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3 Places to “Hop to” on the Adult Easter Weekend Trail

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Adrienne’s White Rabbit Lounge in Centerville

Adults need a break too.  Kids can’t have all the fun this Easter.  Today, Food Adventures suggests 3 Dayton area spots to go rabid.. errr rabbit on this weekend.  They each have something in common.  Can you guess what?

Let’s hop to it…..

 

— ADRIENNE’S WHITE RABBIT LOUNGE:  This place is sure to be a future feature on “Dive Bar Tuesday” with Brian Petro.  Have you ever been to a bar, where the whole place is .. well the bar?  This is one of those places.  It is a no-nonsense watering hole.  It is a  drinking person’s bar.  The staff is friendly and the regulars are welcoming too.  The drink prices are very cheap and some of the canned beer specials are amazing.  Adrienne’s White Rabbit is located in a shopping center at 889 S. Main Street in Centerville.  It is a perfect place for a happy hour after a long work day.  Want a MUST DRINK this Easter weekend?  This time of year, they are known for a PEEP SHOT.  Yep, your shot may have a couple of the marshmallow bunny peeps hanging on the rim of the glass.  How is that for unwinding?  We suggest you start out your Friday evening here, this weekend….

 

Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia has some Great Beers

— HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY:  Good beer, brewed on site, is the hallmark for this Easter weekend stop at 738 W. National Rd in Vandalia.  The MUST DRINKS here are KICK BACK KOLSCH, AMERICAN ALE, BELGIAN HARE, T-DAWG AMBER ALE and SHADY RIVER WHEAT.  Owners Matt Harris, Mike Legg and brewmaster Tony Dawes push the flavor envelope every month with new creations.  The Hairless Hare also has some MUST EATS, the PIZZA.  Homemade dough and premium toppings like salmon, are the reason these pizzas are unforgettable.

Speaking of unforgettable, do we have one for you, featuring Hairless Hare beers…. Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu are excited for an upcoming Food Adventure dinner on April 1st at Company 7 BBQ featuring 5 food courses and 4 Hairless Hare Beers.  Did you know you get all that and tip included for $25? Tickets are pre sale only and available at this LINK.  Get your seat before they sell out !

 

— BUNNY’S HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:  Ok, this is The Big Ragu’s entry, so humor him.  Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House at 3509 Linden Ave. is a Dayton icon.  For the last 64 years, this place has been a staple in the Miami Valley.  From the waitress BETTY who has worked there since 1974, to their comfort food, The Hasty Tasty Pancake House is one of a kind.  We suggest you hit this place Saturday morning or Saturday 9pm and get PANCAKES as the MUST EAT, to soak up the weekend alcohol from the other 2 places.  Want a different route?  Another MUST EAT deal is the Friday night all you can eat fish fry for $8.25.

 

So there you go, 3 stops on the Adult Bunny Trail, this Easter weekend.  Drink up, eat up and don’t overdo or you may oversleep through the Easter egg hunt!

Are you a foodie?  Then Food Adventures is the Dayton blog for you.  Each week, Food Adventures has a weekly article, featured right here on Dayton Most Metro.  You can also follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Original dinner events, original food photos, the most thorough food blog, original festivals, original website, original cooking classes, original articles, charity events, tv spots..

Bunnys Hasty Tasty Pancake House

All you want fish on Fridays Hasty Tasty 8.25

Pizza from Hairless Hare

Hairless Hare Beer Menu

Vandalia’s Brewery

Mike, Tony and Matt from Hairless Hare

The star of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House for 64 years

White Rabbit’s Peep Shot

Pour me a Hairless Hare Brew !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton’s Chef Showdown Champ Named

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There was sizzle, drizzle, sear and even a little bit of fire when nine of Dayton’s premiere Chef’s went head to head in a Chopped inspired “Chef Showdown” Saturday. With three qualifying rounds on Saturday, chefs had 20 minutes to turn a mystery basket with 4 ingredients into a winning dish at the Dayton Home and Garden Show at the Dayton Convention Center.z_20160319_078

On the Kroger stage, event emcee Jim Bucher helped introduce the mystery baskets, created by  event producer Lisa Grigsby, of Dayton Most Metro.   Basket one included  Lychee Nuts,  Chicken, canned  spinach and cranberry cinnamon goat cheese.  Chefs were able to supplement their appeizer with ingredients from the Kroger pantry.

The contest judges, brought in from Dayton Most Metro included: Kevin Rankin, Laura Rea, Duane Myers, Ann Roberts and Steve “Big Ragu” Milano

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Local culinary fans packed the room where the competition took place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm respectively, and the results are in….

ROUND 1 WRAP UP: 

Chef Candace Rinke, from Hawthorn Grill won round one with her chicken appetizer on a pita triangle.  She barely edged out 2 other delicious chicken creations.  One from Chef David Glynn, of Dayton Country Club, who incorporated numerous ingredients into a large chicken dish, and Chef Aaron Braun of Meadowlark who wowed the judges with his bacon wrapped chicken and goat cheese.

Chef Rinke’s Winning Chicken on Pita Appetizer

 

ROUND 2 WRAP UP:

Chef Mariah Gahagan, from Lily’s Bistro was victorious in round 2 with a salmon dish that flowed with a perfect melody of flavor, from edge to edge with greens and avocados.  Close behind was Chef Richard Roberts, of De’Lish Cafe, who made a salmon pita appetizer with swiss cheese, and used a blow torch for a carmelized smoky flavor.  Chef Crystal Coppock, from Wheat Penny also made it a tight race, with her salmon seared on spinach, with bamboo shoots, but as timer buzzed she realized  her Tamarind sauce (one of the required ingredients), which was absolutely killer- according to the judges, didn’t make her plates.

 

ROUND 3 WRAP UP:

Scratch Catering owner Chef Matt Hayden took the winning honors in the final round in an epic battle that included a temporary flare up of flames.  Using scallops, Matt concocted a deep fried fritter (Indian Pakora) with an amazing Indian influenced Tandoori sauce.  Following close behind was Chef LeeAnne House, from HouseMade Sauces.  LeeAnne’s appetizer was a colorful combo of sauteed greens, peppers and veggies with scallops on bruschetta.  Also keeping the contest close was Chef Nathan Vance from Salar Restaurant, who

Round 2 of the Chef Showdown: Chef Gahagan, Chef Coppock and Chef Roberts

wowed the crowd with his unshakable concentration during the hectic round.  Nathan’s creation included placing the scallops over greens, with some sauteed veggie and a delicious sauce drizzle.

 

finalSUNDAY’S CHEF SHOWDOWN FINALS:

At 1pm today at the DAYTON HOME AND GARDEN SHOW at the Convention Center, the three advancing chefs met up for a final round of competition.  This time around they had 25 minutes to turn 5 mystery ingredients into an entree.  As the clock started, it was revealed that shrimp, black beans, asparagus, canned peaches and canned tomatoes were the base for the meal.

Just a few minutes into cooking Chef Mariah’s burner malfunctioned and Chef Matt left his station to assist here, and Chef Candice reached over to pull Chef Matt’s saute pan off the fire, so his food didn’t burn.  This sense of teamwork, even in the middle of a competition, just exemplifies the character of our local culinary community.SHowdown Finalists

Judges Ann Roberts, a local foodie, Alexis Larsen of the DAI and writer for Dayton Daily News and Executive Chef Don Warfe of Christopher’s spent a good 10 minutes, tasting and deliberating and commenting on the expertise of the entrees from all the chefs.  Warfe, who spent time on tv for Gordon Ramsey’s” Kitchen Nightmares” questioned the chefs about the use of ingredients and complimented the flavors of the food.  Larsen shared she “was impressed with the ability of the trio to turn canned ingredients we often have in our pantry to fresh tasting, flavorful meals.”  Ann Roberts had the honor of announcing that the “bread salad” created by Hawthorn Grill Chef/Owner Candace Rinke won her the title of Chef Showdown Championship and $500 cash from the Dayton Home & Garden Show.

 

Judges

Chef House’s Bruschetta with Scallops

Salmon, avocado, and greens from Chef Mariah Gahagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef David Glynn describes his dish

Chef Candice Rinke goes over her creation

Chef Aaron Braun’s Bacon Wrapped Chicken appetizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef David Glynn’s Chicken app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Bucher with Chef Crystal Coppock from Wheat Penny

Jim Bucher talks with Chef Richard Roberts from De’Lish about his Salmon appetizer

Chef Matt Hayden’s winning Indian Pakora appetizer with Tandoori sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judging duties

Round 1: Chef Braun, Chef Glynn and Chef Rinke

Scallop from Chef Nathan Vance from Salar took it to the limit

Round 3: Chef Vance, Chef House, Chef Hayden

Chef Coppock had an excellent salmon appetizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef Richard Roberts made this delicious Salmon on Pita appetizer and used a blow torch

Chef House talks to the judges

Chef Gahagan talks to Jim Bucher and the crowd

Chef Aaron Braun talks about his culinary creation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Top 20 Green Foods of Dayton

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Cobblestone Cafe’s Honey Fried Chicken Salad

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic of that stuff

Happy St Patricks Day from the Food Adventures Crew to you… Today, Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House are getting into the Irish spirit by exploring the colorful green foods of Dayton.  From salads to side items, these menu offerings are luckier than a four leaf clover.

Now may we present with Faith and Begorrah,

 

THE TOP 20 GREEN FOODS OF DAYTON

1) HONEY FRIED CHICKEN SALAD at COBBLESTONE CAFE:  Hungry Jax points to this as one of her favorites.  Not only are the greens crisp and fresh, but the chicken is fried perfectly.  The quaint atmosphere always adds to our Food Adventures at Cobblestone.

 

Saag Paneer – An India Oven Traditional Creamy Spinach dish, you MUST TRY

2) GRILLED KALE SALAD at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  Chef House says this is a “Must Eat.”  One of her “go to” menu items in the Oregon District, it is fresh, delicious and local!

 

3) ASIAGO CRUSTED CHICKEN at ROOST MODERN ITALIAN: When Executive Chef Dana Downs is at the helm, you can expect some divine food.  The pesto linguine and spinach make this dish….

 

4) SAAG PANEER at INDIA OVEN:  Creamy, wonderfully prepared traditional Indian dish served with white, basmati rice.  The fresh, cheesey mixture melts in your mouth.  Want to branch out and try a delicious dish?  Here is your chance.

 

5) MALA PORK from CHINA COTTAGE: Stir fried magic performed by Tiger Wang and his cooking staff.  Green onions and thinly sliced pork tossed in a light brown sauce.  This dish highlights that signature taste, from an iconic Dayton restaurant.  The Big Ragu gives it 2 chopsticks up!

 

6) THE AVOCADO & GOAT CHEESE BLT from LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY:  Drew Trick is serving up the mainstay favorites on his menu, and this is one has a cult following.  Chef House says “you gotta try this sandwich.”  The local ingredients are amazing.

 

Mala Pork from China Cottage – an amazing dish, with a little heat

7) DRESSED GREENS SALAD at WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR:  Known for their pizza, the delightful, delicious salads are the perfect accompaniment or a meal in themselves.  Your choice of dressing drizzled… for rizzle.

 

8) PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: One of the more unique Dayton creations on this list, and one of the most surprisingly delicious.  A soup with a fan following like now other, get in here and try this one-of-a-kind soup.

 

9)  BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS at OLLIE’S PLACE:  A perfect appetizer to go with the unmatched beer selection at this eatery.  Warning- people at your table will want you to share this, so get a couple of orders to pass around.

 

10)  GREEN CHICKEN CURRY at SIAM PAD THAI: A flavorful dish in a flavorful restaurant.  Get it spicy or mild.  The sauce is derived from green chilies, coconut milk, eggplant, bamboo shoots, green beans and bell pepper.

 

Dressed Greens at Wheat Penny – Healthy never tasted so good

11) FRIED GREEN TOMATOES at RUE DEMAINE:  A simple southern side, perfected by a decorated chef.  Try these delicately fried slices, that simply melt in your mouth.

 

12) GUACAMOLE from TAQUERIA MIXTECA:  Authentic mix from the local authority in authentic Mexican cuisine.  If you want guacamole like they make it in Mexico City, then you’ve found the right place.

 

13) GARLIC EDAMAME at KABUKI:  Healthy bean sprouts that slide into your mouth.  This appetizer can be perfectly described as “addicting.”  Simple and so good, it is a perfect warm up for a sushi roll.

 

14) KEY LIME PIE at COCO’S BISTRO: A heartier version of the original, it is almost like a key lime cheesecake.  Go green with this dessert, and make your day special.  The elegant atmosphere adds to the dreamy experience.

 

Deep Fried Asparagus wrapped with bacon

15) SPINACH CON QUESO DIP from DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: The type of appetizer where you fight over the last scoops of dip when the others at the table.  Yeah, it is that damn good.

 

16) CHILE RELLENO from TACO LOCO: Ohh si, si, si!  One of the Big Ragu’s favorite dishes and one of his favorite places.  Not only is this food great and homemade, the prices are extremely reasonable.

 

17) BUTTERCREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES from THE CAKERY:  So good you get a sugar high when you eat them.  Typically decorated in green these cookies are probably the most sinful thing on this list.

 

18) ZUCCHINI TACO BOATS at FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Carved out zucchini, filled with taco toppings, these “boats” are delicious and a healthy spin on tacos.  Get some at the Centerville Flavors and they even make them for healthy “to go” meal plans.

 

 19)  SQUASH SPAGHETTI from FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Thinly shredded squash, made to look like small noodles.  Tasty, healthy and as filling as pasta.  It is a good way to “fool” your tastebuds into thinking you are eating carbs, but it s all healthy squash.

Garlic Edamame at Kabuki

 

20) FRIED PICKLES at THE DUBLIN PUB: What’s a St Patty’s list without an Irish place.  Hand dipped crunchy, pickle slices, battered, deep fried and served with some ranch dip.

 

We are not food critics.. we just love to eat.  Food is our passion, and so are the original events, photos and festivals.

Join the 6,200 passionate Facebook followers of Food Adventures by clicking HERE

 

Pickle Soup at Blind Bobs

Zucchini Boats – “Meals by Flavors”


Chile Relleno – Taco Loco

The Cakery – Buttercream cookie sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shredded squash –

 

Greek Food Truck to Hit Dayton Streets

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“The Greek Street Food Truck” is about to explode onto the streets of the Miami Valley

Food Adventures has super secret info that we have been waiting months to release right here on Dayton Most Metro.  It concerns Dayton’s newest food truck, that will soon make a splash in the Miami Valley.

The scoop is so fresh that their website isn’t up yet, but you can find them on Facebook —>here.

THE GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK is putting the final touches on its menu and final tweaks on operations, but looks ready to roll.

We are excited because this will be the first strictly “Greek Based truck” that we know of and brings further diversity to an already incredible selection of local food vehicles.

So whats the scoop on the new kid in town?  Who is behind the Greek Street Food Truck?

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE OWNER:

— CHEF CHRIS SPIRTOS, owner and operator of Greek Street Food Truck has an extensive cooking background.

Traditional Beef/Lamb Gyro from “Greek Street Food Truck”

— Chris went to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago to hone his craft.  The Centerville native, also  worked at L’Auberge and as a sous chef at Sung’s Korean Bistro in Cincinnati.

— Chris also studied under the Chef for Oprah Winfrey, Chef Art Smith, while living in Chicago.  He was so well thought of, that Chris was flown to Oprah’s California home to help fix a dinner she hosted for the first graduating class of her school in Africa.

— More recently, Chris has worked on the incredible food truck, Zombie Dogz

— Born into a Greek family (his grandparents were from Greece), Chris’ recipe for Baklava is his mom’s, and it is a traditional favorite.

 

What type of eats can you expect on the truck?  Food Adventures  has all the scoop right here.

 

 

Stacked Chicken on the Spindle cooker

Other GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK info:

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON WHAT TO EXPECT:

— The meats are individually layered on a spindle and cooked.  There are no compressed or processed meats.  Just a Beef/Lamb mixture spindle, and a Chicken spindle.  Each gyro is sliced to order.

— The Greek Street Food Truck will have a core menu of:
   Gyros
   Greek Fries  or Regular Fries
   Spanakopita (a Greek spinach Pie)
   An assortment of dips, possibly including hummus
   Homemade Baklava

— The menu will feature daily, revolving specials as well

 

Now, without further delay, let’s give you our menu items from Greek Street Food Truck that are absolutely, “Must Eats”….

 

MUST EATS:

— CHICKEN GYRO, STREET STYLE: Stacked rotisserie chicken breasts slices, piled into a pita and topped with “street style toppings.”  Street style means:  tomato jam, pickled red onions, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, fries, and tzatziki sauce.  Quite honestly, one of the most flavorful and unique gyros we have had.  If you try one thing, this is item to grab.

— BEEF GYRO, TRADITIONAL STYLE:  Shaved slices of stacked lamb and beef rotisserie cooked meat.  This is a throwback to the gyros of the old country with “traditional toppings.”  Traditional toppings are: tomato, tzatziki sauce, onions, smoked paprika and french fries.  This gyro is authentic.  It is like a steak sandwich, no processed meat here.  Damn good food on the “go.”

 

Owner Chris Spirtos of “Greek Street Food Truck”

We are excited for the first Greek themed entry into Dayton’s food truck scene.  The Food Adventure crew of The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax, wish Chris good luck with his “Big Fat Greek Food Truck.”   We think Greek Street will be a huge hit… here’s to you .. OPA !

 

Below are more practically edible photos of the luscious food at Greek Street Food Truck.

For the best photos and info on Dayton’s food scene, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Also, follow Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on the Instagram Food Adventures account by clicking HERE.

The “Street Style Chicken Gyro”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Salad

Website . and Instagram

The Chicken Gyro Street Style is a MUST EAT !

Greek Beef Specialty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek Street

Coming to your city

Spanakopita – homemade

Greek Shrimp

Beef and Lamb meat, stacked and cooking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional or Street Gyro? you cant go wrong

Greek Street Food Truck side view

The pickled onions on street gyro are amazing

Handful of Greek Street Food !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Joke! Apr 1st Food Adventure With Hairless Hare Beer & Company 7 BBQ

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BBQ paired with Hairless Hare Beer

It is going to be a “Hoppy April Fools Day” on April 1st in Dayton.  That is because the Food Adventures Crew is showcasing a dinner teaming up two North Dayton favorites.  Company 7 BBQ will partner with Hairless Hare Brewery for a 5 course, one-night-only dinner!  Hairless Hare is busy brewing four beers to be paired with the five course.

The best thing about this dinner may be the price.  Tickets are pre-pay only and are $25, which includes the tip!

***TICKETS MAY ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE THROUGH THIS LINK—> click HERE 

GREAT LOCAL BBQ:

Company 7 BBQ, in Englewood is known for 7 great, homemade BBQ sauces, and tremendous, slow cooked BBQ meats.   Company 7 has been featured  on national TV with a spot on the Travel Channel’s show “Food Paradise.”  Now it is time for an epic Food Adventure like no other.  The owners are a dad, son and a son-in-law, all of whom are firefighters.  They learned the BBQ craft through slow cooking methods and the fruits of their knowledge are your treat.

 

GREAT LOCAL BEER:

Hairless Hare Brewery, in Vandalia since 2013, is known for pushing the envelope of taste and ingenuity.  Their variety of beers is unmatched.  They experiment with different styles and flavors, and inventiveness is one of their trademarks.    So is quality and consistency.  Food Adventures met with owners Matt Harris and Mike Legg and, their beer pairings will go perfectly with the great BBQ.

Now, lets recap what you need to know about this one-night-only, one-of-a-kind feast for all you local foodies…

April Fools day will bring some BBQ and BEER together… no joke !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Smoked Wings are course #2

WHAT: “HOPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY” DINNER at COMPANY 7 BBQ, FEATURING HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY

WHAT ELSE: 5 COURSE DINNER, MATCHED WITH 4 BEERS 

WHERE:  COMPANY 7 BBQ, 1001 S. Main St., Engelwood, Ohio (St. Rt. 48)

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, APRIL 1st, 2016 at 7:00pm

COST: $25 per person, this includes gratuity.  WHAT A DEAL !  Here is the event on Facebook if you want to join, but remember …

**TICKETS MAY ONLY BE PURCHASED ONLINE BY CLICKING —>HERE

 

COMPANY 7 BBQ MENU:

COURSE 1 : HOMEMADE GUMBO

COURSE 2: SMOKED WINGS

COURSE 3: PULLED PORK SLIDERS with COLE SLAW

COURSE 4: BEEF BRISKET WITH BBQ BAKED BEANS

COURSE 5: HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PIE

 

HAIRLESS HARE BEER PAIRING:

COURSE 1: TPA DOUBLE IPA

COURSE 2: “RYE THE HELL KNOT” PALE ALE – Aromas of bread and mild spice, with a smooth hoppy finish

Brewmaster Tony from Hairless Hare has our beer needs taken care of !

COURSE 3: CAERBANNOG ENGLISH BROWN ALE – Inspired by the rabbit and holy hand grenade from the movie “Monty Python’s Holy Grail”

COURSE 4: COLD WAR RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT

 

There is one more thing…. THE AFTER PARTY moves to the bar!!!  And we negotiated a “hoppy hour…”

COMPANY 7 has 25 beers on tap and EACH BEER WILL BE ON SPECIAL for only $4 a PINT !

The AFTER PARTY is a cash bar, and the owners of both Company 7 and Hairless Hare will be mingling and answering any BBQ or beer questions you may have!

Get your tickets because the private party room has limited seating!  This promises to be the best April Fools event in Dayton !

Please “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here, so you don’t miss any of Dayton’s foodie scoop.

Check out our photos below from multiple visits to both Company 7 and Hairless Hare….

6 sauces.. the 7th sauce is a super secret hot sauce you have to specially ask for

Pork Sliders, BBQ Baked Beans, Texas Toast

Mike , Tony and Matt from Hairless Hare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promo 2

Hungry Jax and Company 7 Owner and firefighter Patrick Murty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vandalias Finest

Beer sprouted bunny ears I thnk

Smoked Wings – ohh pass the sauces

Behold the super secret hot bbq sauce

Wheat beer from the Hare …

Ragu and Jax with 2 of the Company 7 owners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Hairless Hare bar

Mike and Matt

Hairless Hare – many styles

Ragu was here

Tony’s a creative brewer


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Tailgate Buffet” at Vinny’s for Last U.D. Home Game

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Sat. Mar 5th, Doors Open 4:30pm on Dryden Rd

Hey basketball fans.. Vinny’s Bar and Grill on Dryden Rd is offering up their “World Famous Indoor Tailgate Buffet” this Saturday evening from 5:30pm -7:30pm!   All you want local sausages, broasted wings and so much more…

As always, Vinny’s is the place to pre-party, before University of Dayton Flyer Men’s Basketball games.

The Food Adventures Crew will be on hand for what they call an annual “Munch Madness” Food Adventure event.  Also on hand will be Rick from “Ricks Tropical Delight” cooking up  Burgers and Sausages on the Big Green Egg Ceramic Grill.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SATURDAY’S EVENT:

WHAT: “MUNCH MADNESS INDOOR TAILGATE BUFFET PARTY”

WHERE: VINNY’S BAR AND GRILL on 2205 Dryden Rd, in Moraine

WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 5th:   Doors open 4:30pm – Buffet begins 5:30pm

WHY: UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON FLYERS LAST HOME BASKETBALL GAME OF THE SEASON – Pre-party

PRICE: $12 per person for the Indoor Tailgate Buffet – or you can order off the menu a la carte

BUFFET MENU INCLUDES:

Locally made Hot and Mild Polish Sausages, and Bratwursts

— BROASTED CHICKEN WINGS: Trays of wings with sides of bbq, mild and hot sauces

—  HOT & MILD POLISH SAUSAGES: Locally made and grilled on the Big Egg Grill

— BRATWURST: Local ones, grilled on the Big Green Egg Ceramic grill by Rick

— HOMEMADE ROAST BEEF:  Vinny’s secret recipe

— SIDES: (probably Green Beans)

— SALAD:  with various homemade dressings

— SOUP – the homemade soup of the day is always a slam dunk

Don’t want the buffet?  No problem, Vinny’s has a full menu and will be featuring 1/2 pound and 1/4 pound Angus Burgers, grilled on the Big Green Egg.   Rick will also be grilling up Chicken Breasts

All You Want Broasted Wings, 3 Different Sauces

Join us for some great sports grub – Saturday Night’s alright for biting !

Vinny Nyhan and his staff will be fixing some delicious food, do your part and come out !

If you have tickets to the game, this is the place to pre-party.  If you don’t have tickets, feel free to pre-party, then stay and drink some brews while watching U.D. end the regular season with a win.  GO FLYERS !

Win every day by following Food Adventures with Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebok, by clicking here.  Enjoy our weekly articles featuring Dayton’s best food scoop, right here on Dayton Most Metro!

 

The Event

2205 Dryden Rd, Moraine, OH 45439

Vinny – the Big Guy

Food Adventures Crew

Drinks and more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rick for Ricks Tropical Delights on the Ceramic Grill

Broasted Wings

Broasting Machine

Steaming Sausages

Homemade Soup

Inside Big Green Egg

Vinny and his Parents

Vinny and Rick

Great food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out Front

IndoorTailgate Buffet

Chicken wings and more

Big Green Egg – Ceramic Grill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make dinner in 180 seconds? Rapid Fired Does!

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Traditonal! An old classic, the Pepperoni Pan Pizza

We’ve all lived this scenario in one form or another: You’re hungry. Your kids are hungry. Your spouse is hungry. You look in your pantry and you’re dreading making dinner and how long it’ll take to cook something that everyone will actually agree on.   People in your house are getting hungry, and angry … Yes, “Hanger” is setting in.  Things are about to get ugly…  (learn how to win a FREE PIZZA below).

 

Have no fear! Rapid Fire Pizza is here! Finally a place where you can get a personal sized pizzas made your way, fast and fresh and affordable! It’s no secret that our crew of Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House love pizza and Rapid Fired not only puts out a great product, but every time you go it’s a new Food Adventure created by YOU!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Rapid Fire Pizza is the newest endeavor by a collaboration of restaurant entrepreneurs! This foodie dream team consists of Ray Wiley (Co-Founder of Hot Head Burritos) as well as Kelly Gray, Matt Curtis, Tim Tefs, Peter Wiley, and Jim Savakinas all of whom have years of experience in developing local franchises in the Dayton area. This newest pizza endeavor was inspired by the growing popularity of “quick-serve” restaurants that allow for the consumer to have the options of choosing fresh ingredients, fast service and at the right price!

The Sky is The Limit with Toppings

—Rapid Fired Pizza starts you out with choosing your crust (“thin”, “pan” or even gluten free), and all dough is made fresh and in house. Next you have multiple options of toppings including 8 different sauces, 7 varieties of cheese, 9 kinds of meat, and 17 different veggies!  Oh! And Tofu too! They then send it through the rapid oven and BAM! 180 seconds later you have dinner!

— But that’s not all! You can also finish off your pizza with one of 8 different spices and indulge in 14 different dipping sauces!

— Overwhelmed by the options? Don’t worry, the pizza gurus at Rapid Fired have also created 10 different “Craft Pizzas”  and take the stress of the decision making.  There truly is something for everyone!

 

Wait, there’s still more! Let’s just start drooling over our “Must Eats”, shall we?  Drum roll please …..

 

MUST EATS: 

— CREATE-YOUR-OWN PIZZA: Obviously the biggest bonus of indulging in Rapid Fire Pizza is the option to create your own pizza. And at $7.25 each, you can feed your family a dinner that pleases everyone while still keeping it fresh and budget friendly.  They will even split pizzas for you, so you can try one half one way, and the other half another!  Chef House loves loading up with the fresh veggies and hot sauces, Big Ragu is obsessed with putting ricotta cheese on his pizzas, and Hungry Jax has been experimenting with sauces and has become a “regular.”

 

— CRAFT SALADS: Oh yes, you read that right, there’s a salad option too… And they are HUGE! Not only do these guys know how to make a good pizza, they’ve also created 4 different Craft Salads, all under 400 calories. Wanna create your own? You can do that too! For $7.25 you can get a salad big enough to share or fulfill a healthy appetite. Hungry Jax has really been hooked on these,recently.

 

Craft Salads are chopped to make it easier to eat!

Craft Salads are chopped to make them easier to eat!

— WHITE OUT PIZZA: There are 10 “suggested craft pizza recipes” to choose from, but we gotta say that The White Out is a favorite. Topped with their white sauce, mozzarella, feta, grilled chicken, garlic, the White Out is then loaded with fresh arugula after it comes out from the oven!

 

— TACO PIZZA: Want something with more kick? Then the Taco Pizza is clearly a winner for you! This pizza is layered with the taco sauce, Monetary Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, ground beef and then topped with fresh tomatoes and lettuce after it’s done baking

 

— GARLIC BUTTER DIPPING SAUCE:  A creamy, garlicky dip that will embrace just about any combination on their menu!  You have 14 dipping sauces to choose from, and our favorite is the Garlic Butter, but the key is to experiment yourself.  Not sure what sauce to try? Well for one thing, there is no limit, so try them all! But to further assist you on this Food Adventure, they even have a sign identifying pizza and sauce parings that the creates have personally taste tested and approved for your culinary pleasure!

 

The one and ony: BlueBerry Delight Dessert Pie

— BLUEBERRY DELIGHT DESSERT PIZZA: Yup. It’s true, there’s even a dessert pizza! It is a warm, sweet and delicious way to finish off your dinner.  We like to get it to go and let the indulging continue at home. Glasses of Milk welcomed on this one.

 

— GOLDEN MONKEY BEER:  Beer and pizza are a match made in Heaven.  Chef House is a fan of the 24 bottled craft beer selection at Rapid Fired, and she says the best one is the Golden Monkey.  This beer is made in Pennsylvania by Victory Brewing Company, and is a Belgium Tripel.  It has a nice, deep flavor with subtle spices added.

 

— DIGITAL PEPSI SPIRE MACHINE: Not a beer drinker? Don’t worry, they have a state of the art Pepsi Spire (digital fountain machine) allowing you to choose from 120 different beverage combinations.

 

All in all, the folks at Rapid Fired Pizza want to give you a dining experience that can be new and different each time you go there.  They are also rapidly expanding their franchise.  Look for locations popping up in Fairborn, Sugarcreek, Huber Heights and Troy.

 

*** BIG NEWS ***  BEAVERCREEK LOCATION OPENS MONDAY, FEB 29th
2800 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH – right across from Wright State University and in front of the Holiday Inn

TO CELEBRATE, Food Adventures and MOSTMETRO.Com  are GIVING AWAY 4 FREE PIZZA’s for either location.

TO ENTER, JUST COMMENT ON THE STORY BELOW, ON WHY YOU WANT A PIZZA.. A random winner will be chosen at the beginning of next week by random.

The original Rapid Fired Pizza is located at 1008 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, in Washington Township and  coming soon to Sugarcreek Township, Troy and Huber Heights.

So next time you’re out and hunger creeps up on you, just remember, 180 seconds is all that stands between you and dinner!

Please browse the photos below from our various trips to Rapid Fired Pizza.  Are you a Foodie?  Then join the thousands following Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 

Created our own with Pepperoni, Onion, Ricotta, Green Pepper, Mushroom, Tomatoes and Banana Peppers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Love Rapid Fired, because they can make the pizza their way, and it is fun !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside the Centerville Store

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chef House loaded up on Veggies for the “Create your Own” option

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "White Out"

The “White Out”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Ragu always goes Sauce Crazy

Artichokes, Chicken, Peppers and more for Hungry Jax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create your own salads! Hungry Jax with another nice creation.

Signage – custom and clean

Sauces / and pairings

Sauce Zone !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rapid Fired Pizza= Happy kids

Lots of options and hot sauce drizzle

now entering the SAUCE ZONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many good sauces…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mozzarella and Ricotta? HELL YEAH

Careful, some have a kick to them

Decorating it …. our waaaaaaaaaay

Ragu’s Pizza this week….

The Magic Mushroom Pizza

Taco Pizza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29 Spots Serving Up Pancakes For Feb 28th “Day of Caring”

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This Sunday, Feb 28th is a fundraiser for the homeless and hungry

Shelter and food…. we all need it.   We all deserve a warm meal, and a warm, dry place to live, protected from of the elements.
Daytonians who are the most at risk, lack these very basics needs of life.  It is easy to take such things for granted as we go about our business during everyday life.  But this weekend, local volunteers are putting the poor as first priority.  The Annual “A Day of Caring” event  is being held at various Miami Valley religious centers and event spaces.   It will benefit hungry and homeless from local neighborhoods.  Join The Food Adventures Crew Sunday, and support this cause any way you can.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— WHEN: Sunday, February 28th, most breakfast events are starting between 8am-10am, but check the list below

— WHAT: “A Day of Caring,” where over one thousand volunteers from various churches and charities are hosting dozens of Pancake Breakfasts.  One hundred percent of ticket sales go right back to local organizations like Dayton area food banks and Montgomery County housing charities.

 

— WHERE:  CLICK HERE for a list of over 30 sites serving the pancake breakfasts for charity

 

Since 1991 the “Day of Caring” events have raised over $500,000 for local charities.  This year seeks to add another $45,000 to the total.

Please support the “Day of Caring,” with a delicious breakfast

Chef House, Hungry Jax, and the Big Ragu, challenge our fellow Daytonians to get involved with a “Day of Caring” this Sunday, by attending a breakfast, volunteering your time or making a donation directly at this link HERE.

The effect of donations to these local food pantries and housing areas on the community is tremendous.  Help a hungry and homeless neighbor.  Visit one of the participating locations for the “Day of Caring.”

Want to volunteer?  For more information on how you can get involved, go to the Day of Caring Website at http://dayofcaring.us/

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here and catch us EVERY week for articles on DaytonMostMetro .com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Mouths – Qualifying Event at Submarine House

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16 inches of Heaven

 

Hey big eaters, we need you.  It is time to put your money where your mouth is.  The Submarine House  is teaming up with Food Adventures for one hell of a night.  Can you eat a 16 inch sub in 16 minutes?

We are hosting a “Qualifying Event” for the Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge on March 2nd.  Proceeds of this extravaganza will be going to Children’s Hospital charities.  We have 11 participant spots left, but you must signup quickly before they are gone.

Bring us your hungry and huddled masses!

Friends and family are welcome to come support this one night only showdown on North Dixie Drive.  And guess what, our own food blogger, the BIG RAGU has tossed his hat in the ring as one of the participants.  He is throwing down the gauntlet and challenging all Miami Valley area foodies.  Come one, come all…. to The Submarine House!

Will someone get a time good enough to qualify for the store championship?  Could they be on the road to the Super Duper Cheesesteak Championship in April?

Calling all big mouths with big appetites !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Don’t Sing it … Bring it

WHAT: 15 participants (only 11 spots are left, so signup soon) will try to eat a 16inch Super Duper Cheesesteak in 16 minutes or less.  This sandwich is triple the cheese, triple the meat and must be eaten as is with the works toppings!

HOW: You pay for the cheesesteak up front ($22), but if you eat it in under 16 minutes, you get your money refunded and you get a free t-shirt.  You can keep the leftovers if you fail.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 2nd, 5:30pm with a shotgun start to begin the eating at 6pm sharp

WHERE: SUBMARINE HOUSE, 8807 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414

WHY:  Proceeds from the challenge are donated by Submarine House to Dayton Children’s Hospital Charities

WHO: Spectators, family and friends are welcome to come watch the contest and cheer on their favorites

So far we have the following participants, and only 11 more spots are open, first come first serve:

  1. Steve “The Big Ragu” Milano
  2. “The Garlic Champ”  Kevin Sorice
  3. Kelly “The Compactor” Moore
  4. Bryan “Baby Blues” Suddith

For Charity

Special guest Judges/Referees will be Chef House and Hungry Jax from the Food Adventures Crew.

SIGNUP:  SIGN UP FOR FREE, by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 937-380-6723

We would love to see some ladies enter the contest and shame these boys….

Admission to this event is free for spectators and the restaurant will have their regular food/drink menu available. Come eat, drink and laugh with us!

 

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE IS HERE–>click this

There will be door prizes, T-shirt giveaways, HouseMade Sauce prizes, and FOOD ADVENTURES may give away some drinks/food!

Please signup for our qualifier and take on the 16 inch super duper challenge!

The 8807 North Dixie Dr. location on March 2

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE, so you wont miss a moment of Dayton food happenings!

Check out photos below of past Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenges and the delicious Cheesesteaks at Submarine House!

 

 

16 inch Super Duper Cheesesteak means triple everything

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Ragu wants to beat “You” in this challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past Store Champions

Event Summary

Steak Grill

Big Ragu on the right, is ready to take the challenge !

Can you do it in 16 minutes???

Ragu chomps into a cheesesteak

Past champ Kris Mick

So… much… cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Years overall challenge champion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bring friends and family to watch

Last Years Store Champions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austin Landing Cooking Class Features Oils & Balsamics

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Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax cook up a storm of flavors

Calling all foodies and cooks!  Got flavor infused Olive Oils?  How about flavored Balsamic vinegar?  This class does!

On February 17th, The Food Adventures Crew is teaming with The Spicy Olive to bring you a one night,  one-of-a-kind cooking experience.

Attendees can sit back, relax and enjoy seven different plates.  Each one made with fresh olive oils and balsamics, of different specialty flavors.  This is not a “hands on” class, but each dish will be prepared step by step by 3 different cooks, and recipes will be supplied.

Now is your chance to check out the Spicy Olive Oil store and hang out all evening with the Food Adventure Crew!

Join The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House as they share some of their favorite dishes.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHAT:  FOOD ADVENTURE COOKING CLASS at THE SPICY OLIVE

Shrimp Scampi is one of 7 plates being served

WHERE: The Spicy Olive at Austin Landing – 3650 RIGBY ROAD MIAMISBURG, OHIO 45342

WHEN:  Wed Feb 17th, at 6:30pm

COST: $35 per person, limited seating – call 937-247-5969 for tickets

*** PLEASE NOTE, YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN WINE, BOOZE, ETC. to THIS EVENT !

 

HERE IS OUR “MUST EAT” MENU in order by courses:

 1) Appetizer: Prosciutto skewers: Hungry Jax will demo a very simple, yet delicious app, skewering prosciutto, fresh mozz, and cantaloupe and drizzled with espresso balsamic.

2) Salad: Winter fruit salad: Lee Anne will teach how to use supreme blood oranges. The salad will include: Blood oranges, Minneola tangelos and grapefruit with pistachio, goat cheese, fresh herbs and drizzled with the Sicilian lemon white balsamic.

3) Side: Big Ragu will demo Savannah style hoe cakes, using Butter infused olive oil, drizzled with locally made maple syrup.

Join us at Austin Landig

4) Entree: Hungry Jax will cook up her Linguine pomodoro with grilled chicken, utilizing the traditional balsamic as well as your pesto!

5) Entree: Big Ragu will be serving up his awesome Shrimp scampi, over rice, using Garlic infused olive oil and Milanese flavored oil as well for an Italian twist.

6) Entree: Chef House will make us drool with her Pork tenderloin: Pan seared pork tenderloin medallions with a whole grain mustard and Vermont maple balsamic sauce. Served with grilled squash and zucchini.

7) Dessert: Hungry Jax wraps it up with her Chocolate balsamic cupcakes with fresh raspberry buttercream

 

Please join us for this 7 plate Food Adventure in cooking!  Come try the various dishes made with the freshest olive oils and balsamics in Dayton.  Browse the Spicy Olive Store and take advantage of specials.

We will have door prizes, trivia, and fun giveaways.  The class promises to be delicious and fun.

** IMPORTANT: Seating is VERY limited, so call 937-247-5969 to reserve your spot!

For more info on Food Adventures, please check out their Facebook page with over 6,000 loyal fans by clicking HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ariake is the Spot… Raw or Hot!

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Sushi Chef Sasaki

The original owners of Akashi on Harshman Rd. are back with a raw vengeance, literally.  Their newest restaurant, Ariake Sushi Bar is a great spot, raw or hot !

Eat it raw you say?  Great Sushi,  or fully cooked Japanese specialties you say? Hot Soups?  That’s right up our exotic food alley!  Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and Chef House never miss a chance for good Food Adventure.  Expert Chefs and cooks, giving you an authentic taste of Japan.

The restaurant is nestled into a small strip mall across from the Dayton Mall near Prestige Plaza.   Ariake is starting to gain a loyal following and is a fun place to explore the bounds of your tastebuds.  Originally suggested to us by Hungry Jax’s friend Parker, we dove in, mouth first.  After several return visits,  we knew this was a perfect subject for one of our highlight articles.

So here you go, another little secret spot off the beaten path….

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The owner is a wonderful lady named Miko Whigham, who along with Chef Sasaki provide a warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh, quality food and prompt service.

— Ariake Sushi Bar is located at 59 Fiesta Lane in Miamisburg , and are open

Salmon Belly – Grilled perfectly

     TUE – FRI  11am-2pm, 4pm-10pm
     SAT    noon – 10pm
     SUN   noon – 10pm


— Ariake’s specialty is a full Japanese sushi menu of raw sushi rolls, cooked sushi rolls, nigiri (raw fish on rice), and sashimi (raw fish, no rice).  They put the chef’s personality on display with a few original creations like the “University of Dayton roll.”—  Don’t like sushi? There are plenty of other options for you freaks.  Meal sized noodle soups, Chicken Katsu (fried chicken), Bento Boxes of non-sushi options, and fried Tempura vegetables are just some of the alternate food choices.

— If you and a friend are in for sushi, we suggest siting at the sushi bar for an intimate experience, and great conversation with the sushi chef.  If you are in a group of 3 or more, hit the comfortable dining room instead.

Now, drum roll please,  after many visits and trying most of the huge menu, here are our patented “Must Eats” at Ariake !

 

MUST EATS – COOKED:

— SALMON BELLY: Not what you think.  This was a couple of filets of salmon, grilled with the skin attached.  Perfectly seasoned, slightly crunchy from the charring and delicious.  Chef House deemed this as one of her favorites and we agree wholeheartedly.

 

The Squid Salad is a “Must Eat”

— SQUID SALAD with SEAWEED:  Here is where you trust us… Food Adventure time…. take a leap of faith, listen to your mouth and not your mind on this one.  Amazing flavor and one of our favorite things that all 3 of us raved about.  We don’t even know what the name for it is on the menu.  We have been there so many times, they brought it out as a complimentary treat from the kitchen.  It is one of the best things we have eaten at Ariake.

 

— OCTOPUS SALAD aka “TAKO SALAD”:    Yes they call it “Tako Salad,” but is is nothing like taco salad.  Sliced, poached octopus slices in a creamy, spicy mayo sauce.  It is wild, it might seem weird. But it is one of those dishes you say “Wow, that’s really good.”  Go ahead.. go on a Food Adventure.

 

— THE GODZILLA ROLL:  This is pretty much a deep fried Philadelphia roll, of salmon and cream cheese, with some spicy mayo, and green onion toppings.  This is one of Hungry Jax’s favorite menu items.

 

— CURRY UDON NOODLE SOUP: A meal sized bowl, it is perfect for warming up your winter blues.  Homemade noodles, spun in-house, make this a one-of-a-kind delicacy like no other.  And ohhhh man the broth, is tremendous.

 

— CHICKEN  TERIYAKI BENTO BOX:   Pockets of love on your dinner dish.  It is like a tour of Japan on your plate.  From Hibachi Teriyaki Chicken to Tempura Vegetables and Seaweed Salad, this one is a winner.

 

— KANI HAND ROLL: Just 99 cents and comes with cooked imitation crab, zucchini, and rice, all wrapped in rice paper like a mini bugle.  A hell of a deal, thanks to our friend Jason for pointing this out.

 

Honorable Mention:

Fried calamari appetizer- You know it’s good when even the kids devour it

Okinawa Soba – Noodle soup with spare ribs on top, perfect in cold weather

Okinowa Soba – Homemade Noodles and Spare Rib Soup

 

MUST EATS – RAW:

— THE DAYTON ROLL:  One of the most hardcore, meaty rolls we have ever eaten.  Covered in raw ahi tuna, this roll is filling and frighteningly addicting.  This was the Big Ragu’s favorite item.

 

— SPICY TUNA ROLL: Simple, spicy and full of flavor.  We think Ariake really shines on any item where the main ingredient is Ahi tuna.  Call it their “specialty.”

 

— SEA URCHIN NIGIRI: Chopped, tossed in spicy sauce, and wrapped in rice paper.  This is the best way we have ever eaten sea urchin.

 

— UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ROLL: A huge triangular roll that we have never seen anything like before.  With blue and red fish roe, over the white rice and raw tuna, salmon and yellowtail with avocado.  They try to get the university colors, except for the yellow rice paper outside of the roll.  This is the biggest sushi roll we have ever seen.  Lots of rice, lots of good roe…

The Dayton Roll – so much Tuna

 

— ARIAKE ROLL: Part raw, part cooked.  Tempura Shrimp inside, Raw Salmon on top, makes this a colorful roll with sauces splashed on top.  Delicious and filling.

 

— DINNER FOR 2 (SERVED IN WOODEN BOAT): It has raw and cooked items but is a masterpiece of fun.  It is what Food Adventures are made of… from sliced beef, to cooked ngiri, and raw sashimi, this is for people with intermediate sushi experience.

 

We have been here a lot…. so much that they use our Food Adventure photos on their website…  so much that our friends have been married at the owners previous restaurant.  We have a fun relationship with the owners and appreciate their great food.

Dinner for 2 Sushi Boat

Give this locally owned restaurant a try!

Also – “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu as they leave no plate unturned.  Every week, we write a feature article, right here, exclusively for Dayton MostMetro.com.  We write the stories ourselves and use our own, original photos.

Please feel free to browse the photo gallery below from our visits to Ariake Sushi Bar.

Ariake roll (bottom) and other sushi

Ramen Soups

Sea Urchin

Delicious

Curry Udon Noodle Soup

Special Sushi Plate

Octopus Salad

Spicy Salmon roll

Tempura on a boat

Salmon Bento Box

Green Tea Ice cream

Sushi Boat

Sashimi on a boat

Dinner Boat for 2

Lunch at Ariake Sushi Bar

Ramen Soup with Beef

Entry in Miamisburg

Spider Roll

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box

Spoon it

Lots of Kids options

Salmon Bento Box

University of Dayton Roll

Hand Rolls for a buck each

Salmon, Mackrel and Ariake Roll

Potato Appetizer

Shumai appetizer

Salmon, Tuna, Ariake Roll

Sushi Boat

Sunset Roll and Godzilla Roll

Ramen Soup with Beef

Shrimp Tempura app

Chef using blow torch for Sunset Roll

Dayton Roll

Sushi for 2

Ariake Menu

Spider Roll

Hungry Jax eating sushi at Ariake

Spicy Tuna for you

Dayton Made Hot Sauce, Returns Feb 1

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Chef House’s Sriracha is back & we love her Thai Chile earrings

The hot sauce that took the Dayton area by storm, HouseMade Sriracha is coming back…

And HouseMade Sauces has given Food Adventures exclusive scoop on this one.  Maybe because we are cool, or maybe because our own Chef House is the owner and proprietor of the fiercely popular “HouseMade Sriracha Sauce.”  At any rate you can call us the “Pepper-azzi” for this one, because we have the insight on how Thai Chile peppers have affected this Miami Valley favorite sauce.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— HouseMade Sriracha has sold out in stores all over the state, and due to a shortage of imported Thai Chile Peppers, HouseMade has been unable to refill the demand for the sauce for months.

— In the meantime, they developed a Peachy Sriracha using habeneros and a Green Sriracha, using Serrano peppers.  While these sauces gained cult followings, people have still yearned for that flagship sauce, the red sauce, the original “HouseMade Sriracha.” 

New Logo – Same Great Locally Made Sriracha !

— Why the pepper shortage? The Mediterranean fly!   Yes, an insect caused an import restriction meaning no produce from the Dominican Republic was allowed shipped to the USA.  This was the first time since 1989 that the United States has banned produce from that country. The last ban lasted 18 months. This fly attacks our citrus crops. It is divesting here.

But no fear hot sauce addicts.. your cravings will soon be answered, and this sauce will be flying off the shelves !

WHERE YOU CAN FIND HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA STARTING FEB 1st:

SPICE PARADISE: Dayton, Ohio12540959_1209963345683755_6442617605603907411_n

THE SPICE RACK: Dayton, Ohio

GHOSTLIGHT COFFEE: Dayton, Ohio

KEENER BUTCHER BLOCK: Dayton, Ohio

KROGER FRESH FARE: Stroop Rd in Kettering

ARROW WINE: Oakwood and Centerville locations

HEART MERCANTILE: Dayton, Ohio

TROY BULK and BARN DELI: in Troy, Ohio

Chef House is brewing up Thai Chile’s for Feb 1st !

WHATS IN THE FUTURE FOR HOUSEMADE SAUCES?

— Owners Chef LeeAnne House and Jason Kramer are now licensed from the FDA to bottle themselves and will longer have to go to a bottler.  They will oversee the batches and ensure that flavor and consistency you love, will be in every drop.  This is the closest thing to LeeAnne’s “home brew” that you will be able to get.

— CARROT MANGO HABANERO will be the next sauce to hit the shelves sometime in 2016.  We cant wait to try this Food Adventure in a bottle.

 — Continue to find HouseMade Sauces all over Ohio.  They are at various locations in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and of course Dayton.

— Look for continued national growth.  HouseMade is currently available in retail spots in Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia.

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

HouseMade has won some regional and national Hot Sauce Competition Awards:

2014– WINNER of the specialty chili category at the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival in Louisiana.

2014 –  1st Place – Small Business Accelerator Contest in Columbus, Ohio

2015 – GRAND CHAMPION of the Cajun Hot Sauce Fest, in Louisiana for their Hot Honey

2015 – 1st Place Jungle – Jim’s Weekend of Fire, Specialty Chili Category for their Hot Honey

 

We cant wait to start pouring Sriracha on our eggs, wings, sandwiches, soups, chicken, seafood, vegetable and everywhere else we find a need.  If you have not gotten your hand on this sauce yet, you are missing a great taste of Dayton ingenuity.

We hold up a bottle of HouseMade Sriracha and toast you all:  “May it heat up your nights, and heat up your days, and tickle your taste buds in many ways.  Hold up your bottles and lets take a tally, here’s to the best  hot sauce in the Miami Valley!

 

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook for more scoop on Miami Valley food that will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off!

Until then, browse the photos below of the beloved Dayton made Sriracha sauce that will be back on shelves and restaurant menus next month.

 

Cartoon Version of Chef House

Everyone loves HouseMade Sriracha Sauce !

Logo of HouseMade Sauces

LeeAnee House and Jason Kramer of HouseMade Sauces

Stir it up

Thai chile Peppers are BACK !

Big Ragu toasts Dayton’s favorite Hot Sauce

Pulling the stems off of peppers

The Beginnings of Making HouseMade Sriracha

Hard or Soft ? K & R Pretzel Bakery asks… + win $20 worth of Pretzels

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Second Generation owners of K & R Pretzel Bakery, sister and brother team of Pattie & James Glaze are now serving Hard Pretzels too !

For the first time in 10 years, the K & R Pretzel Bakery is offering Hard Pretzels, made on site.  Yes, it is true, you can have them hard or soft now.

We are also giving away $20 worth of product from this bakery, just comment below for a chance to win.

Have you been to this bakery?  It is in a neighborhood, near the corner of Patterson and Woodman Dr.  It is one of the most interesting Food Adventure spots we have ever encountered.  And we discovered, there is a lot to love about this place.

K & R reminds many Daytonians of their childhood elementary school days, and 10 cent pretzel Tuesdays.  These exact pretzels were the ones we ate as kids.  We are very happy to have found the place where they make these soft bites of heaven.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Tucked into a neighborhood at 1700 Flesher Avenue in Kettering,  is a humble building with a great products and a great prices.  They are open Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm, and Sat 11am-4pm.

— K & R Pretzel Bakery is a family owned business and the entire operation is based on a huge soft pretzel making machine, and a hard pretzel stone oven.

The Hard Pretzels now being served at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flescher Ave, near the Woodman and Patterson intersection

— Started in 1967 by Karen & Ralph Glaze, hence the K & R name, Ralph learned pretzel making from a German pretzel maker.  In their heydey, they manufactured 7,000 pretzels a day.

— Today the bakery is run by the next generation, siblings Pattie and James Glaze.  The friendly duo have carried on the tradition of their parents.  If you have not been here, you are missing out on a piece of Dayton nostalgia.

— The machine which cooks the tremendous soft pretzels on a conveyor belt method.   Simple huh?  Make good pretzels,  and they will come.  They have perfected the treat, and K & R’s Soft Pretzels, are some of the best we have ever eaten. (Although Chef House is a die hard fan of Smales Pretzel Bakery)

 

GET THEM HARD-  Here’s how they get them hard at K &R Pretzel Bakery:

— The old brick oven is heated up, and the soft pretzels and dried out until hard.  The oven is about as big as a closet, and looks very old fashioned. (Did you know hard pretzels were discovered by accident when a baker fell asleep and cooked the pretzels too long?)

They have fired up the old brick oven and started making Hard Pretzels again after over a decade !

— The hard pretzels are packaged into bags of 20 each, and sold for $4.00

— WARNING! When we say “hard,” these babies are hard!  Great for dipping in all kinds of dips, cheese, mustard, or even beer!

 

GET THEM SOFT-  Here is the process K & R uses to make some of the world’s most delicious soft pretzels:

— First, they brought a tray of already twisted pretzels out and laid them on the metal conveyor belt at the front of the machine.

— The pretzels get a water bath then they are hand salted before they enter the machine’s oven.

— The pretzels then make their way through oven part of the machine and come out piping hot at the end.  In  fact, they are so hot you can barely hold on to them.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you can choose with salt, without salt or light salt.

The Big Ragu will go on record as saying “K & R has the best Soft Pretzels in the world.”

Watching this machine work is a mini-event in itself.  It is a great place to bring kids, as it has a slight, old Willy Wonka feel to it, and it is a memorable place with lots of personality.

Our important tip on the soft pretzels: The fresher these pretzels are, the better they taste.  It is better to eat them now than later.  They even sell various packaged sauces for dipping your pretzel, but we like them plain or with mustard.

Oh but wait, there’s more …. K & R Pretzel Bakery also has one of the most extensive offerings of “old time” candies we have seen recently.  Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House share some of their favorites below.

Win $20 worth of pretzels by commenting below, we will pick a winner at random next week.

 

OTHER MUST EATS:

— CANDY CIGARETTES:  Where else on earth can you corrupt your nieces or nephews with some candy cigarettes for only 25 cents a pack?  At that price, the candy cigarettes are a steal.

Who remembers Candy Buttons on paper ?

— CANDY BUTTONS:   As a kid, do you remember candy buttons on a piece of paper?  They have the exact same candies as K & R Pretzel Bakery.

— SWEDISH FISH: Chewy and flavorful, just like you remember them.  They might pull out a filling or a loose tooth, but the taste is worth it.

— BUBBLE GUM CIGARS: Green, yellow, pink and other colors, the gum cigars were always  favorite.  Your jaws will be sore after taking this trip down memory lane.

— CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS:  White or milk chocolate covered pretzels.  You can’t go wrong here with this treat.  Best served around the holidays, or tucked into a bag somewhere so you can indulge yourself.

 

Honorable Mention: K & R Pretzel Bakery has popcorn for sale too.  The popcorn, popped on site are in little or large bags.

Hard to find, Nostalgic Candy like “Sugar Babies”

They even have a cooler with cold soft drinks.  

The bakery is old and unique.  It is different and some may say odd, but we love this place.  They maintain their roots and the pretzels have the same great taste with a recipe that is unchanged for decades.   Every time we are in the area, we try and stop by for a pretzel or three.

Now, how do like them Hard or Soft?  Get down there and find out.  Order your pretzels today!

Please browse even more photos of the bakery below.

WANT A CHANCE at $20 WORTH OF PRODUCTS at K & R PRETZEL BAKERY?

JUST COMMENT BELOW AND ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM NEXT WEEK.

Like this article?  Food Adventures writes feature articles, every week, right here on DaytonMostMetro.com , highlighting local eateries, festivals, food stops and more.  Join the more than 5,000 fans following us on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Soft Pretzels

Bags of Hard Pretzels for Sale

Bubble Gum Cigars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Ragu getting some pretzel goodness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pattie takes fresh pretzels from the machine and bags them up

The machine that makes the pretzels

Mustard with that?

Bakery at 1700 Flescher Ave

Candy cigarettes for 25cents

Incredble

Satellite Wafers

Popped on site

Chocolate covered

Size comparison

Old oven with Hard Pretzel Racks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signage

Swedish fish

Soft or Hard? SOFT on this one

Hand thrown salt

Up close

Dogs and Burgs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kookabura lives in the old gum tree

Slices

Soft Pretzels since1967

 

 

Pretzel Bath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton Restaurants That Give Back

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Chef TJ and Owner Joe Castellano of Amber Rose, one of the most charity supporting restaurants in Dayton

We love living in Dayton, Ohio… a close knit community that pulls together to help their poor, impoverished, down trodden and those suffering temporary crises.   Lots of companies give not only during “the season of giving,” but year round.

Today, Food Adventures takes time to recognize some of the Miami Valley eateries that we have witnessed supporting numerous charities, year after year after year.  These are some of the biggest givers, the most generous folks, but it is certainly not the complete list.  These eateries give not only in the Christmas season, but support many charities, year round.

Let us first preface this article by saying that many, many local restaurants support various causes and give willingly to numerous charities. We realize that some of these establishments may have been missed in this article, but that does not diminish their impact on the community.

 

Without further delay, Food Adventures presents a list of some of the biggest givers, in alphabetical order:

 

LOCALLY OWNED:

Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp from Archer’s Tavern and Stone House Tavern have immersed themselves in Dayton charities

Here are the locally owned restaurants that go above and beyond when it comes to charitable generosity:

 

AMBER ROSE: From the Ronald McDonald charities, to local performing arts charities, Amber Rose has a firm involvement in the community.  They even have hosted events for Catholic women’s charities, Dayton Children’s Hospital and more.  You can see owner Joe Castellano and his workers at many charity and social events throughout the year.   They support the community quietly and never toot their own horn.  They have also catered for and supported charities like the Dayton International Peace Museum and the local Habitat for  Humanity. The list goes on and on..

 

ARCHERS TAVERN:  This popular Centerville restaurant also leads the food scene in community involvement.  Owners Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp dive in and help many local causes, donating lots of gift cards and money.  Their philosophy is when you give, it comes back to you.  Small charities like Hannah’s Treasure Chest or local Alzheimer associations, no charity is too small or too big, and Archer’s helps a lot of them.  They even donate to local charities with their everyday menu “wing challenge.”  On May 9th, 2016, Archer’s plans on leading a charity event, Pro-Am, with celebrities such as Ickey Woods called Dayton Fairways for Airways Celebrity Golf Classic at NCR Country Club , benefiting the Jovante Woods Foundation.   Food Adventures will be involved as well… stay tuned…

 

Beavercreek Pizza Dive owner Teresa Geraci & Food Adventures’ Chef House, work the Monday buffet for charity

BEAVERCREEK PIZZA DIVE:  Each Monday evening, they host an all you can eat pizza buffet for charity.  They call it their “Serve Pizza, Do Good,” project.  We call it a delicious and filling way to support local causes.  Food Adventures has volunteered as guest pizza makers in the past to raise money for local charities like the “Miami Valley Pit Crew” and “Dayton Daybreak.”

 

BILL’S DONUTS: The best donuts in the world are made by some of the most caring people in the world.  Siblings Lisa and Jim Elam have carried on the family business and tradition of giving to the community.  They have sponsored dozens of kids baseball teams over the decades, and soccer teams too. They support the Blue Star Moms and Mackenzies Lemonade Stand, and so many more charities.  One of their biggest giving events is the annual Superhero 5k Donut Run for “A Special Wish Foundation.”  Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro are planning on being a part of this event every year.

 

Lisa and Jim Elam pose with the kids before the Superhero Run for “A Special Wish Foundation”

BRIXX ICE CO.: Owner Chris Bhai is an unsung hero for Dayton charity involvement.  He is another proprietor who flies under the radar, supporting local causes at every turn.  Charities such as Dayton’s domestic violence resource called the Artemis Center, 5 for the kids, and the local Leukemia Lymphoma Society have benefited from their donations.  Whether hosting events, or helping cater, Brixx is a solid supported of the Miami Valley.  If we listed all the local non-profits that Brixx helps, we would be here all day.

 

Chris Bhai, owner of Brixx, is one of the most giving restaurateurs in the Miami Valley

CAKE, HOPE and LOVE: Mike and Shannon Teague, owners of this bakery, started with just one cake pan.  Now their reach is across the Miami Valley.  They have a“Wall of Hope” on their website, where each month, they help a new local charity.  Hospice of Dayton and The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton are just 2 of the area charities they have helped recently.  They also make countless donations of free product to charities like www.nohungrykid.org.  Another example of good people doing good things for the Dayton community.

 

CASSANOS:  Cassano’s latest generation, Lora, Chip and Chris, have continued their father’s and grandfather’s legacy in recent years.  That legacy is a continued tradition of community involvement and charity work.  Their “Cassano’s Cares” Foundation” has recently given tens of thousands of dollars to the local Spinal Muscular Atrophy foundation or “SMA.”  The corporation has also given to and supported Grandview Hospital’s “Victor J. Cassano Health Center.”  Other medical donations recently have gone to the Kettering Medical Breast Evaluation Centers.  The Cassano family has also given away thousands of pizzas to charity each year.  It is great to see a Dayton icon so involved in future of the Gem City.

 

Chip and Chris Cassano with Pete Rose on their 60th Anniversary promoting a fundraiser for the Cassano’s Cares Foundation

CHAPPY’S TAP HOUSE:  These guys continually hold events through the year as on site fundraisers for like selling old glassware for the Leukemia Lyphoma Society or doing a pint night to fight Prostate Cancer.   They are always seen supporting various charity events, and never stop giving to the local cause.  Good food, good beer and a company that gives back to the community.

 

DUBLIN PUB:  These guys always lend a hand when charity involvement is needed.  From donations to collecting Toys for Tots, they make a “yoemans effort.”  The support the Dayton United Rehabilitation Services charity, and have even held fundraisers for a competitor’s bar owner, who had cancer.  Holy Trinity Church and Dayton’s Alzheimers Association have been some of the charities that benefited from previous St Patty’s Day parties.   Thanks to restaurants like this, local charities get that shot in the arm they need to serve the Miami Valley.

 

FIFTH STREET BREWPUB:  Talk about year round commitment, these guys offer a guest bartending spot every Monday for charity.  They also donate a portion of that night’s food receipts to the cause of the week.  This is one of the coolest business philosophies and ensures that every week, Dayton area residents can help their favorite charity.  Did we mention the great venue, food and beer selection?  This brewery also has some of the friendliest staff in town.  Manager Dave Tickel and his crew are second to none.

 

Fifth St. Brewpub manager Dave Tickel with Food Adventures’ Chef House & Hungry Jax on guest bartending night for House of Bread

FRESCO CATERING: Owner Jenn DiSanto is an amazing chef, a wonderful mom and a true inspiration.  She used her own personal triumphs as motivation to host events to help causes like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Dayton.  Jenn has organized some unforgettable charitable dinner events such as “Plating a Night of Hope.”  She also volunteers at various local schools to teach cooking classes for kids.  Chef Jenn is very active in the community and is always giving back. She regularly donates her time, talents and money to several local non-profit organizations, including breast cancer charities.  She has inspired many through her successful fight with the disease.   Being an animal lover, SICSA Pet Adoption Center is another charity close to her heart.  Jenn has been a chef all over the world, and we are lucky this gem eventually landed in the Gem city.

 

GHOSTLIGHT COFFEE: Not many people are as involved in the Dayton community as owner Shane Anderson.  He uses Ghostlight Coffee as a venue to showcase local artists and arts of all types.  From hosting songwriter events that benefit the local Dayton Food Bank, serving up coffee at Masquerage, or  providing a place for local charities to host their events, Ghostlight Coffee is a godsend to many who are fighting for a local cause.  From music to poetry and everything in between.  It seems as if we are seeing Ghostlight at about every charitable event, supporting causes in one way or another.

 

Chef Jenn DiSanto & The Big Ragu. Jenn has a great sense of humor, a giving heart, & makes some of the best food in the world

THE MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT:  Chef and owner Elizabeth Wiley is a pillar of the community.  Besides providing exceptional food at her restaurant, she is involved with countless local causes.  She supports them with her time and money.  For example, Chef Wiley judges the Springfield Food Truck Rally for charity. This benefits the Springfield Rotary Club’s charitable causes, including Services to People with Disabilities, Polio Plus and the International Project in Lesotho, Africa.  Meadowlark is also a big supporter of Dayton Pride and the Greater Dayton LGBT Center championing the cause for equality, locally.   Meadowlark’s chartible reach extends to other programs such as Dayton Public Radio’s Discover Classical, American Institute of Food & Wine,  DaytonNightOut.com and so many others.

 

ONE BISTRO: This place promotes taking care of your neighbor. Dayton’s only “pay what you can afford” or “pay it forward” based restaurant, it is charitable in it’s nature.  The staff is even made up with volunteers.  You can volunteer to earn meals for yourself.  Or you can volunteer as a donation of your time. Owners Robert and Kim Adamson business is driven by their faith in God and community involvement.  We can think of no better cause than feeding the area’s hungry children and adults.  One Bistro’s also donates to the area Red Cross’ Disaster Response Team.

 

Big Ragu with Ghostlight Coffee owner Shane Anderson. Shane generously donates his venue, time and resources to many local causes

SCRATCH CATERING:  For years, Chef Matt Hayden has made terrific BBQ and gourmet meals.  He has also donated to many area causes.  From Dayton History events, to the Fleur’s Et Vin event for AIDS Resource Center Ohio.  Scratch Food has left their imprint on the Dayton area, catering for many charity events.  One such cause is the “Suzy Pender Memorial Fund,”  which provides teddy bears to children at Miami Valley Hospital as a way to comfort them.   Scratch Catering has provided the food for the Pender golf outing fundraiser for the past 15 years.  Unprallelled generosity and dedication is what you find from the owners, here.

 

STONE HOUSE TAVERN:  They are involved in many aspects supporting the Waynesville community.  Stone House supports everything from kids athletic teams, to charitable gift card donations.  They are currently partnering with Archers Tavern for the May 9th “Fairways for Airways” golf outing Pro-Am featuring sports stars like Ickey Woods.  The event will benefit the Jovante Woods Foundation.   We believe in supporting business like this that give back to Dayton in so many ways.

 

THE SUBMARINE HOUSE:  Last year this restaurant donated over $15,000 to Children’s Hospital, at their “Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge” event.   Restaurant owners Jason and Brody Tanner, oversaw the event and check presentation to the hospital.  This event is held annually and the crowds and donations have grown each year.  Great grub, and a great cause, you haven’t been to a charity event until you’ve watched a fellow Daytonian wolf down a 16 inch sub in 2 minutes.  But hey, “it’s for the kids.”

 

The talented Matt Hayden, owner of Scratch Catering is equally witty too. He is a pillar of the local charity community

WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR:  Chef Liz Valenti and Chef Elizabeth Wiley are known for their work and generosity at Meadowlark restaurant in the past.  As Chef Liz branched out to run Wheat Penny, they have continued the tradition of giving.  Upon their opening they hosted charity nights for The Artemis Center, SICSA Pet Adoption Center and The  Food Bank of Dayton, respectively.   Other charities supported in the past have been Yellow Springs Pride, GLSEN Dayton Chapter, and AIDS Resource Center Ohio, to name just a few.  Not only is Dayton lucky to have such talented chefs, but we are lucky to have such generous supporters of various Miami Valley causes.

 

YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY: Yellow Spring’s favorite farm is big on charity.  From a free Wool Gathering, to a Bike Tour for charity, that supports 4 charities, including United Rehabilitation Services of Dayton.   They always seem to have something going on.  Young’s even hosts a “Cheddar Challenge 5k” benefiting The Antioch University Midwest Scholarship Fund.  All this, while continuing to serve some of the area’s most delicious ice cream.

 

ZOMBIE DOGZ: Local couple Lee and David VanArtsendalen are always giving back to the community.  These owners of Zombie Dogz are always saying “yes” to favors, donations and appearances for good local causes.  Lots of these causes involve animals and dogs.  Like the “Furry Skurry 5k” for the Dayton Humane Society or the Dog Wash for the Battle Buddy Foundation which provides service dogs to veterans.  Just some or their other fundraising appearances have included Harrison Township Trustees’ National Night Out against Crime,    Kettering Funk Lab Dance Studio benefiting the dance team, AMVETS,  Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Stonespring Transitional Care Center police fundraiser, a 5k benefit for Miami Valley Hospital’s Children Intensive Care Unit, Harrison’s Heroes foundationds benefit for the NICU unit at Dayton Children’s Hospital.  They even make stops at local schools and churches.  It is great to see this popular food vendor, with the most inventive and delicious hot dogs, supporting so many local causes.

 

Zombie Dogz has used its success to support many local charities. Thank you David & Lee VanArtsendalen for your hard work.

THE CHAINS:

Here are some of the Dayton area chain restaurants, that give the most locally:

BONEFISH:  Quietly giving and supporting many charity events, we have noticed Bonefish’s involvement on the local level.  They are a sponsor for a local golf outing for Hannah’s Treasure Chest.   Other charities they support include Catholic Social Services, ARC Ohio’s Red Table Gala, and Life Essentials to name just a few.  They also donate countless gift cards to local requests, and are always open to lending a hand.

 

BRAVO! CUCINA ITALIANO:  Bravo will work with various local charities for “dine and donate” nights and give 10% of food revenue to the cause.  They host such events as “Breakfast with Santa.”   From this event, they culminate a winter clothing drive for local shelters and $1 from each buffet sale goes to charity.

 

BRIO TUSCAN GRILL: Brio hosts and donates food to many local events.  For example The Greene Daybreak event, to benefit Dayton Daybreak.  They also sponsor the “Derby Day Brunch” to benefit The Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Fund.  These are just some of the events they cater and support each year.

 

Ted Tolliver owner of the Jersey Mike’s Dayton stores and Regional Manager Larry, have donated tens of thousands to Dayton charities.

CITY BBQ: A regional chain out of Columbus, people really love their BBQ.  We also love when the delicious food is catered to local charity events.  City BBQ is at many of these outings.  They also do a ton of internal donations to Veterans charities, Future Farmers of America (Ohio), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Local cancer organziations, and Food Rescues.  They also offer 25% event donations to school and booster groups as well as charities.

 

FIREHOUSE SUBS:  These guys are known for their charity mission statement. Their Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donates money for equipment for local firefighters.  In October 2015, they celebrated a donation of  $39,000 to the Kettering and Fairborn Fire Departments. Since the Foundation’s inception, they have donated $650,000 to Ohio Fire Stations.

 

JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS:  Ted Tolliver owns the local franchises and he gives back to the community with  passion.  He has supported United Rehabilitation Services of Dayton in the past.  In fact, upon each store opening he offered 10,000 free subs for a $1 donation to URS.  Also, each year, during the month of March, customers are invited to come in to their local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to a local designated charity partner. The campaign culminates in Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving, a nationwide event.  This day 100 percent of the day’s sales are donated to each local charity partner. Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $8.3 million for charities throughout the country.  Ted has continually supported the United Rehabilitation Services of Dayton  as his partner charity.

Submarine House donted over $15,000 to Dayton Children’s hospital last year.

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE, MORAINE:  From pancake breakfast benefits, to event donations, Longhorn is carrying on the tradition of the late manager, Bob Medlin, by continuing to donate to dozens of causes each year.  If we listed all of the charities, it would run for pages.  Dayton Hospice Walk, Shoes for the Shoeless and Brief Blessings, Back2Back Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters program of the Greater Miami Valley, Miracle League of Dayton are just of few of the dozens of causes they support.

 

Mike and Shannon Teague run their cake shop, “Cake, Hope and Love,” as one of the most giving businesses in Dayton

Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are proud to give a shout out to these fine people of Dayton who are making a difference in everyday people’s lives.  Food Adventures would also like to say “Thank You” to these organizations, and a thank you to Dayton Most Metro for giving us a vehicle to present our weekly food scoop.  Make sure you support these eateries that support the community.

There you have it, our list of some of the most generous and charitable restaurants.

DID WE MISS ANYONE ??  IF SO, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW, TO MAKE US AWARE OF THE CHARITABLE ESTABLISHMENT.

In the meantime, feel free to browse our gallery and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking “HERE”

Happy New Year to you all !

Longhorn Steakhouse – the late great Bob Medlin lends a hand to March of Dime’s walk for babies

Chef Elizabeth Wiley uses Meadowlark and Wheat Penny often to support Miami Valley charities

Chef Liz Valenti and Wheat Penny support many Dayton Area causes, like this event for the local Leukemia Lymphoma Society

 

Young’s Dairy – eat their food like this tuna sandwich & cheese curds and know it will come back to the community

Firehouse subs – supporting local firefighters

 

 

 

 

2015: The Year in Dayton Food

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

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

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

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

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

HERE WE GO …………..

 

WHO SIZZLED ONTO THE SCENE in 2015?

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT RESTAURANTS THAT CLOSED THEIR DOORS in 2015?

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Italian Wedding Cake from the now closed Rinaldo’s Bakery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

And Dayton’s #1 Chili is ….

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Meadowlark’s Squash and Brisket Chili. Smoky with a good amount of kick!

The local AMBUCS charity hosted Dayton area’s biggest chili cookoff last month at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  More than 20 area restaurants and cooks battled it out, head to head and vote to vote.  The Food Adventures Crew was on hand again to sort through the winners.

Today, we are here to share the winning bowls, and find out “WHO HAS THE BEST STEAMING CHILI IN DAYTON?”

 

But first, why is everyone cooking and for what cause ?

WHAT IS AMBUCS CHARITY?
 AMBUCS stands for “American Business Clubs.”  The organization’s mission is to  provide therapeutic tricycles to children and adults with disabilities.  It is a a nonprofit charity with a diverse membership dedicated to creating mobility and independence for all people with disabilities.  

AMBUCS Members put the mission into action in their own community by:

  • Providing Amtryke therapeutic tricycles to individuals unable to operate a traditional bike
  • Awarding academic scholarships for therapists
  • And performing various other forms of community service for people with disabilities.

Currently, there more than 5,000 AMBUCS members spread throughout over 140 chapters in 30 states and growing.

Food Adventures has been a proud supporter of the AMBUCS event since 2010, judging, dealing blackjack, gambling and getting our drink on for a great cause.

Christopher’s Restaurant had 2 entrants: Venison chili and White Bean

Now on to the food…..

 

WHO HAS THE BEST CHILI IN DAYTON ???

Now without further delay, let’s announce the Food Adventure’s final “Critic’s Choice” selection of best chili and compare them to the public’s votes !

Hungry Jax took the roll of lead taster this year, tried every chili and liked them all.  Some incredible cooks were in the house…. But we have to pick the best so, here is our undeniable list of the 5 best chili’s of Dayton !!

#1 CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT‘S CHICKEN AND WHITE BEAN CHILI: A great balance of chicken, broth and the mild bean flavors.  Comfort food at its finest.

#2: MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT‘S SQUASH AND BRISKET CHILI:  Smoky, with just the right amount of kick!  Chef Wiley knocked this outta the park.

#3 SCRATCH EVENT CATERING: A delicious chili with tender brisket.  It was served with sweet cornbread,  and followed with a dollup of jalapeno sour cream.  Chef Matt Hayden, you are a flavor master !

#4 MURPHY’S IRISH PUB: Made with an Irish Stout beer, which was a great, unique flavor.

#5 HARRIGAN’S TAVERN: Awesomely Spicy! This one lit up our tastebuds!

Honorable Mention: Flanagan’s Chicken Chili, Christopher’s Venison chili, Deer Slayer’s chili and Eaton Kennedy’s chili which was some sweet heat!

Let’s see how the public voted as compares to the Food Adventures picks !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to SCRATCH EVENT CATERING for the top spot as people’s best choice for chili.  The event was fantastic and the table games were a blast.  Congrats to AMBUCS on another great year.   The real winners as always at the local residence who are helped to be more mobile and therefore live a more fulfilling life.

Make sure you mark your calendars and come out next November, to see them defend the title against Dayton’s finest cooks.

Browse the photos below of the 2015 AMBUCS Chili cookoff . Want more local Food Adventures? Then  “like” Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu on Facebook HERE.

Do you agree or disagree with the chili choices?  Comment below and be heard below and tell us who has the best chili in Dayton !

Deer Slayers Chili ! Super tender venison, mild but flavorful!

Raffle prizes for charity !

The Deer Slayer and his wife, with a bowl of their famous chili

Some of the past Entrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murphy’s Irish Pub made with stout beer!

Harrigan’s Tavern Chili – Awesomely Spicy !

Wine up for winning by disk toss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eaton Kennedy’s chili – Sweet heat

Scratch Catering: chili with sweet corn bread, tender brisket, followed by jalapeno sour cream

Flanagan’s Chicken Chili

AMBUCS 2015 Chili cookoff is about to being !

Chefs from Christopher’s Restaurant in Kettering

AMBUCS also served their own chili dogs !