Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Food Adventures

Pumpkin Spice Isn’t just for Lattes!

By Leave a Comment

img_8441Even though it’s still 80 degrees out, the season for hoodies, hayrides, cider, apple picking, and so many more Fall favorites is approaching! Our friends over at Thomas’ Breads have already begun to embrace autumn with their seasonal line of baked treats. Hungry Jax was given the opportunity to embrace a VIP Food Adventure of tasting two of their Fall products prior to them hitting the shelves: Pumpkin Spice Bagels and Pumpkin Spice English Muffins! In addition, she whipped up some fun recipes to share with you all to bring these treats to your breakfast table and beyond!

 

img_8439Let’s start with the Pumpkin Spice Bagel. Cut this beauty open and you’ll find nooks and crannies of real pumpkin throughout the bagel. The bagel itself is fantastic toasted with butter. But Hungry Jax didn’t want to limit the potential of this little round masterpiece. So off to her kitchen she went with her kids ready to taste test!

To keep with a traditional use of the bagel, Hungry Jax created an easy homemade Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese spread. Quick, simple, and with just enough of a flavor to bring this breakfast to the next level. The kids gave this two tumbs up!

 

img_8434Cinnamon Maple Cream Cheese

  • 8oz package of cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbs Maple Syrup

 

Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Refrigerate.Suggested Use: Top a toasted Thomas’ Pumpkin Spice Bagel with cream cheese and chopped pecans.

 img_8418

Now that breakfast was consumed, it was time for lunch! This next recipe can be devoured using either the Pumpkin Spice Bagels or the Pumpkin Spice English Muffins. It’s sandwich time! And what does pumpkin complement well? Turkey! A simple turkey and sharp cheddar cheese sandwich assembled on one of these baked gems is great. But take it to the next level with a homemade cranberry-sage mayo, and you’ve got yourself a lunchtime WIN.

Cranberry-Sage Mayo

  • 2 sage leaves
  • ¼ c. dried cranberries
  • ¼ tsp minced garlic
  • ½ c. Mayonnaise
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients into a food processor and blend until cranberries are small chunks. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Suggested use: Toast a Thomas’ Pumpkin Spice English Muffin. Spread mayo on both halves and build a sandwich with sliced turkey, sharp white cheddar cheese and baby spinach!

Next Up: Brinner! Yeah, we like breakfast so much that we have it at dinner too! And why not just make it a day of pumpkin spice awesomeness!

For starters, let’s make a salad. And any great salad is topped with croutons. Crunchy, flavorful little bites of fun! This recipe for Pumpkin Spice Bagel Croutons is great for when you have bagels that are not as fresh any more but you want to use them up!

img_8438

Pumpkin Spice Bagel Croutons

  • 1 week old Thomas’ Pumpkin Spice Bagel
    chopped into ½ inch cubes.
  • 2 tbs Spicy Olive Butter Olive Oil
  • ¼ tsp dried Parsley
  • ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 375.

Combine all seasonings with olive oil in a bowl.  Toss bagel chunks to coat thoroughly.

Spread out on baking sheet and bake for 15 mins or until toasted. Allow to cool.

Suggested use: Top off a bed of spinach with grilled chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, red onion and goat cheese. Drizzle on Spicy Olive Maple Balsamic Vinegar and Coratina Olive Oil. Finish off with croutons on top!

Last, but not least, comes another easy recipe that you can use either the bagels or English muffins for. We’ve already established that turkey and pumpkin are buddies. So how about making a Turkey Maple Sausage and Egg sandwich! Homemade sausage patties are really easy to make. And they freeze well too for ease of tossing together future breakfasts of champions!

img_8423Turkey Sausage Patties

  • ½ lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp fresh sage leaves finely chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried orange peel
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbs pure maple syrup

 Combine all ingredients with ground turkey.

Form into 8 patties. Brown in skillet on medium heat.

Flip and cook until well done (about 4 minutes per side depending on the size of your patties).

Suggested use: Toast either a Thomas’ Pumpkin Spice English Muffin OR Bagel. Top with turkey sausage, egg (scrambled or over easy) and sharp white cheddar cheese.

img_8431

Mmmmmm well there you have it! Just a few options that Hungry Jax came up with. If you gain anything (in addition to hunger) from this, remember to not limit your foods and flavors for just one meal. Pumpkin, bagels, English muffins, and eggs can be enjoyed throughout the day!

 

 

 

Many thanks to Thomas’ Breads for the sneak peek! Let us know what you guys think of these and what recipes you’re giving a while with them!

Food Adventures is on a never ending search for great foods.  Please comment on the article below and feel free to follow us on

INSTAGRAM HERE, or FACEBOOK HERE.    

 

thomas-pumpkin-spice-bagels

Jackie, aka “Hungry Jax” is 1/3 of the Food Adventures Crew & a foodie mom who uses her family as a test kitchen. Oh and she is always HUNGRY…

Fast Food’s 5 Monster Burgers

By Leave a Comment

The Super Big Boy from Frisch’s is the Best

Food Adventures leaves no plate unturned.  We eat it all and have no rules.  Sure, most of our stories highlight locally owned eateries with food that we have fallen in love with.   From time to time we will go off track and do our tongue in cheek take on chain restaurants, or in this case the dreaded “fast food chains”

Fast food is a guilty pleasure for many, and a way to grab a quick bite in a pinch…. even these chains go crazy touting deals or big specials.   Today, we go all out and try  some of their biggest creations and we don’t count a calorie.  These are the “Monsters of the Meatway” if you will.  These are the “Big Daddys of the burger industry,” and we aren’t afraid to rank ’em in order.   They are the always huge, sometimes sloppy, sandwiches that will never have you asking “where’s the beef?’

Sit back, loosen your belt, and indulge on these must eats.  Food

The Double Whopper from Burger King is a good one

Adventures presents the jaw dropping, must eat, top 5 “monster” burgers of the fast food industry:

FAST FOOD’S 5 MONSTER BURGERS:

1) “THE SUPER BIG BOY” at FRISCH’S RESTAURANTS:
The supersized version of the American favorite “Big Boy” burger. This one has the same amount of cheese, but 2 bigger patties, more lettuce and most imporantly, more of that unbelievable Frisch’s tartar sauce. It is a 1/2 pound of beef on the signature double decker bun, and it aims to please. It does just that and makes the grade as our #1 pick!

 

The Triple Cheeseburger from Wendy’s

2) “THE DOUBLE WHOPPER SANDWICH” from BURGER KING:
Another giant version of a popular burger, the flame broiled “double whopper” is a very filling sandwich. Over the year’s the regular whopper has been shrinking in size. This burger is a push back towards yesteryear. The hearty, sesame seed bun finally gets challenged and does the job, strongly holding the lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, cheese and mayo together. The secret to this sandwich is the griled taste that is unmatched in the fast food world.

 

3) “DAVE’S TRIPLE CHEESEBURGER” at WENDY’S:
Not one, not two, but THREE patties, each one weighing a quarter of a pound make up this masterpiece. This “brick of beef” is packed with cheese and loaded with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, ketchup, and onion. The soft bun holds this massive monster together. This sandwich is bursting with flavor but is not for the squeamish, as it has the most amount of meat in our list.

 

4) “THE BIG BUFORD” from RALLY’S:

The Big Buford from Rally’s

Two “seasoned and seared” beef patties on a bun with all the fixins. That means cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions served on a premium, sesame seed bun. Grab a napkin, this fast food freakshow likes to drip condiments on your hands and shirt. Probably the most bang for your buck on the list, as Rally’s is known for good prices.  It is a Food Adventure on a bun.

 

5) “THE 2/3rd POUND MONSTER THICKBURGER with CHEESE” from HARDEE’S:
We were surprised to find out this burger had the word “monster” in its name. It must be fate, so it rounds out our list.  This is the only “bacon burger” on our list. It features two 1/3 lb. charbroiled 100% Black Angus beef patties, 4 strips of bacon, 3 slices of American cheese and mayonnaise. The bun is heralded as “fresh baked.”  It doesn’t matter though because the lack of condiments on this one makes the burger pretty much uneatable.  This sandwich is just all meat, no toppings.  Pretty gross unless you are a pure carnivore.

Hardee’s Monster Thickburger – just gross…

There you have it.  The “plumpest patties on a bun,” the “biggest boys of the drive thru” ranked in order.

How did we do?  Did we nail it, or did we leave out one of the gargantuan bundles of meat on a bun?

Give us your feedback and remember this list was for FAST FOOD chains only ….

Did you have enough to eat?  Still hungry for more?  Then “like” the Food Adventure Crew on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Join the 7,000 fans following Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu.  We are not food critics, we are Food Adventurers. We just love to eat.

Also, remember to check out our weekly featured articles on MostMetro.com

Super Big Boy from Frischs with sauce seeping out…

Frisch’s Big Boy

Home of the Whopper

Double Whopper

Hardees sucks

All that was on the Hardee’s Thickburger was bacon, cheese and 1/4 tsp of “secret sauce” that wasn’t noticeable

Big Buford from Rally’s

Wendy’s Triple Cheeseburger – WOW

The Super Big Boy from Frischs !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Montgomery County Fair Starts Wed- Ticket Giveaway!

By Leave a Comment

Sweet Tea Booth on a Hot Fair Afternoon

Smell the funnel cakes?  Hear the kids on the ferris wheel?  It can only mean one thing. It is that time of year again for the Montgomery County Fair.  And oh yes, this is one heck of a place for a Food Adventure.  For 164 years, Daytonians have been packing the fair for food and fun.  The event will be held in the same place as always, although local level talks about moving the fairgrounds in a couple of years continue to swirl.

So… Corn Dog lovers unite, this is your type of festival.  Farmers, carnival rides and special events will fill an action packed week at the corner of Main Street, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

— WHERE: 1043 South Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45409  (It is on South Main between Stewart and Apple Streets).

— WHEN: Wednesday  August 31st – Monday September 5th (8am- 10pm, except Monday ends 8pm)

— COST: $8 per person, ages 6 and under are free

— WHAT: There will be swine, and horse races.  There are pie and cake auctions.  The fair even has  live music, sheep judging and goat judging!  Rabbits, poultry, kiddie tractor pulls, a demolition derby, garden club and the list goes on an on.

The DONUT GRILLED CHEESE – incredible

— FULL SCHEDULE:  For a list of EVERYTHING going on and to find what tickles your fancy, click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

 

MostMetro.com Ticket GiveAway:

A VIP PRIZE PACKAGE For 4   (value  $236)
4 $20 Ride Vouchers
4 $10 Food Vouchers
4 Cotton Candy Vouchers ($16 value)
4 Weekly Passes ($100 value)

For a chance to win you must like this story, leave us a comment below about what you like best about the fair  and share this story on your Facebook page (tagging MostMetro.com so we can see it!)  We’ll name our winner Wed night 8/31/16.

But this is a Food Adventure, so we will concentrate on the eats you gotta try.  Take it from us and our patented “Must Eats.”

 

MUST EATS at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Wings from Dave’s Concessions

— THE ASIAN CHICKEN WINGS at DAVE’S CONCESSIONS:  You can’t miss the huge “Broasted Chicken and Broasted Potatoes” sign that drapes this amazing booth.  Also, a huge grill teases the crowd with incredible aromas of chicken cooking.  But the thing to get here is the Chicken Wings.  Deep fried, served whole and drenched in any sauce you can’t go wrong.  Our suggestion is get the Asian Sauce.

— THE DONUT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH at THE GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE BOOTH:  A glazed donut with cheese, pan grilled and with pickles and tomatoes.  It is sweet and a tad salty, but surprisingly good!  This kind of stuff is what Food

The 164th Annual Montgomery County Fair will start 8/31/16

Adventures are made of ….

— THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER from JEAN’S HOME COOKING: Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this literally made our day.  It was like being transported to your grandma’s house and the cobbler had just come out of the oven.  Get lost in this dish, and take in the taste.  The warm cobbler and the sun, melt the ice cream slowly for a creamy experience.  We promise you will be impressed.

Just Announced:
Free admission for lunch 11am to 1pm Wed thru Friday

— THE HUGE SWEET TEA’S:  It is gonna be warm and humid, and nothing zaps that like an ice cold sweet tea.  They have a 99 cent size and a huge ass mega size.  Get the biggest one they have … you will kneel with thanks for this day saving item.

Horse Barn #17

Follow the food related antics of The Food Adventure Crew:  Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax as they open and explore every nook and cranny of Dayton related foodstuffs. Are you a foodie?  Our Facebook site is your Graceland! – CLICK HERE TO “LIKE OUR PAGE”

The Big Ragu versus a Donut Grilled Cheese

Cattleman Goods

Rides !

Great atmosphere

Go here for the best wings at the fair ..

Incredible Home Style Cooking at Jean’s Booth

Smell the flavors of the Montgomery County Fair this coming week

Cassano’s to Open London Bobby On Old Hickory Site

By 1 Comment

London Bobby is back on Main Street

One legendary restaurant site, will turn into another legend this winter.   The site of the new Cassano’s / London Bobby Fish & Chips will be at 4029 N. Main St. in Dayton.  Food Adventures has learned that the site will not only be a new Cassano’s, but they are planning on offering an entire London Bobby Fish & Chips Menu.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The new restaurant is expected to open in the October/November time frame.

— The site is on the grounds of the recently demolished Old Hickory Restaurant at 4029 N. Main St. in Dayton. 

London Bobby Fish and Chips

— For you nostalgic Daytonians who remember the London Bobby Fish & Chips around town in the 1970’s and 80’s, this will bring back some memories.

— Bringing back the London Bobby brand is a plan that Vic Cassano Jr. had before his passing.   The next generation of Cassano  family is seeing that vision through as a tribute to him.  It is also a great rebirth of a Dayton favorite, and welcome news to many Miami Valley residents.

The new Cassano’s will offer all of your pizza favorites and even cassini sandwiches, calzones and the subs you’ve grown to love.  But let’s take a look at what will be a part of the London Bobby menu.

If you can’t wait for the opening, visit the Stroop Rd.  Cassano’s location or the store in Trenton, Ohio for your London Bobby fix.

 

SO .. royal subjects…. Hear ye, hear ye !  Your majesty the Pizza King and Food Adventures announce the patented London Bobby “Must Eats”

 

FUTURE MUST EATS at THE NEW LONDON BOBBY on N. MAIN STREET.

The Big Cheese Pizza will be on the menu too !

— THE FISH AND CHIPS : Three pieces of battered fish, fries, two hushpuppies and cole slaw.  Splash on some vinegar to make it “authentic,” old chap.

— EXTRA ORDER OF HUSHPUPPIES:  Avoid fighting or wishing you had more.. order about 8 extra like we do and watch the hands grab!

— BASKET OF ONION RINGS:  Beer battered and cooked to order.

— THE FISH SANDWICH:  This delicious beer battered treat is

Flaky fish, splash it with vinegar to go old school, fool !

perfect for on the go.

 

So there you have it … you have Italy and England in one spot.  Your fave Big Cheese Pizza isnt going anywhere, you just may be tempted to order some fish as well.   Congratulations to the Cassano family, Sharon, Lora, Chris and Chip.  Thank you for bringing back a lost piece of Dayton.

Browse the photos below and feel free to comment at the bottom and share your memories.

Hushpuppies – get some extra , so there’s no fighting

For more original photos and content “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.    7,000 fans cant be wrong.

Food Adventures is a blog run by 3 local foodies.  You can expect a feature article every week on MostMetro, year round.  Together Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu explore Dayton’s greatest foods.  From farmers markets, to fine dining, we eat it all.  Look for our dinner events, festival appearances and upcoming cooking classes on our website www.DaytonFoodies.com.  Since 2008, turning over every plate !

Until then .. tally ho .. carry on… Mr Watson I presume and all that stuff…

The Pizza King is gonna open another store!

The Big Cheese is still here

Chicken Parm

Fish and Chips

The dough

North Main will have all the subs too !

Try the Cassini Burger – it is AWESOME

Calzones will be served at the North Main location

London Bobby is coming back to North Dayton

Onion Rings

Deluxe

The Pizza King !

Cassanos Delivers the Taste

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips

Join Us For A Giovanni’s Food Adventure!

By Leave a Comment

Pizza will be part of the 5 Courses !

Pizza! Wine! Pasta! Tiramisu!  That’s what is promised at the first ever, one-night-only, Food Adventure dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant!

FIVE DINNER COURSES, 2 WINES TO SAMPLE,
1 NIGHT ONLY !

YES ! We are opening the restaurant just for our group only – a true private party!

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE  – They are only available online through Dayton Most Metro

The one-of-a-kind event will happen at 6:30pm on September 19th. Take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy at this legendary Miami Valley eatery.

Mon. Sept 19th – 1 night only Food Adventure

Every week, all year,  the Food Adventures crew shares articles here on Dayton Most Metro.  This week’s article is especially exciting for us as we unleash an extravaganza.  Please get your tickets now, because there is limited seating.

This is a PERFECT chance to get a good sample of the Giovanni’s menu.  The price includes the tip, so sit back, relax and enjoy.  Want the full scoop on the event?  Here ya go !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE ITALIANO, an iconic, respected Dayton area restaurant located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324

WHEN: MONDAY NIGHT , SEPTEMBER 19th at 6:30 PM – We have the entire restaurant to ourselves!

COST: $35 per person, includes tip.   Guests for this dinner must be 21 and over, please. (Tickets are pre pay only — click HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Giovanni’s food always pleases

WHAT: A FIVE COURSE DINNER and TWO WINE pairings of the GIOVANNI’s MENU and ITALIAN WINERIES.

COURSE 1: STUFFED VIDALIA ONION APPETIZER: An Italian style appetizer, so unique and so good

COURSE 2: TWO SLICES OF PIZZA: PEPPERONI and MARGHERITA STYLE.  the legendary pizza that made Giovanni’s a Dayton icon

COURSE 3: CAESAR SALAD – Fresh, crunchy and creamy

COURSE 4: TRIO OF:

     a) FETTUCINI ALFREDO – Flat pasta noodles and creamy, house alfredo sauce

     b) LASAGNA – Homemade like “the old country”

     c) PASTA WITH SAUSAGE:  Ziti with fresh, creamy tomato sauce and sausage

2 wine pairings – Salut ! Vino !!

COURSE 5: TIRAMISU – The classic, creamy Italian dessert that will leave you speechless.

Mama Mia White and Mama Mia Red Wine will be served during the second and fourth courses.

 

We cant wait for the vino and pasta.  This will be a Food Adventure for the ages!  Door prizes, trivia and personal stories with the owners, the Spaziani family will fill the night.  Learn about their family tradition and philosophy about Italian food.

Whether you live in Fairborn, or not, this is a great locally owned spot that you have to try.  Please join us for this personal night out with Giovanni’s staff and the Food Adventures Crew !

TICKETS  ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and are ONLY AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK – so click here

 

Pizzas galore

A pasta trio rendition

 

Sausage and Pasta

Fettuccine Alfredo

Lasagna

Pasta and Sausage

Gnocchi dish with Red Pepper flakes added

5 topping pizza

Wine dinner !

Pizza with proscuitto

Giovanni’s is a delightful experience every time…

Back Entrance

Chicken and Pasta

Front Glass

A Dayton Legend

Iconic dishes – like this gnocchi

a Slice of life

Lobster Ravioli

 

Ohio’s Biggest Fair Ends Saturday in Darke County

By Leave a Comment

Huge Pieces of Fried Dough or as we call it “Pizza Frite”

The Great Darke County Fair ends a week long array of festivities this Saturday, so there is still time to get your fair groove up near the Greenville / Arcanum area.  It is about a 40 minute trip to the Darke County fairgrounds, but oh is it worth the drive.

Rides and and more rides, food and more food, and of course livestock to make your experience farm filled fun.

We have literally been having Food Adventures at this fair since the early 1970’s.  The Big Ragu has memories of his grandfather John Miller, who was born in Arcanum, taking the whole family from Centerville to Greenville.  So you could say we have 40+ years of expertise on this subject.

Cheese Curds from a Wisconsin Vendor

First of all, a NON-FOOD TIP

  1. Hit the Horse Races Friday night 5:30pm – 9pm.  The environment is a throwback like you wont experience at other racetracks.
  2. Hit the Demolition Derby on Saturday 6:30pm.  It’s like a Wal-Mart parking lot out there and maybe someone will give somebody the “Malachi Crunch” like in Happy Days.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Address of the Great Darke County Fair is 800 Sweitzer St, Greenville, OH 45331

So many food vendors, so little room in our stomachs

— OPEN 7pm – MIDNIGHT both Friday and Saturday – enough time to get your grit on… but the FAIR ENDS SATURDAY!

— Admission is $7.00,  people watching is free

 

So here we go with our often imitated never duplicated trademark…  “Must Eats.”

Here is the result of decades of studies…..

MUST EATS at THE GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR:

— THE FOOTLONG HOT DOG & ROOT BEER from the THE DOG N SUDS TRAILER:  The pride of Champagne, Illinois, you NEVER get to eat this stuff.  You may see their root beer plastic

Lots of rides

bottles in stores, but “aint nothing like the real thing baby.”

— THE CHEESE CURDS from MIKE’S CHEESE SHACK:  These cheeseheads are from Eau Claire, Wisconsin and every year they kill it at the fair.  And every year we load up and chow down.

— THE “LOADED RIBBON FRIES” or “TORNADO POTATOES”:  Ribbon cut potato chips, deep fried and topped with cheese, chives and bacon.  We love this stuff.  Eat them and devour them one string at a time.  People will stare as you lower the pinwheels of potatoes into your mouth.  That’s just jealousy.

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild

— THE TROLLEY BURGER WITH CANDIED BACON from KC CONCESSION’S TROLLEY CART: We eat it all, we know our stuff.  This burger is perfect for a browsing Food Adventure.  It is not too big and the candied bacon is definitely a nice attraction.  Chew on friends….

— DEEP FRIED ALLIGATOR MEAT ON A STICK from CRACKERBILLIES: Exotic, yet familiar, these nuggets on a stick had a great taste.  All the way from Cape Coral, Florida to your mouth!  We went back for seconds.

— BEEF BRISKET from GRUMPY’S BBQ: Cooked low and slow by Grumpy himself, this old farmer not only has a badass disposition but his brisket is just a s bad.  Actually , Grumpy is a pretty nice guy, we got him to smile  … once….

Ohio’s Largest County Fair

— THE HOT BROWN from FARMER BROWN’S FOOD STAND:  The restaurant that is a legend in Arcanum, is a hot spot at the fair with their food stand.  Farmer Brown’s serves up not a Hot Carl.. but the Hot Brown – which is a shaved top round sandwich, with provolone, lettuce, special sauce and mushrooms.  If that isnt enough they slap it on a grilled buttered bun.  You might call it a Hot Brown, we love to refer to it as an “Arcanum Cheesesteak.”

— PULLED PORK SANDWICH from HOG WILD SMOKE HOUSE:  Homemade sauce in huge squirt jars meant we loaded it up for a finger lickin, lip smackin helluva good ‘sammich’ (when its so good you can’t talk).  We went hog wild for sure.  These

— DEEP FRIED PECAN PIE from the PIE ON THE FLY:  This is frickin’ sinful.  The pies are “Wicks Pies” from Winchester, Indiana.  It makes the deep

Deep Fried Pecan Pie

fried snickers look like child’s play.  This is a piece of frickin pie deep fried in batter.  The pecan pie is the one to get, and it is AMAZING.  We actually had to sit down afterwards to take in the whole experience.  INSANE yet so logical….

— FRIED DOUGH from FISKE CONCESSIONS:  One of the deep fried candy bar booths has a treat we have enjoyed as kids.  It is called “pizza frite” or fried dough.  But this is the biggest slab of dough we have ever seen.  Our moms and grandmas never made it that large.  It is fried dough, with powdered sugar and it is the tick tick tick .. bomb!  This vendor is from Brookville, Florida.

Ribbon Fries or Potato Tornados

Honorable Mention:  The Deep Fried Mushrooms from Chuck’s Foods and the Deep Fried Twinkies from Fiske Concessions.

 

TWO MORE FOOD ADVENTURE TIPS:
— Use this chance to hit MAID-RITE HAMBURGERS down the street, on the way home… a loose meat sandwich that has a secret recipe that will keep you guessing and eating.  We will grab a sack and love the snack.
— Stop at KENNEDY VINEYARDS on the way home in New Madison.  Wine off the vine and we love the sweet, to the blush to the dry.  15 Minutes from the fair, you will fall in love with this place.

Alligator Meat on a Stick

Open til 10pm this Saturday, and we will see you there!

 

That’s it – the FULL BLOWN story on the biggest county fair in Ohio….  See you next week with another foodie filled story!

Check out Food Adventures on Facebook and see the difference.  This is not our job, it is our passion…..

 

Suds n Dogs !

Farmer Browns portable patio

The Farmer Brown “Hot Brown” sandwich or what we like to call the “Arcanum Cheesesteak”

Deep fried friggin pies

Grillin and we walkin

Lawwwd look at dem Baby Backs !

Sweating more than Ludlow Falls

Yo we got a tip in the third race for youse

Crackerbillies

Grilled Turkey Legs

Oreo Sundae Funnel Cake

Trolley Burger with Candied Bacon

More Darke Meat

The infamous bottle game

Cheese Curds from Wisconsin

kids whippin pigs butts

Fried and more fried

Favorite Treat as a kid

Dusk and Darke

Hog Wild Squirt a sauce

This cheese head

The Grumpy owner of Grumpys BBQ

Light up the sky

Best fried mushrooms in town

Son of a brisket

Deep fried twinkie

Coils of sausage

Big Ragu versus a footlong dog

Love the alligator chunks on a stick

Brisket from Grumpys BBQ

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild Smokehouse

Stringing them up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lebanese Festival Aug. 26-28, Promises Food, Dance & Rides

By Leave a Comment

Beef and Chicken cooking for Schwarma Wraps

FOODIE ALERT ! The Lebanese Festival, one of Dayton’s most unknown and underrated festivals will take place August 26th through August 28th.  Every year,  our Food Adventures crew loves the various exotic tasty treats that this fest has to offer.  The Festival is located on State Route 741 at a church across the street from Meijer, not far from the Alex Bell intersection.  We are totally hooked from the fantastic aroma always fills the air to the incredible entertainment.   If you have not experienced the Lebanese Festival, you are missing out on one of the Miami Valley’s best parties.  With exotic food and fun to be had by all, the event is full of personality and culture.

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House have all the scoop on this festival for our Food Adventure followers!

Pistachio Cookies for sale

HERE’S THE SKINNY:
—Dayton’s Lebanese Festival will be held on Friday August 26th through Sunday, August 28th

++++ Festival Times:
++++ Friday, Aug 26: 6pm – 11pm
++++ Saturday, Aug 27: 11am – 11pm
++++ Sunday, Aug 28: 11am – 6pm 

— The street address for the festival is:
**** Saint Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church
**** 5915 N. Springboro Pike
**** Dayton, Ohio 45449

Traditional Dance Entertainment

— FREE Admission, FREE Parking

— Attractions include Food Booths, Carnival Rides, Live Traditional Dancing exhibitions, Craft booths, Culture Displays, Pastries

This festival is a great place to browse.  Park your cars in the grass parking area, and make your way towards the large white food tent.  Inside the tent, was a large, easy to read menu at the “food line.” The friendly fest workers will explain that almost all the food is homemade. Your Food Adventure is about to begin.

 

To help you through this unique menu, we now present our patented feature.. our list of MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— MOUNTAIN BREAD:  Made in a station with a flatbread machine. The sign says “Mountain Bread.”  With a name like that, you gotta give it  a shot.

Cooking Mountain Bread for the crowd

The Big Ragu loved this grilled flatbread topped with a nice garlic and sesame seed pesto like sauce and folded in half for easy eating.

— BEEF SCHWARMA:  The beef is sliced from a revolving spindle.  It is then stirred into sauteed tomatoes and onions.   It is topped with special cucumber like sauce and served in a thin flatbread which is wrapped like a burrito.  (Don’t like beef?  They have a chicken option as well).

— FRESH, HOMEMADE TABOULI SALAD: Tabouli is typically made with bulgur or couscous. It also includes tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, onion and garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. It is a fresh, healthy snack.

Tabouli Salad – freshly chopped

— KAFTA KABOBS:  Meat sticks, sometimes grilled and served on a skewer and seasoned to perfection.  This is a rare, hard to find specialty.

— FRESH HUMMUS: Smashed chick peas, made into a dip and served with pita chips.  Flavored with lemon juice, this simple treat is creamy and oh so good.

— SPINACH PIE: A delicately rolled bread with spinach, chives and cheese inside.  Bite into this unique appetizer, and you’ll be hooked.

— FALAFEL:  Tiny “hushpuppies” made with ground chick peas and cooked like a fritter.  Dip ’em in a ranch like sauce to get your kicks.

Lots of Kids rides and Adult rides too !

— THE DESSERT AREA:  Yes there is an entire area for delicate pastries and more. There were lots of baked goods that looked homemade. Most of them we had never seen before. Cookies called Mamool, Burma, Barazik and Ballourie. These traditional treats are great and many feature dates and pistachio as ingredients.

Honorable Mention: Stuffed Grape Leaves – little packages of flavor, that obviously take some time to make.

This festival is a full blown Food Adventure, with many more offerings to try.

Craft Booths, Clothes Booths and Jewelry Booths

CHECK OUT THE LIVE DANCING:
Make sure you sit at one of the tables in the entertainment area tent for a while.  Traditional music will play and some wonderful dancers will entertain the crowd. The performers wear elaborate costumes and sometimes hold fans and fabric which they used to dazzle the festival goers. No better way to enjoy a Food Adventure with authentic Lebanese food than with authentic music and dancing. Learn some great dance moves that you can use at a future date.

 

All in all, the Lebanese Festival is yet another unique eating experience in the Miami Valley. It was

Beef Kafta on the Grill

wonderful to see the cultural displays, listen to traditional music and enjoy some Lebanese food. Make sure you catch this festival.  It is one you do not want to miss !

Have you been to the Lebanese Festival? Please comment below and tell us your favorite things about the event.

Want more scoop on Dayton area restaurants and festivals?  Want a food blog with originality & personality? Then “Like ” Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.

 

Baklava

BIG SLIDE

Hungry People

Grab a Schwarma !

Cookies

A look inside a Chicken Schwarma Wrap

Clothes for Sale

Unique Desserts

More Cookies

Humus among us

Veggie Plate

Look at that Beef Schwarma Meat Cooking

Everybody Dance Now …

Spinach Pie

Serving up Mountain Bread

Lebanese Beer !

Falafel

Lots of rides

Grape Leaves –

Ready for the stage

Inside the spinach pie

Pan of simmering meat

Flags, fans …

Bouncy ride

Festival tent

Veggie Plate

Culture for sale

Welcome to the Lebanese Festival of Dayton !

Secrets of Cassano’s and The Dough Plant

By 7 Comments

Chip Cassano inspects the hi-tech equipment in the dough plant

***** WIN A FREE PIZZA WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW ***** JUST COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN – winner will be chosen at random on Monday
For decades Daytonians have taken pizza for granted.  We don’t realize that Dayton, Ohio is one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the history of pizza.  And it is all because of Vic Cassano and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi.

Now, 63 years later, The Cassano’s franchise is going strong, and not just in the pizza restaurants.  Cassano’s headquarters on Stroop Road in Kettering is also a facility for dough production.

Vic Cassano Sr. in his early Pizza Days during the 1950’s

— SECRET 1: What most Daytonians don’t know is their dough is produced here, and sold nationwide.  Whether balls of dough or sheeted pizza crusts, hundreds of restaurants serve products made with Cassano’s dough.  We are not allowed to name the companies, but let’s just say they are some big wig, national restaurants, that you definitely would recognize.  There are also hundreds of small restaurants that use Cassano’s, dough as a shortcut for great pizzas, calzones, breads and more.

After a year of preparation, Food Adventures is ready to tell you a story, much of which is unknown to Miami Valley residents.  It is the untold insight into the dough plant, the history and personal triumphs of the Cassano family.

Hand cutting hundreds of pounds of dough from the mixer

Before we get to secrets inside the dough plant lets get the scoop on Cassano’s history:

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON CASSANO’S

— JUNE 4th, 1953 – At the urging of a friend in New York, Vic Cassano decides to sell pizza at the Kettering grocery store of his in laws, Mom and Pop Donisi.  Using a thin crust recipe developed by Mom Donisi from her days in Italy, they make pizza available for the public.  It is a huge hit, and they sell 400 pies the first day on Schantz Avenue.  It is Dayton’s first introduction to pizza.  Needless to say the grocery store, soon became a

The Cutter presses 6 inch to 18 inch crusts for freezing

pizza shop.

— SECRET 2: THIS SUMMER DATE in 1953 ALSO MARKS THE INVENTION of THIN CRUST PIZZA in THE UNITED STATES.  Don’t let anyone tell you different, Dayton, Ohio is the center of that storm.  That would have been a hell of a day for a Food Adventure.   

Dough Balls are produced through a mostly automated system

— SECRET 3: Vic Cassano decides to cut the pieces in tiny squares.  WHY?  Because in 1953 it wasn’t “lady like” to be holding and handling big slices of pizza in your palm.  Cassano’s square slices were the polite and dainty way to enjoy the Italian treat.
— SECRET 4: Vic Cassano was not only a pizza genius, he was a mechanical genius.  He patented the first self cleaning oven.  To this day, his family  still finds dozens of papers in the office, detailing patented inventions from cooling and refrigeration systems to appliances.

Vic Cassano Jr. streamlined operations efficiently

 — SECRET 5:  Cassano’s was the first franchised restaurant in Ohio and possibly the United States.  The early 50’s were a time of business and law challenges, as many scenarios were never seen before.  Cassano’s was instrumental in the development of what we know today as franchising laws.  This allowed Cassano’s to steadily grow in the 50’s and 60’s.

Heart Shaped Pizza option in February

— SECRET 6:  Vic Cassano’s company was the first to ever freeze dough on a large scale.  He experimented with recipes and developed a full Italian menu.

— Owners of the local iconic pizza places like Marion’s Pizza and Ron’s Pizza, originally had affiliations with Cassano’s.

— In the 60’s and 70’s,  Cassano’s added affiliated restaurants like Sandy’s Hamburgers and London Bobby’s Fish and Chips.  They now had over 100 stores in total.  They served pizza on a cardboard slate, and “to go” orders were slid into bags and crumpled at one end, while leaving a”puff” in the bag, so not to damage the pizza or its toppings.

Unforgettable Tour of the Dough Plant – and Dough Samples !!

 — Here comes THE BIG CHEESE: In the early 80’s Cassano’s introduced their masterpiece pizza, the Big Cheese Pizza.  This was their deluxe pizza with double the cheese on top.  This became a menu staple and you can still order the Big Cheese “Vic’s Way” (with black olives) or “Mom’s Way” (with green olives).   During this time, Cassano’s started serving their “to go” and delivery pizzas in boxes.

—  In 1986, Vic Cassano sold the business.  A year later Mom Donisi passed away.  As the family saw their former business struggle in other people’s hands, so Vic Jr. decided to buy it back in 1989.  It was a short hiatus and the pizza business atmosphere was saturated with saturated with national and local companies.  To say it was extremely competitive is an understatement.

Side view of a legendary Cassano’s Pizza in the making

— With Vic Cassano Jr. at the helm, the 90’s were the start of a new, efficient direction of cutting waste and streamlining the business.  It worked.

— Vic Cassano Sr passed away in 2002, at the time his son kept rebuilding the brand and would expand operations at the dough plant.

Sheeted Pizza Crusts, stacked and ready to be packaged

— The amazing strides and improvements in efficiency, allowed more investment in equipment.  A centralized call center was finished in 2003.  Vic Cassano Jr. had turned the corner and was working on bringing back some nostalgia back to Cassano’s like the Pizza King logo, the London Bobby Fish and Chips and more.  In, 2010, Vic Jr. unexpectedly passed away.  To his credit, he had prepared his children Lora, Chip (aka Vic the 3rd), and Chris over the past decades to take on the new leadership role.  They did just that, carrying on the vision of their father and adding even more to the legendary name.

An up close look at the one and only BIG CHEESE PIZZA !

— Today, under the management of the third generation Lora Cassano-Hammons, Vic Cassano III, and Chris Cassano, there are almost 40 pizza shops and over 600 employees.

— Product developments included bringing back “Pizza Packs to go” and a new “Home Edition” Frozen Pizza line found in stores and available to be shipped nationwide.   The Stroop Rd. location has gone back to carry the “London Bobby Fish and Chips” meals again.

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips available at the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s

— About 3 years ago, The Cassano’s Cares Foundation  was set up.  It is the charitable arm of Cassano’s set up in memory of Vic Cassano Jr.  Their purpose is to give back to local charities and organizations.  Memorable events included an evening with Pete Rose and a Corvette giveaway.  There is also an annual golf outing to support the foundation as well.  There is even a Vic Cassano Health Center on Edwin C Moses Blvd.

— In June 2016, almost 63 years to the day after the first pizza was sold, the Ohio Historical Connection declared the Cassano’s Stroop Rd. office a historical site.  Now your Food Adventures on Stroop Rd, can be truly historical !

 

Now, let’s go from modern history to secrets inside the Dough Plant …..

These two flour silos hold 75,000 pounds of flour… EACH !

INSIDE THE DOUGH PLANT:

— SECRET 7:  The dough plant, located at 1700 East Stroop Rd.  produces approximately 50,000 – 70,0000 pounds of dough daily.  Only about 20 percent of that is for Cassano’s restaurants.  The remaining 80 percent is sold to other food establishments.

— SECRET 8:  The plant uses 30,000 pounds of flour each day.  The facility is equipped with 2 huge flour silos that each hold 75,000 pounds of flour.  WOW,  this place would make Willy Wonka proud.

Caroline “Mom” Donisi. Her recipe from Italy was the spark

— SECRET 9:  The plant has a capacity to produce about 8,000 pounds of dough in an hour.  Depending on the size, that can equate to 100-200 dough balls per minute during the morning shift.  In the afternoon shift, the plant switches gears to produce pizza crusts from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.  The crusts are shrink wrapped to prevent breakage and boxed and loaded into a freezer or  refrigerated delivery trucks.

The Chopped Steak Sub

— SECRET 10: The dough recipe has been tweaked slightly over the past 20 years.  When making pizzas these days they even “tack” the dough with a docker to control bubbling of the dough.  Remember those bubbles in the 70’s and 80’s on Cassano’s pies ?  You don’t see those anymore.

All this talk about dough has us a bit hungry.. may Food Adventures suggest some “Must Eats” from our decades of devouring Dayton’s original thin crust pizza?  CASSANOS !

Cassano’s Headquarters is named a Historical Site, June 3rd 2016

MUST EATS:

— THE BIG CHEESE “VIC’S WAY”:  Mounds of cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives and more cheese!  This is it.  This is the Cadillac of the Cassano’s menu.  So good, it will make you sleepy afterwards.  A flavorful, filling, and unforgettable pie.  As Vic used to say.. “It’s one heck of a pizza!”

— THE CLUB CASSINI: Ham, Pepperoni, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone Cheese and Italian dressing on a Mediterranean flat bread bun.  This was a great

Packaged Dough, ready for the freezer

surprise and has such a meaty and creamy, delicious flavor.  This is an unknown menu gem.

— PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH EXTRA SAUCE:  The Big Ragu has been using this trick since 1986.  He suggests you always order your Cassano’s pepperoni pizzas with extra sauce. They take their time and spend a little more time on your pizza.

— THE CHOPPED STEAK SUB:  Get your messy groove on with this Steak patty, topped Provolone Cheese, Pizza Sauce,  dripping with Mushroom Gravy, sprinkled with Onions and Banana Peppers.

Dough off the conveyor belt

— THE 30 INCH PARTY PIZZA:  Get it, you only live once.  Perfect for parties – birthday or super bowl.  $100 gets you a deluxe and 80 bucks gets you a one topping pizza pie.   This humongous pizza is a party in a box…. a pretty big box.

We are honored to be able to take a behind the scenes view at the Cassano’s pizza and dough plant.   The factory employees and management are always friendly and

Top it with sauce and you got something going….

accommodating.  Thank you for letting us see the legendary Dayton magic firsthand.  Congratulations to the Cassano family on all of their accomplishments.  They are a great family and we are lucky to consider them friends.  We are excited to see what the future holds for this Dayton original.

Honorable Mention: The Spaghetti Dinner:  Sometimes we just crave the simple pasta and sauce combo.  So pure, so peasant, so good….

Don’t forget to check out our weekly Food Adventure feature articles on MostMetro. com

For daily Food Adventure updates, hit us up on Facebook and LIKE US HERE….

Pizza Kings and the Hit King – Pete Rose

1970’s pic of Mario Andretti with the famous pizza pie in a bag – old school

Now available frozen – cooked 80% for you to finish cooking at home

Frozen Dough ready to go

Chip has given us a few tours of the plant,.

Stroop Rd Headquarters

Part of the Cassanos Call Center

Chicken Parm

Trimmed dough gets recylced

Sheet Pizza Dough

Dough cutters

Sauce it up

Compressing the Dough to crust thickness

Look at those pallets

True dat

Hungry Jax’s kids were Cassano kids for a day !

THE BIG CHEESE – VICS STYLE

Dough balls

Pepperoni pie

Chip, PIzza King and Chris Cassano

Pizza with Pete Rose

London Bobby Fish and Chips Dinner

Did you know Cassanos has hand tossed pizza ?

Our friend Mike explaining the dough process

sealed !

Shrunk wrapped to prevent breakage

All those pizza crusts …..

The Big Cheese is the way to go …

Cassanos ships these all over the USA

Into the freezer

The Pizza King, Lora Cassano and Big Ragu !

Chip talking about the automated processes of the plant

Ravioli app

Dough coming through

Cassanos – always testing the dough

A pepperoni Cassini – Ragu loves them….

Soft Rock Cafe: Sing, Eat, Drink !

By Leave a Comment

Soft Rock Pizza – a MUST EAT !

Do you find yourself singing along with tunes in your car? Do you belt out tunes in the shower? Ever wonder what it would feel like to be on American Idol? Well for about a decade there has been a place that is the closest you can come to making that a reality.

Soft Rock Cafe, located at 877 E. Franklin Street in Centerville has been Dayton’s best karaoke bar for a decade, but it is still relatively unknown in some circles.  The Food Adventures Crew highly recommends this place.  WHY? If you love a good time, party

Owners Mark and Nicole on “80’s Metal Night”

atmosphere with hilarious and gracious hosts, this is the place for you.  Soft Rock Cafe.. aka “The Rock” is a great place to host birthday parties, bachelorette parties and any celebration you can think of…  It is common to see a party bus pull up and unload some fun seekers who are “ready to sing and dance.”  It is a great place for a Food Adventure and a fun adventure…  You can relax too, because the clientele is always friendly,  and so is the staff.

The atmosphere is incredible.  Lights, fog machine and literally hundreds of thousands of karaoke songs to choose from.  Some singers are fantastic, others, are just having fun, and

Baked Wings – surprisingly good and crispy

some… well maybe the alcohol is singing.  In front of the stage, is a dance floor and when crowds aren’t getting down to the singers, they are doing the “Cupid Shuffle” during the 15 minute intermission.  One thing is for sure, there is nothing else like this experience in the Dayton area.

They have a small, but tasty kitchen menu where the pizza is the star.  Soft Rock also has a full bar with bottled beer choices and an extensive liquor offering.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— Soft Rock hosts karaoke on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from around 10pm – 2am (except for Sundays).  If you have never been there, and you like karaoke, this place is  MUST SEE !  It is in a league of its own.

Best Karaoke Atmosphere in Dayton

— Locally owned and operated my Mark Hall and Nicole Gordon, Soft Rock is more than just karaoke.   They host many charity events throughout the year.  From scholarship fundraisers, to cancer research, they enjoy giving back to the community.    Three such events to keep your eyes out for are the

SKYLAR KOOKEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP EVENT: Typically held in the spring, they hold a rock concert and raffle (April) in memory of an exceptional girl who was a Bellbrook High School student.

Packed Dance floor

BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER: Usually held in October, Vicky Becker organizes this fundraiser which benefits the Susan Komen foundation and breast cancer research.  They event usually has a local band and silent auction/raffle items.

ROGER GORDON MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING: Most recently held at community golf Course in Kettering, the after party / steak dinner and raffle is held at Soft Rock.  The event is in memory of Roger Gordon, whose strength in battling Multiple Sclerosis was an inspiration.  All proceeds go to research charities to cure MS.

— The two karaoke hosts are the best of the best.  Time to meet 2 unforgettable characters.

Karaoke DJ – Curt Delk

** MARK HALL: Thursday and Sunday you can find Mark as the master of ceremonies.  With his sarcastic comments, dry humor and infectious laugh, he is a most generous host.  Always friendly, Mark makes you feel like one of the family.

** CURT DELK:  Your Friday and Saturday nights will never be the same after you experience a karaoke show with Curt.  Props, one liners and  memorable quotes, fill Curt’s show.  Humor is not all you will find as he is a helpful host with backup vocals and he can assist you with song choices.

Both hosts have their fair share entertainment value.. as well as shots, drinks and “bombs.”

and guess what ..? ADMISSION IS FREE !  Yes, all that entertainment is FREE !  So eat up and drink up!

— Soft Rock also features live bands a few times a year, like this Saturday, August 6th – SPUNGEWURTHY returns to the stage !

— You don’t want to miss their two of the biggest parties of the year: The Soft Rock Halloween Party and the Soft Rock New Years Eve Bash.  These events are guaranteed good times.

Deluxe Pizza

— Soft Rock features TV screens around the entire bar and seating area.  They hold special events for sports such as Ohio State games, and NFL Games, but make no mistake, this is a karaoke bar.

 

Ok so you’re at Soft Rock singing and dancing – well you’re hungry and thirsty.. what do you do ?

ANSWER: follow Food Adventures lead with our patented, often imitated, never duplicated MUST EATS:

MUST EATS: 

— DELUXE PIZZA: Pepperoni, mushroom, sausage, onion and green peppers, topped with a mound of cheese.  Hot out of the oven and ready to burn our

Birthday Party Destination

ass so be careful !  This pizza is sooooo good, is easily shared, and a perfect treat while watching karaoke with some drinks.

— NICOLE’S KNOCK OUT PUNCH:  Super secret recipe that is reminiscent of the Cruise Line “drinks of the day.”  We don’t know what Nicole has in it, but it is DELICIOUS and may get ya buzzed.

— WINGS:  Baked twice, this wings are best when you ask for them with hot sauce on the side.  They come out crispy and flavorful and the buffalo sauce is the perfect slow heat.

Little Beers are great !

— PEPPERONI PIZZA:  It is hard to pick just one pizza, so we have the pepperoni… it is good, simple and be warned, they sprinkle a little salt on the bottom of the crust.  so if you don’t like that, ask for it without salt.

— LITTLE BEERS: Licor 43 and a topping of cream.  wow, just wow…

— SCOOBY SNACKS: An incredible “shot” made with milk, pineapple juice and a secret mix of liquor

— BUCKETS OF BEER: Great price breaks when  you buy 5 bottles on ice in a bucket. Prices vary based on kind of beer and if domestic, local or international beers.

Birthday shots !

Lots of great memories are made at Soft Rock…. make some of your own, and head on up with a group of friends this weekend.  Remember to SING, EAT, and DRINK!

Do you like our weekly Food Adventure articles?  The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House can also be found on Facebook -CLICK HERE.

Debonte Brothers in concert

Black Olives on this baby

Halloween Party

Boneless Wings

Dance floor madness

fun times

BBQ WINGS

Lisa serves up hot food !

Rejects in concert

Nicole and Mark – another fun night at Soft Rock Cafe

Some good zzza

Fun times with a group

slobbin on the Cheese !

We rock the house that rocks the pinata

Its not fair…. we know .. but look at that deliciousness…

Curt and the Big Ragu

The Big Ragu rocking the Soft Rock

Steaming, baked wings

Domo aragato Mr Roboto by Will Ferrell ?

Soft Rock Regulars and Owners

Pepperoni Pizza

LITTLE BEERS !

LIVE BANDS

Side View

Rocking out the Soft Rock

Halloween Party

Veggie Pizza

You never know who will get up and sing

dance craze

Neon lighted pizza

DELUXE – under the cheese

Crispy and crunchy wings

The Tastiest “Haus” in Springboro!

By Leave a Comment

Rows of Yummies – that’s a technical term

Springboro, Ohio is a growing community with great schools, local businesses and, oh yes, delicious food!  The Food Adventures Crew have been indulging in these local eateries for quite some time and felt its time to start highlighting the delicious treats and the owners in this community.  And to kick off this adventure, we gleefully hit up a staple of this city, “The Donut Haus“! Ok, go grab a glass of milk and get ready to indulge!

One of our favorite things that we like to do as food bloggers is not to just highlight the food, but to highlight the people behind the food! And it is hopeful that this article does just that!  Here comes a Food Adventure.. with a hole in it.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Panther Pride !

— Mike Hemmert, with the integral help of his partner, Barb Soupal, has owned and operated the Donut Haus, (located at 305 W Central Ave, Springboro, Ohio 45066), for 30 years!

— Mike Hemmert started his career in the food industry,  as a long time employee of McDonalds, climbing up the ladder in hopes of opening his own franchise.  However, that goal would take much longer than he wanted and dreamt of a business that he could own and operate in his own manner. He learned that Donut Haus was up for sale and recognizing that he had experience working in a bakery in the past, he saw this opportunity as the green light to his goal.  And it’s been an amazing journey ever since!

Donut Maker for a day !

— Hemmert, a Caroll High School graduate, bought the shop from the original owners that were from Germany (hence the spelling of “Haus”) and he took this business that was already doing well in the area, to a whole new level.

— Their dedicated staff  makes 100’s of dozens of donuts a day and also sells to 6 different counties for wholesale expanding over 130 miles!

Warm & Delicious, The Apple Turnover is a favorite of Hungry Jax

— Giving back to the Community: Think that’s all a person needs to consider their business successful? Well, for as much time and attention Hemmert gives to developing the taste and quality of his products, he gives that back and then some to his dedication to the Springboro community! Hemmert has a close relationship with the local schools supplying donuts for activities, such as the Hometown Expo hosted at Springboro High School. At that expo, the Donut Haus sells traditional cake donuts for $0.25  each and you can decorate your own! This money goes to the local food pantry. This past year, 0ver 400 kids made donuts, raising $400!

Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t !In addition, one of  favorite ways to give back to the youth of the community, is during .   Hemmert loves to meet with the students and provide mock interviews to help them prepare for further employment.

In addition, one of Donut Haus’ favorite ways to give back to the youth of the community, is during Career Day at the Junior High.   Hemmert loves to meet with the students and provide mock interviews to help them prepare for further employment.

— Hard Working Local Teens: And don’t be surprised to find a number of his employees being local teens. Many flock to this shop not just for a job, but also to learn solid lessons in what it means to be a good employee with strong customer service skills and of course, learning the art of donut making!

Devilsfood and Blueberry Cake Donuts !  Ragu says ‘grab the milk…’

— Bear Creek Donut Connection: In fact, Mike Hemmert was instrumental in helping a former employee of 8 years, Ryan Tripp, in opening up his own donut shop in Miamisburg, Bear Creek Donuts! Another delicious bakery for which would require a separate article and another glass of milk!

— More Donations: In addition to enriching the youth of Springboro, Hemmert gives back to those in need. Leftover donuts (when there are some) are never wasted. Instead they are bagged up and donated to the local food pantry. The Donut Haus also steps up during times of crisis. Most recently during the last destructive rain storms where thousands of residents in the Springboro area were without power, the Donut Haus offered up free donuts to those households and encouraged the families to come hang out inside Donut Haus to cool off and power up their cell phones. Just another way this business gives back to its patrons that support them well!

 

— Family and Kid Friendly: Want something fun to do as a family? Once a month, Donut Haus will post on the Active Springboro Facebook Group when they are hosting their free event of making your own donut! You can also catch when the community Bingo game is happening, also hosted at the Donut Haus. Need a new idea for your kid’s birthday party? Your child and friends can be “Donut Makers for a Day”! The kids get to make, fill and frost their own donuts! Now that would make for a sweet party!

We can’t pick just one !

We can go on and on about the awesome people behind this great business! So trust that when you give your patronage to the Donut Haus, not only are you going to receive an awesome product, but also you’re supporting a business that genuinely loves what they do, gives back to their community, and are pretty much living the American Dream!

Ok, now onto the FOOD!

MUST EATS:

— APPLE TURNOVER: One of Hungry Jax’s favorites! Ask to have this flakey pillow filled with apple awesomeness warmed up! With a cup of their new line of gourmet coffees, you can’t go wrong!

Craftsmanship

—PANTHER CAKE DONUT: This is a traditional cake donut iced with vanilla frosting and topped with Springboro school colors! A classic treat with hometown pride!

— PERSIAN ROLL (topped with or without nuts): It’s like a cinnamon bun topped with the tastes of Autumn. Mmmm with maple frosting. Just get it and trust us!

— MAPLE BACON LONGJOHN: One of the rockstars of their new “specialty line” of donuts! You can never go wrong with bacon. Ever.

— APPLE FRITTER: Yet another classic done right! Just the right amount of crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside!  This could be Big Ragu’s favorite….

— STRAWBERRY DONUT: This was a special order, limited time only donut! An experiment to embrace the area’s Strawberry season during the beginning of June! HOWEVER, Hemmert recently released a post on their Facebook page that they have plans to bring these delicious gems back at least once more time this summer! So keep a look out!!

Awesomeness

Quite honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices at Donut Haus.  Good people, good eats, great donuts.  So swing on down and try one of our favorite shops ran by some of our favorite fellow foodies!

Feel free to follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu‘s Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.  They leave no plate unturned !

Check out the gallery below for some of the best Donut Haus photos behind the scenes and more….

Persian donut with nuts..

Junior crew members approve !

Kids can make their own donuts at Birthday Parties

Cream filled and ready for your mouth

Kids love making their own donuts

Mike shows us how it is done …

Fun family times at the Donut Haus in Springboro

Owner Mike Hemmert hosting our Food Adventure

No bake cookies for sale

Got Boxes? Got Donuts? Yup

Watch out Willy Wonka, this is a flavor factory

Who doesn’t love a vat of frosting ?

Hard working Teens, learning life long lessons

Ready to be fried

Don’t Turndown a Turnover

Fun with dough

Chef House and Hungry Jax’s family on a Food Adventure !

Perfection

A Donut from the Donut Haus in Springboro

On 73 in Springboro

Chef House wants a mixer like this for Christmas

Another Food Adventure in progress

Fryers bubbling

Most Food Choices Ever for Saturday’s Rock n Green Tomato Fest

By Leave a Comment

Green Tomato Sliders

From Green Tomato Pie, to Green Tomato Sliders, and even old favorites like the Hamburger Wagon and the Ice Cream Trolley, the Rock n Green Tomato Festival has kicked it up a notch this year with the food vendors.

Fortunately for you, Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro are the only ones with the full scoop of food trucks and food booths that will invade downtown Miamisburg this Saturday from Noon – 11pm

Green Tomato Pizza

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

**** FREE ADMISSION **** 

WHERE: Downtown Miamisburg, Riverfront Park (behind Ron’s Pizza)

WHAT: Food vendors, kids area, Live bands all day, 5k 7:30am, cornhole tourney 11:30am, craft vendors, hamburger eating contest 2pm, Green Tomato Pie

Green Beer at Ron’s Pizza Tavern

Contest 5pm, 14 piece Elvis Vegas Style tribute band at 8pm

WHEN: SATURDAY JULY 23rd, NOON – 11pm

Tip: Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the concerts

 

Food, food, food is just some of what the Rock N Green Tomato Festival is about on Saturday.  We have exclusive scoop on who is going to be there:

 

***** THE OFFICIAL LIST OF FOOD VENDORS *****

—SAUCY SWINE-O’S:  Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, smoked meatballs and smoked pork chops!

—MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:  Burgers, wontons and more.  The Burger with Green Tomato is a MUST EAT !

Bring a lawnchair and eat by the bands !

—RON’ S PIZZA:  The patio is open with a full menu and green beer.  Their Miamisburg Booster booth will have MUST EATS of Green Tomato Sliders and maybe some green tomato pizza !

—THE HAMBURGER WAGON:  Those little burgers will be cooking all day.  Get a double … its the best….

Ice Cream at the Trolley

—GYRO PALACE:  The regular gyro is the best one in Dayton.  End of story.

—MG KONSESSIONS: Deep fried twinkies, deep fried oreos and funnel cakes start out this sinful menu.  Wash it down with their lemon shake ups.

—TOTALLY AWESOME KETTLE CORN: Kettle corn, caramel corn, cookies and cream corn, & lemon shakes too!

Gyro Palace – magic in a pita

—KONA ICE of CINCINNATI: Cool off with your favorite treat as a kid.  Sno cones with various flavors… the sky is the limit!

—Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped, grilled chicken legs are his specialty.  Check out the other bbq selections which sometimes include seafood!  Foods made in one of a kind smoker made out of 3 beer kegs.

Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest at 5pm

—READING SODAS: Personalize your own soda with various syrups.  Delicious concoctions are a pour away!

—ICE CREAM TROLLEY:   Cool, old fashioned style ice cream of various flavors.  Cones or cups, perfect for a hot summer’s day.

—BESSIES NOODLES: Freshly made pasta noodles.  you have to try them to believe them.  Comfort food in a bowl.

—DASH CONCESSIONS: Hot dogs, funnel cakes, nachos and fries !  Your guilty pleasures have arrived.

Kettle Corn

 

The Rock n Green Tomato Festival has so much more, even a bouncy area for the kids and a hula hoop contest around 3pm.  Dunk tank? YES!

Also – DON’T MISS THIS !

GREEN TOMATO PIE BAKING CONTEST SHOWDOWN – 5pm. Who has the best pie?

Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax from Food Adventures will be picking the top 3 winning entries, and offering samples to the crowd.

Burger Eating Contest 2pm

Restaurants offering a Green Tomato Pie entry include:
Mz Pickles, TJ Chumps, Bennett’s Publical, Ron’s Pizza, the Blue Note Cafe…

 

So there you have it.. the full splat on the Rock N Green Tomato Festival.  When we say rockin,… this fest is gonna be rocking…. Bring a lawn chair !

Speaking of rocking, follow Dayton’s rock star foodies, Food Adventures.  They are on Facebook, here.  7,000 fans cant be wrong….

See you at the festival….  don’t you… step on our blue suede shoes…

8pm FREE CONCERT

Nice Pink Cadillac

Green – ‘maters

Fried Green Tomatoes

Saturday July 23rd, noon-11pm

Walt’s Green Tomato Salsa for Sale

Elvis in Miamisburg?

By Leave a Comment

How you doin little lady ?

Elvis!  It’s Elvis, I say.. as the 60 something year old woman reached for his chest and and tore a piece of his clothing off.

Yes, people will be doing a double take Saturday July 23rd at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg.  The feature afternoon act, after a day of music is a 14 piece Elvis Tribute Band.  They sound great.

“Elvis,” played by Ryan Roth is a throwback to the era when Elvis played Las Vegas.

Sequin capes, bawdy gyrations, and that signature hairdo is what you can expect to see.  What you will hear is a complicated back up band called “The Comeback Special.”  

“The King” is coming to Miamisburg?

Come out and hear tunes like “Suspicious Minds,”  ” Hunka Hunka Burning Love.”  Don’t forget classics like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

This concert is just one of the sights and sounds at Rock N Green Tomato Festival at Riverfront Park in downtown Miamisburg.  So bring a lawnchair, grab some food and drink at the vendors, then sit and enjoy the live bands!

We wanted to dress Hungry Jax up like Priscilla Presley, but she would have none of it.

Fixins for a Green Tomato Pie – or Green Mater Pi

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the LIVE MUSIC RUNDOWN.

Noon – 2 pm: “NIGHT MAGIC” – Harmony vocals with Oldies, Rock & Roll, Pop, Blue Grass & Country tunes.

3 – 5 pm: “JOHNNY JAP and THE KNEES” – Classic and Party Rock

6 – 8:00 pm: “B-CAGED” – Classic Rock, Classic Country

8:30 pm: “THE COMEBACK SPECIAL” Elvis Tribute Band – All Elvis, all the time…. dont step on his Blue Suede Shoes.. aahh thank you very much

Entering in his pink cadillac, plush velvet seats, Its awwwlrigh mama, its allright by me ….

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

7:30 am: 5K Run~Walk Registration

8:30 am: 5K Run~Walk Begins – Dress up as Elvis and run !

11:00am: Food and Craft Vendors open til 10pm

11:30am: Cornhole Registration $250 to the winner

Bring a lawnchair and and enjoy the concerts

Noon: Cornhole Tournament Begins

2 – 2:30 pm: Hamburger Wagon Burger Eating Contest

2:30 – 3 pm: Hula Hoop Contest

5:00 – 6 pm: Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest (Judges: Food Adventures Crew: Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax)

Burger Eating Contest too! Elvis would have been proud

In addition Ron’s Pizza Tavern will be open with Green Draft Beer to celebrate the Rock N Green Tomato festival.

Don’t miss Saturday July 23rd festival where you can have a Food Adventure of your own, with fried green tomatoes, burgers, pizza, ice cream, noodles, BBQ and more.

Want more, original food info?  Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Elvis was a foodie!  Watch this movie scene, a true story of Elvis hitting up a donut shop in Washington DC at 2am

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

By Leave a Comment

Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

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 

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— 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!

Garlic Boneless Wings

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

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

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.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

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.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

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.

Fresh Popsicles

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.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Chicken

 

 

 

 

20 Reasons to Hit Friday’s Sons of Italy Food Truck Rally

By Leave a Comment

Zombie Dogz will debut 2 new dog flavors!

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 !

Spicy Chicken with White rice from Bourbon Street Grill – a MUST EAT

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.

 

The Garlic Mohawk Burger

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.

Fresh Pizza from Bella Sorella Pizza Co.

 

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 !

 

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Streatery is bringing Garlic Roast Beef with Horseradish Aoli and more

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.

 

Peanut Butter Cupcake from Go Cupcake

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 !

 

Ritter’s sundae’s will cool you down at a Summer rally

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:  

Bocce Bash for beginners – sign up NOW !

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.

 

White Hots and Red Hots from Kowalski Hots

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: 

COLD BEER HERE !

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:

Pa’s Pork will be pulling some bones

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!

 

Chicken on a spindle at Greek Street Food Truck

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

Hunger Payne’s Mac n Cheese Croquettes

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

Onion Straw Burger from Horseless Buggy

— 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.

 

 

 

Sweet P’s Handmade Ice Pops

El Mesons Empanadas

Garlic Roast Beef Sub from Jimmies Ladder 11 Streatery

A Cheeky Meat Pie

Holy Cannoli – deep fried !

Texas Caviar Chicken Quesadilla from Painted Pepper Food Truck

Wicked Bread from Wicked Wich’ of Dayton Food Truck

THIS FRIDAY 5pm – 9pm

A Chicken Gyro – Street Style – from Greek Street Food Truck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher’s Restaurant Features Local Art of Tom Watson

By Leave a Comment

“The Vagueness of Youth” by Artist Tom Watson III.

Local artist Tom Watson III has experienced more in all his years than most people will live in a lifetime.   Tom is a stroke survivor, a cancer survivor and a man who keeps fighting to live a full life.  Food Adventures recently sat down with Tom at Christopher’s in Kettering, a restaurant that is showcasing his art through July 30th.

Christopher’s Art Show Closing Reception and live painting session is Saturday, July 30, from 2:30 to 4:30pm.

Tom’s paintings adorn the walls of the far dining room, and if you didnt know better, you would think the place was purposely decorated that way.  His art blends well with the warm scene at Christopher’s Restaurant. Tom explained the toll that having a stroke has taken on his life, and how art and painting, helped him rehabilitate in so many ways.   With a lovely wife and 2 healthy, happy boys, he has so much to live for, and has accompished so much.

From the nearly 1,000 “Stem Re-assemblage” collection of paintings

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on  LOCAL ARTIST TOM WATSON III:

— In the 90’s Tom had recently graduated high school.  He became a fixture on the local art and music scene.  He was known around Dayton as a scenester and a zinester.  As the millenium passed he concentrated on college.

— March 17th, 2005 – Tom Watson’s life changes forever as he suffers a brain-stem embolism, a severe stroke, while in class at  the University of Dayton.  He was 34 years old.

Christophers in Kettering is where the art is displayed

Against the odds, he survived the stroke, but he had to learn to walk and write again.

— Tom Watson III used art to fuel his recovery.  In the coming years, his strength returns and his motor skills improve and he graduates college. His art is well received and his story hits local media outlets.  His art was featured at Ha Ha Pizza, where Big Ragu did a Food Adventure with Tom.   His art was also displayed at Emporium Wines in Yellow Springs, and the Dayton Art Institute as well as others.  Many of his paintings of this era feature a prominent artery map of his stroke, taken from an x-ray.

The incomparable Meat Chili from Christopher’s Restaurant

— In 2011, Tom was awarded the first annual RAISE Award from the National Stroke Association.  The RAISE Awards highlight individuals and groups who have impacted the lives of others through stroke advocacy and education.  He was presented the award by iconic 70’s celebrity, Henry Winkler, who played “the Fonz” on the “Happy Days” TV Show.  “Fonz” has a painting of tom’s that hangs in his home ’til this day.

Tom’s Artwork on display in Christopher’s

— Things were looking up for Tom, he now had 2 sons and his health had improved tremendously.  As fate would have it, on Valentines Day 2014, he was diagnosed with tongue cancer.  He went forward with aggressive treatment.  After some surgeries, he is currently cancer free.

— Saturday July 30, 2016 – 2:30 to 4:30pm  Tom will be be at Christopher’s Restaurant in person making some more of his unique paintings.  Here’s more info on this event.

Art adorns the walls, showing a story of survival

As we sat there having lunch with Tom, we talked about everything from the local music of Boxcar Suite to the favorite restaurants of Dayton.  We talked about his art, about how depressed his stroke and cancer had him.  He talked about his beautiful painting “The Vagueness of Youth,” explaining, we all dont know who we are yet at that young point in our lives.

Tom has come full circle.  These days he is very pensive and thoughtful.  He appreciates

Tom’s Art Portfolio is an incredible journey of triumph

life.  He knows what is means to stare death in the face.  It has given him a new appreciation on everything.  He is grateful for friends and family.  He is thankful for his health.  He even told us about how he is a true foodie and just appreciates good food.  Tom gifted us a piece of his artwork, and the Food Adventures crew will display it proudly at home.

Tom’s story is a tale of perseverance.  It is the story of succeeding in life, the will to live and what to learn from life’s experiences.  His art was the tool that brought him back from the brink.  It is a story of an artist, but it is really the story of a rugged survivor.

Tom Watson with his national award, the recognized individual for Stroke Awareness for the year 2011

 

VISIT CHRISTOPHER’S FOR GREAT FOOD, MEET TOM WATSON, and HIS ART – restaurant is at the corner of Woodman and Dorothy Lane.

MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS:

— MEAT CHILI:  Always a top vote getter at the local chili cook offs, this version is insanely god when served with onions, sour cream and cheese.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE:  You have never had something so creamy and good.  Be a fun guy, and try the fungi.

— THE GROUND BEEF BURGER :  Local meat is the secret and so is the grain bun.  Get

The Beef Burger from Christopher’s

cheese and all the trimmings.  See why this made the list of one of the top burgers in Dayton.

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP:  Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé.  Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— RASPBERRY PIE:  With 2 bakers on staff you know their desserts are stellar.  This pie tops the list!

— CARROT CAKE: Some say it is the best in the world….. we think they may have a point !

People eating and enjoying the artwork of Tom Watson

— BREAKFAST: We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the entire breakfast menu is a must eat at Christopher’s.  Butter Pecan Pancakes will start you in the right direction. … and they serve breakfast every day until 1pm

Want a fresh serving of foodie fun every day?  Then click here and join the thousands of Dayton area foodies that follow Food Adventures on Facebook!  The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House will see you at the restaurants !

Calm, relaxing atmosphere

Raspberry Pie – OH MY

A Fish Sandwich from Christopher’s

What the hell did you order , Tom? The Manhattan Beef ?

Insightful and poignant

You might be cool, but you’re not “Fonz gave you an award” cool. heeeeeeyyyyyy!

Beef Burger to go

Kettering standard

Brother Rueben – honorable mention for a must eat

Carrot Cake perfection

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Mushroom Bisque – open up and say awwww gawd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Man Who Dip-eth “The Holy Cannoli”

By Leave a Comment

Mark DaGrossa – The Master of the Holy Cannoli

You may have called him Santa. You may have heard him on the Gem City Podcast. You may have seen him on Youtube with “Epic and The Beard.”   Mark DaGrossa is one of those Daytonians who you see everywhere. Whether at the Italian Club playing bocce,  working a festival, or on a Food Adventure at one of his favorite restaurants in Dayton, Mark is always on the move.  Besides working for Folio DesignHaus, Mark is a dedicated husband, son and father, a family man if you will.

We don’t know where YOU may have seen him, but WE will always remember him as “The Man Who Cooks the Holy Cannoli.”

The Holy Cannoli is a lot like bigfoot.  It is mysterious and not many people have seen it….

Monty Python had the Holy Grail and the holy hand grenade, but Garlic Fest has the Holy Cannoli !

A six pack of Holy Cannoli

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON “THE HOLY CANNOLI”:

— What is a Holy Cannoli?  It is a cannoli shell filled with ricotta cheese and cream, sometimes garnished with chocolate chips, that is dipped in breading and deep fried on the spot.  The result after a few minutes is a gooey, gorgeous, piece of heaven.

— Long time Sons of Italy member, Kevin Sorice actually came up with the idea of a deep fried cannoli.  So let’s give credit where credit is due.

Mark’s daughter, Caitlin Preparing Cannoli

— Where can I get a Holy Cannoli?  The answer is at GARLIC FEST, SUNDAY JULY 17th from noon-9pm.  Mark your calendar for this one.

 

The HOLY CANNOLI is a “MUST EAT” on Garlic Fest Weekend come enjoy the 3 day event and make your own Food Adventure !

—FRIDAY JULY 15th 5pm-9pm– FOOD TRUCK RALLY, BOCCE BASH, LIVE MUSIC and BEER TRUCKS –

— SATURDAY JULY 16th – BOCCE CLASSIC TOURNAMENT, STEAK DINNER at BELLA VILLA HALL – 

Chef House and “Holy Cannoli Dipper” Mark DaGrossa

— SUNDAY JULY 17TH – GARLIC FEST – FOOD VENDORS, COOKING DEMOS, BEER TRUCKS, FREE DANGER BROTHERS CONCERT, BOCCE CLASSIC FINALS, GARLIC EATING CONTEST, GARLIC QUEEN, and more!

Admission is FREE so join The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax at the Food Truck Rally and Garlic Fest on July 15-17th.

Meet the man, the myth, the legend.. Mark DaGrossa.. “The Man who dip-eth the Holy Cannoli.”  Make sure you order some of this sinful goodness.  They are rich, delicious and they melt in your mouth!  It is a religious experience and a great invention!  Thanks to Mark and the workers in the booth, without you, they are just plain cannoli….

  “Like” our Food Adventures blog on Facebook by clicking here – we have a lot of original content to

Thumbs up for a great Holy Cannoli at Garlic Fest

offer !

Hungry Jax and her family with Santa DaGrossa

Big Ragu with Kevin Sorice – the brains behind the Holy Cannoli

Before the battering

Holy Cannoli Booth

Holy Cannoli Booth

Take this, batter this, fry this and eat this…

Ladies and Gentleman, we present the Holy Cannoli

Last Year’s signage

Gem City Podcast Crew