Food Adventures

Favorite ‘Kids Eat Free’ Places in Dayton

August 22, 2013 By Dayton937 7 Comments

Still feeling it in the pocketbook from all those back to school clothes and supplies? Then listen up, because we have some Food Adventure scoop for you.

We have compiled a list of The Big Ragu’s and Crew’s favorite “Kids Eat Free” places. Gather up the gang, but make sure you know these basic guidelines:

— Generally each “free kid’s meal” is earned with 1 paying adult. So if you are in the Brady Bunch, it looks like only Bobby and Cindy get free grub. Well, unless you bring Alice and Sam the Butcher.

— Also, there are age limits on the “kids” (typically 10 and under). Don’t expect your Senior Prom King son to get a zero cost meal anytime soon. Make him mow some lawns or something.

Without further ado, here are our favorite KIDS EAT FREE spots in the Dayton area.

Whether your kids are angels or brats, it won’t cost you a dime at these Miami Valley eateries:

STEAK THYME: Kids eat free Wednesdays after 5pm at this underrated restaurant in Kettering. May we suggest a cheesesteak? If not, how about a burger or gyro ?

LA PINATA: Niño’s eat free every Sunday at this hot spot in Centerville. Kids love the free chips and salsa. It really doesn’t matter what they order, it will be a delicious combo of corn tortilla, beans, rice and cheese. Great, cheap Mexican food here!

THE SUBMARINE HOUSE: Kids eat free everyday after 4pm at this East Coast style sub shop . We don’t suggest they try the super duper cheesesteak challenge until they are 21. Instead they will want to go with winners like the cheese pita pizza or the chicken tenders and fries.

FRICKER’S: Every frickin day, kids 10 and under eat free. Wings, chicken chunks, boneless wings and burgers are the most popular. Gourmet kids love the Frickin Chicken Pizza.

OINKADOODLEMOO: Tuesdays, kids eat free in the Oakwood restaurant. That is a good deal, because good bbq isn’t cheap.

SKYLINE CHILI: Wednesday nights, kids eat free! Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that this Cincinnati style chili place is an acquired taste. Finicky kids will eat the plain hot dogs all day long !

DE’LISH CAFE: Kids eat free Thursdays until 8pm. This is an upscale bistro, with some gourmet dishes. Show your kids the great food photos on the website, before you go there.

FLYBOY’S DELI: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8pm, no cost for kiddos. Like the marquee says, “Eat in New York City, without leaving historic Dayton.” They offer 4 pizza choices and 4 panini choices. From Buffalo chicken pizza to ham sandwiches, make sure you take them to the rooftop seating area for a fun Food Adventure.

Kids Eat Free every Frickin’ Day at Frickers

EARTH FARE: Thursdays 4-8pm, kids eat free. The organic, gluten free and healthy food choices here are endless.

WG GRINDERS: Kids eat free everyday. This Columbus based eatery has great sub sandwiches. Some are colossal creations!

CHAIN FAVES:
QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL – Fun atmosphere at Qdoba where after 4pm on Sunday nights, you guessed it, kids eat free !! Get the kids involved topping their own “lil burrito.” Good, Mexican street food and it’s pretty healthy!
BEEF O’BRADY’S -Already a kid’s paradise, this place features a ‘kids eat free’ night on Tuesdays from 4-8pm. The chicken nuggets always score a touchdown with the little ones.

ALMOST FREE:
LAROSA’S – Kids get unlimited spaghetti dinners for 99cents on Mondays and Tuesdays ! Buddy LaRosa’s gang will make your kids smile with this deal. We see sauce stained cheeks in your future.

Kids Eat Free at La Pinata on Sundays !

Nothing beats good free food. It is a great money-saver for families on a budget. So take advantage of these deals, especially at the restaurants you may already frequent. Maybe there is such a thing as a free lunch!

Want more food, fun and serious eats with couple of kids at heart? Check out FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook, HERE !

Browse the photo gallery below from some food shots from our favorite KIDS EAT FREE places. Did we miss one? Which “kids eat free” spots are your favorites? Comment below and let us know !

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Tank’s Bar & Grill: An Original Dayton Food Adventure

August 8, 2013 By Dayton937 7 Comments

Wednesday’s Special: Roast Beef Hot Shot a “Must Eat”

Some things are just Dayton born and Dayton bred. Tanks Bar & Grill on 2033 Wayne Avenue is a Dayton icon, much like The Wright Brothers, U.D. Arena and Dr. Creep. Opened in 1987 by Dan “Tank” Tankersley, the restaurant has become legendary in a short time. Although named for the owner, Tank’s name fits well because they bring out the heavy artillery in their food offerings. With a kitchen that opens very early and closes very late everyday, this is our kind of place. A place for foodies, heck it is more than that, it is a place for serious eaters. Loyalists have given Tanks a cult following, yet many suburbanites are unfamiliar with the spot & want to know, “Why all the love?” The answer is big portions of tasty food in a no frills atmosphere. This is an not a wuss place, the old house has character and if these walls could talk, there would be some good stories. You gotta love a place with 2 menus at all times.

Get your eat on, you are in the right spot.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Open 7am – 2am everyday, plenty of time for a Food Adventure

— They serve breakfast all day. Brings a tear to our eye.

— Old School Joint where you wont leave hungry. The plates are big, but the prices are decent.

If you eat one thing at Tank’s, make it a Burger !

— The Beer Selection is immense. Lots of weird beers and unfamiliar bottle labels to experiment with and a few seasonal beers on tap too.

MUST EATS:

— TANK’S BURGERS: Are you kidding? If you go to Tank’s and eat one thing, make it a burger. People drive-in from all over the place for this stuff. This is one of the finest burgers in Dayton. You gotta’ try one.

— OMELET TANK’S WAY: This is a 10 egg omelet with over a dozen choices for ingredients. A massive, tasty creation with a cheap price. Chef House goes for the 6 egg omelet called the “girly.”

— ROAD KILL CHILI: As the menu says, this isn’t normal possum, it is the Oakwood kind. All kidding aside, this hearty chili is a warm splash of happiness. Doctor it up with some hot sauce and you have yourself one of the best chili’s in the area.

— HOMEMADE CHIP DIP: This isn’t store bought dip, it is made on site. When you are sluggin’ down a lot of beer, this creamy item is a pretty good accompaniment.

Order off the menu: Get a Turkey Reuben with Slaw instead of Kraut

— WEDNESDAY SPECIAL ROAST BEEF HOT SHOT: An open face sandwich with roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. Comfort food at it’s best. It is a big portion, and again the price is right. You might want to take a nap an hour after eating this beast.

— HUSHPUPPIES: These homemade balls of deep fried love are almost as big as baseballs. Throw a few down your gullet or at your friends. They have a savory flavor with an addicting taste of sweetness.

— REUBEN: An amazing Reuben sandwich. Great bread, makes this sandwich in our humble opinion. No explanation or elegant description needed. Just eat it.

Breakfast All Day, Everyday

Here is a Food Adventure exclusive **SECRET**: This is NOT on the menu so you will have to ask for it. Try the Turkey Reuben and ask them to put cole slaw on it instead of sauerkraut. It is an incredible sandwich that you have to request. After you are addicted, you can thank us later. We are serious eaters, we know this shizzle. We don’t read the menu to tell you about things. We actually eat the food, all of it! Ask Dayton Mayor Gary Letizell who joined us for one of our Tank’s trips with his assistant Shelly. They realized this was a Food Adventure almost immediately.

Honorable Mention menu items are the fluffy Waffles, Grilled Cheese Tank’s Way, and the specialty hash browns served in heaping mounds. And all you fellow foodies, make sure you get the fresh cut fries as a side instead of chips, or we will run you over in a Sherman tank.

Tank’s Bar & Grill has earned its stellar reputation. It’s not trendy, it isn’t the flavor of the month, nor is it a swanky place where the pretty people eat. What you see is what you get, and the patrons keep coming back. If you have not visited this place, make sure you put it on your Food Adventure Hit List. Daytonians love Tank’s, and so do your humble Food Adventurers.

Like Food Adventures on Facebook HERE ! We are not food critics, we are just two guys that love to eat.

Check out more than 40 food porn pictures of various Tank’s Bar & Grill favorites in our Food Adventures Photo Album, below.

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Food Adventures Takes Aim at Archer’s + $20 Gift Certificate !!

August 1, 2013 By Dayton937 25 Comments

You have driven by and seen the packed parking lot, so you know something is up. Archer’s Tavern has just surpassed its 3rd year in business and is still cookin’ right along in more ways than one. Owner’s Dan Apolito, Scott Dorsten and Mike Fullenkamp have a great formula for success. Good food, good drink, and affordable prices. The owners also immerse themselves in the community, donating to various churches, charities and youth organizations. The belief is “If you do good things for people, it will come back to you.” The menu, which is printed on newspaper, keeps customers coming back for sure.

Archer’sm, located at 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, is a family pub-style restaurant named after John Archer Jr. who owned Centerville’s first tavern. This nod to history is true to form with ownership’s belief in local involvement.

From Burgers and Pizzas, to Salads and Craft Beers, there is something for everyone at Archer’s Tavern. Don’t forget the special events they showcase from time to time.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Family Friendly Atmosphere with a pub feel. You could bring the kids here after a soccer game, or sit at the bar with some friends.

— Great Craft Beer selection on tap and in bottles. Archer’s partners with regional breweries for some rare, delicious selections. Their rotating selection is sure to please thirsty patrons.

The Brandon Burger features Zink’s Local Beef , a fried egg, and bacon on top.

— Affordable meals with most selections in the $7-$10 range. They even have a burger for under $4.

— Don’t miss their special events throughout the year. Whether it is a crawfish boil to celebrate their anniversary or a beer/menu tasting featuring Goose Island beers, these events are worth checking out. Stay tuned to their website and Facebook Page to keep up with the latest happenings. Here is EXCLUSIVE SCOOP on the next upcoming event !

****EXCLUSIVE SCOOP ! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ! ***

Archer’s will feature a CHILI COOKOFF on Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-4pm. Do you have a winning recipe? Limited to 20 entrants, the winning person’s chili will be featured on the Archer’s menu for an entire year. There is also a cash prize of $200. To enter the contest, stop into Archers Tavern, but do it quickly as space is limited to the first 20 entrants. Food Adventures will be celebrity judges and you can be a judge too! Just show up the day of the event and pay $10 to sample the 20 chili entries and cast your vote. Join us for this FOOD ADVENTURE ! The money collected will go to the Centerville High School Culinary Student fund or the Archer’s Scholarship Fund. Again, Archer’s is giving back to the community. We love and respect that.

Archer’s Ale – a damn good craft beer

With so much going on in this place, we offer up our suggestions on some of the best. As with all of our Food Adventures, we have been here numerous times and tried almost everything on the menu.

If you have not yet been to Archer’s, let Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax point you in the right direction.

MUST EATS:

— THE BRANDON BURGER: This burger is a favorite. It features a fried egg and bacon all on top of a fresh Zink’s Meat Market Burger. It is quite simply one of the best burgers in town.

— ARCHER’S ALE: An ESB (Extra Special Bitter), that is an original craft beer. A quality brew to be appreciated by the beer connoisseur in you. Smooth and easy, this is an enjoyable drink for those ESB lovers.

— CITRUS CHICKEN SALAD – Grilled chicken on a bed of fresh greens, mixed with a balsamic dressing. Other toppings include mandarin oranges, cranberries, bleu cheese crumbles and almonds. A healthy and tasty alternative!

— THE MARGHERITA PIZZA: Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza. Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese. You can also request cheese whiz on this monster. We say, go for it. This is how they do it in Philadelphia. Your choice of ribeye steak or chicken for the meat.

— THE STICKY BURGER: A burger with peanut butter on it? YES! The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce. This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite. It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese. This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— CRAZY UNCLE JESTER’S HOT SAUCE: Archer’s is partnered with a local hot sauce maker that really lights things up. Make sure and ask your waitress to bring out some different flavored bottles of Crazy Uncle Jester’s Hot Sauce. Add it to some wings, chili or whatever you want to pack a wallop of flavor. Good stuff here, some of it isn’t for the squeamish.

Margherita Pizza – Savor that Fresh Mozzarella

Finally, this article would be incomplete if we didn’t talk about the servers. Our many experiences have shown us that this friendly staff cares about the customers and shows commitment in offering good service. The management instills this belief from the top down. If you love decent prices for good food, then give Archer’s Tavern a shot. This place is about relaxing in a fun eatery. Our advice is, scan the beer selection, order a burger or one of our ‘must eats’ and then… enjoy. In this Food Adventure, you can be sure that Archer’s will hit the bullseye !

Browse through our photo album of literally dozens of menu items and features from past special events. Are you a Foodie? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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$20 GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST !!

Please register below and tell us below in the comments why you should win a $20 Gift Certificate to ARCHER’S TAVERN, and a winner will be chosen on MONDAY ![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Six Pack: Top 6 DRUNK DINING SPOTS in the Dayton Area

July 25, 2013 By Dayton937 9 Comments

Intoxicated royalty: The “Awful Waffle”

Here is another original food story that you won’t see anywhere else. However, it is a part of Miami Valley eating that is worth mentioning. Behold the dreaded DRUNK DINING.

We have all been there, or at least helped a friend through a night of inebriation. What’s the best fix? Answer: Soak up that alcohol up with a full blown Food Adventure. We are here to help you, not unlike Betty Ford, but our expertise is more on the caloric end. The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have compiled Dayton’s first ever TOP 6 DRUNK DINING SPOTS. These are just our six pack. We would love your comments below on who made your list.

1) THE WAFFLE HOUSE – The greasy spoon, the unruly crowd. Simply put, the ‘awful waffle.’ The only time that the Waffle House sounds good is when you are too drunk to know what you are getting yourself into. Go in this place at 2:30 a.m. and not a sober person is to be found. It is a land where diets are blown and the key words are smothered and covered. We are talking about hash browns, covered with cheese and another assortment of ingredients. The rest of the food isn’t worth mentioning and the good thing is that you won’t remember anyhow. We also recommend not going into the bathrooms after 3 a.m, it looks like a war zone in there. This restaurant gets extra points for the sheer entertainment factor of other drunks in the dining room. It is like a 3D movie, but without those annoying glasses.

The sign is like a beacon, calling all buzzed

2) PERKINS – Pound for pound, their waitresses are the biggest bad asses. Some have even been seen chasing drunk patrons in the parking lot. But alas, the wonderful, green neon sign is a beacon. It calls to inebriated souls to come in and sober up with some pancakes. In fact, they have some of our the pancakes around. But don’t mess around with the Sugar Free Syrup, we learned the hard way that it screws up a perfectly done pancake. Perkins also offers many fried foods such as cheese sticks, green beans, chicken tenders. If that won’t sober you up, at the front counter is a bakery display with muffins the size of your head. Those should surely soak up the booze. A full breakfast and dinner menu offers plenty of choices that will act as a sponge in your stomach, sucking you back into sobriety.

3) TACO BELL – If your vision is blurry then a ‘run for the border’ is in order. The late night drive thru makes life simple. This might be everyone’s “Go To” drunk dining place. The food is cheap, the meat and tastes so damn good when you are a bit hammered. The worst part of Taco ‘Hell’ is that the drive thru that takes forever. That would be because every other drunk person has the same idea as you. What do we recommend here? Does it really matter? It is all the same. Flour Tortilla, Melted Cheese, & that questionable ‘meat product’ loaded with fillers. For you healthy drunks out there, there is the Cantina Collection of lower calorie options. Like it matters at this point! Drawbacks like ‘early morning gas’ kept this restaurant out of the number 2 spot.

Mexican Pizza – because red sauce & bean paste is a good idea to mix into a volatile stomach

4) WHITE CASTLE – Oh, how we love our White Castle! It is one of greatest dining experiences a person can have either drunk or sober. First, the strong smell of the onions will start to sober you up immediately. Secondly, the first one tastes so damn good, you just keep stuffing yourself until you don’t know any better. Want a side dish? Splurge on a get a large sack of onion chips and go to town on these. When your friends are drunky pants, White Castle will make them dance. Get a crave case, that way you won’t crave em for a while. We particularly love when our friends launch into philosophical drunk conversations about why there are 5 hole punches in the meat patty. The bad news is the 24hour White Castle Restaurants are only in Cincinnati these days. You’re buzzed and happy and then all of a sudden it happens. A belch and then the stomach cramps. It is pretty much all over from here. Our advice: Roll the windows down on the way home so you don’t create a “Rolling Dutch Oven” (you might have to google that term). It is the gift that keeps on giving because the next morning, you can be assured that you will be doing a lot of sitting. You know why they call them sliders? Because they slide in and slide out. Unfortunately, only 2 White Castles are nearby. One is on Salem Ave and the other is in Franklin off I-75.

Onion chips soak up the alcohol

5) STEAK N SHAKE – This restaurant is the only late night choice for drive thru OR dining alongside other corralled patrons. The slick floors offer an obstacle course like dining room for some of the more drunk guests. It is like Russian roulette to see who gets squeezed into a booth next to the Big Ragu for an elbow filled eating experience. Great prices and decent drunk food make this a stellar choice, probably one of the greatest drunk dining spots in America! The burgers and shakes are incredible. The staff are used to drunk bastards, and they will even give your drunk ass one of those little white Steak n Shake paper hats to wear while dining. This place has food that mixes well with alcohol like chili cheese dogs, steak burgers & milk shakes. Plus it is open 24 hours and serves breakfast.

6) DENNY’S – This is one of the more interesting places that you can visit after 3am. There is only one remaining in Dayton, on S. Main St. near the fairgrounds. The food isn’t the greatest but does the trick. We actually love the onion rings. The choices from dinner to breakfast give you a good variety, if you can read the menu at this point. Denny’s is the best spot to see an unusual variety of people from all walks of life. Nothing says drunk dining like eating a Grand Slam Breakfast next to a drag queen.

The Steakburger : a dream on a bun if you’re drunk

Honorable mention, we give a tipsy nod to the following:

SMOKIN’ BAR-B-QUE – The place to stumble after a night of drinking at the Oregon District

AL’S SMOKEHOUSE – Ribs downtown at 4am? Yes !

BILLS DONUTS – It is fascinating to watch people with bloodshot-eyes trying to concentrate and pick out donuts from a glass case at 3am.

COUSIN VINNY’S – Open til 4am, these guys will deliver to trashed patrons. Don’t pass out while waiting for your pie.

**Remember Food Adventure fans, always drink responsibly and get a designated driver***

For more fun from these “foodies in their forties,” like FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook HERE.

What are your favorite spots for a late night drunk bite??? Please comment below !

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Foremost Seafood: The Freshest Fish in Dayton

July 20, 2013 By Dayton937 4 Comments

Owner Tom Patterson with a fresh fish order

Hey seafood lovers, Food Adventures with The Big Ragu & Crew is about to change your world. There is a little known secret that has been in the Miami Valley for 30 years. It is called Foremost Seafood, and it’s located at Woodman Center Drive in Kettering. It is a seafood distributor, that has a retail store open to the public. What’s the big deal? Foremost gets daily shipments (not Sundays) of fresh caught seafood from Boston, Virgina, Florida and Alaskan suppliers. This allows Daytonians access to an incredible variety of nautical fare and ensures the freshest seafood. This is the type of access that is usually only found in mega cities.

It started with owner Tom Patterson, who in 1983 was typically listening to music like David Bowie in the basement of his parents home. From that house he sold his first shipment, fifty pounds of shrimp to the meat manager at Dorothy Lane Market, Helga. He still provides seafood to Dorothy Lane Market to this day. Over the years he has quietly built and empire and runs the buying for the business. This is important because he is an expert. Tom has a degree in marine biology from South Florida University. He worked on shrimp farms in Ecuador in the late 1970’s. During this time he also was setting trends in Galveston, TX by helping develop new shrimp farming technology. His knowledge is Dayton’s gain, as this hometown boy is now a successful businessman, bringing quality eats to the Foremost faithful. And they are faithful, most of his business is from customers that have been visiting the retail store for over a decade. Today, deliveries from Boston and Virginia arrive by truck the next day, while seafood from Alaska and Florida are flown in specially to Dayton airport.

***HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Live Softshell Crabs are available in season, at Foremost Seafood

— Foremost Seafood is NOT a restaurant, it is a storefront to buy fresh seafood. Think of it as a mini seafood market.

— Foremost provides seafood for most of the upscale, locally owned restaurants in Dayton.

— The fish they sell were caught on ‘day boats’ (only 1 or 2 days at sea). Translation: these are the freshest fish available and were not sitting in a ship’s cooler for two weeks. Only the highest quality is the rule at Foremost Seafood.

— The fresh fish is not displayed, it is kept whole and sliced only at the time of the order. The reasoning is to keep air and light from deteriorating the meat of the fish. “Be loyal to the fish” is their mantra. You order from a price list of fresh fish, they trim the fish and bring your order out for the ‘ok’ before they wrap it.

— Locally owed since 1983 by Tom Patterson and his wife Pam. Another true mom and pop establishment.

Fresh Carolina Shrimp – Never frozen

— Experts handle the fish once it arrives in Dayton. People like Chef Tony Coletta who worked at Garstkas and Chef Nate Young currently at the Oakwood Club

— Foremost offers over 300 varieties of fresh and frozen seafood specialties.

— Hours are a little tricky: Tuesdays – Fridays 9am -6pm, Saturday and Monday 9am-noon, Closed Sundays

***MUST EATS:

Fresh Carolina Shrimp: Caught just a couple of days ago, these huge shrimp run about $14.99/lb and have never been frozen, which in Ohio is practically unheard of. Taste the freshness without having to travel to North or South Carolina. These shrimp are usually the 21-25 count per pound variety, and are absolutely incredible.

Scottish Salmon: Foremost usually offers 4 types of fresh Salmon, but The Big Ragu & Crew recommend the Scottish Salmon for some killer grilling this summer !!

Chef Tony Coletta & the Big Ragu holding a fresh, Wahoo fish that was recently caught in Hawaii

Cherrystone Clams: Yes, they are alive. You can shuck them and eat ’em raw, but our favorite is to steam them then dip them in butter. Either way, be prepared for a fresh taste of the ocean!

Sushi Grade Tuna: This tuna is super-high quality and can be sliced and eaten raw. If sushi isn’t your style, consider coating the tuna with red pepper, sesame seeds or any spicy rub. Then pan-sear it on all sides (even the edges). We tried it both raw and cooked and loved it all. Check out our photo album below where we cooked lots of Foremost items and holla’ at your foodie boys.

Fresh Tilapia: You can still see the knife marks on the filets where it was carved. Talk about fresh! This mild fish is a favorite, even for the pickiest eaters. Try it baked for 20 minutes at 350degrees. Use your own spices, Don’t ask us, we aren’t chef’s we are just two guys that love to eat ! Check out their table of free recipe cards.

Soft-Shell Crabs: This delicacy is for serious eaters! They are alive. You can’t get any fresher than that. The most popular way to cook these are breaded and pan seared. They are also used in local sushi houses stuffed into ‘spider rolls.’ Softshell crabs are consumed entirely. That’s right, eat the whole thing, shell and all. Only for true Food Adventurers, and The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax say they are delicious !

Crab Dip: This slightly spicy dip is so addicting, you will have to lock the refrigerator. Get some wheat thins or melba toasts and go to town on this stuff. Made from a mixture of pseudo-crab sticks and cream cheese, it is perfect party snacking. Food Adventures will not be held responsible for brawls over the last scoop.

What are you lookin at? Fresh Red Snapper

A couple of side notes: With the demand for fresh seafood, (over half of it coming from Boston), once in a while they run out of items. It is the nature of fresh offerings. But there are so many other choices like Blue crab from Virgina, Snow Crab legs, live oysters, the list goes on an on. Fresh fish that we have been buying for years include Red Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo, Bronzini and Halibut. Also, special orders such as live lobsters need to be pre-ordered. They even offer do it yourself fish frys where pricing is based on pounds of fish purchased.

For years, The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax have been hitting up this place for our party food needs, cookouts, or just a craving for some fish at home. It is truly one of our favorites. Foremost Seafood’s philosophy is simple, freshness and being loyal to the integrity of fish in regards to handling. Owner Tom buys the best and sells the best.

Now you know about yet another Dayton gem. Our city is lucky to have access to this fresh food. Don’t forget to visit the free recipe table. Whether you want to eat healthy, or just love fish, get yourself into Foremost Seafood and see for yourself. There is nothing fishy here.

Check out our stunning photo album below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE. Come on, don’t be shellfish….

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Harvest Mobile Cuisine: Fresh, Local, & Affordable

July 11, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Harvest Mobile Food Truck

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax are no different than other Daytonians. We have full time careers, love our family, and we chase Food Trucks around town. As you know, mobile food cuisine is currently ‘all the rage’ in the Miami Valley.

One of our favorites, Harvest Mobile Cuisine is a Dayton food truck owned by Patrick Sartin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. After working in various kitchens across the country, Patrick bought a food truck with the goal to offer comfort foods that use local produce at an affordable price.

Harvest Mobile Cuisine is one of the most popular food trucks in Dayton and has a legion of loyal customers. Follow them on Facebook and check out their website harvestmobilecuisine.com to find out where they are gonna be rolling off to next. Its a local Food Adventure on the “go” ..

Must Eats:

Nothing better than a Local Wrap in one of the best dining rooms in Dayton… Five Rivers Metro Park

Harvest Fries– These are not your average fries! They are a mixture of white potatoes & sweet potatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs and served with Sriracha ketchup.

Humble Farmer– A salad made with Patchwork Greens, a variety of seasonal vegetables, creamy goat cheese and tossed in Harvest Vinaigrette. One of the reasons we love this salad, is that it’s constantly changing! Order it one time and your salad might be made with fresh picked strawberries and asparagus…..the next time it might contain sugar snap peas. You can count on the fact that it will always be fresh!

Local Wrap– Our favorite rendition of this wrap so far consisted of Hill Family Farms Chicken, Jackson’s local Strawberries, Asparagus, & Goat Cheese on a Whole Wheat Tortilla Wrap. This tasty offering is also served with your choice of fruit or Patchwork Greens. We highly suggest the Patchwork Greens!

Harvest Burger– We love Harvest Mobile’s take on America’s favorite sandwich! It consists of a Turkey Burger, Roasted Garlic aioli, White Cheddar and Patchwork Greens on a warm bun.

Please browse through our photo album below for some killer pics. Harvest Mobile Cuisine, one of the best Food Adventures on four wheels !

Want daily food fun? “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE,

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Beer & Menu Pairings for July 13th Food Adventure Event! Limited Tickets Available

July 2, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is hosting an Exclusive Food Adventure Event July 13

If you are a Dayton foodie, then listen up…

The Big Ragu & Crew would like to share this EXCLUSIVE Food Adventure news with you.

The Jimmies Ladder 11 Staff has finalized the menu for the one-time-0nly event, slated for SATURDAY, JULY 13th at 7PM in the Ladder 11 Private Party Loft!

5 COURSES, 5 BEER PAIRINGS, 1 HOT TIME ! The fiery event will be called “JIMMIE’s in JULY,”

Abita Beers will be paired with the food courses

ABITA Brewing Company will be partnering with Dayton Most Metro and Jimmie’s Ladder 11 for this one of a kind night featuring live music from the Stillwater River Band.
There will be door prizes and gift certificate giveaways.

WARNING: Seating is limited, so get your tickets, HERE before they sell out !

Tickets are Pre-Pay only, no refunds.

$30 per ticket INCLUDES THE TIP ! What a deal !

Here is what to expect from the menu tasting :

The event promises to TURN UP THE HEAT by featuring some hot tastes. Then, we will hose you down with the cool Abita Beer Pairings!

COURSE 1: New Orleans Style Gumbo paired with Abita Amber Beer

COURSE 2: Cornerstone Salad paired with Abita Strawberry Harvest Beer

COURSE 3: Paisano Pasta Chips with an Abita Seasonal Beer called Satsuma

COURSE 4: Vodka Chicken Riggies (Pasta dish) paired with Abita Turbo Dog Beer

COURSE 5: INTRODUCING THE NEW HOUSE CHEESECAKE ! Paired with Abita Purple Haze Beer

There is even a rumor that The Big Ragu will be passing out sample bites of Jimmie’s Creole Cheesecake which is and incredible, quiche-like, no wait souffle pie with shrimp, andouille sausage, smoked gouda cheese.. heck, it cant be described, it just has to be tasted. Don’t Miss this this Food Adventure.

It is going to be a hot time in the old firehouse on July 13th !!

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE ! Get them now, so you don’t get burned when they sell out!

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100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

June 27, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville. Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors. With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure. From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand. The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park. French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list. We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream. You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot. Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint. Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am. We took advantage of this one year. We also should have taken a tums. Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches. Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one. If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl. It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside. Everyone should try these just once. Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St. They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio. This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge. Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes. So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton. Are you a veteran of the event? Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July. Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday. This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker ! “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

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Al’s Smokehouse: Ribs at 4am? YES !!! $20 Gift Certificate Contest

June 20, 2013 By Dayton937 10 Comments

Ribs that make you say “DAMN!”

You’re tipsy. You are out late with your friends at the Oregon District or downtown, and you need some food. Well, Al’s Smokehouse and Cafe is the word on East Third. Open until 5am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, it is the perfect spot to satisfy your late night hunger pains. This little known Dayton secret serves up tasty, soulful selections from Ribs to Burgers at incredibly cheap prices. Located at 140 E. Third St, Al’s Smokehouse is also a great place to catch a quick lunch. A Food Adventure is in order here ANY time.

Owner Al Shamburg learned cooking from his father who was from Treasure Island, Jamaica. Al honed his culinary and catering skills over the past 20 years, building quite a reputation in Dayton and Springfield for incredible tasting food. Through the years, this self-made-man worked hard to buy his equipment and finally open his own restaurant. He has hired a great staff like his sister Stephanie, and head cook Tyrone, who worked in Dominic’s kitchen for 17 years. The result is a delicious, affordable menu, with consistent quality.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

Owner Al Shamburg & Head Cook, Tyrone

— Al’s Smokehouse Menu features fantastic BBQ, and delicious soul food like bourbon chicken and collared greens

— Open LATE on weekends til 5am for all you fellow Food Adventurers

— Breakfast served ALL DAY

— Prices so cheap, you won’t believe your eyes

— Friendly servers, veteran cooking staff and a no frills, casual atmosphere

MUST EATS:

— Banana Pudding: We are going to start with a homemade dessert that knocked our socks off. Deliciously sinful, this is the real deal. No canned stuff here! Don’t expect us to share !

— The Smoked Pork Chop – Smoked and drizzled with secret marinades, it is almost like a steak. The Big Ragu says this is the best pork chop he has ever tasted.

— The Ribs: They are smoked for 8 hours, they are brushed with a signature bbq sauce. Meaty and moist, they pack a wallop of flavor and the namesake of this restaurant. Only problem is, they are so good that sometimes, they sell out!

“The Shamburger” – hand made, fresh patty

— “The Shamburger”: Hand packed and never frozen, the juicy burgers are good deal at 4 bucks. Want to go full out? Get the “Cry Baby” which is the Shamburger with a fried egg and cheese.

— Baked Mac n Cheese: Homemade and so good you will flip. Somebody in the kitchen knows what they are doing at Al’s Smokehouse!

— The Wings: Big and juicy, but the secret is in the tangy sauce. Get the BBQ wings and be ready to lick your fingers. You can try the other sauces later, like Jamaica Jerk or OMG Hot wings. On Monday night the 50 cent wing deal is a steal !

— The Shrimp Cheesesteak: A seafood version of the famous sandwich. Resembling a Shrimp Po’ boy, it is one heck of a sub. Delicious!

Honorable Mention: The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a solid choice. Also, we like the homemade Greens for an authentic soul food side. Want to know a secret? Al’s has a killer Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, and it isn’t even on the menu. Ask for it by special request.

Food Adventures has found yet another unique spot for good food at reasonable prices . We are serious eaters. We don’t do a “drive-by” one time visit to a restaurant and then write our articles. Instead, we visit a place multiple times before it is worthy of a Food Adventures share on Dayton Most Metro. Al’s Smokehouse in no exception. We have eaten almost everything on their menu. From the Fish and Grits to the Pancakes and Home Fries. The popular Bourbon Chicken has a honey and spice flavor with hint of Jerk seasoning. You get a slight touch of Al’s Jamaican roots with this dish. Al explained to us that his Bourbon Chicken is made with ‘small hen meat.’ He feels they taste superior to regular chickens.

Who else in Dayton makes Fish and Grits???

The story of this restaurant is simply a hard working family, who is putting their heart into this locally owned eatery. So what are you waiting for? If you are anywhere near downtown, or want a casual trip to the city for some grub, check out Al’s Smokehouse. It isn’t fancy, just some tables and chairs. But the FOOD.. aw the FOOD.. is some great decor, for the stomach!

Want to see more of Food Adventures? “Like” them HERE on Facebook !

Who wants a $20 Gift Certificate to Al’s Smokehouse? One lucky fan who comments below will be chosen at random. Please tell us your comments about Al’s Smokehouse, below! Let us know why you love Al’s, why you would like to try Al’s, or why you want that gift certificate ??? GOOD LUCK !!

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New Centerville Brewery, Lock 27 Set to Open June 21st + Gift Certificate Contest

June 14, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Owners Steve & Michelle Barnhart with Lock 27 Chef Aimee Saling

Here is something you will not see anywhere else, at least not this early. A super exclusive, sneak peek at the brewery coming to Centerville called Lock 27. The Big Ragu & Crew are not “Grand Opening ” hoppers. In this case we are making an exception, because the person opening Lock 27 is a friend of ours. Owner Steve Barnhart and his wife, Michelle are currently putting the finishing touches on the new brew pub located at 1035 S. Main Street in Centerville, not far from the new Kroger. With plenty of buzz circulating around Dayton through word of mouth, and online, this brewery promises to be a popular spot for some good craft beer. With the addition of Chef Aimee Saling, the food offerings will be a highlight as well.

Shrimp and Polenta: a Must Eat !

For the past 15 years, Steve Barnhart has literally been brewing beer as a ‘driveway hobby.’ His craft and interest grew into offering what now will be Centerville’s only “Gastro Tap Room.” Fashioned after the pubs in London, this true mom and pop establishment will feature a rotating choice of in-house brews, hard to find bottled beers, and some popular craft brews on tap from other breweries. It will be a relaxed atmosphere slanted towards adults, with good background music. The front patio will eventually feature a communal table where patrons are able to enjoy drinks and bites outside.

Why the name Lock 27? It is a tribute to Dayton. Essentially at the turn of the century, Dayton was a river town, with traffic from the Erie Canal running right through the Miami Valley. Lock 27 was an actual stop on the river near Miamisburg. The rich history and river life of Dayton is mostly forgotten today. Instead, inventions of flight are most often associated with the Gem City.

History lesson over, now back to the Food Adventure and what you need to know about Lock 27.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

The Bar area inside Lock 27

— London Style Gastro Tap Room that will feature 5 in-house brews, 5 out-of-house beers on tap, unique bottled beer and wine selections. Bottled and tap selections will focus on an eclectic mix of regional and national brewers.

— The menu will consists of 15-20 items including tapas and paninis. Lock 27 will feature many “sharable” plates for a communal feel of a European Pub.

— Craft Beers, made in-house will rotate seasonally. They will be brewed 1 or 2 barrels at a time. With small batches, there are no commitments and this will allow for a constantly changing, and evolving brewery. IMPORTANT !! – Since the inspections and liquor licenses have just been approved, in-house beers are being brewed now, and will not be served until approximately 3 weeks after opening.

— Hours will be 4pm-Midnight on weekdays, and 11am-Midnight on weekends

MUST EATS:

House Wheat Beer – In this case a must drink. This wheat beer is a white ale instead of a traditional hefeweizen. This brew is made with California common yeast, for a different flavor. Refreshing never tasted so good.

The Salumi Plate – A unique, appetizer featuring exotic cold cut meats of Prosciutto, Coppa, Gin & Juice Pepperoni, and Dodge City Fireball salami. This plate is perfect for sharing. It is also served with glazed walnuts, almonds and miniature gherkin pickles. The slightly salty and spicy tastes of the meats match perfectly with any alcoholic beverage.

Cuban Sandwich – This delicious panini style creation features ham and pulled pork . It also has Emmenthaler cheese, which is a superior Swiss cheese from Switzerland and France. What makes the sandwich is the crunchy bread and the spicy garlic, aoili mustard. It is served with a side of chips tossed in spices.

The Salumi Plate: Unique cold cuts, enough to share

Shrimp and Polenta: This dish is big on taste. The spicy shrimp with serrano pepper and beschamel sauce, contrasts perfectly with the creamy polenta. We could have eaten this stuff all day. Chef Aimee has captured simplicity and bold flavors with this offering.

Honorable mentions include bottled beers that are off the beaten path like Fullers ESB and La Fin Du Monde.

IN-HOUSE BEERS

On the beer front, Lock 27 plans to be broad in coverage, as opposed to genre specific. It is their intention to celebrate all beer styles, not just be known for specific subgroups like “IPA” or “Belgian”. Lock 27 will brew to a seasonal rotation, so the first beers will be geared for summer. What beers will be the first offerings? Expect to see a “Summer Stout.” They have worked hard on this recipe, so that it is appropriate for warmer weather. It’s not heavy, rather a lighter body thirst quencher, that still maintains stout characteristics. It is a cross between traditional English & Irish stouts, and not a big Russian Imperial.

Wheat Beer and its Creator

Also , they will be brewing 3 other beers. A house British ESB (Extra Special Bitter), a Saison, and a Pacific North West inspired Session IPA should all be available in the next 3-4 weeks. They even have a nickname for their brew kettle. It is called Scarlett Brewhansson, please give her a visit.

So get your taste buds prepared and get ready to quench your thirst, because Lock 27 promises to be a hot spot this summer. The addition of this restaurant just may make South Dayton the new Craft Beer headquarters of the Miami Valley.

Thank you to the management of Lock 27 for giving Food Adventures access to this EXCLUSIVE scoop. Make sure you tell the management, The Big Ragu” sent you !” Good drink and good food is what you can expect from Centerville’s newest restaurant. Unique styles as opposed to the standard fare. The spread of craft and high quality imports on tap alone will be an attraction, not to mention the brewery itself. Will it be successful? We think it’s a lock !

***CONTEST*** Please register below and comment on the story below and tell us why you want a $20 Gift Certificate to Lock 27. One winner will be chosen at random on Monday !![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Want more brew and chew than you can handle? Visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” us HERE !

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China Cottage: A Food Adventure Favorite + GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST

June 6, 2013 By Dayton937 28 Comments

Chef Tiger Wang, Owner of China Cottage

This week, The Big Ragu & Crew grab a Tiger by the tail. Your humble Food Adventurers have been dining at China Cottage restaurant since it opened in 1987. Hairstyles and music have changed since then, but China Cottage’s menu has stood the test of time and remained one of our favorites. Locally owned by Chef Tiger Wang, this popular eatery has four locations including Wilmington Pike in Kettering, State Route 48 in Centerville, Springboro Pike and Trotwood.

How did this Dayton original get its start? In the mid-eighties, while working as a cook at Keeng Wha restaurant in Kettering, Tiger realized he wanted to start his own eatery. A couple of years later, he opened China Cottage, with the help of his brother. Tiger’s style of cooking is from Southern China and he was the first to feature General Tao’s chicken on a Dayton menu. Three restaurant expansions later, China Cottage is still one of the most popular destinations in Dayton, to get your Chinese fix.

Medallion Scallops: only at China Cottage

So after a quarter of a century, what are some of the little known secrets of China Cottage? The answer is in the Chef’s Specials section of the menu. These are original dishes created by chef Tiger Wang, that you will not find anywhere else.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

— Elegant dining atmosphere and gourmet dishes with a Southern China influence.

— Like most Chinese places, the best prices here are at lunch time, where you also get a soup choice

— Locally owned for 26 years and still operated by the same chef.

— The Chef’s Specials are the highlight of the menu, with original meals found only at China Cottage.

— Chinese New Year dinners are hosted annually and include some incredible culinary creations within this 10 course meal. Stay tuned to http://www.chinacottagerestaurant.com for information.

With so many great options, our list of favorites are as long as the Great Wall of China, but here are some highlights….

Fire Cracker Shrimp – an original China Cottage appetizer

MUST EATS:

— Fire Cracker Shrimp – Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a spicy sauce that features cilantro, lime juice, scallions, red pepper flakes and herbs. It is served with 3 toasts for dipping. Are you kidding? Order this and thank us online later. There is no appetizer like this in Dayton.

— Pot Stickers – Giant, deliciously meaty and perfectly seared. That is pretty much all you need to know about these magnificent creations and the best pot stickers in the area.

— Hot and Sour Soup – The best in Dayton, hands down. A spicy mixture of pork, tofu and vegetables make this a peppery soup a great way to wake up your taste buds.

— Medallion Scallops – Large, lightly breaded scallops in a slightly spicy brown sauce that will make your mouth water. Tiger has a masterpiece with this original dish.

— Golden Calamari – Another signature appetizer from Chef Tiger. Deep fried calamari, tossed in a ginger, chili pepper and scallion sauce that is beyond tasty.

— Rock Salt Prawns – Don’t like a lot of sauce? Then this dish is for you. Shrimp tossed is a dusty, pepper and flour mix with scallions. The result is a smoky tasting, seared shrimp that was charred at high heats in the wok during frying.

Inside the best Pot Stickers in Dayton

Honorable mention menu items include the one-of-a-kind Creamy Chicken soup, the spicy Mala Pork, and the Happy Family combination of meats, vegetables and seafood served on a sizzling plate. We would also be amiss if we did not mention the unique Sesame Shrimp dish with a very rich, sinful cream sauce.

All of these wonderful dishes are enhanced by great service, not to mention the fancy, contemporary Asian decor. China Cottage is a great dining experience, and dare we say romantic place to take that special someone.

The Big Ragu is speaking from experience here, as China Cottage has always been a “go to” place for a great Food Adventure. Take our advice, try something new and exotic. Steer away from your standard, tired sweet and sour entrees and go for the menu section that says Chef’s Specials. Here is another secret. China Cottage maintains their quality because Chef Tiger splits his time each week between the four locations. His continuous training of employees and supervision ensure that high quality standards are maintained. If you have never stopped in China Cottage, give it a shot. If you you visit this establishment frequently, then you know what we are talking about. Just like the sign says at the Centerville location, this spot is “One of the Best.” Chef Tiger, you have definitely earned your stripes as a Miami Valley culinary superstar!

Dayton Most Metro along with Food Adventures are GIVING AWAY A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO CHINA COTTAGE ! To be eligible, you must comment below and fill our the entry form, too Tell us your favorite China Cottage menu item, or why you deserve the gift certificate. Winner will be chosen on Monday!

[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

For more photos and Food Adventure fun, “like” Chef House, Hungry Jax & The Big Ragu HERE on Facebook !

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Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

May 31, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it? Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th. The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings. It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park. It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton. A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9. Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice: In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9. Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often. The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station. It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice. We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes: Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love. The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more. The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did. We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff. Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event. The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta: When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds? This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds. The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa: Talk about refreshing! This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day. The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event. Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor. This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay: A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines. The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron. One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101: This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997. It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections. Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint. The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival. We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity. Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for? So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

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Your Chance at an EXCLUSIVE, One-of-a-Kind Food Adventure Event at Jimmies Ladder 11

May 28, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

It is time to turn up the heat at Jimmie’s Ladder 11. The summer months can be scorchers, and SATURDAY July 13th promises to be a hot time at the old firehouse. There are limited spots available for this private pre-pay event, and tickets go on sale TODAY.

Jimmie and the Ladder 11 family have put together a one night only, 5 course menu tasting meal that hits on the essence of this great locally owned eatery. The first 4 courses will be paired with beer samplings. The final course, will feature an unveiling of an old classic! Jimmie’s is bringing back the Upper Krust Cheesecake for dessert!! This is the original recipe used for years when Jimmie managed the Upper Krust in Dayton.

Not only do you get all this, you get to light up the night with other foodies including The Big Ragu ! There will be door prizes, giveaways, and after dinner music entertainment. Don’t miss this great deal on some great food. Never been to Jimmies Ladder 11? Then this is your chance to see if where there’s smoke, there is fire! Are you a Jimmies Ladder 11 fan? Then you wont want to miss this spectacular one of a kind, menu event!

PLEASE NOTE: THE EVENT IS PRE-PAY ONLY, no tickets will be sold at the door.

WE ARE SELLING A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS TO THIS EVENT. CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS !

WHAT: An EXCLUSIVE FOOD ADVENTURE Event brought to you by DaytonMostMetro.com and Dayton Dining

WHERE: JIMMIE’s LADDER 11 Restaurant: Private Event to be held in the upstairs Party Loft area at 936 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio

WHY: A chance for you sample 5 courses of food selected specifically by Jimmie that characterize his menu

WHEN: Saturday, July 13th at 7pm

COST: $30 per person, this includes gratuity! What a deal! Tickets will include 5 course dinner, 4 beer pairings, an acoustic/band after party with happy hour drink pricing for attendees. Tickets are only available online at DaytonMostMetro.com by clicking HERE. Limited spaces available, so don’t miss out !!

Recap: Big Brews & Blues.. and FOOD !

May 23, 2013 By Dayton937 3 Comments

Big Brews & Blues – one terrific event

Drinking craft beers while listening to a regional blues man hum away on his harmonica. What better way to raise money for Diabetes Dayton? The annual Big Brews & Blues event was held last weekend at Carrillon Park and hundreds of attendees enjoyed dozens of craft beers. There were Big Brews, there were Blues, and of course, there was food. We were on hand for another Food Adventure supporting a local charity. Pouring beer in full force were the staff of Dayton Most Metro and Lisa Grigsby with Dayton Dining. Tickets were $30 in advance or $35 at the door. The event went from 5pm – 9pm and each guest received a souvenir beer tasting glass. Full pint tickets were also available for a special price.

The crowd danced and drank. They ate and socialized. They sipped and quipped. So which brews were our favorites? What food items blues.. (ahem) blew us away? All that is coming, but first a summary.

If you didn’t attend Big Brews & Blues…

HERE IS WHAT YOU MISSED:

—Endless samplings of almost 50 craft beers from local and national breweries. A detailed list of the beers may be found HERE.

—Blues acts with roots from Chicago, Tennessee, Detroit, Cincinnati and Columbus. It was an incredible night of good blues music. Groups included Joe and Jack Waters, Them Bones, Johnny Mack & the Heavyweights, and finally Big Joe Blues.

—Food Vendors. This is our thing, so we enjoyed the likes of Brock Masterson Catering, Hickory River Smokehouse, Fressa Food Truck and Kaimelsky’s Food Cart.

— Breweries Represented:

Dayton Beer Company, Yellow Springs Brewery, Valley Vineyards, Weasel Boy, Listermann, Mt Carmel, Rivertown, Christian Morlein, Hoppin Frog, Barley’s, Ohio Brewing Company, Jackie O’s, Great Lakes, Erie Brewing, Thirsty Dog, Triton, Anderson Valley, Hinterland, Fathead’s, Revolution, Two Brothers, Stone Brewing, Brew Kettle Taproom, Bell’s, Southern Tier, Founders, Troegs, Ommegang, Uinta, 21st Amendment, Atwater Brewery, Elevator, Finch’s Beer Company, Anchor Brewing, Kona, Redhook, Shocktop, Widmer Brothers, Goose Island, Boston Beer Co., Leinenkugel, Harpoon, and Ace Premium Hard Ciders.

What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot Dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart?

There were so many good beers and decent food, that we were pressed to pick just one favorite, but here we go…

OUR FAVORITES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

HUNGRY JAX’s FAVORITE BIG BREW: The Sam Adam’s Honey Queen Braggot was her top pick. It is made with 3 types of honey, and had a nice hoppy flavor. They tapped the keg right in front of her, and she was in heaven. It was one of those “Damn, this is good!” moments.

HUNGRY JAX’S FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING: What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart? This hot dog was topped with spicy mustard, onions and Sriracha sauce. It was worth it.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE BIG BREW: Whippet Wheat from Thirsty Dog Brewery gets his vote for its crisp taste with touch of banana flavor. It was the first time we had a Thirsty Dog beer on tap since the mid 1990’s. It was like a flashback, so we put on some MC Hammer pants and danced in the tent until security showed up.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING: Hickory River’s Pulled Pork Sandwich is Ragu’s pick. The slow cooked pork was great, but the real secret was the incredible BBQ sauce. Choices of topping were Sweet, Hot or Mixed sauce on your sandwich. We chose mixed, and that made all the difference.

This was a fun filled night. We poured a few beers for MostMetro. We had delicious crab cakes from Brock Masterson’s catering, and some tasty buffalo chips with blue cheese dip from Fressa Food Truck. We talked at length with the owners and managers of Star City Brewery, which will be opening in the former Peerless Mill site before the end of 2013. Event photographer Sarah Browning, also chatted with us, while snapping a few pics of The Big Ragu.

We even had an ‘America’s Got Talent’ moment, when we were getting our groove on near the stage with the blues band. We even snapped a photo of the lead singer during one of the blues sets. You won’t see that anywhere else, unless they copy our soulful dance moves.

Here’s to not having to hear about hiking and heartburn anymore ! Brews & Blues is a blast

The best part of this event is that it benefits Diabetes Dayton each year. Proceeds from the Big Brews & Blues help uninsured local residents with diabetes. Funds pay for desperately needed supplies. Diabetes Dayton also educates people in the Miami Valley who are suffering from diabetes, as well as paying for summer camp for diabetic children who just want to lead a normal, active life. Thank you to Diabetes Dayton Executive Director Susan McGovern for welcoming us as special guests to this benefit. Canned Soft Drinks and Bottled Water were for sale benefiting the Dougie Apple Tree Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dougie was a local resident, who passed away from diabetes at just 26 years old.

If you missed Big Brews & Blues, make sure you catch it this time next year. Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro for info! The Big Ragu will be there in 2014, at this Food Adventure for a good cause. It will be another ‘blast in a glass.’ We promise not spill any beer or BBQ sauce on you.

BROWSE THROUGH THE PHOTO ALBUM BELOW FOR ALL THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS of BIG BREWS & BLUES !!

BREWERIES REPRESENTED INCLUDED:

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Milano’s: A Dayton Food Adventure

May 16, 2013 By Dayton937 9 Comments

The Atlantic City Italian Sub – Get the baked option with pizza sauce

Atlantic City style subs that would make Snooki proud and Pizza loved by many locals. This is today’s Milano’s. But, Dayton Originals like THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW remember when there was only one Milano’s on Brown Street. Purists will tell you, the subs tasted better then, because the old ovens were ‘seasoned’ from years of spices burnt into the baking area. Whether you love the “old school, dirty Milano’s”, or the “clean, modern Milano’s”, you can’t deny that this is one of the most popular eateries in the Miami Valley.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

– Founded in 1969 by Ron Woods and partners after visiting a restaurant in Lima, Ohio named Milano’s. They loved the food so much, they opened a place in Dayton the next year and decided to name it Milano’s.

– Sold to ThreeWitt Enterprises in 2001, revamped Brown Street location in 2005. Opened 2 more restaurants in 2008 in Beavercreek and Miami Township (St Rt 741).

– All-American style menu with subs, pizza and craft beer selections

– Family Friendly with tableside games and an arcade area that kids enjoy

Little known secret: The Calzones are delicious!

– Great outdoor patio dining area for enhanced fun on good weather days, and it smells better than Atlantic City.

MUST EATS:

– Calzones: A little known fact is that the calzones are great at Milano’s. Whatever ingredients you get, there is plenty of mozzarella cheese inside to cope with, so use that marinara dipping sauce.

– Atlantic City Italian Sub: Capicola, and 2 types of salami topped with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, and spices. There is an option on this sub where they bake the sub and add pizza sauce. This is what makes the sandwich, so get the baked option with sauce!

– The CSP Sub: It comes with capicola, genoa salami, and provolone. It is topped with the usual lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, and spices. so good it will make J-Woww say “Wow.”

– Pizza: We think the sauce is tangy and tasty, so no matter what the toppings, you will have yourself a good “Situation.” The crust is made from scratch, daily. Milano’s touts the fact that they were voted favorite pizza in Dayton in 2011. Try it for yourself and let us know what you think.

– Meatball Sub: Have yourself a meatball day and dive into this saucy little number. This sub is filling, fun, a tad messy, but worth every bite.

Honorable Mention: The generous order of Garlic bread with Cheese is as big as the Trump Taj Mahal. The Cheesesteak sub is also worth a try.

Milano’s has decent side salads that go well with any main event. They also have a reasonably priced kids menu. Be warned, this place gets busy during peak lunch and dinner times.

Just in the mood for a beer? The inviting bar area always has some ‘off the wall’ choices on tap or in bottles. It is a great place to unwind with a cold one.

For the record, the Big Ragu, whose last name is Milano, has nothing to do with ownership of the restaurant. It doesn’t stop him from playing tricks on the wait staff with his I.D. from time to time. He wishes he did own it, because the food at Milano’s turns The Food Adventure Crew into a couple of Jersey teens. Please browse through our photo album below for some amazing pics from our Food Adventures to Milano’s.

If you are one of the few who hasn’t tried Milano’s, or you are new to the Dayton area, take a night and check this spot out. Go for our “must eats” and see if you enjoy their Atlantic City tastes.

Daytonians, sound off below!! Are the Milano’s subs better now or did you like the old ovens on Brown Street? Any other comments? Please share them with us!

Want to see more buns? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook HERE !

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Buckin’ Donkey Grille: The Menu Will Kick Your …

May 9, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Beef on Weck – Old Style Taste

The Food Adventure Crew have been tackling the only Polish-Irish Pittsburgh Bar cuisine in Dayton for months now. Today, we share these experiences with you.

Our weekly Food Adventure installment brings us to The Buckin’ Donkey Grille at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering. Sure, being Cincinnati Bengals fans, we have to stomach the Steelers posters, but the food is worth it.

Our friend, owner Sean Mckown, has worked in various restaurants, but honed his skills cooking for his buddies. Over the years he has tweaked recipes and invented menu items that are remarkable comfort food. Sean is a laid-back guy with a great sense of humor. You can often catch him mingling with patrons as he is in and out of the kitchen. Sean is our kind of guy, making food that his friends love. He experiments in the kitchen, and has perfected his dishes over the years. This is yet another locally owned spot, where almost everything is made from scratch.

Sit back, saddle up as we take you for a ride on the Buckin’ Donkey menu highlights.

Here’s the Skinny:

Sean McKown, Pittsburgh Native and owner of Buckin’ Donkey Grille

— Inventive, homemade menu with one-of-a-kind items or Chef Sean’s twists on standard favorites.

— One section of their menu is Breakfast, served all day

— Locally owned, sports bar atmosphere

— Great drink specials: In May, bottles of Corona are only $2. Last month, Red Stripe beers were only 2 bucks.

— The large outdoor patio will get some good use this summer.

Must Eats:

— The Jumbalaya – spicy and addicting, Sean has been making this masterpiece in a cup for over 15 years.

Banana Peppers Stuffed with Chorizo and Cheese

— Old Style ChicagoWeck – A favorite of most of our friends. Slow cooked Italian beef, marinated in au jus. The weck bun makes the sandwich along with a dash of horseradish. You want authentic, you got it. Get your kimmelweck on. Stop slobbering and order one.

— The Pork Belly Burger. – This is a favorite! It is a burger of 80/20 beef, topped with cheese and strips of pork belly. Inventive and delicious.

— Stuffed Banana Peppers – Stuffed with chorizo and cheese, these long sliced banana peppers melt in your mouth. Warning: Your taste buds aren’t going to believe this. Talk about original, try these on for size.

Frosted Flake French Toast – They serve breakfast all day

— Frosted Flake French Toast – It is what it says. French toast, coated with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal. So good and rich, that Tony the Tiger himself would be proud. It is a savory breakfast item that immediately makes you feel like you are at home.

— The Pierogie Burger – A burger topped with a couple of pierogies. Big Ragu loves these so much, it makes him want to dance to polka music.

— Shrimp Po’ Boy – We recommend the grilled shrimp version. It is an amazing take on this Louisiana style sandwich.

— Homemade Desserts – Not many restaurants have the chef’s mom making the pies from scratch. Buckin’ Donkey Grille does. There is no set dessert menu, so whatever she made that day, is what’s available. Don’t worry though, they are all good. You have to try the peanut butter pie, strawberry shortcake and the cheesecake. We would run topless across lanes of traffic on Wilmington Pike to get a taste of these. Another incredible unique favorite is their homemade walnut pie. We are willing to bet that nobody else in Dayton serves walnut pie. If someone else does, we will let you kick us in the walnuts.

Homemade Walnut Pie

There are so many great flavors on this menu, it is hard to pick just a few favorites. Other honorable mention specialties that we recommend include The Reuben Sandwich and The Cuban Sandwich. The grilled wings are great and so are the hand breaded deep fried pickle slices. Also, the thin sliced onion rings are so good that we have been known to arm wrestle over the last forkful. If you are feeling sassy, try the Porky Pig Burger, a pork/beef mix burger served on a doughnut! It was definitely a unique tasting sandwich.

Also, don’t forget that Buckin’ Donkey Grille has $1 hot dogs and $2 chili dogs during every Cincinnati Reds Game! They also feature live music on Saturday nights and trivia on Wednesday nights.

There really is no secret to this place. The formula is great food at fair prices. The servers are also very personable and attentive. Sean McKown did it right. Many Daytonians are grateful that he has brought a sampling of Pittsburgh to the Gem City. Make sure you visit this seemingly typical sports bar, with the uncommon fare. We know why they named this place the Buckin’ Donkey Grille, because the menu is kickin’ ass.

Browse through all of our original food photos from Buckin’ Donkey Grille in the album below. Drool bibs not included.

Who else is ‘buckin the trends’ and settin’ the trends? … Food Adventures! Ride us and ‘like’ us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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