Come meet the animals that are racing on Saturday, October 28th. Take a selfie with an Ostrich and pet a Camel. Enjoy several food trucks. Free fun for the whole family.
zombie dogz
New Life for Zombie Dogz Food Truck
According to Hollywood Gaming Food & Beverage Director April Drumond, the original conversations began with David VanArtsdalen about opening a Zombie Dogz location inside the casino. Eventually as talks progressed, Hollywood Gaming made an offer to buy the food truck, the recipes and VanArtsalen’s business expertise on running the truck.
And now you can find the truck that created a cult following located near brand-new Sunset Patio Bar. The truck will be open Friday and Saturday from 4-9pm and Sunday noon – 5pm. Because you can approach the truck from outside, you won’t have to be 21 to enjoy a delicious dog. And Amber shared with us, the truck will still go out to special community events as well. There’s a link on their website to send an email to request the truck.
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
777 Hollywood Blvd,
Dayton, OH 45414
(844) 225-7057
Open 24 Hours
Duante’s Fond Farewell to his Favorite Dayton Foods – Part 1
All things come to an end, and we knew at some point Duante Beddingfield would leave us.
Many of you know him from his work covering arts and events over the years here at Most Metro or the local newspapers. Some of you may know him from his jazz performances, singing at venues like Gilly’s, Blue Note, and the Levitt Pavilion. Maybe you’ve listened to his Monday night jazz show, Equinox, on WYSO over the last three years, or attended Stivers School for the Arts with him, or salsa danced with him, saw him hamming it up onstage in a play or at a karaoke bar, or maybe he supported you as an artist or small business owner. Maybe he pissed you off at some point. Even if you’ve never met him, you probably knew Duante.
We’re proud to be the first to announce he’s been hired to be the new arts and culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. And proud to say we had him first! He’ll be leaving Ohio soon, but he asked if he could write one last thing on the way out. If you know Duante, you know he’s not only a major foodie but was also a professional restaurant writer in town for years, and so we’re presenting his list of the top ten restaurants he’ll miss most when he moves to the Motor City.
Duante was never known for keeping things short, so we’re posting it in two parts… Here’s part one – see part two here!
10. (tie)
Chicken Head’s (aka The Chicken Spot) (3261 W. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton)
Decades from now, when we regale our great-grandchildren with stories of The Chicken Sandwich Wars of the Early 2000s – of the Colonel’s ridiculed surrender to General Lee’s, which led to the Donut Treaty; the fall of the Burger King during the Battle of the Black Bun; of the bloody Chick-Fil-A Crusades, which divided a nation and pitted brother against brother – one name shall ring out as the baddest mothercluckin’ in the buck-buck-buckin’, and that name is Chicken Head’s.
Opened just over a year ago as The Chicken Spot (only the name has changed, nothing else) in a tiny storefront on the northwest side in a time when businesses were closing left and right in that part of town, it was seen by many as a high-risk, sentimental move by chef-owner Anthony Head when a downtown or suburban opening would have all but guaranteed major success. And yet, success came quickly anyhow.
The superiority of the product (which I’ll get to in a moment) was undeniable; that was never in question. What mattered is that it was standing up and providing for an underserved population. West Dayton has received national news coverage for years as one of the country’s largest per-capita food deserts. But not only are fresh groceries too often out of reach for west side citizens; dining options in the long-blighted area are extremely slim. Save for a few low-level fast food shops that have been in place forever, no new food-related businesses open doors in that part of town. I know because I grew up there in the prosperous eighties and nineties, and watched it rot and die around me before I finally pulled up stakes and moved to a more convenient neighborhood across town because I was tired of driving 45 to 60 minutes one way for not only my bougie artisan cheese, but for bread and jeans and movie theaters and someplace I could take a girl on a date.
When The Chicken Spot opened, delivering a good product, made well, reasonably priced, right there in the hood City of Dayton leadership has firmly ignored and disserviced for years, two things happened among the people who live around there. It sent a message to them saying, “We’re here for you. This isn’t a chain – it’s one store. If other people want us, they’ll have to come to us. We’re here for you.” The other thing is the community recognized that and agreed, “We see you, and we love that you’re here for us. We’re gonna show up for you.” And they did.
And so did everyone else. Chef Head is no fool. With a deep background in corporate business leadership, a long history in culinary education in the region at both the secondary and collegiate levels, and name recognition in the dining scene as a groundbreaker and rainmaker, he knew what he had, and he knew what he wanted. The shop is nothing to speak of. No tables, no dine-in. Carryout only. It’s a small commercial kitchen with a tiny lobby to wait for your food, which will be handed to you in the kind of greasy, nondescript paper bag that can only mean great times lie ahead. Very low overhead, maximum profit. Not even a website, just a Facebook page. Why pay for marketing when you have a product so good the word of mouth works for you? Head’s name and connections would do most of the marketing. I mean, look…here it is, happening in real time while you read this, and he doesn’t even know I’m writing this.
And the word took mere days to spread. Soon, people of every background and income level were driving in from the far suburbs (places I refer to as “The Deep South,” like Miamisburg, Washington Township, and Springboro) and Way Up North (y’all know who y’all are) to get this damn sammich. Everybody was talking about it. The menu was based around it, a very limited menu that focused on doing a few things and doing them best.
So let’s talk about The Medusa.
Thick, marinated, breaded, fried chicken breast, on a sandwich bun, topped with home collard greens and mac and cheese, plus pickled onions. An entire soul food dinner on one sloppy, impossible sandwich. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s life-changing. Throw a slice of the pound cake in there for dessert, you got all you need.
Chicken Head’s praises have been sung by every regional publication. They eventually, reluctantly, joined Doordash, and later expanded their delivery area to seven miles, so you can enjoy the Medusa or a bag of jumbo wings in your home as far away as WPAFB base housing, West Carrollton, New Lebanon, and Brookville. Go to them, bring them to you…it doesn’t matter. The Medusa is the single most talked about menu item of the last year in Dayton. If you haven’t had it yet, get on board. (Facebook)
Pasha Grill (72 Plum Street, Beavercreek)
When I think of Pasha Grill, no matter what I’m doing or how I’m feeling, a smile immediately comes to my face. Mediterranean food, with a heavy emphasis on Turkish, is the focal point of their menu, and it yields some of the most complex, gorgeous flavor profiles you can find within a day’s drive.
Let me start by saying I have tremendous respect for this place because when it opened in 2008, it was the only locally owned restaurant at The Greene Town Center, Greene County’s sprawling, hotly contested outdoor mall development that opened in 2006 with a flight of chain restaurants, bars, and shops, delivering major blows to downtown Dayton, the Dayton Mall, and The Mall at Fairfield Commons all at once. We saw other locally owned restaurants come and go over the years, unable to keep up with The Greene’s high rent, and a couple of times over the years it’s looked like Pasha was all but done, but they’ve thrived over and over, and they’re still with us. Pasha Grill is a survivor, and that makes me rabidly want to see them supported indefinitely.
The great thing about Mediterranean food is it’s equally rewarding for vegetarians and omnivores. There are great, delicious options to be had on all sides, and there’s plenty available for the vegan and gluten free. The same, honestly, is true of pretty much any non-American or UK-related cooking, ha. Let me tell you about the Shepherd Salad. Plum tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and parsley tossed in red vinegar and olive oil. It’s dynamite. There’s a small and a large – but even the small is large, just FYI. There’s the vegetarian mousakka, basically a veggie lasagna with layers of eggplant, potato, carrot, zucchini, and mushroom with bechamel sauce, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
And for the true meat lovers, there’s the grill section of the menu. There are nine different types of kebab, all ranging from roughly $15 to $22, and depending on which one, they come with veggies and sauces and such. But if you order the Mixed Grill Kebab for $31.95, you get half portions of FOUR types of kebab (made from chicken, beef, and lamb, each with different seasonings and flavors), plus a bunch of pillowy fresh bread, rice pilaf, and grilled vegetables. It’s an absolute steal, enough to feed two or three (or four, if you’re light eaters or just kind of picking at it as tapas with wine), and is probably the best value in Dayton for the amount and variety of food you get. It’s worth it to pay a couple extra bucks and tack on an extra side of rice pilaf and an extra side of grilled vegetables. They literally bring you an entire, huge tray of just different meats. God, it’s glorious.
They’re also on Doordash. And, let me tell you…on a chilly evening, a delivery from this place can really light up your night. They deserve our support. (website)
9. Chiapas Mexican Grill (298 N. Main Street, Centerville)
When it comes to tacos around here, you simply cannot beat the ultra-authentic, soul-warming offerings made in-house by the folks at Chiapas. For five years running, downtown Centerville has been blessed with the flavor and value this place brings, and a new second location in Moraine will celebrate its one-year anniversary next month. They feature my favorite chorizo queso (they run a little small here; I always order two), and their chicken and al pastor tacos never fail to satisfy (though they also have steak, chorizo, carnitas, fish, shrimp, and tongue, if that’s how you get down). The tortas (super flavorful Latin sandwiches) and soups (don’t miss the pozole!) are wonderfully down-home in their approach, and as with any Mexican restaurant, there are a number of familiar dishes and combos…but make no mistake, this is not just any Mexican joint. If you’ve not been, do yourself the favor. Oh, and their chips are great! (website | Facebook)
8. El Meson (903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton)
When it comes to other forms of Latin cuisine, look to this popular regional destination that’s still got new things to say in 2020. “El meson,” in Spanish, can mean a country tavern, but it can also refer to an inn, or a large table. Any or all of those feel appropriate here, where the Castro family invite you in as gracious hosts to enjoy a meal with them.
The staples remain over time, things like the overstuffed empanadas, addictive chicken tinga nachos, Cuban sandwiches, and famed tortilla soup. But the thing I’ve always had tremendous respect for is that El Meson never rests on its laurels, with the Castros complacent to keep a winning formula the same with the old “If it ain’t broke…” attitude. They’re always changing things up, always finding new ways for people to experience and interact with food and culture. Entrees rotate on and off the menu regularly. In non-Covid times, elaborate trips are organized annually to take groups of customers to Latin countries where they dine like citizens and delve into the lifestyles that gave birth to the dishes we love. Fun and informative, themed tastings and catered dinners are held almost weekly. They’re still among the only brick-and-mortar restaurants to take advantage of the food truck explosion, with vehicles traveling the area frequently. And this month, they’ll introduce Viva La Vida, A Recipe for Life, a video subscription streaming service where Bill Castro and chef Mark Abbott will provide monthly content about food, wine, cocktails, cooking techniques, and traditions from around the world.
The paella, a time-honored Spanish dish, is the jaw-dropping, signature house specialty (and the tart and tangy, vegan-friendly aji dip, which can also be purchased by the container, is always a big hit). A favorite for me is the carne asada fries, a rich, messy, smoky pile of punch-in-the-mouth flavor priced for one, but big enough for two and leftovers. Have it with a big, bold Spanish or Argentinian red wine.
It’s cool that El Meson always delivers the things you love, exactly as you remember them. But what’s even cooler is that the Castros use that consistency and comfort as a platform to continue pushing themselves and the restaurant forward, and to bring us along with them, so that while you’re never let down, they never give you the same experience twice. Mad respect. (website | Facebook)
7. Zombie Dogz (Food truck)
Damn, damn, damn. One of the first, and certainly one of the most seismic, casualties of the Covid-19 among the local restaurant scene was Zombie Dogz, which operated in brick and mortar form on Brown Street after rocking the region since 2012 as a food truck that cultivated a monster following for its premium hot dogs with wildly inventive toppings and horror-themed names. (The Dogz boast over 40,000 Facebook followers, equivalent to around 30% of the City of Dayton’s population; the Dayton city government itself has fewer than 35,000 followers on Facebook).
Though the restaurant has closed its doors, the beloved truck still preys by day and stalks the night, appearing at all corners of the metro area to serve long lines of customers, some of whom drive in from other counties or cities to carry back stacks of dogs for friends and relatives. I’ve waited for hours in freezing temperatures and pounding rain to scratch that itch that only the Dogz can, and I know many of you will continue to.
I’ve got a soft spot for my early favorite, the Dead Dixie, with diced green apples, barbecue sauce, bacon, and bleu cheese hitting an insane four-points combination of sweet, sour, salty, and umami. And I love the Waking Dead, a breakfast dog with bacon crumbles, sausage gravy, a fried egg, and maple syrup drizzle, taking the trophy for messiest meal in the Valley. But the big winner is the seasonal Germanator, a stunner topped with garlic-crusted beef, homemade beer cheese, and fried onions. And keep an eye out for the holiday season, when the Poultrygeist becomes available for a limited time. A giant hot dog heaped with white meat turkey, Stove Top stuffing, homemade gravy, and drizzled with original cranberry sauce? That’ll make your heart and your stomach grow three sizes, trust!
Follow the food truck on Facebook to keep up with its locations and times. (website | Facebook)
6. Old Scratch Pizza & Beer (812 S. Patterson Road, Dayton)
A giant from the moment it opened, this place slings high-quality, creative pies that keep people coming back again and again. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve picked up from them for family nights during the pandemic. Old Scratch’s team of master pizzaioli take great pride in their work and can be seen from anywhere in the main dining hall as they work their craft in tandem, like a fine tuned machine. Beer on tap, wine by the carafe, and a full bar with bartenders who are always fun and highly skilled make this as great a place to stop in for a happy hour with friends as it is for dinner with your household. Winning appetizers are the meatball tray and the whole roasted cauliflower. You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas, but – and this is surprising coming from a red-sauce junkie like me – the white pizzas are where their innovation really shines, with options like the prosciutto arugula, which basically comes with a huge arugula salad on top of an already sumptuous pizza, and the Brussel Crow, with brussel sprouts, wilted shallot, taleggio cheese, bacon, and an apple cider reduction. The salads are massive meals unto themselves (not joking – they’re very, very big), and a soft-serve machine by the door sends kids home smiling. A Centerville location recently opened in addition to the original. (website | Facebook)
Check back tomorrow for Duante’s top five restaurants he’ll miss most.
Zombie Dogz Back to Food Truck Roots
I can remember having my first ZombieDogz in 2014 in the Lowe’s Parking lot on Wilmington Pike. It was the CALLING IN DEAD: An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese and finished off with crumbled crackers. It was my first of many experiences at this truck, which quickly established a cult following at food truck rallies, often with waits of up to an hour for one of their gourmet dogs.
In fall of 2016 they opened up a shop near UD on Brown Street. But sadly, today on Facebook they’ve announced the store will close:
“Good morning everybody. First and foremost we hope that everyone is staying healthy and handling life the best they can right now.
The past year or so have been trying for us as a restaurant. Sales have been down and we’ve been barely getting by every month. Unfortunately having to shut down for 2 months only made matters worse. So with a very heavy heart we will be shutting the restaurant down permanently.
We will start back with the food truck when we can do so safely. Most of the festivals have already been cancelled for the year. So we will be doing what we can this summer and fall to get out there as much as possible. We will be keeping everyone updated when we know exactly when the truck will start back up again.
We want to thank everyone of you for years of constant support and love. Thank you for everything you have always done for us. We love you all and we can’t wait to get out there and see you at the food truck.”
So now we’ll be on the lookout for their Food Truck out and about.
Quest For The Best: Hot Dog
Zombie Dogz
1200 Brown St #150, Dayton
Rootbeer Stande
Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers
535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton
Trolley Stop
Chicago Gyro and Dogs
Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich
Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy
Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
All Good Things Must Come To An End…
I can remember when I had my first Zombie Dogz experience. It was the horror themed truck’s very first outing in the Lowe’s parking lot on Wilmington Pike in 2012 and the idea of a hot dog topped with decadent things like macaroni and cheese, taco meat and fritos just seemed so decadent. In talking with Lee VanArtsdalen, who is the co-ower with her husband Dave, we reminisced about that first outing, where they served 68 people, she even remember my order! Dave’s love of all things Zombie brought them to their second gig for the truck, serving up their street eats at the annual HorrorHound Weekend, where they were bombarded with 30,000 people to feed.
And from their the legend just grew. Often the most popular truck at a rally, fans would line up and wait times often hit an hour for the growing list of gourmet hot dogs with an ever changing menu of ingredients. Their popularity continued to grow and in 2016 they were named “Best Food Truck in Ohio” by Ohio Magazines in the annual readers poll. That same year they finished 2nd as 2016 Hot Dog Vendor of the Year poll in the national contest rum by Mobile Cuisine.
In the winter of 2016 rumors started swirling about a brick and mortar location of Zombie Dogz and MostMetro was able to confirm the rumors in June and on Sunday, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 the doors opened at 1200 Brown Street.
Business a the shop has stayed steady, menu items have been added (yeah tots and White Truffle Mac n Cheese) and the truck continued to be out and about around town. The menu continues to rotate with some of the more popular dogs being brought back for limited runs, while new dogs are introduced. In June of this year they even introduced flights of coney sized versions of the gourmet dogs, so you can enjoy multiple creations.
But Today Zombie Dogz posted this on their Facebook page:
What’s up everybody. So, we are winding down our FOOD TRUCK season and wanted to fill you in a little bit. What we’re about to fill you in on is kind of sad. You may have noticed that we don’t make as many FOOD TRUCK posts lately. Well, there’s a reason………. I think after running long and strong for 5 years our little baby has come to an end. We don’t make posts anymore because we aren’t sure if half the time our trucks gonna make it!!! It’s pulled 12,000 lbs and has several tens of thousands of miles under her belt, and unfortunately she’s coming to an end. She’ll hold up for the rest of this months scheduled events, but after this month, we’re putting her to rest?????. So, with this being said, I’d like to list the rest of our events left for this season.
THE MENU WILL BE EPIC FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON AND WE WILL BE RUNNING SOME OF OUR CLASSICS AND MOST POPULAR DOGS. I’m putting it like this because the post will be so long with our schedule, but if you’re curious, you’re always welcome to contact us through messenger with questions about the menu??
TODAY, October 27th, from 9:30am-4pm we will be at the 13th annual CFC Pumpkin Chuck WPAFB.
5901 Airway Rd.
Riverside, Oh 45431
SATURDAY, October 28th, we’re doing a double??
From 11am-1pm we will be at the KETTERING REC. CENTER AND COMPLEX SOCCER FIELDS for this years WAG-O-WEEN event. Come help support Sicsa and the Humane Society celebrate Halloween with fun family activities and fun times with lots of cute puppies??
From 6pm-9pm we will be at JUNGLE JIMS for their Masquerade Ball in their new multi media facility along with 3 Floyds Zombie Dust Beer.
4450 Eastgate Dr.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45245
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30th from 6pm-10pm is going to be a super amazing event and one of my favorites to visit. We are going to be a part of the Dayton’s Grafton Hill Historic Association that is bringing back the annual STODDARD AVE PUMPKIN GLOW????
And Lastly TUESDAY 10/31 the last event of our whole food truck existence, we are glad to be ending it with such a cool event, and an amazing supporter of ours over the years. We will be at ENGINE HOUSE TATTOO celebrating their 5 year Anniversary from 5pm-8pm????
21 E. CENTER ST. Germantown, Oh 45327
Thank you all for your support over the years!!!! Our truck has brought us so many great memories and a LOT of customers who we now consider good friends, if not family. It has got us to where we are today and we’ll never forget how we got this far…..?
We hope that you will join us for some of our last events with our truck and help us say good bye and put her to rest properly??
Again, we are very, very appreciative for all the love and support over the years.
Thank you?
Stay Gold Dayton ????✌?
In talking with Lee she shared “this is so bittersweet. The truck was a dream, we grew and nurtured and Dayton welcomed us. But after 5 years the wear and tear on the truck and the trailer are dealing showing. The generator is dying and the repairs to the trailer were becoming to much. But we have the bricks and mortar location and we can really just concentrate on that now.” But as we chatted about the changes over the years, and the birth of her 2 children and all the friend they’ve made in the community, and how the storefront has been a game changer for their business. She also let slip, that perhaps, in time, the truck could come back to life…just what we might expect from a Zombie!
Big News From Zombie Dogz
Starting Monday, June 5th Zombie Dogz Conies will be added to the menu at the popular gourmet hot dog eater located at 1200 Brown Street, near UD.
You’ll be able to order a “flight” of any 3 Zombie dogs- plain or gourmet dog options being offered on the store menu, plus side of tater tots for just $10. Just perfect for when you want to try more than one specialty dog. And yes, it’s the exact same hot dog, still grilled, just downsized to make sampling easier!
The introduction of the ZD conies also makes for the perfect main ingredient for them to introduce a kids meal- one coney of your choice, plus, a gogurt, sliced apples, or seasonal fruit at that time, and their choice of a beverage: juice pack, soda, or water. The kids meal is $5 with a gourmet dog option, or $4 with a plain option.
And one more big addition you can now order online through the Zombie Dog website,
You pick and order what you want to your specifications – Dogz, beverages, side items, cupcakes, you name it, you can do it, even pay online and then just run in for pickup. No waiting in line, no human interaction, no payment necessary in store, because you’ve already paid online. You absolutely have to do nothing but just pick up your food with either your order number on it, or if you’ve entered it, your name. Even better, you can order ahead and set your pick up time.
Get Your Street Treats On At 10 Truck Rally
How To Score An Invite To The Zombie Dogz 4th Anniversary Party
On Sunday March 26th Zombie Dogz is throwing a party at Club Masque to celebrate their 4th anniversary. They’ve rented out the entire club for the party.
They are even giving 200 of their customers a chance to attend. All guests will need a ticket and here’s how you can get a chance to get one of the 200 tickets to the big shindig they are giving away:
Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 22nd through Saturday March 25th
for every hotdog purchased at the Brown Street Zombie Dog location, you can fill out a raffle ticket. On Saturday the 25th at 8pm they will do a drawing for the winners. They will call all the winners to let then know who gets to attend the party!
What’s included you ask….?
On free hotdog and chips, runs from 7pm-9pm, then with your guest pass, you’ll receive 4 free domestic beer tickets and enjoy local Dj’s throwing down all night.
So hustle on down to 1200 Brown Street, enjoy your favorite hot dog and you’ll have a chance to win a ticket to the Sunday night party.
Zombie Dogz 3 Month Anniversary $13 Meal Deal
It’s been 3 months since Zombie Dogz opened the doors on their Brown Street location and they are celebrating with a Valentine’s Day Eve special. According to a post on their Facebook Page:
Supporter of ours and fellow business owner’s son was born with only half of a heart and has undergone 2 surgeries with more to come, and yet none will ever “fix” him. They’re only life sustaining, which is unimaginable having kids of our own?. His name is Mason and his heart condition is HLHS, all proceeds are going to The Children’s Heart Foundation in Illinois. So, for $13 you can get any hotdog, any side, a drink, and a cupcake.
Speaking of cupcakes….., Cake, Hope, & Love, who’s cupcakes we already carry, have graciously donated 200 of our EXCLUSIVE ONLY red cream soda and strawberry compote cupcakes, and for every cupcake sold with this promotion, and we’re hoping to go through all 200, we will match it, hoping to double the proceeds raised. They’re even decorating them with a half of a heart.
We will also have it all kinds of sappy-wonderful for you all. We’re thinking some Marvin Gaye, Boys to Men, flowers, a disco ball, confetti?? endless, but I think you’re getting what I’m throwing down?. Come and spend our anniversary/Valentine’s ‘Eve’ with us and help us raise a lot of love for this little boy!
You can visit Zombie Dogz and help benefit baby Mason from 10am – 9pm Monday at 1200 Brown Street .
Zombie Dogz Now Open on Brown Street
After much anticipation and several practice nights, the doors at Zombie Dogz officially open at 1200 Brown Street today at 10am.
They’ll be serving up their gourmet hot dogs seven days a week. Hours will be:
Monday-Thursday 10:30-11
Friday-Saturday 10:30-midnight
Sunday 10-9
With 12 dogz on the menu and 3 seasonal dogs making special appearances, they’ve even added a gluten free bun option, diners will have plenty of choices. Sides include Dr.Pepper baked beans, truffle macaroni and cheese and tater tots!
They’ve also partnered with Beavercreek bakery Cake, Hope & Love to offer an exclusive line of cupcakes with three flavors (pictured below) you won’t find anywhere else, according CH&L owner Shannon Teague. For many of us this ability to support to awesome local entrepreneurs in one building is great news!
Owners David and Lee VanArtsdalen, with 9 week old Dylan and big brother Dylan have spent the last week hosting friends, family and supporters into the restaurant so they can test the new staff, the set up, learn the registers and get ready for the crowds that will no doubt pack the place. At one of the preview nights, I commented to them I think their biggest problem is going to be staying below the mandated occupancy code of 66! Lee shared that on top of having the new baby and opening the shop, they are moving to a new house this coming weekend as well.
The VanArstdalen’s posted this thank you on their facebook page today:
“Something I’d also like to mention is all of the local community we’ve pulled in to help build our location. The artists, marketing people, tech peeps, contractors, design group, realtor company ect……. are all a part of helping our restaurant come together and wouldn’t be what it is now without the help of everyone who’s rode this ride with us. We’d just like to give a special thanks to those mentioned that have really made our new location what it is now.”
We wish them all huge success! And yes, they food truck will still continue to make appearances around town!
Zombie Dogz Sets Opening Date
So………, with much excitement, we’d finally like to announce that we are finally opening Sunday, NOVEMBER 13th 2016 @ 1200 Brown St. Suite 150. We will be open from 10am-9pm.
We are offering 12 core Dogz out of the long list of dogs that we have and will always have another 3 to seasonally rotate around throughout the seasonal changes. We are implementing side items other than chips, and also salads, and a new protein, chicken sausages, and also, finally by popular demand, a gluten free bun option????
Something I’d also like to mention is all of the local community we’ve pulled in to help build our location. The artists, marketing people, tech peeps, contractors, design group, realtor company ect……. are all a part of helping our restaurant come together and wouldn’t be what it is now without the help of everyone who’s rode this ride with us. We’d just like to give a special thanks to those mentioned that have really made our new location what it is now❤️
It has been a long journey and we are so proud to finally be at this point of
finally showing everyone what we’ve spent 3 years working so hard for, and what we’ve been working on the last 6 months. We’ve really put a lot of our blood, sweat, and tears into our brick and mortar location, and we are just so stoked to finally introduce Zombie Dogz Dayton to the community. We couldn’t have made it this far without everyone’s support over the years. That’s why we are just so full of emotions to finally give Zombie Dogz a permanent place here in Dayton, but most importantly to finally give our employees a permanent job. We are so lucky to have the crew that has stuck by us since the beginning and has believed in us this much to have stuck it out this long with us for this day to finally come. We’ve hired a new crew that we feel is just as rad and are so lucky to have wonderful people working for us.
With all of that being said…….. We super look forward to opening and seeing your lovely faces ?❤️
Now there’s no excuse that you couldn’t find us?
Again, thank you for helping us get to this point. It will never be forgotten❤️
Zombie Dogz
Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday
Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans. Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.
Are you a foodie? Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers. Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..
Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC
— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM
— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek
— WHAT ELSE: FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS
— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room
1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures
2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures and HouseMade Sriracha
3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine
— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???
— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS 5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.
GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:
1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.
2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties. Meats! Meats! Meats!
3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats. Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.
4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD. This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.
5) SCRATCH CATERING: Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year. What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?
6) GYRO PALACE: Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic
tzatziki sauce. Get some !
7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top. A religious experience in taste!
8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs ! STAY TUNED !
9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD: Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces. If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.
10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.
11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL: Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more! More than a mouthful and so juicy. Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!
12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE: Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.
13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys? We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.
14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.
15) KOWALSKI HOTS: In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs. This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.
GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:
1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC: Garlic for sale.. health benefits galore
3) COSTCO: Your favorite spot for warehouse deals. If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes. Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY: Unique crafts and puzzle lamps. Defintely worth a visit.
6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers. Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART: Face painting. Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces. A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.
20 Reasons to Hit Friday’s Sons of Italy Food Truck Rally
This FRIDAY July 15th, at 5pm, 18 local food trucks will descend on the Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd, around the corner from the Greene. If you have been to the Italian Fall Festival, then you are familiar with this venue. But Friday showcases different activities and outside vendors. It promises to be a fun filled, family friendly event and a wonderful evening.
Dont miss this chance for an incredible FOOD ADVENTURE !
HERE ARE 20 REASON’S to COME TO THE FOOD TRUCK RALLY at SONS of ITALY’S BELLA VILLA HALL in Beavercreek/Kettering
1 ~ ZOMBIE DOGZ WILL INTRODUCE TWO NEW DOG FLAVORS:
Garlic inspired for sure, the flavors are super secret and are being finalized as you read this. No one is telling, not even the zombies!
2 ~ THE HOLY CANNOLI:
A deep fried cannoli made at the Sons of Italy booth. It is a gooey, creamy walk down dream street. So rich and wonderful, it is like a religious experience.
3 ~ BELLA SORELLA’S “BIG FELLA” PEPPERONI PIZZA:
Have you tried their hand made dough, stone baked pizza? Fresh ingredients and that good Italian flavor, makes this a MUST EAT at Garlic Fest Weekend !
4 ~ THE “SPICY CHICKEN WITH WHITE RICE” from BOURBON STREET GRILL: Be prepared to launch your tastebuds to the moon on this one. A perfect, not too spicy blend of shredded chicken and sauce, poured over white rice. So addicting you will want seconds. Warning! – you will crave this stuff the next week, and we are not responsible.
5 ~ BEER TRUCKS and INCREDIBLE FOOD VARIETY IN ONE PLACE:
Beer trucks? YES ! 18 food vendors with various menus? This will give you over 100 food choices. Hello foodies, you have found your paradise… GarlicFest weekend be thy name !
6 ~ “THE ONION STRAW BURGER” from THE HORSELESS BUGGY EATERY:
One of the best burgers in Dayton, hands down. A pile of crunchy onion straws, on a thick, juicy fresh burger. Awww man give us one now to sink our teeth into.
7 ~ “THE WICKED SWEET BREAD” from THE WICKED WICH’ of DAYTON FOOD TRUCK:
Sweet, cinnamon sprinkled bread, with a sweet drizzled icing. It makes for a buttery, cinnamon taste and a match made in heaven. So simple, so good ….
8 ~ “THE KIWI/ BLUEBERRY / COCONUT” ICE POP from SWEET P’S:
On a warm July evening, nothing says refresh me like a hand crafted ice pop from local vendor, Sweet P ! This combo is in the “cool me down” hall of fame !
9 ~ “GARLIC INFUSED CRAB MACARONI n CHEESE” from PA’s PORK:
New Item! King Crab, macaroni, cheese and Italian Parsely on top. Take a bite then slap yourself to get that silly look off your face. Oh, it’s that damn good…
10 ~ QUESADILLAS at THE PAINTED PEPPER FOOD TRUCK:
Juicy, flavorful and loaded, these quesadillas are fantastic food on the go. The Texas Caviar chicken quesadilla is a fave… but so are the wings and corncakes…so many MUST EATS, so little time. It is hard to nail down just one item from this great truck.
11 ~ BOCCE BASH TOURNAMENT:
5:30pm starts the 1st ever “BOCCE BASH” for beginners. The cost is $10 per person and you need 4 to a team. Sign up immediately by clicking here. Winner gets $200 !
12 ~ “THE MAC n CHEESE CROQUETTES” from HUNGER PAYNES:
Mac & Cheese Croquettes with Garlic, Smoked Gouda, Cheddar, Green Onions, and Garlic Sour Cream Sauce. Flavored croquettes, are the scrumptuous staple that launched their food truck. You gotta try these. We are excited for more great eats from Andy and his crew.
13 ~ “THE PEANUT BUTTER CUP CUPCAKE” from GO CUPCAKE:
Rich and chocolatey. What else goes better together? Indulge in one of the best sweet treats at the rally. One of those bites that you have to sit down and just take in all the flavor.
14 ~ “GRILLED RED HOTS or WHITES HOTS with GARLIC SAUCE” from KOWALSKI’S HOTS:
Remember hot isn’t spicy – it is short for Hot Dog in this case. And these casings are authentic hot dog brands only found in upstate New York. Zweigels and Hoffmans are just two of the brands he offers.
15 ~ “THE DISTINGUISHED DARBY” from CHEEKY MEAT PIES:
Steamy ground beef goodness, with cheese stuffed into a delicate pie crust. So delicious and unique, this is one of our favorite food truck items.
16 ~ EMPANADAS from EL MESON:
They have so much good food to offer it is hard to pick just one. The empanadas are a great pocket of flavor on the go at a rally. Their cornbread pattie style Arepas are also tremendous.
17 ~ “THE ROAST BEEF PO’BOY” from JIMMIE’S LADDER 11 STREATERY:
Oh boy, this might be the mother of all sandwiches at the rally. Roast Beef on a bun served with lettuce, tomato and a horseradish aoli, this promises to be a huge hit while they last!
18 ~ “THE STREET STYLE CHICKEN GYRO” from GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK:
A one of a kind gyro with pickled onions and a one of a kind tzatziki sauce. We cannot reiterate enough that you must get the chicken gyro and get it “street style.” The “shrimp gyros street style” are a lighter take on a great thing. Opa!
19 ~ “THE TURTLE SUNDAE” from RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD:
Hot fudge, caramel and toasted pecans with vanilla custard adorn this sundae. Just sinful, and yummy. Turn out the lights and call the law, we dont care if we ever get well!
20 ~ “THE GARLIC MOHAWK BURGER” from MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:
It is a massive creation from our pal chef Aaron who does it all to the max. Get a napkin, because it is a delicious, “goodness drippin on the chin” kinda time. It is a rowdy Food Adventure on a bun.
There you have it, take a bow if you can eat all of the above items in a night. We have a feeling you might need some help, so bring your friends out and share some bites. That’s
what a fun food truck rally is all about!
HERE’S THE SKINNY ON HOW TO GO:
— WHEN: JULY 15th from 5pm til 9pm
— WHERE: 2625 COUNTY LINE RD, BEAVERCREEK, OHIO at the BELLA VILLA HALL
— WHAT: One of Dayton’s biggest FOOD TRUCK RALLIES EVER! 18 vendors!
— WHAT ELSE: FREE ADMISSION! BEER TRUCKS! LIVE ACOUSTIC BAND ! CRAFTS! KIDS STUFF!
Bring a lawnchair to sit and relax all night ! There is plenty of eats to go around! Join Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu for a night of Food Adventure fantasies.
Get restaurant info, original food pictures and Miami Valley Must Eats, by “liking” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.
Red, White and FOOD! Americana Fest Vendors Announced!
ATTENTION FOODIES !! One hundred thousand people will descend into downtown Centerville this Monday July 4th for the Americana Festival.
Sure there is a 5 k run early at 7:30am
You bet there is a parade at 10am.
And who could forget fireworks at 10pm later that night.
But Food Adventures has advanced notice on something close to our hearts… FOOD VENDORS !! What restaurants are going to be in attendance? What to eat? We got it all for you right here. We will make order of this crowded party of patriotism. So sit in your lawn chair and listen to this scoop on the best eats at this festival
celebrating our independence!
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— This is the 43rd Annual Americana Festival
— From 9:30am – 5pm is the Street Fair. It runs from the instersection of 48 and 725, down to Bills Donut Shop, and will be filled with FOOD vendors.
— There are also food vendors at Benham’s Grove and tucked back into Activity Center Park in the kids play area.
— The key to this festival is to GET THERE EARLY… or go very late. Food crowds are lightest at 10-11am and 4-5pm.
— Parking is rough, you may have to walk a few blocks, so suck it up buttercup
— We suggest bringing a light lawn chair with you, so you can go off to the side and sit and eat comfortably.
So now we get to the meat of the story – where to go, what to eat, who to drink. The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have decades of experience at this festival and will be in the mix again this year for an epic Food Adventure ! We have some of the food vendors who are going to be in attendance, and list some of our faves and best foodstuffs.
Here they are, in alphabetical order, our patented ……
AMERICANA FESTIVAL MUST EATS:
— BLACKJACK GRILL: Huge porkchops as big as Shaquille O’Neal’s hand. A definite must eat if you’re hungry.
— CAJUN SPECIALTIES: Formerly “LeDoux’s,” this festival vendor has some incredible crawfish etouffe and gumbo. Dont miss this booth!
— CHESTER’S STEAK BURGERS: Get a damn steakburger with cheese already….
—CORK N BOTTLE’S AMERICAN GRILL: Incredible burgers and sandwiches even down to a grilled cheese.
— EL MESON’S FOOD TRUCK: Get some empanadas at this fantastic eatery. They will be at benhams grove, and the menu is constantly changing from “must eats” like paella, to shrimp tacos.
— FRICKER’S: The BBQ boneless wings are amazing here. Dayton iconic sports bar with some of the best frickin chicken around.
— FRONANA: Healthy, ice cream like dessert made with mashed bananas. Go for the chocolate fronana, a dream on a spoon…
— GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK: New guy on the block. The 2 “must eats” here are the “Street Style Chicken Gyros” and the “Street Style Shrimp Gyros.” No shrimp? Get Baklava !
— HAMBURGER WAGON: Get the double burger, it is a
crunchy delight ! 105 years of customers cant be wrong…
— HARVEST FOOD TRUCK: Their salmon in the Land n Sea BLT is remarkable. Perfect day to chomp on this..
— HUNGER PAYNES FOOD TRUCK: Get the PB & J Croquettes or the Salmon ones… Oh my.. goodness…
— ISLAND NOODLES: Vegetarians unite! Try the Asian, wok fired noodles stir fried with garlic and ginger… with veggies in a light “island sauce.”
— J.T.’s STOVETOP BBQ: Pulled Pork with, extra bbq sauce. It doesn’t count unless you drip sauce on your shoe.
— K & H CONCESSIONS: Corn on the cob is their specialty, get one and live a little….
— KERNEL DAVE’S KETTLE CORN: Bags of kettle corn. Eat some now, save some for the fireworks or next movie night…
— KONA ICE: Shaved ice and snow cones. Get the blueberry and raspberry mix option.
— KOWALSKI’S HOTS: One of our faves. This guy has exclusive brands of upstate New York made hot dogs. Get the Red Hot with coney sauce.. it isn’t spicy it is just a red colored, big hot dog. Dont want a dog? Get a “Hamburg,” Rochester NY Style with coney sauce
— LAROSA’S PIZZERIA: The must eat is a slice of pepperoni pizza. Take yourself back to Kings Island 1982 in one swift bite.,…
— MOM’S HOMEMADE GOODIES: A family that makes the most incredible hand tied soft pretzels. Get a pie too !
— NELLY’S CHICKEN: The “must eat” is the half chicken, it has that amazing, cooked over charcoal taste. Get yucca fries if you really want an incredible treat,
— OLD TEXAS SODA COMPANY: Handcrafted Root Beer is the must drink here. On a hot summers day, you will down two of these without blinking.
— PITA POCKETS: Try the super taco. It is a tostada shell loaded. Good eats, good street food.
— REISTMILLER’S FUNNEL CAKES: It is Americana Fest, get the damn funnel cake and powder your nose!
— SANTORINI’S GREEK FOOD: Man mountain Dean sized Gyro Sandwiches are the way to go here. Just get the traditional ones.
— SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS: The “Berry Berry Good” pop is a favorite. A refreshing bet on a hot July day.
— THERESA’S ICE CREAM: Butter Pecan or rocky road will always please at Amerciana Festival
— ZOMBIE DOGZ: Dayton’s favorite food truck always has our favorite.. “Juan of the Dead.” or “The Nibbler.” Let’s face it, you cant go wrong with a Zombie Dog…
There you have it sports fans, the MUST EATS for JULY 4th, 2016’s AMERICANA FESTIVAL ! Often imitated, never duplicated, Food Adventures can be found on Facebook HERE. Like us on Facebook, love us in your hearts.
We wish our fans a happy, long weekend of fun filled family time with loved ones, celebrating the 4th of July. That’s where we will be, and making sure the best summer food is within reach !
See you next week and every week on Dayton Most Metro…..
Enjoy some more photos below, from Americana Festivals of years past….
Zombie Dogz Finally Admits To Brown Street Location!!!!
Hello everybody, there are a few things that we would like to tell you all. We’re expecting our second child soon and with that being said we will not be operating the truck very much after the month of July. We will still be doing a couple events and bigger festivals that we’ve done yearly. After this season we will be shutting the truck down except for festivals and a few other events.
It’s also come to our attention that there’s rumors going around of us opening up a brick and mortar restaurant. And we have been telling everyone that it’s not true. Well it is in fact true. We will be opening up our first actual restaurant hopefully in September. We’ve been trying to keep it a secret and we just can’t keep it from you all anymore. The restaurant will be located at the corner of Brown and Stewart in the UD area. It’s the old Shish Wraps location. So there might be a gap from us being in the truck and us opening the restaurant. We need time to hire a few more people, train, and open the store up. We look forward to starting a new chapter, we just want to say thank you all for believing in us and always being there with the constant love and support.
We will be hiring more employees when the time gets closer. So if you have experience and would like to join the team please let us know. We will start accepting applications when we’re closer to opening.
as posted on Zombie Dogz facebook page!