open Mon 4-10pm Tues-Thurs 11:30am -10pm, Fri and Sat 11:30am-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.  They even have a location in West Chester.

— Perfect place for patio drinks and dining.  The spacious, outside dining area is a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.  The inside dining room is sleek and contemporary, with a capacity of 80 people.

— Up and coming chef, Jen Anticoli has revamped the menu and added her personal spin on some Italian dishes and more.

— Bella Vino has over 1400 wines to choose from, and is frequently running specials on various brands.

— Summer is bringing new events to Bella Vino, such as “Party on the Patio Nights”, with the kitchen setting up a grill outside.

— Look for more menu expansions like “Strawberry Muscato Lemonade” and Gourmet Subs

Chef Jen Anticoli

Chef Jen Anticoli of Bella Vino

 

We were impressed by the food, and it definitely satisfied our Food Adventure instincts.   Of all the menu items, The Big Ragu did have some favorites.   So let us present, without further adoo, our infamous “must eats!”

 

MUST EATS:

— GOAT CHEESE CRUSTINI:  Creamy, sweet and full of flavor, the fresh tomatoes and goat cheese combine amazingly.  The Big Ragu will go on record, that this is his favorite crustini of all-time !  The sauces and spices added make this a definite ‘must eat,’ and perfect with any wine.  The secret ingredient?   Pistachio Crumbles for the finishing touch.

— CARMEL NUT BAKED BRIE:  Served freshly baked and still steaming, this brie is a delicious starter.  Garnished with berries and nuts, drizzled with honey, and served with bread and crackers, it is a great segway for any vino ! We think you will be hard pressed to share this killer appetizer.

— BAKED POTATO PIZZA:  Flaky crust with toppings that perfectly mimics a good potato skin, this pie is filling for even the big appetites.   Made with chopped garlic, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, onions and a sour cream drizzle, we bet you can’t eat just one square.

— BLT PIZZA:  This white sauce pizza is a good twist on an old favorite using spinach instead of lettuce.  Bacon is all the rage, right?  Get your fix on this pie.  Toppings include and tomato, bacon, cheddar-jack cheese and garlic mayo.  We don’t know what kind of wine goes, with a BLT, we just eat the damn thing…..

Delicious

The BLT Pizza at Bella Vino. Click to Enlarge

We were pleasantly surprised at the food offerings at Bella Vino and look for more great things to some.  Chef Jen is starting to carve a name for herself with a style all her own.  Her unique flavors and ingredients make her a diamond in the rough of the Miami Valley’s culinary landscape.

Make sure you check out this little known secret located at 495 N. Main Street in Springboro.  Bella Vino may mean “Good Wine” in Italian, but now it can be known for its good food as well.

 

Want to learn about more good food and ‘secret’ dining spots from Food Adventures with The Big Ragu and Crew?  Then  like them on Facebook by clicking HERE !

Follow us on TWITTER here …

*** WIN A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO BELLA VINO ***

To be entered, just comment below on the story, and tell us why you want the gift certificate.  One winner will be chosen at random.

Don’t forget to check out our incredible photo gallery below from our visits to Bella Vino !!
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New Year’s Eve (Or Any Big Gathering) Check List

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If only it was this easy to get a party ready.

If only it was this easy to get a party ready.

Are you ready for the last big party night of 2013? New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and you get a chance to do a little more last minute shopping. This list is going to be different; before it was fighting your way through the mall at the last minute for some good deals and to get that one last present. This time you are hitting the liquor and grocery stores to make sure no one runs out of their favorite beverage at the big soiree. How much is enough? What are you going to need to keep the cocktails flowing and the champagne bubbling until 2014? Have no worries, we spent some time doing some leg work to provide you some useful tools. Some things to consider:

1. Set up some expectations for the party. Is it BYOB? Will you be providing beer and wine? If people come in knowing a little bit about what to expect, they can be prepared for the evening. They’ll be enjoying what you are providing, or bringing the special beers, wines, or liquors they enjoy.

2. How many guests? This is the biggest thing you need to consider. This will help set up all of the other items you need to get ready rather nicely. A head count, even an approximate one, will help you buy the proper quantities of liquor, beer, wine, and mixers you are going to need for the party. When you go out any buy supplies, you always want to buy for a few more guests than you think you will have. You never know when someone is going to bring a friend, maybe three.

3.  What type of guests? If this is a family affair, you need to make sure you have a wide range of beverages, and not all of them should be alcoholic. Having soda, juices, and water is a good idea for any party, but you should make sure you increase the amount you buy when the kids are over. You may even consider making a few special mocktails for them, so they are not limited to just sodas. That may also involve buying a few special syrups, which are easiest to find in any place they sell coffee or coffee supplies. Da Vinci has an excellent collection of syrups.

4. What do they like to drink? There are plenty of charts out there that will tell you how much liquor to buy when you are throwing a party. And they all give an excellent idea of how much is a good amount. What many do not tell you is that you also need cater it to the people that are coming over. If my family comes down to visit me from Cleveland, I make sure I have a bottle of Jim Beam and a bottle of Buckeye Vodka handy. I also make sure there is a six pack of quality beer in the house. Having a great deal of any particular type of beverage that no one likes, or that is not part of another cocktail, is a bad idea. You are not going to need nearly as much gin and tequila as you will need rum, vodka and wines.

5. Plan your bar. There are plenty of ways you could get your bar ready. You could go for the basics, and only provide beer and wine for your guests, and invite them to bring any special liquor that they may want to enjoy. You could create a theme, and have drinks that all relate to that specific theme. You can also be very ambitious, and shoot for a full bar (see the link to the chart above). No matter what sort of bar you have planned, don’t forget the proper mixers and garnishes, and make sure you have plenty of them. The one thing you do not want to run out of is the main attraction. Even if you are expecting people to bring their own, you want a good selection of juices and sodas for them to mix their drinks with, as well as plenty of ice to keep it all cool. Juices and sodas are also perfect for designated drivers, non-drinkers, and children.

So. Much. Liquor.

So. Much. Liquor.

6. Have a cocktail ready to go. Making something simple and pre-mixed to offer guests as they come in is a great idea to make them feel welcomed. You can do a punch, so people can serve themselves while you are still welcoming guests. You can also have a simple bar set up that people can help themselves at; liquors, mixers, ice, and a few recipes. If you plan on bar tending for the night (or have someone to bar tend for you), have a simple drink menu available for people to choose from.

7. Keep an eye on your guests. People will hit the bar pretty hard when they first get there.  Most guests will have a couple drinks in the first hour or so, then one drink per hour after that during the party. You are going to want to spend the first couple hours making sure that the bar stays well stocked with beer, wine, liquor, mixers, and ice. Towards the end of the night, you are going to want to make sure that your guests are not drunk. Talk with them before they go, to make sure their words are not slurring and they have the ability to focus. Hand them something to see how they reach for it. Is it a strong, direct grab or is it wavering, like the person is trying to find it? If they start getting loud or out of control during the party, make sure you cut them off. It is not comfortable, and it is best that you enlist the help of other guests to make sure their drinking is reduced. And if they are drunk, make sure they are not driving home, or you can get them a ride. Having guest bedrooms is ideal, but you can also call a taxi service.

It is very possible that you are going to one of the multitude of events on December 31st in the area. Have a lovely time, but make sure you have a designated driver or the number for a cab company handy. If the party is at your house, make your check list and head out to get your party supplies ready. After all, we don’t want a repeat of Christmas Eve, do we? Cheers!

Avoid Mall Crowds, Find Gifts at 2nd Street Market!

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Walt’s Salsas and Sauces: Great Local Gift Idea

Are you tired of wrestling a redneck for the latest xbox at Wal-Mart?  Behind on Christmas shopping?  Sick of long checkout lines at the mall or department stores? The Food Adventures Crew feels your pain.  Have you thought about shopping for unique Christmas Gifts at Dayton’s 2nd Street Market?  We think it is the perfect place to find unique Christmas Gifts, birthday gifts or any gift occasion for that matter.   This is part 2 of our market series (last week was FOOD, CLICK HERE to view).

Follow our advice and you’re sure to be a hit with the family, with some of the best local gifts around.

Consider this The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House’s,  Gift Giving guide to the 2nd street Market with a Food Adventure twist.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

 — The 2nd Street Market is located near downtown at 600 E. 2nd Street and is open 3 days: Thursday & Friday 11am-3pm,  and Saturday 8am – 3pm.

Some of the Best Toffee on Earth: Click to enlarge this local treasure

— Dozens of local vendors from crafts to wine, and of course, local foodstuffs.

 

MUST GIFTS:

— THE TOFFEE from SWEET NOTHINGS : Our favorite flavor is the Dark Almond Sea Salt Toffee.  Actually, all of the toffees use sea salt.  Other great flavors are Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Dark Chocolate Cashew.  A great gift for the chocolate lovers in the family.  The Big Ragu considers Sweet Nothings his favorite toffee of all time.

 

— THE OLIVE OILS from THE OLIVE TREE : Have friends or family that love to cook ? Here is a perfect gift idea.  This vendor has some amazing, flavor infused olive oils.  May we suggest our favorite, the Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil.  You can actually sample all of the olive oils and choose your favorite from the many unique flavors.  We also love the Basil Flavored Olive Oil and the Strawberry Peach Balsamic Vinegar Olive Oil.

 

— SALSA and SAUCES from WALT’S HOMEMADE SALSA :  Family owned operation, selling jars of salsas in various styles and spiciness.  Some extra hot, some medium and some mild, their products are extremely tasty.  You can even sample Walt’s new lines of BBQ Sauces that are also available by the jar.  Their gift baskets make a fun Christmas present with a local twist !

 

— HOMEMADE ITEMS from MONCO INDUSTRIES:  Monco is a local company that provides jobs for special needs people or local residents with disabilities.  The result is a win-win for the community.  Great gifts made by a great organization.  Our favorite gifts here are the pet treats and the stuffed animals.  Make sure you stop by and get a gift from this company, and share the true meaning of Christmas.

 

— HANDCRAFTED BELTS and LEATHER CUFFS from VINTAGELIZ 1974:  We say, “these gifts are pretty kick ass.”  Timeless, leather accessories, made by hand in Dayton.  Take some time to check out this cool vendor.

 

— SCARVES from NEW WORLD ALPACA TEXTILES:  Perfect winter gift!  They have various items made with fleece from alpaca animals that are raised in a local farm in Brookville.  The also sell socks and beautiful artisan rugs !   Great gifts this time of the year.

 

Must Gifts: The Specialty Olive Oils at The Olive Tree

Honorable Mention:  The Wine Gallery also has some good deals on unique wines, and a friendly service staff.  Want unique?  How about Maria’s Unique Foods, with wild selections like jars of pickled eggs in various flavors.  They also have great gift basket ideas.

For all of us that love to buy local when we can, the 2nd Street market is a great place to ‘put your money where your mouth is. ‘  We have mentioned some of our favorites, but there are many more vendors with great gift ideas.  Avoid the crowds SHOP LOCAL!

FOOD ADVENTURES would like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May the Holiday Season bring you joyous times with friends and family.  We are sincerely grateful with the overwhelming feedback received with our blog and  have some exciting plans in store for 2014.   We appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time to read and comment on our social media outlets.

Call us if you need a Santa, We don’t even need padding.  Happy shopping !!

Did you know that FOOD ADVENTURES  have a loyal following on Facebook?  CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” THEM and join the party !

Please comment below on our photo albums, no borrowed stock photos or copied pinterest pics here!  All photos are original, like us!

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Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil
Sundried Tomato Parmesan Garlic Olive Oil

An Adult Trick or Treat? Try Winans Chocolates

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Why should kids have all the fun on Halloween?

Why should kids have all the fun this Halloween season?  Adults around Dayton love chocolate and deserve to eat themselves into a sugar high as well.  FOOD ADVENTURES has been hitting Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees for years, and think this is a perfect time to load up on some of their elegant chocolate specialties.  Go ahead, look at your diet for a day and go “BOO!!”

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Founded near Piqua, this business has been owned by the same family for four generations

— Specialties include chocolate and candy creations, coffees and even a decent wine selection.

— Relaxing, inviting atmosphere to have a glass of wine and some chocolates.  Some stores have decent  patio seating as well.

— These are fine chocolates, and with quality comes a price.  Don’t expect cheap deals, this is the good stuff.

— The candies are made locally with natural ingredients.   We love products made in the Miami Valley, and pure is good too!

— Three area locations:  6735 Miller Lane in North Dayton, 2806 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd(Dayton Mall) and 3510 Pentagon Rd. in Beavercreek.

Break open a Bourbon Cherry from Winans. You won’t be the same.

Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees captures the elegance and decadence of chocolate in their stores.  The display cases and sitting areas allow for browsing in a rush, or a slow indulgence.  Speaking of indulgence, brace yourself for the “Must Eats” at Winans!

MUST EATS:

— BOURBON CHERRIES:  There is nothing quite like these chocolate covered cherries in Dayton.  Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax eat enough of these to get a hangover.

— MAINE BLUEBERRY COFFEE:  Yes, you read that right.  Food Adventures will tell you “Don’t knock it til you try it.”  He highly recommends this uniquely flavored coffee.

— WETZELS:  Winan’s chocolate covered pretzels are the perfect mixture of sweet and salty.  You simply cannot eat just one of these delicious treats.

— TRUFFLES:  Stick one on your tongue and let it melt.  The chocolate ganache in the middle is like finding the prize in a Cracker Jack box.   This is a Food Adventure in a bite.

Coffee lovers love Winans

— MINT JEWELS:  Rich, creamy and oh so dreamy.  White chocolate and the texture of the top from the nonpareils makes this a must eat.  More addicting than Candy Crush.

 

Slobbering yet?  Then turn the tables on the kids and have yourself a little Halloween Food Adventure at Winans fine Chocolates.  Just don’t wear a creepy costume and demand free candy, we wouldn’t want the Mall Police to get involved….

 

 Want more fun with the Dayton Originals, THE FOOD ADVENTURE CREW ?  Then click here and “like” them Facebook!!

Browse through the photo gallery below and tell us your favorite treats from Winans in the comment section.

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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 [email protected] 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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Food Adventures Takes Aim at Archer’s + $20 Gift Certificate !!

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You have driven by and seen the packed parking lot, so you know something is up.  Archer’s Tavern has just surpassed its 3rd year in business and is still cookin’ right along in more ways than one.  Owner’s Dan Apolito, Scott Dorsten and Mike Fullenkamp have a great formula for success.  Good food, good drink, and affordable prices.  The owners also immerse themselves in the community, donating to various churches, charities and youth organizations.  The belief is “If you do good things for people, it will come back to you.”  The menu, which is printed on newspaper, keeps customers coming back for sure.

Archer’sm, located at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, is a family pub-style restaurant named after John Archer Jr.  who owned Centerville’s first tavern.  This nod to history is true to form with ownership’s belief in local involvement.

From Burgers and Pizzas, to Salads and Craft Beers, there is something for everyone at Archer’s Tavern.  Don’t forget the special events they showcase from time to time.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Family Friendly Atmosphere with a pub feel.  You could bring the kids here after a soccer game, or sit at the bar with some friends.

— Great Craft Beer selection on tap and in bottles.  Archer’s partners with regional breweries for some rare, delicious selections.  Their rotating selection is sure to please thirsty patrons.

The Brandon Burger features Zink’s Local Beef , a fried egg, and bacon on top.

— Affordable meals with most selections in  the $7-$10 range.  They even have a burger for under $4.

— Don’t miss their special events throughout the year.  Whether it is a crawfish boil to celebrate their anniversary or a beer/menu tasting featuring Goose Island beers, these events are worth checking out.  Stay tuned to their website and Facebook Page to keep up with the latest happenings.   Here is EXCLUSIVE SCOOP on the next upcoming event !

****EXCLUSIVE SCOOP !  YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ! ***

Archer’s will feature a CHILI COOKOFF on Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-4pm.  Do you have a winning recipe?  Limited to 20 entrants, the winning person’s chili will be featured on the Archer’s menu for an entire year.  There is also a cash prize of $200.  To enter the contest, stop into Archers Tavern, but do it quickly as space is limited to the first 20 entrants.  Food Adventures will be celebrity judges and you can be a judge too!  Just show up the day of the event and pay $10 to sample the 20 chili entries and cast your vote.   Join us for this FOOD ADVENTURE !  The money collected will go to the Centerville High School Culinary Student fund or the Archer’s Scholarship Fund.  Again,  Archer’s is giving back to the community.  We love and respect that.

Archer’s Ale – a damn good craft beer

With so much going on in this place, we offer up our suggestions on some of the best.  As with all of our Food Adventures, we have been here numerous times and tried almost everything on the menu.

If you have not yet been to Archer’s, let Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax point you in the right direction.

MUST EATS:

— THE BRANDON BURGER:  This burger is a favorite.  It features a fried egg and bacon all on top of a fresh Zink’s Meat Market Burger.  It is quite simply one of the best burgers in town.

— ARCHER’S ALE:  An ESB (Extra Special Bitter), that is an original craft beer.  A quality brew to be appreciated by the beer connoisseur in you.  Smooth and easy, this is an enjoyable drink for those ESB lovers.

— CITRUS CHICKEN SALAD – Grilled chicken on a bed of fresh greens, mixed with a balsamic dressing.   Other toppings include mandarin oranges, cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles and almonds.  A healthy and tasty alternative!

—  THE MARGHERITA PIZZA:  Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza.  Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese.  You can also request cheese whiz on this monster.  We say, go for it.  This is how they do it in Philadelphia.  Your choice of ribeye steak or chicken for the meat.

— THE STICKY BURGER:  A burger with peanut butter on it? YES!  The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce.   This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite.  It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese.  This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— CRAZY UNCLE JESTER’S HOT SAUCE:  Archer’s is partnered with a local hot sauce maker that really lights things up.  Make sure and ask your waitress to bring out some different flavored bottles of Crazy Uncle Jester’s Hot Sauce.   Add it to some wings, chili or whatever you want to pack a wallop of flavor.  Good stuff here, some of it isn’t for the squeamish.

Margherita Pizza – Savor that Fresh Mozzarella

Finally, this article would be incomplete if we didn’t talk about the servers.  Our many experiences have shown us that this friendly staff cares about the customers and shows commitment in offering good service.  The management instills this belief from the top down.  If you love decent prices for good food, then give Archer’s Tavern a shot.  This place is about relaxing in a fun eatery.  Our advice is, scan the beer selection, order a burger or one of our  ‘must eats’  and then… enjoy.   In  this Food Adventure, you can be sure that Archer’s will hit the bullseye !

Browse through our photo album of literally dozens of menu items and features from past special events.  Are you a Foodie?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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$20 GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST !!

Please register below  and tell us below in the comments why you should win a $20 Gift Certificate to ARCHER’S TAVERN, and a winner will be chosen on MONDAY ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

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OR_Love Is All You Need 2012 movie Wallpaper 1600x1200Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

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Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

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Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it?  Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th.  The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings.  It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park.  It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton.  A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9.  Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES  (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice:  In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9.  Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often.  The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station.  It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice.  We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes:  Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love.  The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more.  The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did.  We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s  Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff.   Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event.  The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta:  When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds?  This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds.  The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa:  Talk about refreshing!   This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day.  The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event.   Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor.  This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay:  A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines.  The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron.   One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101:  This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997.  It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections.  Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of  Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint.  The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival.  We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity.  Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for?   So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

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Sipping your Chocolate

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Cocoa_seeds_by_lolayValentine’s Day is a day of hearts, flowers, wines, romance, and boxes and boxes of chocolates. Chocolates are among the most popular gifts to give on Valentine’s Day, making local favorites like Esther Price, Winans and Signature Confections very happy.  We like our chocolates as truffles, bars, bons bons, dips, and any number of creative ways. The people that discovered chocolate, the early Mayans and Aztecs, would be completely baffled by how we use chocolate. Xocolatl, or “bitter water” in Nahuatl (Aztec), was fermented and drank, usually by the upper classes. They would also thicken up the drink on occasion with corn and chilies, turning it into porridge. The Spanish were the first to add milk and sugar to it to sweeten it and turn it into the chocolate that we know and love. They were still drinking it until the 17th century, when the chocolate candy craze hit Paris. For a thousand years, chocolate was a beverage. And in this modern era of craft beers, flavored spirits, and experimentation, you can make it a drink for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

WINE

Pairing wine and chocolate is something that people have built whole festivals around. Godiva has even wisely added a page to their website to help you start off, and give you tips on what to look for when you pair it yourself. Putting the two together into one drink is something that is fairly new to the drinking scene. ChocoVine came out of the gate strong in 2009 with high ratings, and it has maintained them since. The people I know that have tried it have had nothing but good things to say about this blend of red wine (they use Cabernet grapes) and Dutch chocolate. In the same category is ChocolatRouge, another blend of chocolate and red wine, this time using California red wines. These are fairly inexpensive bottles, and their richness great to use as a dessert or treat. Their websites also suggest you can use them in cocktails.

messagepart-5BEER

The craft beer movement has encouraged experimentation with a full range of flavors, from savory to sweet, fruity to earthy. The chocolate end of the spectrum is full with delicious porters and stouts, using the already deep flavor of a well-roasted malt to enhance the chocolate added to the brew. The first one, and still one of the better ones, is Young’s Double Chocolate Stout. Southern Tier makes and utterly delightful stout, Choklat, that is a must taste for the chocolate lover. Stouts are a great winter warmer, which has the Brooklyn Brewing company bringing out their Black Chocolate Stout at this time of year. One of the richer chocolate beers is Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout, which has a very strong and smooth chocolate taste. In 2001 Rouge Ales released their Chocolate Stout around Valentine’s Day and have not looked back. They followed up this award winning beer with a Double Chocolate Stout, which ramped up the chocolate flavor to satisfy the sweetest tooth.  This is a very small sampling of some amazing chocolate beers in the area.

LIQUOR

For a very long time, if you wanted to add chocolate to a cocktail, you were reaching for the crème de cacao. It comes in two varieties, white and dark, and is base liquor infused with chocolate, sometimes a hint of vanilla. It is not something that is the star of the show in a cocktail, more of a supporting actor to the other flavor that is going on. It was not until the explosion of the craft cocktail movement that the options for how to add that chocolate flavor grew.

Godiva Chocolate Liqueur is the most popular of the new wave of chocolate liqueurs. Creamy and thick, it is more reminiscent of Irish cream and holds a great deal of flavor. It comes in White Chocolate and Original Chocolate, depending on what you are in messagepart-8the mood for. One (very appropriate) cocktail you can make with the liqueur:

Aphrodisiac

2 oz. vodka (chocolate, if you prefer)
1 oz. espresso
1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 oz. coffee liqueur

Chill a martini glass. Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, and shake it until it is foamy. Strain the ingredients into the chilled cocktail glass. You can add chocolate syrup inside of the glass as a decorative element, or rim the glass with cocoa powder.

While you are looking for good chocolate liquor to use, you may want to take a look in the vodka aisle. Since Absolut kicked off the messagepart-9flavored vodka party in 1986, there has been an explosion of flavored vodka. That explosion had not fully made it to chocolate, as there are very few pure chocolate vodkas on the market. Pinnacle has a Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Whip Cream flavors, but they are not true chocolate. For true chocolate, you have three options. If you are someone who is very particular about your vodka and the environment it comes from, 360 offers a Double Chocolate flavor. Three Olives makes some innovative flavors, but kept it simple and sweet for their chocolate vodka. Three Olives will also be the one that is easiest to find. It is a great brand. Van Gogh, while their Rich Dark Chocolate vodka has some great flavors and a darker color, it is harder to find in the stores. It is also the most expensive of the three.  That chocolate martini you are making will benefit from any of these fine vodka selections, and either kick off or end the night in fine fashion.

messagepart-7Boxes of sweets are not the only way to being chocolate into the holiday. Beer, wine and cocktail lovers can also drink in some chocolaty goodness to celebrate being with a loved one. Belmont Party Supply can help you select a few beers to enjoy the evening with, and Arrow Wine has the full selection of chocolate infused liquors mentioned. They also have Piece of Cake’s Chocolate Cake liqueur, and chocolate infused whip cream for a garnish to your drinks.  If you are looking to try chocolate in the way the ancient Mayans and Aztecs enjoyed it, Dogfish Head has it taken care of. Using flavors taken from samples discovered in 1200 year old pottery, Theobroma has a unique chocolate and chili flavor to it. It is very difficult to find, but if you can, it is a treat. There are plenty of great Valentine’s Day festivities for you to enjoy in the Dayton area, and a wide variety of ways to get your chocolate fix at any of them. Enjoy the day…and your chocolate!

 

Food Adventures visits The Market on Wilmington Pike

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The Market on Wilmington Pike

Summer is a great time to have a cold beer or glass of wine on a deck or patio.  It is also a time of enjoying a good cigar while outside golfing with friends or just relaxing.  We found a nice little Food Adventure spot where you can get wine, beer, cigars, Greek specialties and more.  It is called The Market and is a family owned and operated shop on Wilmington Pike in Kettering, not far from Rahn Rd.  The place is not huge, but it is packed with a wide variety of beer, wine and cigar selections.
Owner George Karras says the best way to check out their special offers is to visit their website here.  We saw some interesting things that were “off the beaten path.”  We also discovered that this Mom and Pop place can help place special orders for  “hard to find items!”

Beer at The Market: Too many brands to choose from?  The Market has mix and match specials.  Certain unique beers this month are $4.99 for each 6-pack and $3.99 for each 6-pack if you order a case.  There are beers in almost every nook and cranny of this store.  There is also a walk-in “Beer Vault” keeping brews ice cold at 33 degrees.   The Big Ragu picked up a rare treat in a 32 ounce Sol Beer Bottle from Mexico for only $1.99.

Wine at The Market:  Through buying various close-out specials, The Market is able to offer good wines at good prices.  Again, it is all about selection here.  The staff is knowledgeable and can help sort out the various offerings.

Cigars at The Market:  Want variety? There are 400+ cigar choices in the walk-in humidor.  There are also close-out bundles, and specials that made us do a double take.  We even found a few good stogey choices for under $2 each!  Any of your cigar questions are easily answered by longtime employee Russell, who will bend your ear about his favorites and steer you towards some good “sticks.”

Greek Specialties at The Market:  The Karras family is very involved in the Dayton Greek Festival, and you may recognize George from the festival band.  The Market gives George a chance to showcase some Greek Specialties that are rare finds in the Dayton area.  First off, there are Gyro Kits for under $10.  The Market also has homemade tzadziki sauce for sale that is  made with goat’s milk-yogurt.  Other Greek goodies include Mytzithra, Kefalotiri, Kefalograviera, and Kasseri which are all cheeses made with sheep or goat’s milk.  This  is definitely Food Adventure material.

The Market is a great place to run in and out, or to take a half hour and explore.   It is a unique place with unique offerings.   Grab a gallon of milk, or a Hefeweizen beer.  There is no other place like it in Dayton.  What impresses us most about The Market is the affordable selection.  Good deals on good products throughout the store.  This Market is definitely one worth checking out.

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Have you been to The Market?  Tell us about your experience by commenting below!