Food Adventures

Car Hops on Roller Skates

As decades go by the restaurant industry changes and adapts.  Some things like good service will always be a goal, but other things fade away into oblivion.  Today The Food Adventures Crew have compiled a list of things you dont see in Dayton restaurants anymore.

— CAR HOPS ON ROLLER SKATES:
Back in the day in Dayton, these waitresses were all over the place.  From Frosties Rootbeer Stands in Dayton and Fairborn to Frischs, A & W and others.  You just dont see car hops with Roller Skates anymore.  We suspect trips falls broken bones and insurance liability to be the culprits.  There is also the fact that roller skating seems to be somewhat of a lost art.

— MATCHES AT THE BAR WITH RESTAURANT LOGO:

Dont see this much anymore

Nearly every dinner club had them at the bar.  The pack or box of matches with the restaurant logo, address and number on the cover.  The public smoking ban put an end to those “amenities” years ago.  You would be pressed to find a restaurant that sill has them.

— TANG:
Before the days of energy drinks, there was Tang.  Billed as the “drink of astronauts,” this was a popular orange powdered drink in the 60’s and 70’s.  You hardly see it anywhere today, when it used to be a household item.  Oh how the times and Americana have changed.

Tang

— PDQ CHOCOLATE DRINK MIX:
This was a sister product of ovaltine and was sold as the “healthy” chocolate milk drink with vitamins, and nutrients.  The mix were small chocolate pellets that would dissolve in milk and the taste was fairly good.  PDQ stood for “pretty darn quick.”  We have not seen one o these mixes in decades.

Candy Cigarettes

— CANDY CIGARETTES:
The health boom in America put an end to this politically incorrect candy.  Usually sold in a box to mimic cigarettes, these sugar sticks even had a red tip on the end so it looked like your cigarette was lit.  We had not seen these in years, but found some in Kettering at K & R Pretzel Bakery along with other vintage candies.

— KIDS DRINKING OUT OF THE BACKYARD HOSE:
Is it us, or do you never see a line of kids playing outside, waiting to get a sip of water from the garden hose anymore?  A common site before the turn of the century, this was not an uncommon site.  We chalk this one up to cleanliness and the growth in irrigation systems.

Jello Cake

— JELLO SALAD / JELLO CAKE:
This was a popular dessert in the 60’s and 70’s but it never seemed loved even then.  Sometimes the salad aka jello cake came with fruit embedded inside, sometimes not.  Most of us cringed when these items were brought to the table, but we are sure there were a few fans of these out there somewhere.

— AMBROISA DESSERT:
A dessert that was all over the 70’s and early 80s was this coconut, fruit and whipped cream dessert.  If you were at a party during this time frame, the percentages were good that you were going to see this dessert come out.  Cold, yet creamy and fruity, it was a refreshing lite bite.

“Doggie Bags” and “Peoples Bags” are no more

—  “DOGGIE BAG” or “PEOPLE BAG” for LEFTOVERS:
Remember when restaurants would ask you if you wanted a doggie bag?  Many patrons would take bones or leftovers back to their pets, especially from steakhouses.  Some steakhouse mocked the trend by offering a “people bag.”  Either way, you dont here these terms anymore today.

— FONDUE:
Fondue was a cheese dip appetizer served in a hot pot that was popular on party tables, especially the early 1970’s.   The cheese was hot and melted in a pot, while long thin forks were used to dip meats and other items into the cheese.  it was considered “swanky” back in the day.   Fondue sets were so popular in the 60’s and 70’s that most every couple had one on their wedding registry.  Today, they are almost extinct.

Fondue

—  GUM CIGARS:
Long slabs of chewing gum with a paper cigar ring around them were all the rage with kids in the 70’s.  The stigma of smoking and kids, and the politically correct police have made these pretty much non-existent.  They usually came is 3 or 4 colors and were huge pieces of gum at a great price.

— TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE:
A source of horror for many kids, this was a popular dish, made by mom or grandma.  Whether a holiday or just a family dinner, this dish could strike fear in the hearts of kids everywhere.  Most families on a budget with the inflation of the mid 70’s turned to this cheap alternative to feed the massive family.  It is dinner time! Bread crumbs, cheese, tuna and noodles anyone ?

— SUGARY KIDS CEREAL BRANDS:
Remember the days of Count Chocula and Boo Berry?  How about Cookie Crisp, Honeycombs and Super Sugar Crisp?  From Fruit Loops to Waffle-o’s, many 80’s flash in the pan sugar cerals were named after TV shows of movie characters.  Thankfully for kid’s teeth. those cereals are not mainstream anymore.

You aren’t cool until you have one of these

— RESTAURANT CREDIT CARDS:
Go ahead and put it on my account, the suave businessman of 1978 said to the waiter as he passed them a car that said ” The Paragon.”  This was no regular credit card, this was a status symbol and popular at the fancy restaurants, including The Pine Club.  We don’t see these house accounts much anymore, but there was a time that if you were a somebody if these were in your wallet.

Rock Candy

— ROCK CANDY:
These were like a science experiment.  Someone taught someone and the next thing you know kids were making this crystal candy at home with their parents or just buying  it at candy shops (another thing you don’t see much anymore).  This was also typically kids first experience with a “hot spicy ” food as the cinnamon flavor could sometimes come out too hot and light up your mouth.

— THE EASY BAKE OVEN:
It used to be every girl wanted one and every brother wanted to sample the cake or brownie baked in this contraption.  It was almost too good to be true.  Kids were told you could make your own desserts in this “Easy Bake Oven.” Are you telling me I can make brownies and cake in this little conveyor belt oven that uses heated bulbs to cook with?  Other family members usually got involved, especially when it was time to sample the baked goods.

Iconic Toy of yesteryear

Honorable mention items include : Nestle Quik Chocolate Milk Mix, Pop Rocks, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Kool Aid.

Well there you have it, a few fun flashbacks to days of yesterday.  Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE?  We are Dayton’s go to food blog since 2008.  Come back each and every week for an exclusive article right here ONLY at Dayton Most Metro.

Drinking out of the hose

PDQ drink mix

Ambrosia

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cereals

Cookie Crisp

While all of you foodies are toasting New Years Eve, you may want to make the best of that moment.  What will be in your hand and your mouth at the stroke of midnight going into 2020?

May FOOD ADVENTURES suggest some of our tastebud favorites to accompany your rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.”

HERE’s TO YOU! HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Here are 8 things to put in your mouth at midnight tonight!

1) VERDI RASPBERRY SPARKLETINI:
The drink that takes the Dayton Italian Fall Festa by storm each year.  Available at Arrow Wine.  It is a Raspberry Champagne in the Malt Liquor Section.  Go figure, .. warning it’s addictive, get 2 bottles.

2) BELLE OF DAYTON GIN AND TONIC:
1 part Belle of Dayton gin, to 3 parts tonic.  Serve over ice with a lime wedge garnish.

3) AN OHIO OLD TIMER COCKTAIL:
3 fl oz of Cleveland Whiskey, 1 fl oz Ohio Honey or Maple syrup
Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a thin apple slice.

4) DOM PERIGNON:
What the hell.. no better time than New Years…  If you have never tried this expensive Champagne before, you can cross it off your bucket list.  Prepare to be underwhelmed for just under $200 a bottle.

5) ICE BURG XMAS ALE from STAR CITY BREWING:
Get to Miamisburg and get a growler of their spiced Xmas Ale.   Keep some aside chilled, until the ball drops!

6) WHITE CLAW:
The sparkling drink that has caught the US by storm.  These tall cans ignite 21 year olds to cougars in a frenzy of fizz.  White Claw flavors include Raspberry, Black Cherry, Mango, Lime and Grapefruit.  Guaranteed to go fast in your cooler at any New Years Party.

7) BUCKEYE VODKA NEW YEARS JUICE:
1 oz Buckeye Vodka, 2 oz Cranberry juice, 3 oz champagne on the rocks – garnish with any fruit

8) MILLER HIGH LIFE CHAMPAGNE BOTTLED BEER:
Nothing says sipping the “champagne of beers” from a seasonal champagne bottle from Miller Brewing Co.

Party on – and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR .  Be safe and Uber if you need to!

Food Adventures is on Dayton Most Metro each week with a feature article.

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OHIO OLD TIMER DRINK

 

 

Esther Price is a great last minute gift

Oh no!  You for got someone on your Christmas List or you have to grab a last minute gift for a party host.  What to do, what to do?  If they are a Dayton foodie like you, we’ve got some answers!

Food Adventures is here to tell you about last minute Christmas gifts, your foodie friends or family that you will love.  You should be able to grab most of these gifts up until dinner hour Christmas Eve.

Flying Pizza T-shirts are great gifts

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR FOODIES !

— ESTHER PRICE MILK & DARK ASSORTED CHOCOLATES:
This is the “gold standard,” literally.  For $15 you can get a great box of classic chocolates which weighs 16 ounces.  If they are really special, then impress them with the $30 superbox of assorted milk and dark chocolates which weigh 32 ounces.  Guaranteed to make any Christmas brighter!  Easy to grab at any Kroger – late hours on Christmas eve!

— T-SHIRT FROM AN ICONIC FOOD SPOT:
Depending on what this foodie loves you can run in and run right out of a

5 Way Represent

few restaurants here locally with a classic t-shirt they will be proud to wear and show of their love for a particular spot.  The best T-shirts include:
SKYLINE CHILI – your coney head friends will flip for these cheap t-shirts!
MARION’S PIZZA – that famous green shirt oozes Christmas!
SUBMARINE HOUSE – who would’t love a shirt bragging about “16 inches of heaven?”
FLYING PIZZA – another cult place with great t-shirts and pizza since 1971

— GRAB A POUND OF COFFEE AT THE DRIVE THRU AT BOSTON STOKER:

Use the Drive thru !

Your butt won’t have to get cold or even leave the car on this one.  Just drive through the drive thru at Boston Stoker in Centerville on N. Main Street, across from Benham’s Grove and make the slickest heist of the Holiday Season – May we recommend these 3 ground coffees – Highlander Grogg, Hazelnut and Snickerdoodle.  Seasons Sippings!

— FROZEN PIZZAS FROM CASSANO’S:
Available at Kroger and the Stroop Rd Cassanos, these frozen pizzas from Cassano’s are rare and fun.  Partially cooked, you literally have to warm them up and brown them.  Classic pizza choices include Cheese, Pepperoni and Deluxe!  Yes we are saying show up with a cold gift.  Last minute emergencies mean gutsy calls sometimes. Order them online and send them HERE.

—PRE-MADE GIFT BASKETS at DOROTHY LANE MARKET:
From Dayton items, to fruit baskets, grab your favorite at DLM.  Some have Jumps Peanuts and Killer Brownies, and others have produce and nuts.  Check over the selection and grab one to go.  Various spectacular choices and sizes abound!

DLM baskets

— PRE MADE GIFT BASKETS at DISALVO’S DELI:
Wine, pasta, cheese, olives, dressing, sauce, Italian meats or any other thing you can think of.  Owner Ronnie and his deli staff can always customize a basket, or you can grab one already made-up on the shelf.  In a wonderland of imported Italian goods, this is a great spot for that gourmet on your Christmas list.  Located at 1383 E. Stroop Rd. in Kettering, this gift has the potential to be a home run.

More Great Foodie Gift Idea’s You Can Purchase online:

A Vietnamese Food Adventure 

Mon, Dec 30th 6:30 at Little Saigon

4 Course meal will be served and the owners will share their story of coming to America, the sacrifice, harrowing escape and eventual triumph.
Tickets are $27 and can be bought online. 

Jungle Jim’s Barrel-Aged Beer Bash

January 18 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Barrel-Aged Beer Bash celebrates the art of barrel-aging by bringing together barrel-aged beers of all kinds. From light and funky to sour and bright or deep, dark, and roasty, there’s something for everyone to try and enjoy! Tickets $50, buy online

Bloody Mary Showdown

Sun, Jan 26th noon – 2pm at Mandalay Banquet Center
Local bartenders compete for the Best Bloody Mary title and you’re the judge.  General admission tickets $30, VIP Tickets $50 Buy Online

Winter Beer Tour

This overnight trip starts at Crooked Handle on Feb 8th  and then you’ll board a bus to 6 Columbus breweries with a hotel stay at BrewDog Hotel and Brewery
Starts at $227/person. More info here

Big Cheese Festival