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Food Adventures

Dayton’s “Kings of Karaoke” Celebrate 15 years

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Mark Hall and Curt Delk celebrate 15 years of Karaoke Hosting

One of Dayton’s favorite places to let loose is Soft Rock Cafe in Centerville.  It is a dedicated Karaoke bar, where up to 4 nights a week, you can sing your heart out.

For over 15 years the duo karaoke hosts of Curt Delk and Mark Hall, have been jazzing up audiences with fun shows, one liners, back up vocals, and birthday shots.  The formula has made these two the most popular and well-known “KJ’s” (karaoke jockeys) in the Miami

877 E. Franklin St Centerville

Valley.  Mark hosts Thursday night shows and occasional Sunday special edition karaoke.  Curt hosts the Friday and Saturday crowds and the ruckus that ensues.  It is part “the voice” and part comedy club as the singers and the zingers fly.  Lots of fun is always had in this laid back atmosphere.   It is always a safe and enjoyable environment.  Food Adventures crunched the numbers and figure that over the past 15+ years, Curt and Mark have each separately hosted karaoke shows for over 160,000 people.

Bucket Specials

Now it is your turn to visit the Soft Rock, especially if you have never been.  The stage is set, the fog machine and light show begins … you’re on baby !  Live out your “American Idol” fantasies, or just goof off with friends, they have every song you could ever think of and every drink you could ever drink of …

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SOFT ROCK CAFE:

–Dayton’s premiere Karaoke Bar, located at 877 E. Franklin Street, Centerville

–Karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday from approx 10pm-2am

— Full bar service and small menu available.  Specials on drinks include buckets of beers.  All beers are bottles or cans, and Soft Rock does carry some local brews.

—Rent out Soft Rock for private parties during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.  Contact the bar for more info : (937) 438-3093

Pizza

This wouldn’t be a Food Adventures article if we didn’t mention the MUST EATS …

Here we go …

MUST EATS at SOFT ROCK CAFE:

—PIZZA:
Its all about the pizza at Soft Rock… Thin crust, semi crispy and always piping hot. Whether a cheese pizza or 5 toppings it will always please the masses.

—BONELESS CHUNKS:

Full Bar service

Always improving recipe with different sauces. Garlic Parmesan is the ticket.

—LITTLE BEERS:
A Must “drink” if you will. Served in a shot glass it is a mild, yet nice shot.

Honorable Mention Drinks: Try a SCOOBY SNACK or NICOLE’S KNOCKOUT PUNCH.

Garlic Parm Chunks

OCTOBER IS A BIG MONTH AT SOFT ROCK:

2 Annual events that have received a lot of attention over the years are again gearing up.

FRIDAY OCT 6th –
The 9th ANNUAL SOFT ROCK CONCERT FUNDRAISER TO CURE BREAST CANCER:

Debonte Brothers Concert

Always held in October, this fundraiser benefits the Susan G Komen fund.  This year the $5 donation at the door gets you an evening with “The Fabulous Debonte Brothers.”  They play 80’s music, classic rock and some hair band tunes as well. This night will feature raffle prizes and 50/50 giveaways as well as silent auction items.  Food Adventures loves these charity events.

Mark as Slash on Halloweeen

SATURDAY OCT. 28th
SOFT ROCK’S ANNUAL COSTUME HALLOWEEN PARTY:

Karaoke and costumes are the features of the night.  This is one of the biggest Halloween bashes in town !

Free Admission and Karaoke make this the best deal in town.

Soft Rock Cafe is a unique, locally owned spot that is a blast.  They have a great niche business, and you hear great singers all the way to singers who aren’t great but having fun.  All in all it is a good time and a great way to blow off some steam.

Another great event is every summer an event to prevent Multiple Sclerosis.  The Roger Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament is held every summer.  With a steak dinner at Soft Rock Cafe  afterward, it makes for one of the best bang for your buck golf outings.

For more tips on the best local places, like Food Adventures here on Facebook.

Below is a gallery of fun times at Soft Rock.

Flamboyant hosts

Birthday shots

Pool

Mark and Nicole of Soft Rock

in concert OCT 6th at SOFT ROCK

Dance Floor

 

‘curt is also a golfer and tennis enthuisast

Go ask Alice — hint

Halloween soft rock

cheers

Yellow Springs Beers

Live Music

Breast Cancer awareness month

Guest singers

logo

bacon and eggs for halloween

Live bands

ROCKER

Karaoke Madness

sing with your friends

Singers

dance

  • Trot on over

There’s A New Beer in Town

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Bottom Dweller IPA – only available at Submarine House

Food Adventures has learned that brewmasters at Hairless Hare Brewery and the owners and staff at Submarine House have paired up, and have been pouring a new beer that is available ONLY at six Submarine House locations!

The beer is called BOTTOM DWELLER IPA, and promises to be a local favorite for those IPA lovers and hops fans.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BOTTOM DWELLER IPA:

— Bottom Dweller IPA is available on tap only at the Submarine Houses in Vandalia, Huber Heights, Troy, Centerville, Beavercreek, and

Six Locations have the new beer

Hilliard.  It isn’t even available at the Hairless Hare Brewery’s tap rooms !

 

—It is a fresh, clean, citrusy-beer brewed from Columbus, Centennial, Citra, & Mosaic hops. Then dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops.

 

Brewing Bottom Dweller IPA, exclusively for Submarine House

—At 7% ABV, this well-balanced IPA will take you to a place only few have been. Go There.  And while you are there, get a friggin Cheesesteak.

 

—The beer is in Submarine House locations now, and has been for 8 weeks.  Manager Kelsey Terhune tells Food Adventures that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

 

—Thirsty for more?  Growlers to go are available for this and all draft beers at every Submarine House location.  Fill up, drink up and repeat.

 

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia

THE LEGEND of BOTTOM DWELLER IPA:

In the icy cold depths of the abyss lives a creature feared by all. Hiding in the darkness with an alluring bait that glows bright. Attracting wide-eyed prey within it’s hoppy reach.

 

THE LEGEND OF HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY:

Started in Vandalia and founded by owners Matt Harris and Mike Legg in 2013. The Hairless Hare Brewery is known for their wide selection of craft beer brewed at 738 W. National Rd. in Vandalia.  Whether you are a craft connoisseur or a beer beginner, they have brews that will please all tastes.

THE LEGEND OF SUBMARINE HOUSE:
This ever evolving family restaurant has been taken to the next level over the

Submarine House: Pizza to Salads

past few years by brothers and owners, Brody and Jason Danner. Teaming with a great staff and some franchise owners, they have expanded their stores, improved and completely overhauled the dining areas, expanded the draft beer selection, and added to the iconic menu.  They have embraced many local charities, hosting countless events including poker runs and their annual Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge for charity.

Brody Danner (left) announcing a charity donation

All of this and still they keep the quality “16 inches of Heaven” in various subs and cheesesteaks that made these restaurants cult favorites and Dayton legends. Grab one of the Miami Valley’s favorite subs and a cold craft beer.

 

Happiness can be found at Submarine House.  Stop in and try the Bottom Dweller IPA and tell them the Food Adventure Crew sent you.

Wings

Dayton Most Metro always has the inside scoop and buzz on the street for what’s happening in Dayton.  Bookmark the page and read all the features, including our weekly feature articles from the Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House, and our continuing Food Adventures.

Feel free to browse the photos below.

8 inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, and Wings – DELIVERED !

Cheesesteak Pizza

16 inches of Heaven

Jason Danner with a donation check to Pink Ribbon girls

Numerous Taps at the Huber Heights Submarine House

 

Bad News & Good News from Dayton’s HouseMade

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Chef LeeAnne House of Housemade

In some exclusive scoop this week, we have learned that Dayton company, HouseMade LLC has good news and bad news.

You have come to love their hot sauces and spice rub lines. This locally owned company, owned by Chef LeeAnne House (also one of our Food Adventure Crew) has thrived at local vendors and has won national sauce competitions.

Unfortunately, they have had an ongoing problem, getting the Thai Chili Peppers used in their signature sauces. Currently, they have been unable to source peppers for several months due to import restrictions, trade law changes, and simple lack of local suppliers being able to handle the volume of peppers needed.

Housemade Sriracha Sauce

Housemade couldn’t have picked a more elusive pepper to make their delicious sriracha and hot honey sauces. After dealing with this “too many times” in the few years that they have been in business, Chef LeeAnne House has regretfully announced, that they will no longer continue production of her sauces.

This is heartbreaking for many local foodies, who have fallen in love with the Thai Chili Sriracha Sauce, the addicting Hot Honey Sauce, The Hot Peachy Habenero Sauce, and the Green Serrano Hot sauce. These sauces were not only popular in local stores, but many local restaurants featured dishes on the menu using these Housemade sauces.

Hard to find Thai Chili Peppers

But, there is good news.  This isn’t the end of Housemade’s culinary adventures! Chef LeeAnne has her great new spice blends available around the city and has more varieties yet to come.   She says there are no problems sourcing ingredients for these blends like they had with peppers.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on HOUSEMADE SPICE BLENDS:

You can currently find the spice blends  at:
Ghostlight Coffee House
Spice Paradise
Heart Mercantile

Housemade will still produce spice blends !

Maria’s Unique Foods
Spicy Olive (all 3 locations)
Treadway Gardens
Celebrate Local
Kroger on Stroop Rd.
Ollie’s Place
Greg’s Prime  Meats
Keener Butcher Block
Eclectic Essentials

and many more places outside of Dayton.

Chef House and her Peachy Hot Sauce

Housemade promises to continue to make cooking at home fun for everyone! Chef House will still be teaching cooking classes with her spice blends both at Dorothy Lane Market Culinary School and The Spicy Olive, olive oil stores. She will also continue to rock the local foodie scene here at Dayton Most Metro, each week with her part in Food Adventures.

Like Chef LeeAnne House says “This isn’t the end, it’s a fun new beginning.”

If things change and supplies are plentiful, would she go back to making her sauces again?  Answer:  “They may be back! You never know!..”

So until then, we will never say never.

Please browse the photos below for more info on Housemade.

For more saucy fun bout Dayton’s local food scene, click HERE and follow Food Adventures on Facebook.

Spice Blends

Housemade Sauce lineup and Sriracha Powder

Green Serrano Sauce

PEACHY !!!

Peachy sauce in production

Hot Honey

Elusive Peppers

Pepper Processing

 

 

 

Big Ragu’s Bengals Vs Browns Bash

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Oct 1st at Bennetts Publical Restaurant – Bengals vs Browns Bash !

Even though both the Bengals and Browns are off to a slow start this season, the battle for Ohio is always a great rivalry followed here in the Miami Valley with much intensity.

Sunday October 1st’s game will be no different. But it doesnt matter if the teams are good or not, because this time, The Big Ragu is hosting an underground Food Adventure.  at Bennett’s Publical Restaurant.  It is going to be a bash no matter what, and the food and drink will be good, even if the teams stink.  We have even enlisted the Platform Beer Co. out of Cleveland, for some pint specials for one day only.

Gorgonzola Encrusted or plain Steaks will be featured with 2 sides

This year, with owner Ben Dodson’s blessing, we have lined up some feature dinners, and of course the entire menu and beer selection will still be available.

Come out and enjoy the game.  The Big Ragu will be handing out door prizes and giveaways.  It should be a blast, so don’t miss this chance for a Food Adventure in downtown Miamisburg.

Located at 67 s. Main St in Miamisburg

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE BENGALS BROWNS BASH at BENNETTS:

WHEN: SUNDAY OCT 1st.  KICKOFF TIME 1pm, specials run all day

WHERE: BENNETT’S PUBLICAL Restaurant, 67 S Main St., Miamisburg

 

FEATURED ITEMS:

—FISH AND CHIPS – $10.95

Back Patio

Bennetts has sold over 13,000 of these premium cod dinners. The batter is a secret from a seasoned flour mill in the hills of Kentucky !

—SIRLOIN STEAK with 2 SIDES – $13.95
Free Gorgonzola Encrusted upgrade option. (go for it !)
These steaks are from the local butcher, Spring Grove Foods.

Plenty of TV’s !

—NY STRIP STEAK with 2 SIDES – $18.95
Free Gorgonzola Encrusted upgrade option. (go for it !)
These steaks are from the local butcher, Spring Grove Foods.

—FILET MIGNON with 2 SIDES- $21.95
Free Gorgonzola Encrusted upgrade option. (go for it !)
These steaks are from the local butcher, Spring Grove Foods.

—$5 PINTS of PLATFORM BEER CO. Beers
It may be their CLEVELAND PALESNER beer, it could be more than one beer. It will be a gametime decision.

Platform Beer Co. Pints will be $5 each all day

—Other great MUST EAT menu items available are the WINGS, PIZZAS, HOMEMADE POUTINE and CHEESE CURDS and MOM’S 7 BEAN SOUP.  There is something for everyone to score a touchdown with.

—Chris Warman formerly of Ladder 11 and BW3 guru Chris Pacific are knee deep in running the kitchen operations.  They have 2 prep people come in at 7am-9am to make the daily items from scratch.

—Sausages on the menu are from Keener Farms of Dayton, the pork chops and steaks are from Miamisburg’s butcher, called Spring Grove Foods.

—Their salad dressings are homemade.  Two favorites are the house dressing (similar to Pine Club’s), and another being a gorgonzola dressing.

Mom’s 7 Bean Soup

Kickoff your October with us on the 1st, and come to the BENGALS/BROWNS BASH.

Win or lose, you will leave with a satisfied appetite.

 

Join us for food, football, fun, prizes and more

Garlic Parm Boneless Wings

Pizza 

You gotta love the French onion dip and chips

Habenero Wings

Nacho average sports bar

Hand Breaded Fsh and Chips

Haunted Beer Dinner is Baaack at Amber Rose !

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The Dayton area’s #1 Haunted Beer Dinner & Food Adventure returns!

OCT 7th – “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS,” 7pm – 10pm

Theyyyyree  BAAAACK at the Amber Rose on Saturday night October 7th.  This is the long awaited return of the successful 4 course, 4 beer dinner. Tickets are $32, pre-pay only and may be bought by clicking HERE.  The event always sells out and over 110 foodies and ghosties will join us in the private, upstairs area of the “haunted” Amber Rose Restaurant on Valley St. in Dayton.  Eat, Drink and be scary.  Also, see a presentation of the on-site paranormal findings for yourself.

FOOD MENU:
Owner Joe Castellano and Chef TJ have put together the following four course meal:

Homemade Pierogies


COURSE 1: Homemade Sauerkraut Pierogies

COURSE 2: Roasted Chicken Roulade with Hot German Potato Salad

COURSE 3: Jager Schnitzel & Spaetzle

COURSE 4: Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

Each guest gets 1 souvenir pint glass

Brewmasters from Rhinegeist Brewery will be on hand educating the crowd about the popular Cincinnati Brewery and their philosophy on beer.

RHINEGEISTS: 
BEER 1: Rhinegeist – Puma

BEER 2: Rhinegeist – Citra Pale Ale

BEER 3: Rhinegeist – Franz Oktoberfest

BEER 4: Rhinegeist – Chester Cherry Saison

The Amber Rose on Valley St.

AFTER PARTY: 10:30pm -?  Cash Bar Downstairs, Drink Specials, Late Night Appetizer Value Menu, Feedback Q & A, Mingle and Mix.  As long as there is a crowd, they will stay open until 2am for us.

History of POLTERGEISTS at THE AMBER ROSE:
For the last 20 years, staff at the restaurant say that there are ghosts and apparitions that appear at all times of the day.  There are also claims of unexplained phenomena such as glasses and dishes being tossed, lights going on and off and more.  One of the ghosts  is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner.  She is a playful spirit named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.”  Does she haunt the restaurant?  Take for example this incident, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away. When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage.  CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THEY SAW ON THE SECURITY CAMERA.


NEW FINDINGS in 2017:

Do you believe in GHOSTS?

For the last couple of months, an independent paranormal investigating team has been taking sound samples, photos, and kinetic energy studies and have made some new findings.  We unveil the new evidence on October 7th,  and also highlight some of the discoveries from the past year’s investigations done by the three person team.

“ParaSense” a famous local team will present paranormal findings

WORLD CLASS Independent Paranormal Investigators:
 Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club and teamed up with Alicia Soich in 2012,  This “ghost hunter” crew has appeared on National Television!  Their work has been featured in “America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI. They’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state. What will their findings be?  Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist?

This promises to be one the biggest and goosebump raising Food Adventures to date. We are expecting a sellout crowd of over 100 foodies, beer lovers and fans of the supernatural. Prepare to be creeped out !!

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House will stick around after the dinner for some cash bar drink specials and late night apps value menu downstairs.  We will be talking beers and ghosts with attendees.  The paranormal investigators will answer questions as well.

Did Chef House see a Ghost ?

HERE is the SKINNY on RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS:

WHAT:  “Rhinegeists and Poltergeists” Food Adventure 4 course dinner, with 4 beer pairings.  Seating is limited to 100 frightful foodies!

WHERE:  The Amber Rose Restaurant on 1400 Valley Street in Dayton

WHEN:  Saturday Night, October 7th, 2017 at  7pm

Hunter Schnitzel

COST: $32 per person (Tax gratuity NOT included)
TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE – seating is LIMITED !!

Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

***EVERY attendee gets a souvenir pint glass from Rhinegeist Brewery.  There will also be door prizes, trivia and of course the “PARANORMAL FINDINGS” and evidence presentations!  Do ghosts exist at Amber Rose?  You be the judge!

Join the Food Adventure crew for RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS – get your tickets for this beer dinner here!

Make sure you “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

Below are more photos from our previous ghost dinners at the Amber Rose !

Door prizes and Bling

Eye opening stuff …

Food, Paranormal, Beer and the Amber Rose – Thanks to the people that put this event together !

Aimee and longtime employee of Amber Rose with Restaurant Owner Joe Castellano

Bting on the food and the spirits

Eat, Drink and be scary

Hungry and inquisitive crowd

Everyone gets a Souvie Pint

Bling and Door prizes

Look out Jax !!

The Scorching Truth on Mike’s Nashville Hot + $25 Gift Card

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Centerville Storefront

Whooo wheee! Your’e thighs are Hot!  Did you know you could say this sentence in a local restaurant, and the reply would be “Thank You?”

The place, is Mike’s Nashville Hot Chicken.  Like spicy or not, if you have not ben there, put it on your Food Adventure hit list.  Also, comment on the article below and you will be entered in the $25 gift card giveaway contest.  Winner chosen at random next week.

Owner Mike Craddick and General Manager Walter

The Dayton area has been overhearing screams of joy from hungry chicken fans lately.  In 2017, two “Nashville Hot” restaurants were opened up in the Miami Valley by local restaurateur, Mike Craddick.  One was opened on Austin Landing, the other in Centerville near 48 and N. Village Drive.  The result, is some quality food.  Mike’s Nashville Hot Chicken is a scratch kitchen, for almost every menu item, and the recipes are overseen by Walter the General Manager.

A Midwestern Medium Chicken Tender on bread

We have had a chance to make numerous visits to this establishment, trying

every single menu item.  The menu is not extensive, but each section serves a purpose.

Time to get the scoop on “Southern” the Food Adventure way ….

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MIKE’S NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN:

— Two locally owned locations: one at 10655 Innovation Drive,

In the dining room , Centerville

Springboro and the other at 6228 Far Hills Ave. in Centerville.

—Hours are 11am-8pm for Centerville store, 11am-10pm for the Austin Landing Store
—The Austin Landing Store has a bar serving Warped Wing Beers.  Centerville store is waiting on a liquor license and currently serves Warped Wing’s Root Beer.  They also offer gallons of lemonade and gallons of tea.

Lots of Sides from Cornbread to Baked Beans

—Mike’s Nashville Hot does catering and will deliver for big orders of $75 or more.  Consider them for your next party or outing.

—Mike’s makes their own in-house BBQ sauce and sells it by the bottle.  Try some for a unique taste.  We think it almost has a bbq baked beans type flavor.

 — The chicken and fish come in 5 spice levels of heat using natural spices over a buttermilk, deep fried crust.  Here they are from hottest to coolest…

The flavors are HOT !

NASHVILLE HOT –
This will light you up ! Chef House loves spicy and admits this level is not for the squeamish !  This level had Big Ragu sneezing, sweating and torn up.
SOUTHERN HEAT –
Still very hot, it will satisfy most spicy food lovers easily.  The Big Ragu still needed plenty of napkins to wipe his brow, on this level.

Chicken and Waffles

MIDWEST MEDIUM –
A little kick, without the boom.  Good flavor for those who are medium heat fans.

YANKEE MILD –
For the wimpy Northerners who cant take the heat.  It is ok, this flavor is a litle buttery and delicious.  Don’t be ashamed, there still is a level down from this one.

TRADITIONAL – 

Crinkle Cut

This is just plain fried chicken. If you get it this way, may we suggest you ask for side of homemade BBQ sauce. It is fun to dip a little bit, and you will love the sauce.Now you know the heat levels, what about their menu?

Come on Food Adventure fans, here is our patented “Must Eats.”

Chicken and Waffles are a great deal at Mikes Nashville Hot

MUST EATS at MIKE’S NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN:

—CHICKEN AND WAFFLES:
The best bang for your buck on the menu. You get 4 quarters of a Belgian waffle and choice of chicken. Will you go tenders or the quarter white or the quarter dark?

—THE CHICKEN TENDERS: 

The Nashville Hot Flavor Tenders are HOT !

Defintely the way to go. The buttermilk crust is amazing and crumbles right off. Hand breaded and hnd spiced, this chicken is one of a kind. Pick your het level and go to town.

—THE PERCH:
The Big Ragu says this is one of his favorites. He likes to mix it up every couple of visits by getting fish instead of chicken. You can also get a side piece of fish fair inexpensively.

Perch Filet

— BANANA PUDDING:
This is absolutely incredible and could steal the show. Walter the GM makes this pudding from scratch. Served cold and creamy, it is unforgettable.
—THREE WHOLE WING MEAL:
Love wings? Here’s the way to go. You get 3 giant, whole wings in your choice of sauce. We like to chose a couple of flavors on this meal.

3 Whole Wing Meal – 2 traditional and one Nashville hot

 

— DOROTHY LANE MARKET KILLER BROWNIES
How many restaurants give you the chance to order a huge DLM brownie? Not many, so take advantadge of this situation. It is a sinful end to a southern inspired meal.

Killer Brownie – a big one – the real thing

Honorable Mention:
The crinkle cut fries.  Literally the only thing not made from scratch on the menu, yet they are so good and we don’t know why. Huge sized crinkle cut fries, don’t skip them.

The key at Mike’s Nashville Hot Chicken, is to experiment and try different levels of heat or BBQ until you find your favorite. Cant choose? Mix it up with chicken or fish in different sauces. If you can stand the Nashville Hot heat, then you are big league. But there is no shame in no sauce or some BBQ as well. It is all crunchy and delicious anyway.

Sweet Potato Fries in cinnamon

Get your “Tennessee taste on”, we will see you at Mike’s Nashville Hot Chicken. Pass the napkins, feller!

PLEASE COMMENT ON THE STORY BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $25 GIFT CARD to MIKES NASHVILLE HOT !!

Are you a Dayton foodie? So are we! Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for more scoop on mom and pop restaurants.

Perch dinner

Banana Pudding

Jax’s Recipe For Grilled Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Pizza

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Spicy Grilled Hawaiian Pizza – a Food Adventure on a plate !

Aloha! Jax here, from the Food Adventure Crew with our monthly recipe feature.

School may be starting, but we still have plenty of sunshine and summer  ahead of us! For many of us, summer means using the grill as much as possible. But if you’re falling into a grilling funk, here’s a fun and delicious recipe that is sure to please a crowd. And while this recipe is for a Hawaiian style pizza, get creative and use the base recipe of grilling the dough as a blank canvas for any type of pizza toppings!

You can also grill the dough ahead of time and either keep in the refrigerator for later or freeze!

When ready to eat, top the grilled dough with your favorite toppings and bake in the oven at 375 for about 15 minutes. This recipe is great for feeding a lot of people. You can lay out tons of topping and let everyone make their own!

A Drizzle of Housemade Hot Honey

Grilled Hawaiian Pizza

You’ll need:

  1. 1 lb fresh pizza dough (Bobby Flay has a great recipe)
  2. 6 pineapple rings, about 1 inch thick
  3. 2 jalapeños
  4. ¼ cup red onion chopped
  5. 8 oz shredded mozzarella
  6. 8 oz shredded sharp white cheddar
  7. 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled.
  8. 1 cup bourbon sriracha bbq sauce (recipe to follow)

Directions:

This recipe is great for feeding party sized crowds

Preheat Grill to medium-high heat

  1. Lightly oil pineapple slices and jalapeños. For the pineapple, cook on grill until grill marks are distinct. Flip to grill both sides. For the jalapeño, it will only take 2-3 minutes. Slice up into pieces.
  2. Divide dough into four pieces. Roll out onto oiled piece of parchment paper. Lightly oil the top of the dough. Take dough and flip onto grill. Peel off parchment. Allow to cook until grill marks are distinct (about 3-minutes). Do not flip! Remove from heat and place grilled side up onto an oiled pan.
  3. Top the pizzas with bbq sauce, cheese, pineapple, jalapeno, and red onion. Place back onto grill until bottom is crispy and cheese is melted. You might have to turn heat down to avoid burning.
  4. Finish it off with a drizzle of HouseMade hot honey and bacon crumbled on top!

 

Thats not all Food Adventure fans!  You gotta have a base sauce for that pizza!

 

Bourbon Sriracha BBQ Sauce 

Jackie is known for her recipes & her  Foodie t-shirts

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbs HouseMade Sriracha

Directions:

Pre-Grilled PIzza Dough

Bring the onion, garlic and whiskey to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Low heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Add remaining sauce ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Use BBQ sauce in your favorite recipes or as a dip or topping ingredient.

NOTE:

If you prefer a smooth sauce, run the sauce through a sieve or strainer to remove onion and garlic bits.

The sky is the limit for adding your own toppings

Store in refrigerator and use within 10-14 days.

(Sauce adapted from: here)

There you have it.  A fun summer twist on grilling that is sure to please the masses.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

 

Browse the photos below for more about Jax and her recipe.  Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro every Tuesday for a feature food article from the Food Adventures crew.

Pre-Grilled Pizza Dough option

The sky is the limit on the toppings you choose.

Jax is one third of the Food Adventure Crew. She is an Italian mom, who uses her family as taste testers in her home kitchen. Always “Hungry” she is a passionate foodie, and loves trying new restaurants.

Jax uses her grill for many things from Turkeys to Pizzas

Get your family involved in recipes whenever possible

 

Calling All Hungry Lords and Ladies!

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Be sure to come early before the gates open to catch the opening ceremony!

Hear ye! Hear Ye! This weekend kicks off the Ohio Renaissance Festival! Located just a short drive from Dayton in Harveysburg, OH, lies a 30-acre recreation of an English Village that takes you back in time to the 16th Century. No time machine is necessary to experience a day full of stage shows, actors, vendors, food and even the Queen herself! It’s a great day to share with the family and friends!

This weekend (Labor Day weekend) is the opening weekend for the Festival. It runs every weekend form now until October 29th on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am-6pm rain or shine! Tickets can be bought online or at the gates and range from $22.50 for adults and $12.50 for kids (kids under 5 are free!). Opening weekend is a steal as Adults are BOGO and kids under 12 are free! Each weekend has a different theme such as Time Traveler’s Weekend, Pirates Weekend, and even Trick or Treating the last weekend that it is open! Be sure to bring $3 for parking! 

Jax from Food Adventures, wanted in on this festive event! So she gathered up her fam and drove back in time (via mini van) for a day full of food and fun! Hear are some of her favorite eats, must-sees and tips from the day!

Favorite Feasts and MUST EATS !

The upon entering the grounds, you’ll be taken back by the incredible aromas that fill the air! From traditional festival foods, to fun period inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone’s appetite! And of course, there is lots of ale and wine to cleanse the pallet and toast to the Queen!

Turkey Leg

Smoked Turkey Leg is a must eat!

This giant smoked drumstick is one of the iconic and most sought after eats at the festival. And it’s no surprise as to why! You’re handed the leg with the bone wrapped in foil to make it portable and easy to chomp into while you walk around the fair. Juicy and tender, this one is a must have!

Bread Bowls

Fresh baked bread bowls are served up overflowing with your choice of mac and cheese, beef stew, chili, potato soup or broccoli and cheese soup! These make a great dish to enjoy as the weekends get cooler! And are big enough to share!

Warm up with a hot bread bowl full of savory beef stew!

Roasted Corn

Who doesn’t love a smokey roasted ear of corn dunked into butter! This is also another fun food that you can eat and walk around with at the same time!

This festival is a perfect Food Adventure.

There is also a place on site that is a sit down restaurant dedicated to “Medieval Style BBQ.”  We had to stop in and visit this spot…

 

 

Variety of smoked meats from 1572!

1572 Road House Bar-BQ & 3 Fools Pub

Famous for their award winning sauces and rubs, 1572 offers big servings and even bigger flavors! One of our favorite meals is the smoked jalapeno Texas style sausage! And don’t forget a side of the 1572 Tater Casserole! This is one of the places that the Food Adventures Crew will be back to for sure!

Tater Casserole

There are so many edible treats to indulge in! The Kings Nuts (roasted candied nuts), The Jerkey Kart (beef jerky), and The Pickle Kart (huge dill pickles), are all fun and easy options to snack on while perusing the fair! A full list of food vendors can be found here.

Beyond The Food

The Mudde Show

While the food at this Festival is outstanding, it’s just one of many fun adventures that you and your family will encounter at the Festival! There are shows and performances all day performed on 14 different stages! One of our favorites for adults is the Mudde Show. Be sure to sit back a few rows unless you’re ok with getting  splattered with chunks of mud!

And of course, you can’t miss out on the Full Armored Joust! Watch Knights on their mighty steeds charge towards one another in a thrilling battle of the bravest! This is a family must see!

Got the little ones with you? Don’t miss out on their chance to be “Knighted” by the Queen during one of the Knighting Ceremonies! And be sure to stop and talk to the the actors along the way! The Fairies, a Mermaid and the Pirate all had special treasure to give to the kids!

Fairies will give your little ones special treasure sprinkled in Fairy Dust!

You’ll also find a variety of period themed games and rides for the kids to try! Be sure to have some cash on hand for these.

For a full list of festival performances, click here.

Want to bring home a treasure for yourself to remember the Festival by? There are over 150 merchants on the grounds. You’ll find anything from swords, to fairy wings, period costumes, and lots of jewelry! Each year the festival puts out a special Stein that can be purchased at the main gift shop. For a full list of vendors, click here!

Watch a Glass Blower create amazing glass vases!

Be sure to dress for the weather as the festival will go on rain or shine. The grounds can get muddy, so it would be a good idea to toss on a tall pair of pirate boots to keep your feet dry! Many visitors to the Festival even come in their own costumes! So go ahead and toss on a pair of fairy wings or dress up as royalty and come on out to a deliciously fun event!

Hungry for more? Food Adventures appears weekly here on Dayton Most Metro.  Come back next week for more, and check us out on FACEBOOK HERE.

 

 

Have You Been Eating Sushi Wrong?

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Is this the correct way to eat Eel?

Did you know there is a correct way to eat sushi?

Neither did we, and we have been doing it all wrong for years ! It’s a good thing we have Japanese native, Miko Whigham, in town.  Miko is here to teach us how to eat sushi correctly, like they do in Japan.  This will ensure politeness and manners, if you ever find yourself in an authentic sushi restaurant on a Food Adventure.

How do they eat Salmon sushi rolls in Japan ?

Miko is a sushi expert.  She grew up in Japan, moved to the United States decades ago.  She now owns her second Sushi restaurant called ARIAKE SUSHI BAR  which is near the Dayton Mall, at 59 Fiesta Lane, by the intersection of 741 and 725.

 

THE BIGGEST ERRORS IN SUSHI EATING:
Many of us find ourselves using chopsticks, when actually it is more customary to use your hands. This can save you from fumbling with chopsticks, if you aren’t well versed.  It can also save your sushi from crumbling, which happens to the Food Adventure Crew a lot.  Miko also says mixing the wasabi in the soy sauce is only a sometimes thing.

 

Exotic Sushi rolls at Ariake demand special handling

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS :  VIDEO
(Sushi rolls are the most common sushi, cooked or raw filling inside of rice cut into circles)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Brush a little wasabi anywhere on your sushi roll pieces using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece (it is typically a small circle shape) and dip it quickly into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth.  Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.


CORRECT WAY TO EAT NIGIRI SUSHI: VIDEO
(Ngiri is typically a piece of fish laying on top a small bunch of rice, raw or cooked)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.

What is the customary way to eat Nigiri ?

2) Brush a little wasabi on the fish side of your sushi using chopsticks.
3) Next, get rid of the chopsticks or forks and use your hands only.
4) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce
5) Put the whole thing in your mouth.   Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.
(#4 makes sense, we always dipped the rice side into the soy and it fell apart.. NEVER AGAIN !)

This VIDEO will help you with a little known Wasabi request …

 

Sashimi – Fatty Tuna

CORRECT WAY TO EAT SASHIMI: VIDEO
(Sashimi is raw fish, sliced into bite sized squares)
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until blended.
3) Using chopsticks, pick up a piece of sashimi, dip the fish part into the soy sauce
4) Put the whole thing in your mouth.

 

CORRECT WAY TO EAT A HAND ROLL:

Fold the Hand Roll Bottom closed, pour a few drops of soy on the top

1) Hold the roll like an ice cream cone
2) Using chopsticks, smear a small amount of wasabi across the top opening of the roll.
3) Fold the bottom opening closed and hold it closed with your pinky finger while holding the hand roll like an ice cream cone.
4) Pour a small amount of soy sauce across the top opening of the roll.
5) Take bites out of the roll, like eating an ice cream cone.

 

OPTIONAL WAY TO EAT SUSHI ROLLS AND NIGIRI: (THE GINGER MOP METHOD): VIDEO
There is another way to soak your sushi with soy and wasabi. Food Adventures has named this the “Ginger Mop Method”
1) Fill your little sauce tray up 2/3rd the way with soy sauce.
2) Put a little dab of wasabi into the soy sauce, and using chopsticks mix it into the soy sauce until it disintegrates.
3) Next, using your chopsticks, get a pinch of ginger, and dip it into your soy sauce

Japanese native Miko Whigham, owner of Ariake Sushi

4) Using the ginger like a “mop”, brush the sushi with the wet ginger, spreading soy sauce on the sushi. If you want to break tradition, you can mix wasabi into the soy sauce here.
5) Pick up the sushi piece with your hand, if it is nigiri (fish on a bed of rice) turn it fish side down, rice side up,and dip the fish part into the soy sauce. If it is a roll you can dip it by hand or by chop stick.
6) Put the whole thing in your mouth.   Yes, the whole thing.  They are made for you to taste it all at once.

There you have it, you are now an official Sushi Ninja…

Thank you to Japanese native Miko Whigham for her guidance on “How to eat sushi correctly.” Make sure you visit her restaurant, Ariake Sushi Bar in Miamisburg for Dayton’s most authentic Japanese menu.   When you do, you now know how to mind your sushi manners!

Please browse our sushi photos below, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Now you can tackle sushi in the “correct manner”

How would you address this roll??

Kani, Tuna and Salmon Nigiri – use the upside down dip method

Spicy Tuna Roll

Shrimp Tempura

Sushi is life

Tell your friends to use their hands !

Sushi Boat at Ariake

How would you tackle this one? With your hands !

Sashimi Plate

Sushi roll

Roll topped with eel

Ariake Feast !

Dreams come true at Ariake Sushi Bar

hello , lover…

Mackrel, tuna and yellow tail

The Kani imitation Krab is good stuff

Some sushi rolls come deep fried

Love the Spicy tuna roll

Hand Rolls – $1 – limit 1

 

Sashimi Plate

Ngiri Plate – Salmon, Tuna, Crab

Tuna Roll

Outside Ariake Sushi near the Dayton Mall

Where to watch the Superfight: Mayweather vs McGregor

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McGregor vs Mayweather

Where you gonna be eatin, while someones takin a beatin?  There is a fight this weekend, that has captured the world’s imagination.  It is a perfect chance for a Food Adventure filled with apps, entrees and drinks.

Fight fans have been buzzing for months.  We have heard the insults and one liners at the press conferences.  We have seen the stare downs, threats and predictions.  Now let’s see the menu and let’s see what eateries going to be carrying this fight.

In case you have been living under a rock, let’s get you up to speed.  This Saturday, in one of the

A brew from Buffalo Wild Wings for the fight

more memorable fight weekends in memory, we have 2017’s SUPERFIGHT between an over the hill boxing legend and an MMA fighter in his prime.   This match is in a boxing ring, boxing rules.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather, the old champ, takes on the pride of Ireland, UFC star Connor McGregor.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MAYWEATHER vs McGREGOR:

–WHEN: SATURDAY AUGUST 26th, on pay PER VIEW 7pm is non ppv undercard, followed by 3 Pay per view fights, then the main event.  The fight should go off sometime after 10:30pm Eastern time.

–Billed as “The Billion Dollar Fight” Mayweather will get paid $400 million for his 50th professional fight. McGregor, who will be making his pro boxing debut, will earn at least $75 million.

An Angus Burger at Eli’s restaurant at JD Legends

—Each fighter has to make weight at 154lbs,

–Mayweather is 40 years old, McGregor is 29.

–Mayweather is at least a 4-1 favorite to win the fight, which is being held in Las Vegas.

–The boxers are using 8oz gloves, which is almost unheard of at their weight class.  Usually the gloves are 10 ounces.  This means the boxers will feel the punches more, since there is less cushion on the hands.  It preaches to the dislike these participants have for each other.

 

 

PLACES SHOWING THE FIGHT, COST and MUST EATS:

Spicy Garlic Wings at Buffalo Wild wings

(Click on Venue name for address info and more)

 

—BUFFALO WILD WINGS in TOWN N COUNTRY:
$20 per person.
Must Eats: Spicy Garlic Wings

 

—BUFFALO WILD WINGS – near FAIRFIELD COMMONS MALL:
$20 per person.
Must Eats: Potato Wedges with cheese with ranch dipping sauce

 

Popcorn at Rave Cinemas

—BUFFALO WILD WINGS – SPRINGFIELD:
$20 per person.
Must Eats: Asian Zing Wings

 

—CINEMARK/RAVE CINEMA DAYTON SOUTH 16:
$40 per ticket.
Popcorn with Extra Butter & the biggest Dr Pepper cup they have to offer.

 

—FOX N HOUND – FAIRFIELD COMMONS MALL:
$50 VIP includes free buffet 8pm-11pm, $25 general seats
Must Eats: Fish & Chips

Fox n Hound Fish N Chips

—THE SKYBOX at HOLLYWOOD GAMING at DAYTON RACEWAY:
FREE
Must Eats: Pizza, Rib dinner and Prime Rib

 

—HOOTER’S ON MILLER LANE:
$50 at door, $30 in advance
Must Eats: BBQ Wings, Fried Pickles

 

Chicken Quesadilla at the Skybox

—JD LEGENDS:
Tickets range from $10 – $70.
Must Eats: Burgers from Eli’s, Eli’s homemade pork rinds and candied bacon

 

–THE LIVING ROOM:
$20 cover, Free food with a view.
Must Eats: is this a trick question?

 

—RAVE CINEMA 16 HUBER HEIGHTS:
$40 per person.
Must Eats: Swedish Fish and a huge bag of Peanut M&M’s

Fried Pickles at Hooters

 

Did we miss any spots?  If so, comment below and tell us where you are going to watch the event.

If you are headed out, we hope you have a knockout Food Adventure.

Enjoy the eats, the good company, and the fight !

 

Please browse the gallery below for more items you might be enjoying on fight night.

Eli’s at JD Legends has great Cheeseburgers

Potatoes with Cheese at Buffalo Wild Wings

Naked Teriyaki Wings from Hooters

Popcorn for the fight on the big screen at RAVE

Hooters BBQ wings

Fried Green Tomatoes from JD Legends restaurant, Eli’s.

Ribs dinner at The Sky Box

Pizza from the Skybox at Dayton Raceway

Steak and Shrimp at the Skybox, Hollywood Gaming

Homemade Pork Rinds and Candied Sriracha Bacon – Eli’s inside JD Legends

 

Angie’s Firehouse: This Grill is on Fi-ya!

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Reminders of the old Angi’s in the Tavern

Dayton firehouse nostalgia meets bar comfort food, all on the corner of Watervliet Drive, near the Smithville intersection.  Welcome to this week’s Food Adventure feature.

Located at the edge of a neighborhood, in an old 2-story home, Angie’s Firehouse is yet another Belmont sports bar and dinner option.  Parking is kind of unusual, being on the side street curb, or a small back parking lot.  As you enter the side entrance, you can usually find a handful of regulars on the patio sipping brews outside.  They greet all who enter, in between their conversation and laughs. The other entrance is the front door facing Watervliet, and is a far less dramatic entrance.

HUNGRY? THIRSTY?  You came to the right extinguisher.  Let your Food Adventure begin.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ANGIE’S FIREHOUSE:

Firefighter Decor

—The tavern is owned by a former local firefighter Captain named Pat Reed.   His daughter also helps run day-to-day operations.

—Before it was Angie’s Firehouse, it was a Greek family owned restaurant called “Angi’s.” Pat saved money on the sign by keeping the name the same when he bought it.  The old sign is now on display in the dining room.

—The inside of the restaurant consists of 2 areas, roughly cut in half. One side is the bar area, with dart boards and high tops that accompany an inviting watering hole. The atmosphere is casual, and firehouse knickknacks adorn the walls.  From fireman helmets to pictures of Dayton firefighters from 1910, there are antiques in every nook and cranny.

—Angie’s Firehouse Tavern is located at 702 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420, with hours of 11am-2:30am everyday

 

The Haddock Dinner is wonderful, but only available Fridays

The menu is a wide variety of tavern fare and comfort food.  They have a few specialties that stick out, and after numerous visits to Angie’s Firehouse Tavern,  we have scoured the menu and come up with their “Must Eats.”

 

MUST EATS at ANGIE’s FIREHOUSE TAVERN:

—THE HADDOCK FISH DINNER:
Only offered on Fridays, this dinner is absolutely delicious. It is a great way to satisfy your craving for a fish fry. The thick haddock is hand breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown. There is also a Grouper fish dinner available Fridays, but we think the Haddock dinner is heads and shoulders above the rest. Try the Haddock, seriously… with mashed potatoes and gravy.

 

—HOMEMADE CABBAGE ROLLS:

The Homemade Cabbage Rolls are legendary at Angie’s Firehouse Tavern

Family recipe, and they are the hit of the menu at Angie’s. Served piping hot from the oven with options of mashed potatoes, this plate is a taste of home goodness. It’s like being at Grandma’s house.  This is the dish that brings people in from all over town.

 

—GRANDPA REED’S CHIP DIP and MIKESELL’S GROOVY CHIPS:
Grandpa Reed’s old secret family recipe, passed down from evenings at home with the family. This classic french onion and dill type dip goes perfect with you hometown Mikesells chips. Addicting and sharable we bet you order a

Grandpa Reeds Chip dip – try the family tradition with Mikesells

2nd basket, because they go fast in a group.

 

—“SPICY BBQ” FLAVORED CHICKEN WINGS:
Ok, so this item was HOT. We mean spicy. But we couldn’t stop eating the wings. Tossed in a Sweet BBQ sauce, the wings are then rolled in hot crushed red pepper. We were sweating, and using up napkins like crazy. Definitely the hottest BBQ wings we have ever eaten, and some of the most delicious. NOT for the faint of heart.

The Bad Lieutenant Cheeseburger

—“THE BAD LIEUTENANT” CHEESEBURGER:
A half pound, hand smashed burger with cheese and onion straws on top. Of course all the other toppings such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, onion, pickle, lettuce and tomato are available. We loaded it all up. Good, messy and worth every bite.

 

—BELMONT CATERING POTATO SALAD as a side item:

Belmont Catering Potato Salad is a side at Angie’s

We do not know of too many places in Dayton that have the worlds greatest potato salad on their menu, from Belmont Catering.  Angie’s does! Take full advantage of this side item and taste the shredded potato salad that people buy across the street to the tune of over 1000lbs per week. Served cold, it will put you in a dream world. Whatever the meal, get this as one of your side options.

 

—DEEP FRIED PICKLE CHIPS:
Sliced thin, breaded and deep-fried to perfection, these have that sour and slaty taste you crave. Get some ranch for dipping and you are off to a great Food Adventure at Angie’s Firehouse Tavern.  Again, another addicting appetizer. You will not be able to keep your hands out of the basket and will slap yourself.

Deep Fried Pickle Chips

 

*Keep in mind they have a full service bar, and many drink specials are in play.  Your server can let you know what deals are running, so you can wet your whistle.

 

So there you have it – next time you pull the alarm on your hunger, head to Angie’s Firehouse Tavern to hose yourself down with good eats.  Family owned, and already deep in tradition, it is a unique spot, with some good things to offer.  We pointed you in the right direction on menu selection, the rest is up to you.

Hot BBQ Wings – the hottest BBQ wings we’ve ever had

Hey Foodies !  Want even more Miami Valley area and Dayton eating info?  Then follow The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax HERE ON FACEBOOK.  Like us on our page, love us in your hearts.  See you at Angie’s…...

Check out our gallery below, from our multiple visits to Angie’s Firehouse Tavern

 

 

You might be cool, but are you “Gomer Pyle asked me to lunch cool?”

Shrimp dinner

Phone booth for booster seat storage

Pot Stickers

More Firefighter memorabelia

When is the last time you saw one of these at your booth?

We saw Santa Kissing Cabbage Rolls …

Shrimp Dizzle

Mashed Potatoes and gravy

dining at Angie’s

Grouper Dinner and Mac

DRRRankin Specials

Mac n cheese – please

Nacho time

Cheesecake Bites

Belmont Catering Potato Salad is a side at Angie’s

Bad Lieutenant burger

Onion straws come on the Bad Lieutenant Burger

Memories on the wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ll Stop the World & Eat MELT with You!

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Have you tried Melt Bar and Grilled in Beavercreek?

Ever slap a whole pierogi into a grilled cheese sandwich? What about some lasagna? Too crazy for you to try at home? No worries! We have the perfect place for you to go and have a one of a kind Food Adventure!

Melt Bar and Grilled started out as a humble vision of Matt Fish, chef and musician from Cleveland, who loved the comfort of a good grilled cheese sandwich and a good craft beer.  Fish opened up  a restaurant in Cleveland Heights, and took this comfort food staple to a level of unexpected awesomeness.  Here you’ll find incredible grilled cheese creations that you’d never dream of (or have and your friends thought you were crazy or pregnant for wanting it)! The portions are HUGE, but the price is right, making this a great place to bring out of town guests and families.  When Melt’s newest location opened up near the Fairfield Commons mall in Beavercreek, the Food Adventure Crew knew that we needed to check it out!

When you walk into Melt, one of the first things that catches your eye is the eclectic decor. The

Fried Mac n Cheese – hand breaded

walls are covered with record albums, photos of famous musicians, and if you look closely, you’ll find some vintage style posters of past Melt featured sandwich specials. After being greeted by a very friendly server (Melt takes pride in trying to make each guest feel as they are part of the Melt family), you’ll be seated at spacious tables that make eating with a family or a crowd very comfortable.

The Deep Fried Pickle Appetizers are a Must Eat

And then you get your menus (which are printed on the back of old record album sleeves).  How cool is that?

That’s when you realize that your biggest problem isn’t that you can’t find something you’ll like, it’s that you can’t pick just one sandwich to indulge in! And we can’t forget the appetizers and salads and deserts to choose from.  We recommend getting the half sandwich as they are HUGE anyways and it makes you feel less gluttonous when you go ahead and order another half sandwich of a different variety!

The Fries are served with an incredible Sriracha Ranch Dipping sauce

We have eaten our way through most of the menu, Hungry Jax leading the way.  After our visits to Melt, we have compiled a list of the best of their sinful stuff.  We now present our patented “MELT Must Eats.”

 

MUST EATS:

–APPETIZERS:
We were hungry when we went, but wanted to make sure we saved room for the iconic sandwiches. So an order FRIED MAC N CHEESE and a plate of DEEP FRIED PICKLES were our favorites to hold us over. They both were awesome and the sauce that came with the fried pickles was an herb remoulade that was out of this world!

 

Chorizo & Potato Sandwich

–THE KINDERGARTEN: 
If you’re looking for a classic made right, this is it. Hungry Jax’s littlest one is going into Kindergarten this fall and she of course chose the “Half Kindergarten” for her meal. Perfectly toasted with just the right cheese to bread ratio! Your sandwich will come with a pile of french fries on the side. We highly recommend getting the Sriracha ranch to dip them in.

 

–THE CHORIZO and POTATO:
This sandwich is stuffed with fresh spicy chorizo sausage, potato hash, and sharp cheddar cheese. this was a great sandwich that was just the right amount of spice!

 

“Parmageddon”.. A sandwich named for a Cleveland Suburb

–PARMAGEDDON:
Named after Parma, the largest suburb of Cleveland, known for its high Polish-American population.  This sandwich is one of the largest you’ll ever eat! a whole pierogi is tucked between two thick slabs of bread, along with vodka kraut, sautéed onions and sharp cheddar cheese.  You can also get the pierogis as an appetizer!

 

–FRIED GREEN TOMATO BLT:
The ultimate BLT! Bacon, lettuce and and extra special crunch from the fried green tomatoes! True comfort food!  Thank you Melt for this Food Adventure on a bun.

 

— WET HOT BUFFALO CHICKEN:
Get ready to salivate. This sandwich holds a crispy fried chicken breast smothered in hot buffalo sauce and topped with a blue cheese slaw, more crumbled blue cheese and then served with a side of ranch dip.  Heaven on earth, seriously…

The Wet Hot Buffalo Sandwich at Melt

— THE BIG POPPER:
A grilled cheese take on the jalapeno popper! Fresh jalapenos are chopped up and mixed with herb cream cheese and cheddar. The whole sandwich is battered and deep fried and served up with a berry preserve to dip it in. A great combo of sweet and spicy. It will make you say “Helloooo Baaaaybeee.”

 

–MELT PB&J
A traditional kid’s meal that’s over the top! Your little one will indulge in a sandwich with homemade peanut butter and berry preserves that’s oozing out from all sides! Don’t worry, they have plenty of napkins on the tables!

 

The PB&J Sandwich, your childhood dreams come true…

There are SO many more sandwiches to choose from, but these are our faves. You can always create your own sandwich as well.  And don’t forget dessert!

—THE MELT CHALLENGE:
Got a big appetite? Go for the Melt Challenge! If you can polish off this triple decker sandwich that holds 12 different cheeses, a mountain of french fries and a hearty helping of slaw, you’ll get a free t-shirt or pint glass and a $10 gift card!  We tried to convince Hungry Jax to do it, but she didn’t want to fill up on just one sandwich. So instead she tried three of them!  That’s our girl!

July 2017’s sandwich of the month

–MONTHLY FEATURES of NEW SANDWICHES:
Melt also highlights a monthly featured sandwich. For the month of August, their tasty creation is the “SMOKEY and THE RIBLET”: boneless smoked ribs, slaw, pickles, BBQ potato chips and smoked gouda all stuffed into one sandwich.

Check out their deals such as “The Big Cheese Club” where you can sign up to receive special promotions and points towards a $10 gift card.

Consider yourself to be the ultimate Melt fan? Become part of the Tattoo Family.  Yes, that’s right. If you get one of the official Melt logos tattooed onto your body, you’ll receive 25% off  every time you go, for life!  Big Ragu is considering a tattoo of a Parmageddon and Melt logo on his inner thigh.

The menus are printed on the back of Rock albums

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MELT BAR and GRILLED:

—The Dayton area location is 2727 Fairfield Commons Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431 there are 8 other locations in Cleveland, Columbus and Northern Ohio.

—Hours are 11am -10pm everyday

 

The portions are big, the prices are reasonable, and the experience is worth every penny! So gather a group of foodies and indulge in a true Food Adventure at Melt!  

Remember – (Timely due to last weekend Fraze concert)

Hungry Jax, Chef House, & Big Ragu will always “Stop the World & Eat MELT with You!”

Watermelon Salad at Melt Bar and Grilled

Dietary Concerns at Melt are like sound concerns at an Iron Maiden concert

A Menu Sample

Margaritas and Melt Sandwiches – thats a good thing.

$4 deals

Flashback – 2013 sandwich – The Wookie Melt – read those ingredients

Deep Fried Mac n Cheese

Kids love Melt Bar and Grilled

The Green Tomato BLT

When Hungry Jax attack !

The Big Popper Sandwich

The PB&J

Kindergarten Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Chef House’s Herby Greek Yogurt Feta Dressing

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Chef House here, sharing what’s become my go to summer sauce. It is great with fresh tomatoes, as a salad dressing or as a dip for grilled chicken skewers, asparagus and flatbread.
Here I drizzled it on  a salad with avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach and chicken chorizo.
The next  photo is chorizo (my seasoning) spiced chicken skewers with grilled asparagus and flatbread. I will be making this dish on Living Dayton next Friday.

 

Herby Greek Yogurt Feta Dressing

 

1 1/2 cups non fat greek yogurt

1/2 cup low-fat olive oil mayo

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

I small garlic clove, smashed

2 teaspoons granulated dried onion

1/4 cup each chopped fresh mint and dill

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/2 cup feta

 

Puree all ingredients in a food processor till smooth.

Italian Club Gears up for “Festa Forty”

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“Festa Forty”

We have some super secret scoop about this year’s Dayton Italian Festival.

The John Pirelli Lodge at Bella Villa Hall is planning the biggest fall festa in Dayton’s history.  It is the 40th year for this popular Dayton festival, which always takes place the weekend after Labor Day.  For 2017, those dates are Fri. Sept 8th, Sat. Sept 9th and Sun. Sept 10th.

This year we have a big announcement concerning a new beer available only at the Festa.
In a collaborative with Warped Wing Brewing Company, The Italian club will be serving “Limoncella Lager” at the Festa.  Festa Director Brian Andsik announced the news, explaining that the beer would be a similar to the popular Lemon Shandy Wheat beer from Leinenkugel, only a lighter version. Again, the lager will be a small batch brewed exclusively for the festival by Dayton’s Warped Wing Brewery.

The Food Adventure Crew and Dayton Most Metro will be working the Festa again this year, at the wine and beer booths.

Other Features for the “Festa Forty” will include:
—FABULOUS FRIDAY LUNCH TO GO: Phone in orders to 937-258-3600 from 9am to 11am. Pickup lunches from 11am-1pm, CASH ONLY.

—SPAGHETTI EATING CONTEST – Saturday September 9th at 3pm.

Stuffed Shells

—MEATBALL MADNESS 5k at 10am Sunday, September 10th – click here to signup

—$5 SPAGHETTI DINNER SUNDAY – to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Festa

— Best Festa Entertainment lineup EVER – All star bands including:
***RAY MASSA (Fri 6-8pm, Sat 8:30-11pm)
***DR. ZOOT (Fri 830-11pm, Sat 3-5pm)
***HAPPY DAYS (Sat noon-230pm, Sun noon-3pm)
***AARON CARUSO (Sat 530-8pm, Sun 5-8pm)

—BOCCE COURTS AVAILABLE FOR RENT BY THE HOUR

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE 40th ANNUAL FALL FESTA:

Italian Sausage Sandwich

WHEN:
Friday Sept 8, 6PM-11PM
Saturday Sept 9, Noon-11PM
Sunday Sept 10, Noon-8PM

WHERE: John Pirelli Lodge, Bella Villa Hall – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

—FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION – FREE SHUTTLE from REYNOLDS and REYNOLDS PARKING LOT.

— FOOD FOOD FOOD !
Dinners served inside the Bella Villa Hall:
Fri. Baked Pasta
Sat. Stuffed Shells
Sun $5 Spaghetti

Cannoli

—OTHER FOOD STATIONS:
Cannoli, Pasta Fagioli, Wedding Soup, Cavatelli, Calzones, Pizza, Muffaleta, Sfingi (funnel cakes), Italian Pastries, Italian cookies, Deli Sandwiches, Italian Sausages, Meatball Subs and more.

—BEER TRUCKS, WINE and SO MUCH MORE !

—Sorry, due to insurance liabilities, no pets allowed, except for service animals.

Don’t miss this chance for a Food Adventure, and the special beer unveiling.

Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and Chef House will see you at the FALL FESTA, the weekend after Labor Day, with a plate full of food and some Limoncella Lager !

For more foodie info, like the Facebook page that area foodies love – Food Adventures !  Original scoop, original website, original weekly articles, orginal cooking classes, original food events, and original festivals.  We set the trends… join us for a passionate trip to the Miami Valley’s places of food paradise.

FRIDAY LUNCHES TO GO !

Sausages on the grill

Stirring the sauce with an oar

Kids love Italian Fest Pizza !

Beer Truck antics

Play some bocce ball !

Meatball Madness 5k

Stuffed Shells

Big Ragu loves his heritage

Hotties serving hot food

Fun at the Festa !

Meatballs anyone?

Always a good crowd

Tiramisu

cannoli

cavatelli

Meatball sub

Spaghetti Contest eater

$5 Spaghetti dinner on Sunday Sept 11th

 

 

Gnarly! **Win tickets** Fast Times at Ridgemont High on Big Screen

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Jeff Spicoli is back after 30 years

Duuude, looks like it’s popcorn for dinner Wednesday night ….

August 2nd, is the 30th Anniversary of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and they are showing the film on the big screen, at various times.

It is a perfect excuse to grab some popcorn with extra butter this week at the theater.  It is a perfect excuse to grab a huge drink and a straw and sink your seat for an 80’s classic.

Here is where you can see Fast Times at Ridgemont High:

Join The Big Ragu Aug 2nd at Dayton South Rave Cinemas

DAYTON SOUTH 16 RAVE
195 Mall Woods Drive, West Carrollton, OH 45449
Aug 2nd at 2pm
Aug 2nd at 7pm

 

FAIRFIELD COMMONS 20
2651 Fairfield Commons, Beaver Creek, OH 45431
Aug 2nd at 2pm
Aug 2nd at 7pm

 

HUBER HEIGHTS
7737 Wayne Town Blvd., Huber Heights, OH 45424
Aug 2nd at 2pm
Aug 2nd at 7pm

 

 

Totally Awesome

Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro are giving away 2 movie tickets to the Dayton South 16 Rave 7pm showing.  Join Big Ragu and Jeff Spicoli at the theater, and get ready for an awesome flick.

TO WIN THE TICKETS – you have to do 2 things.

First –  Like us on FACEBOOK HERE… 


Second, COMMENT BELOW ON THE ARTICLE- maybe tell us you’ve never seen the film, or give us your favorite quote from the movie.  A random winner will be chosen Wednesday morning.

For more fun reading – check out this past FOOD ADVENTURE article on
“WHY IS MOVIE POPCORN SO GOOD?” – click here to read the secrets here …

 

Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro for more weekly Food Adventure feature articles.  The Miami Valley’s food blog, right here since 2008.

Phoebe’s character turns 30

Mr Hand is back in the classroom

All Spicolil needs is a buzz and a tasty wave

no shirts, no shoes.. NO DICE !

Rave’s popcorn –lets hit it

Come on a movie Food Adventure win 2 free tix to this classic flick

No One Travels This Road Alone

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POKER RUN FOR PINK RIBBON GIRLS CHARITY

A poker run is coming of Epic proportions.  Yes, it is true….

We are calling all local bikers and motorcyle enthusiasts.  Here is an excuse for you to put the rubber to the road.

It is called the SUBMARINE HOUSE POKER RUN and proceeds go to the Pink Ribbon Girls whose mission statement is “No one travels this road alone.”

 

WHY: BENEFITTING PINK RIBBON GIRLS

Win This Popcorn Machine

WHEN: SATURDAY AUGUST 19th

WHERE: You can start at any  Submarine House location

The Submarine House poker run – 5 locations

Vandalia Submarine House-
8807 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414

Troy Submarine House-
14 N Market St, Troy, OH 45373

Beavercreek Submarine House-
3195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434

Centerville Submarine House-
503 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH 45459

Huber Heights Submarine House-
5376 Taylorsville Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424

Check in at any Submarine House

Check in  11am , so register where you would like to start

Ride goes noon – 4pm

COST: $15 per bike, or $20 if you have a passenger

****************************************************************************

AFTER PARTY: 6pm at Centerville Location for prizes and raffles

All proceeds benefit …

503 Miaimisburg Centerville Rd.

Featuring BEER TENT:

LIVE BAND 7-9pm “The Carli Short Band”

Big Ticket raffle, you do not have to be present to win the Stella Artois Popcorn Maker

Restaurants will be open for drinks and food inside as regular business days for those not in the poker run , who want to to come watch the event and support Pink Ribbon Girls.

50/50 all day ticket sales – winner picked Saturday approx. 6:30pm all tickets will be brought to the Centerville location for the big drawing of 50/50!  MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN THE

HOW TO REGISTER:
You have to register in person only.
So make sure you get to your local Submarine House and sign up for this event.  Payment is due upon registration.  You can register up to the day of the event, August 19th.

Please support this cause, we are looking to draw a huge crowd of bikes.

What better way to support charity than with a nice bike ride around town, ending with some good eats?

SUBMARINE HOUSE HAS TEMPORALITY EXPANDED THEIR MENU  with a “Limited Time” insert with new dishes.  Some of those are …

Pecan Chicken  Salad

Fish Tacos

Chicken Quesadilla

Win a Popcorn maker !!