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Boozy Milkshake Recipe for End of Summer

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Ingredients for Uncle Jims Milkshake

The Food Adventure Crew has a treat for you.  A long standing family secret, tweeked to a boozy delight.

The Big Ragu has been making his “Uncle Jim’s Famous Milkshake Recipe” since his early teens.  It is time to pass along the legend with an adult twist.  This recipe is perfect for end of summer sipping on the patio, or a dessert for a special homemade meal.

Here is the recipe.  This will change your life.

UNCLE JIM’S BOOZY MILKSHAKES: (Serves 4)

Pouring Boozy Milkshakes

Ingredients:
2/3 Gallon of Chocolate Ice Cream (You may substitute a Vanilla or Butter Pecan)
1/3 Gallon of milk
3 TBS of Peanut Butter
1 Banana
1 to 1.5 cups of Baileys Irish Cream (You may substitute Kahlua or any rum)
2 TBS Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

—In a blender put a half to 2/3rds a gallon of chocolate ice cream, or until it almost reaches the top of the blender

—Fill the blender halfway up with milk

—Add the Banana, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Syrup

—Add the Alcohol.

—Start mixing slow pressing the low powered buttons first, and build to the maximum.  Then slow speed down again to lowest setting.

—Mixing should take about 60 seconds.

—Serve immediately in a medium sized glass.

There you have our suggestion for a delicious summer delight.  Uncle Jim’s famous milkshakes are sure to make you smile.  Enjoy and let us know how you liked them — with or without alcohol, they are great !

Food Adventures is Dayton’s Food Blog since 2008.   Like us on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.
Find our new articles each and every week, exclusively on Dayton Most Metro.

Feel free to browse the gallery below.

 

 

Try one of these tonight

Happiness is a Boozy Milkshake

Let’s get this party started

Using Vanilla Ice Cream

Dayton’s Forgotten Chili Parlor

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5 Star Chili on W. Siebenthaler Ave

Three weeks ago, while driving around West Siebenthaler Ave, we came across a restaurant we had no idea existed.  It was called “5 Star Chili.”  We decided to go in and explore for an impromptu Food Adventure.  The food was great so we went back 2 more times in the following weeks.  It was time to share an article on Dayton Most Metro about this forgotten chili parlor.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on 5 STAR CHILI:

— 5 Star Chili is a family owned business, located at 3257 W Siebenthaler Ave in Northwest Plaza

— The restaurant has been around since 1993, and is known for Cincinnati Style Chili

— Hours are – MON – SAT 11am -4pm, closed on Sundays.

The 5 Way Chili at 5 Star

— Menu consists of chili, burgers, dogs, sausages, gyros and fries.  They also sell our favorite, Mikesells Chips and have a full selection of soft drinks in cans.

— Seating is limited to a few tables for four, tightly packed in, or carryout is available.

— The food is served in “to go” containers whether you are eating in or not.

— In a city of Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, this is a similar product, but a different taste when it comes to seasonings.  If you like those two restaurants, you will like 5 Star Chili.

Inside 5 Star Chili

Now you know about 5 Star Chili. When you are here, what are the best food items on the menu?

 

MUST EATS at 5 STAR CHILI:

— 5 WAY CHILI:
Delicious combo of chili, spaghetti, beans, onions and cheese served in a “to go” container.  The flavor of the chili is great.  We suggest adding a drizzle of hot sauce on top to complete the experience.

 

 

THE GYRO:

The Gyro from 5 Star Chili


A good gyro, very reminiscent of the ones they serve at Dayton’s Greek Fest, except these onions are cooked.  The tomatoes and tzatziki sauce are buried inside the gyro pita.  Ir is a good, easy to eat option.

 

— THE CHILI CHEESE CONEY WITH EVERYTHING:
A small hot dog served with chili, onions, mustard and a mound of cheese.  Again, drizzle the top with hot sauce to get the full flavor effect.  One visit we were super hungry and ordered an extra hot dog with just mustard.  Damn was it good..

Cheese Coney with Everything

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK:
Maybe the dark horse of the menu.  This sandwich was great.  Shaved steak served with mayo, cheese, onions, green peppers and banana peppers served on a hoagie bun.  Perfect contents to bun ratio, it was delicious.

 

We have also tried the plain hot dogs with mustard, the bowl of chili by itself and the chili cheese fries.  All were good in a pinch.

It would be nice to see 5 Star Chili get a little love from Dayton public.  While we were in there, sometimes it was busy, sometimes it was quiet.  If you live nearby, or are in the area and you are a Cincinnati Style chili fan, then you have to stop and check this place out.  Dayton’s only, non-chain, stand alone chili parlor, is waiting for you.

The Philly Cheesesteak at 5 Star Chili

Thanks for reading this week’s feature Food Adventures article.  Are you a Dayton foodie?  Then “like” us on Facebook by clicking here.  Join the other 8,000 Miami Valley Foodies who follow us already.

Have you been to 5 Star Chili before?  If so, what is your take on this eatery?

Feel free to browse the photos below.

 

5 Way from 5 Star Chili

Bowl of Chili

Their Burger

Chili Cheese Fries at 5 Star Chili

Hot Dog with Mustard

The ordering counter at 5 Star Chili

Dining Area

The Oregon District – 19 “MUST EATS”

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Manicotti from Francos

In wake of the events this week, there are no words.  Food Adventures suggests we all take some time and show continued support and love for the Oregon District, by eating at some of the places in and around the area on Fifth Street.  We humbly suggest some of our favorites.  Here’s to keeping Dayton strong.

 

OREGON DISTRICT “MUST EATS”

Pickle Soup at Blind Bobs

CHEESE MANICOTTI at FRANCO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO:
The pasta filled with ricotta cheese and blanketed with sauce and mozzarella.  Franco’s wonderful marinara, makes the dish and use that bread to sponge up the goodness.
824 E. Fifth St.

 

PICKLE SOUP at BLIND BOB’S:
Sounds crazy, tastes incredible.  If you like cream of broccoli soup. you will love this.  It is kicked up a notch with a hint of pickle flavor.  Not overpowering, just perfect and creamy.  A couple of shakes of pepper and you are in the drivers seat, ready to roll.
430 E. Fifth St.

The Hearse Burger from Lucky’s Taproom

THE HEARSE BURGER at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:
Keener Beef starts the burger out and it is topped with BBQ pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon and red cabbage slaw.   It is a 1/3 pound burger and more than a mouthful.  Did we mention they have incredible fish dinners where you pick the beer to batter your fish?  Now you know, visit there soon.
520 E. Fifth St.

Lilys Bistro has Fried Chicken on Sundays

FRIED CHICKEN at LILYS BISTRO:
On Sundays they have a treat for you!  Get a choice of a 2 piece dinner, half a chicken dinner, or a whole chicken, cut up into pieces and deep fried.  The golden brown Free-Range Fried Chicken is from a local farm.  The result is a delicious taste in every bite.  Get a bread basket and mashed potatoes to fill the table !
329 E. Fifth St.

 

MUSSELS AND FRIES at THE CORNER KITCHEN:
These delicious shellfish are steamed and served in a buttery wine sauce with tomatoes.  The mussels are cooked perfectly  and these bites will melt in your mouth. Served with a side or fries for dipping away and sopping up the sauce.
613 E. Fifth St.

Mussels and Fries from the Corner Kitchen

 

THE HERITAGE PORK CHOP at ROOST MODERN ITALIAN:
A huge grilled pork chop served alongside creamy goat cheese polenta, charred scallions and candied applewood bacon.  Chef Dana Downs has a fantastic gourmet menu, and this is just one of many hits.
524 E Fifth St

The Heritage Pork Chop at Roost Modern Italian

 

PEPPERONI ROLLS at 416 DINER:
You normally don’t see these unless you are in a big city or upstate New York.  This Italian delight is so good here because of the taste of the homemade bread.  Try a pepperoni roll today !
416 E. Fifth St.

 

PECAN AND SAGE ENCRUSTED SALMON at SALAR:
So delicate and tasty, this baked dream is the perfect dinner.  Excellent flavors and a generous serving of salmon.  Salar knocked it out of the park with this one.  If you don’t like fish, go for the filet mignon, it is remarkable.
400 E. Fifth St.

Salar’s Pecan and Sage Encrusted Salmon

FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI 9:
With such an extensive menu, they have terrific food from pad thai to sushi.  We are addicted to the huge fish with chili sauce.  A giant fish filet, deep fried and topped with chili sauce.  The spices in the fish and the sauce toppings are mouth watering.  This dish is so good, it is hard for us to order anything else.
11 Brown St 

 

LOADED POTATO SOUP at THE DUBLIN PUB:

Loaded Potato Soup at the Dublin Pub


A creamy, cheesey bowl of  potato soup topped with bacon crumbles and scallions will have you jumping for joy.  This is warm comfort food at its best.  The pub is also a great place to pair the soup with a brew.  Get lost in the flavor and stay for a second pint.
300 Wayne Ave.

 

THE SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS at SMOKIN BBQ:
Perfectly cooked, perfectly crispy wings are found here.  The smokey taste is great and the spices are good.  But they have some sauces you need to put on the side for dipping.  They got BBQ sauce and a hot sauce.  Use them individually or mix them, but whatever you do use them every other bite for a true BBQ experience.
200 E. Fifth St

Smoked Wings from Smokin Bar-B-Que

EGGPLANT FRIES at WHEAT PENNY OVEN and BAR:
Served with a yogurt dipping sauce, these are absolutely addicting.  Did we mention they have incredible pizza and pasta dishes?  Yeah, get in here….
515 Wayne Ave.

 

CHICKEN, BACON, FETA and CILANTRO PIZZA from OREGON EXPRESS:
It is like the 4th of July for your taste buds. You gotta try this.  In a place with fantastic pizza, this one stands out.  Good bar selection too, but the pizzas are off the chart good.  Fun atmosphere and sometimes there are live bands.
336 E. Fifth St.

Oregon Express – Great Pizza

 

FARM FRESH CHILI from THE TROLLEY STOP:
Made with Keener Farm grass fed beef, fresh onions, peppers & red beans, and topped with your choice of cheese or onions; or both.  A nice, hearty bowl of chili made with local beef.  Slap a squirt of hot sauce on top and you are in business.
530 E. Fifth St.

 

THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:
A Dayton icon and family tradition.  Imagine the creamiest broth in the world, riddled with potatoes and plump clam meat.  Just a dash of black pepper and maybe some crackers to seal this deal.  We are talking childhood memories here or great tastes for the first time.  Either way, this appetizer is the tip of the iceberg of good eats here.
225 E. 6th St.

 

TOXIC BLONDE at TOXIC BREW CO.:

Beers at Toxic Brew Co.


Take a break from the heat with a cold one at Toxic Brew.  They are pushing the envelope on uniqueness and brewing here.  Like hops? This is a place for you.  We prefer the light ale, Toxic Blonde for an easy drink on a hot summer day.  The atmosphere is fun and the bartenders have a lot of personality.
431 E.Fifth St.

 

DRUNKEN CHEESECAKE at THE TROLL PUB:
Time for dessert? How about some cheesecake?  Rich and drizzled with caramel is the way to go.  Thank goodness that is how they serve it.  Big menu with lots of big tastes, but this item is special.  Indulge yourself and let your troubles slip away.
216 Wayne Ave.

Drunken Cheesecake from the Troll Pub

 

RAW OYSTERS at DISTRICT PROVISIONS /GLASZ BLEU OVEN/ JACK LUKEYS OYSTER SALOON and CAVIAR BAR:
Slurp!  Enjoy a taste of fresh raw oysters, just shucked.  Sprinkle a little lemon and or hot sauce on the top and your experience is all that and more.  Three business share a home in this spot.  Wander and browse them all.  Don’t forget a nice craft beer to wash it down.
521 Wayne Ave

Oysters at Jack Lukey’s Oyster Saloon

 

ONE OF 60 BEERS at CRAFTED AND CURED:
They have 60 crafted alcoholic drinks on tap, yes that’s right.  At the posting time of this article two beers stuck out for us to choose today: Witbier from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. in Springfield and Stay Golden Blonde Ale from Steetside Brewery in Cincinnati.  Check out the list of beers currently on tap by clicking HERE.
531 Wayne Ave.

 

Make sure you continue to support these places and more in their time of need.  Remember all of these

Special “CROWLER Cup” at Crafted and Cured

eateries are locally owned by families just like yours.  Best of all, they have great meals to offer.  Take this time to plan your own Food Adventure at the Oregon District.  See you there !

About Food Adventures: We are three Dayton foodies with a local blog and a weekly column exclusively here on Dayton Most Metro.  Since 2008, we have been highlighting the Miami Valley’s best restaurants, hosting dinner events, cooking classes, and partnering with festivals.  We have a ton of content and you can get more info by liking us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

Feel free to browse the gallery of photos below…

Comment on any other Oregon District foods that are spectacular.

Farm Fresh Chili from The Trolley Stop

Eggplant Fries from Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

Pepperoni Rolls from 416 Diner

The Big Ragu bites into Thai 9’s fish with chili sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chicken Spot – New Carryout is a Hit

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Store front of The Chicken Spot

People are flying in and out of the newest “to go” place on West Siebenthaler.  It is called “The Chicken Spot,” and is owned by popular local chef Anthony Head.   Anthony, or as he is  also known “The People’s Chef” opened the store just a week ago, but the word is out.  While we were ordering and getting our food, at least a dozen people stopped into the carryout, ready to get some delicious chicken.

Have you heard about The Chicken Spot yet?  Well here is what you need to know about this brand new poultry joint !

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE CHICKEN SPOT:

— It is located at 3261 W. Siebenthaler Ave in Dayton in the corner of a strip mall

— Hours are listed as 11am -4pm everyday.

The ChickenHead Sandwich Dipped in Cdubb Gold

— It is carry out only, no dine in, just some pews to sit in while you wait a couple of minutes for your order to be freshly prepared.

— The Current Menu features 2 Chicken Sandwiches with options to dip the chicken breast in signature sauces.

— A Vegetarian sandwich, fries and dessert fill out the limited menu

The menu is limited for now, but packs some big punches in taste.  Rumor is the menu will eventually expand, but until then, here are our “must eats” at The Chicken Spot.

MUST EATS at THE CHICKEN SPOT:

Under the Medusa Sandwich dipped in Gem City Sauce

— THE CHICKENHEAD SANDWICH:
This one is easy going and so good.  It starts with a hand breaded chicken breast served on a bun.  It is that simple.  Fried Chicken purists will love this one.  We believe you MUST and we say MUST spend an extra buck and get the chicken breast dipped in a sauce.
Our favorites sauces were the:
CDUBB GOLD SAUCE: A sweet Carolina yellow sauce
GEM CITY SAUCE:  A BBQ sauce mixed with some Buffalo heat.

Other sauce dip options include: Lemon Pepper Glaze, Thai Garlic Chili, and Mac n cheese Sauce which good on waffle fries too.

—THE MEDUSA CHICKEN SANDWICH:
This is soulful, funky Dayton at its best.  You start out with a deep fried chicken breast on a bun (don’t forget to get it dipped in a sauce).  You then top it with collard greens, pickled onions and macaroni and cheese.  Oh its a little messy, but all that dripping is worth the taste.  It will put a smile on our face.  Thumbs up for originality on this one. It is delicious !

— WAFFLE FRIES:

Waffle Fries

The waffle fries were great !  They also have sweet potato waffle fries but we preferred the regular waffle fries instead.

— KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE:
Melts in your mouth and takes you down South.  This is just a simple pleasure in life and had the Big Ragu saying OMG.  The cake is moist and will fill up.  Wow was that good.

— CINNAMON SUGAR CAKE:
So delicious and the icing makes the whole thing.  Just another slice of absolute heaven  This will bring you back to your mom or grandmothers baking memories.  Don’t miss grabbing a slice.

There you have it.  Just as quick as we stopped in for great eats, we give you our guide to “The Chicken Spot.” 

Kentucky butter Cake

Congratulations to Chef Anthony Head for his fantastic start and we look forward to coming back and getting out chicken fix again soon.  Our mouths are watering already just thinking about it .

Make sure you stop into this new carry out, and to use their motto:
“They can’t wait to feed you!”

For more Food Adventures. “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE

Look for our articles here EXCLUSIVELY on Dayton Most Metro each and every week.  Food Adventures is a food blog run by three foodies who tackle everything edible in Dayton!

Please browse more photos of THE CHICKEN SPOT, below.

Cinnamon Sugar Cake

Ordering desk and view into prep kitchen

Lobby – Carry Out only

Inside The Chicken Spot

The Medusa Chicken Sandwich dipped in Gem City Sauce!

 

Three Year-Round Fish Frys are Thriving

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Fish Fry and a side of Mashed Potatoes at George’s Restaurant on N Dixie

Lent may be months away, but if you are craving an all you can eat fish fry, you’re in luck.

The Miami Valley has 3 restaurants with all you can eat fish frys every Friday, year round.

Endless, crispy, golden fish served with your choice of sides.  Generous portions and fish refilled to your hearts’ content.  Yes, other restaurants may have Friday fish specials, but these are the only all you can eat ones that we know about that you can get every Friday any month of the year.

Refill on Alaskan Pollack at George’s Restaurant

 

Food Adventures is happy to share these 3 All You Can Eat Restaurant Fish Frys available every Friday!!

 

1) GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.00 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays all day. A great deal!  The fish is amazing and the servers are very attentive on refills.  The fish filets are crispy and medium sized.  They are seasoned and breaded perfectly and delicious.  The diner’s atmosphere is a fun casual joint with oldies music.  WARNING: this Fish Fry only lasts from 4pm to 8pm and sells out sometimes.  We would suggest you get there not later than 5pm to avoid a sellout.

 

Fish Fry at Hasty Tasty platter with sides of stewed tomatoes and mashed potatoes and hush puppies

2) HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$9.00 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. Again, what a deal!  The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch.  Lots of choices of sides, and the dinner comes with two of them.  It is simple, good food in an old school atmosphere.  Homemade bread served with the meal and they usually have a deal on slices of pie for $1.25 if you ordered a dinner.  One of the best bangs for your buck in town, and the servers are fast and friendly.

KJ’s FISH FRY – this had a side of green beans

 

4) K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised ocean catfish,  swai, 2 sides, for $9.99.  What a price!  The catfish is rumored to be nice and flaky and not “fishy.”  This special is also available every Friday. We have talked to the owners of the restaurant, and we can’t wait to check this one out !  They say it is very popular. The buzz is that the fish is great and that customers love it so much, they keep coming back for more.

Are you craving some fried fish? Head over to one of these spots and you won’t be disappointed.  Crispy, delicious fish is waiting for you in all you want portions.

Food Adventures is Daytons #1 Food blog since 2008.  We have exclusive articles every week right here on Dayton Most Metro.  Check us out on TWITTER here and FACEBOOK here.

Please browse our photos from these fish frys in the gallery below:

KJS FISH FRY

A PLATTER OF KJ’S FISH FRY

REFILL OF FISH AT HASTY TASTY

REFILL ON FISH AT HASTY TASTY ON LINDEN AVE

HASTY TASTYS REFILL OF FISH

GEORGE’S FISH AND MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY

HASTY TASTY FISH – ROUND 3

GEORGES HAS SPECTACULAR FISH

WELCOME TO GEORGES

14 Tips for Grilling Out This Summer

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Here are some Grilling Tips

We are well into summer and the grilling season, but there is always time to learn something and get better.

The Food Adventure Crew worked to develop a few tips that you may not be familiar with. They are tips and philosophies that will help you in a lifetime of grilling techniques.  Whether out at the pool, a lake, a park or your back yard, we hope you find these grilling tips handy.

Hungry?  Let’s head out to the grill for a  Food Adventure.

We give you our…

14 TIPS FOR GRILLING OUT THIS SUMMER:

— GRILL LOCAL:

Many local farms provide quality chicken and beef


Get to know your local butcher, local farmers and local fish mongers.  This will give you access to the freshest and finest cuts of meat around.  They will give you quality and extra deals the better they get to know you.  Local farmers and butchers will also educate you on the cuts of meat, types of fish etc.  Of course there is also the benefits of buying and supporting local businesses that makes this theory thrive.

 

 

 

 

Marinating Chicken with a rosemary blend

 

—SEASONING and ‘ or MARINADE:
Do not forget that important step of seasoning and or marinading your meats or grilled items. Much of this work can be done the night before and will infuse flavor into your meals.  We suggest your favorite BBQ Sauce, or salad dressing for shortcut marinades.  The other option is use vegetable oil and lemon juice and various spices like garlic, pepper and salt.  Experiment and add any flavors you desire from yogurt to basil and oregano, the world is your oyster.  Our favorite steak marinade is Worcestershire sauce, Soy sauce, minced garlic, and Szeged Steak Rub sold at Greg Meats in Springboro.

Make sure the meat is near room temperature when you grill

 

— MEAT TEMPERATURE BEFORE GRILLING:
Don’t throw your meat on the grill right from the cooler or refrigerator.  Let the meat almost become room temperature before you place it on the grill.  This promises more even cooking and will prevent undercooking.  This goes for steaks, burgers, sausages, chicken etc..

 

—MUSTARD ??
Try this trick from the old days.  Cut into some steaks 3 times on each side and brush your favorite mustard on each side of your steak and grill it.

YES MUSTARD !  Mustard makes a great glaze/marinade on steaks and has been a secret at many steakhouses in the 60’s and 70’s.  Experiment with your own recipes and let us know how it came out .  Some people call this “Mean Mr. Mustard” Steak recipes.  The Big Ragu’s dad suggested this tip.

 

Mustard Rubbed Steaks Great for Ribeye Steaks.

Grill Corn, Eggplant, Squash, and more

Grill Corn, Eggplant, Squash, and more

— GRILL YOUR VEGGIES:


Don’t neglect veggies when you think of grilling.  It is an excellent opportunity to grill things like corn, squash, peppers, eggplant, asparagus, onions and so much more.  Brush your vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper and place on a hot grill. Don’t touch them for at least 2 minutes.  You can even grill fruit, like pineapple!

 

Pounded Chicken Breasts

 

 

— POUND YOUR CHICKEN BREASTS:
Before marinading those monster chicken breasts, take the time to pound them a bit flatter for easier, more even grilling.   Whether Italian dressing, or BBQ,  this will allow for better taste across the board.

 

— GRILL YOUR BUNS:
When doing burgers, dogs and sausages, grill the buns when you can.  This allows a more resilient bun when holding the condiments and allows easier grip.  The taste of toasted bread is just better too.

Grilled Buns

 

— GRILL WITH CHARCOAL:
Whenever possible, grill with charcoal.  In a world of gas grills, the taste is completely different.  We realize it is not environmentally friendly, so use this tip as a special treat.  Chicken, Steaks, Burgers and Dogs are delicious over charcoal grills.

 

Dont overflip the meat. Let the grill do the work

 —LET THE GRILL DO THE COOKING, DON’T “OVER FLIP”:
Flip the food only once if possible.  The more you touch the food on the grill, the more it will stick and begin to fall apart.  Let the food sit on the grill.  It is there to do the cooking, let it do its job without interference.  Your food will cook faster when it is left alone, especially when you close the hood.

 

— SLATHER FOOD ITEMS AFTER GRILLING:

Put sauce on the BBQ chicken as you remove it


Doing some BBQ Ribs or Chicken on the grill?  Maybe some fish?  Make sure and slather these items after you take them off the grill in the serving sauces.  Maybe a nice BBQ sauce over the ribs or an Italian dressing sauce on the chicken?  Drizzle some butter or honey sauce over the fish while on the serving plate post grill.  By slathering more sauce on the items it helps with taste and presentation of the food.  Nothing looks better than a freshly grilled chicken breast with a fresh glaze of BBQ sauce.

 

Did you know you could gill clams?

 

 

 

— GRILL OUTSIDE THE BOX:
Think of other items to grill that you normally wouldn’t.  From Clams to Shrimp Skewers and even putting a sautee pan on the grill.  The sky is the limit.  Remember, they sell some grillable pizza crusts in the stores.  Talk about a fun event, creating grilled pizzas all night at a party.

 

— CLEAN GRILL = CLEAN FOOD:

Make sure the grill and utensils are clean


It is ok to have some residual seasonings on the grill but for the most part, your grill and the utensils should be very clean.  To help with cooking, oil down the grilling grates with a spray vegetable oil in a can.  This will help with ease of grilling and prevent food sticking to the grill.

 

— DON’T SLICE GRILLED FOOD RIGHT AWAY:
Once your steak or chicken is off the grill, wait at least 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices a chance to settle back into the meat.  Same goes for burgers.  Let them settle a bit before you bite in.  Juicyness is just a couple of minutes away.

 

— AFTER GRILLING, PUT FOOD IN A SEALED CONTAINER:
Nothing is more unappetizing  than bugs and flies all over the BBQ food.  Ever go to grab a burger just as a fly pounces on it?  Yeah, pretty gross right?  Well, solve all of this by putting the finished grilled items into a sealed container with a lid and people can open the lid and serve themselves, worry free of bugs or flies.  Make your grill out more enjoyable and more sanitary.  Tell the flies to take a hike.

Grilled squash and pineapple

We hope you found these helpful and maybe incorporate them into a future picnic, etc.  Grilling is an essential part of a foodie’s summer.  Take advantage of the sunshine and share the feast with some close friends.  Make your neighbors jealous with the smell.  Besides grilling at home, consider a trip to a park with grills, or an area near a lake campground.  How about your local swim club? Everyone loves a grill and pool party with good eats.   The bottom line is get to know food sources, hone your flavors and develop your own techniques and grilling style.  Best of luck !

Food Adventures is a local food blog with an exclusive weekly column right here at Dayton Most Metro.  Please come by and read our local food feature each and every week.  From restaurant features, to recipes we lave no local plate unturned.  Food Adventures is on FACEBOOK – like them by clicking HERE.

Sausage from NYC on the grill

Local Farms have great grilling vegetables

Big Ragus Baby Back Rib Recipe!

Big Ragus Baby Back Rib Recipe!

Fresh,local squash

Fresh, local squash

Chicken being marinated

Fresh Salmon ready to be seasoned and grilled

Fresh Salmon ready to be seasoned and grilled

This is how we marinate a steak. Worcestershire Sauce, Soy sauce and garlic

Mustard glaze on chicken !

Steak with Bleu Cheese

Burgers and Dogs

BBQ chicken, Swai Filets, brats, metwurst and hot dogs

Use containers with lids and covers to keep flies and bugs off the food.

Use containers with lids and covers to keep flies and bugs off the food.

Use containers with lids and covers to keep flies and bugs off the food. Portabella Mushrooms and asparagus.

sealed containers are better than open food containers for bug management

RIBS

Clams, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Pineapple

Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Pineapple

Great marinades

Local butcher/farmer

NY strip steak on a Friday night

Marinading Chicken

Veggie Kabobs

Shrimp on the Bar-bee with Salmon

Hamburgers

Lamb chops on the Big Green Egg grill – Ricks Tropical Delights at Vinnys

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Food Adventures Have Noticed Changes at Taco Bell

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They don’t stuff tacos like they used to …

Okay, so 95 out of 100 articles we feature locally owned eateries.  Also, very rarely will we publish a negative slant in our stories on the Food Adventures Blog.  Today, however, we have taken notice of a situation, that has caused the Big Ragu some frustration.

In  the land of fast food, there was a fave that set itself apart.  But now it seems after a slow slide over the past 10 years, this old standby, is now a new spot of pitfalls and disappointments.  Has anyone else notice this change or is it us?

So we ask ….

Familiar site – you could listen to a Beatles album by the time you get to the pay window.

What has happened to Taco Bell ?

Back in the 80’s and the 90’s the successful chain was using the 59, 79 and 99 cent menus to the delight of fans.  There was the “Yoquero Taco Bell” Bell Dog, and the “Run for the border” campaign highlighting the late hours.  There was decent food and decent service late into the night, sometimes 4am !

They changed the burrito wrapper for the better, making it thicker and less breakable.  They came up with new menu ideas, maybe this is where the downfall started.  Maybe they offer too many menu items to crank things out like they used to….

Don’t get us wrong, Taco Bell still shows some magic.  The Big Ragu still absolutely loves the Mexican Pizza (although they stopped adding black olives on top), and we love the Nacho Bell Grande.  We applaud them for bringing back the nacho cheese fries.  But there are lot of changes that we have noticed locally over the past 10 years.  Is it just us?  Do other fast foodies in Dayton notice this around town?

This was the actual filling in our burrito supreme -mostly tortilla

— Smaller fillings:  Have you noticed they don’t stuff a taco or a burrito like they used to?  Every once in a while you will get an employee in the back that will be making some nice sized burritos and tacos, but for the most part they are partially stuffed and lots of times weighed.

— Slower Drive Thru Service: They used to be great on this, but now we have noticed you can watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory while waiting on your drive thru order.

— Poor Service:  No friendly greet, no thank you’s and lots of times

The Mexican PIzza is still a winner

the order is wrong. But the worst. and we mean ABSOLUTE WORST thing they do is close 15 minutes early and the employees hide inside and won’t come to the window because they know they are in the wrong.  They also close much earlier now than they have in years past, especially during winter months.

Is it just us, or have you noticed the change as well??  And if you ask for hot sauce they now give you 2 packets.  If you ask for 8 sauces they will give you 4.  We don’t know when this started but it seems they purposely short us now on sauces.

Can you spare a sauce?

Yeah we know, we took a weekly article to write about a chain.  Some of you may care, some may not, we just felt it worth mentioning since we think the decline is noticeable.

Suggestion:

One thing we suggest they do is bring back a simple menu item – BRING BACK THE BELLBEEFER.. This was Taco Bell’s version of a burger.  It was pretty much a sloppy joe with taco meat on a bun.  No frills, easy and quick to serve.

 

WE ASKED LOCAL EMPLOYEES:

Bring Back the Bellburger

Since this isn’t our first rodeo at the drive thru window – over the past 5 years, we have asked the employees at the window what the problem has been. Of the various local Taco Bells they all say the same thing. “We are greatly understaffed and it is hard to find good workers.”  

It sounds like they are short on workers, but trying to address the problem with no success do to the work force,

At any rate, until they fix it , we will be in that long drive thru line on occasion for a Mexican Pizza or Nacho Bell Grande.

Kudos for adding Nacho Fries to the menu

But we are in line there much less these days.. cutting our visits by about 75%.  Until then, here is hoping they make a change in size of servings, customer service, and drive thru times.  Is it too much to ask for that and some hot sauce?

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK….

Food Adventures is a local food blog with a weekly article here on Dayton Most Metro.  We also have a great presence on Facebook.

 

 

 

Wow..this bean burrito is lacking the goods

Look at this taco stuffing – are you kidding me ?

Here is a bean burrito – you can see that it is mostly tortilla

Top 33 Dayton Treats to Beat the Heat

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Jet Freeze’s Peanut Butter Sundae

The sweltering days, the sun beating down on the Miami Valley.  When you can’t plunge into a swimming pool, don’t worry.  Relief is a taste away.  Whether a mom and pop locally owned store, or a national chain, Daytonians have some delicious options to “beat the heat.”

The Food Adventures Crew breaks it all down for you right here:

 

The Top 20 Dayton Treats to Beat the Heat:

 

1) PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE:

Homemade peanut butter sauce, and incredible prices make this choice #1.  They also have fantastic soft serve ice cream, unlike another place.  For example, also try the Kings Island inspired Smurf Blueberry Blue Ice cream.  Located in Beavercreek near the Grange Hall and Patterson intersection.

 

2) RITTER’S PEANUT BUTTER MOUNTAIN:

The Peanut Butter Mountain from Ritters

Whether the Kettering location or Beavercreek location, the toppings are generous for these sundaes.  Get one of the richest, most sinful things you have eaten all for around 5 bucks.

 

3) ICE CREAM PINTS at YOUNG’S DAIRY:

Great flavors like Sea Salty Caramel Crunch, Cookie Dough, Cow Patty and Tiramisu Gelato are our favorite flavors by far.  Hell, at this place even the butter pecan and chocolate ice cream is to die for.  Pack up the car and head to Yellow Springs today !

 

Pints from Youngs Dairy4) CHOCOLATE SHAKE at “K &W DRIVE-IN” in Springboro:

Shake it at K & W.   Nothing is as good as a shake or malt from here in the summer.  Make sure you try the burgers and footlong hot dogs too ! Located on 741 in Downtown Springboro, this place is a longtime favorite.

 

5) STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SUNDAE from FREDDYS FROZEN CUSTARD:

Full blown strawberry heaven here.  Located on Wilmington Pike, they also serve other terrific sundaes.  Seriously one of the most delicious sundaes we have tried.

 

6) BAD JUANS at ELSA’S:

K & W Drive in in Springboro

 

Our only alcoholic item in the bunch, but it has to be on here.  How many drunk Bad Juan experiences have started with that first refreshing sip !

 

7) ROOT BEER FLOATS at the ROOT BEER STANDE:

A Dayton classic. No better place to people watch and car watch than Woodman Dr. at The Root Beer Stande.  It’s like a special portal in the universe.  Order a footlong hot dog and deep fried mushrooms too !

Strawberry Shortcake from Freddys Custard

 

 

 

8) CONE WITH SPRINKLES at the DAIRY SHED in BELLBROOK:

People come from all around like a beacon of hope to this place called the Dairy Shed.  The best sprinkle cones around, they really give it a dip and a whirl.  Sometimes it is like, “would you like some ice cream with your sprinkles?”

 

9) EXTRA LARGE CHOCOLATE MALT with  PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM and a BANANA at UDF:

Here is a “fat kid trick.”  We ask for the biggest shake at United Dairy Farmers and make it a malt.  Use Peanut butter ice cream, and ask them to add chocolate sauce and a banana.  Get some sunglasses, sit in the shade and go to a world of your own happiness.  UDF’s can be found in Kettering, Springboro and near University of Dayton.

The Bad Juan – Frozen

 

10) FRISCH’S HOT FUDGE CAKE:

Oh boy, the classic.  The perfect balance of fudge, cake and ice cream.  And who could forget the whipped cream?  Order one and you will find yourself making the “mmmm” good noises you see on commercials.  Lots of locations in town to order this one.

 

11) A WAFFLE CONE OF COOKIE DOUGH CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM at GRAETER’S ICE CREAM:

Get in line and get yourself a waffle cone of cookie dough. Their butter pecan here is sinful too.  Also we recommend the Buckeye Blitz Ice Cream.  The Centerville location on 48 and 725 is a perfect spot to try the flavors.

 

Root Beer Float from the Root Beer Stande

12) MOOSE TRACKS ICE CREAM at VILLAGE ICE CREAM PARLOR in LEBANON:

This ice cream has the perfect array of chocolate, fudge, nuts and caramel to make anyone happy.  This is a fantastic ice cream, and those who love “Rocky Road” will love this too !  Get to Lebanon soon!

 

13) PUMPKIN ROLL TOPPED WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM at THE DIXIE DAIRY DREEM:

A special homemade treat that is available more in the  fall.  In the meantime , just get the vanilla ice cream soft serve and the mini Dreem Burgers and you summer is complete.

Dairy Shed in Bellbrook

 

14) THE DREAMSICLE PIE from BUCKIN DONKEY:

An orange flavored pie that tastes like a push up pop.  Only At the Buckin Donkey would they dream this up.  Try the blackberry pie and peanut butter pie too.  All amazing in their own right.

 

Frischs Hot Fudge Cake

15) THE PEANUT BUSTER PARFAIT from DAIRY QUEEN:

The old classic with Spanish peanuts, hot fudge and vanilla soft serve ice cream.  Yeah, yeah we know it is a chain … Moraine, Miamisburg, and Centerville are a few of the locations.

 

16) A COLD GLASS of APPLE CIDER  from HIDDEN VALLEY ORCHARDS:

Nothing says AHHHH like a cold glass of cider in the summer.  Sip it outdoors and swirl it in your mouth.  Your tastebuds are now alive, and you are refreshed.  Just head south of Centerville on 48, and it is before you reach Lebanon on the left hand side.

Graeters !

 

 

 

 

17) PEANUT BUTTER BANANA SHAKES at STEAK N SHAKE:

This national chain makes some killer hand dipped shakes.   We have found one of the most delicious is the peanut butter and banana shake.  Refreshing as you can get, yet creamy and smooth as well.  Wilmington Pike in Kettering and in Miamisburg near Lyons and 741 are just two locations.

 

“Moose Tracks” at Village Ice Cream

18) PEANUT BUTTER n CHOCOLATE WAFFLE CONE at BASKIN ROBBINS on 741 near the Dayton Mall:

On  741 by the Dayton mall, this place has thrived since the 1970’s. Why?  One reason is the Peanut Butter n chocolate ice cream.  It is an amazing ice cream and butter pecan is a close second.  Get a Waffle cone today !

 

19) FRIED ICE CREAM AT EL TORO:

At the end of a spicy meal, lighten up with some fried ice cream.  Not as good as the stuff that Chi chi’s served, but this version is pretty good.  We love it at many locations in the Dayton area from Beavercreek, to Miamisburg and Centerville.

 

20) $1 VANILLA CONE FROM MCDONALDS:

Pumpkin Roll A La Mode at the Dixie Dairy Dreem

We had to include this monster on the list.  The best refreshment bang for your buck in the food industry.  One dolla and the vanilla makes you holla.

 

21) COOKIE BATTER ICE CREAM at COLD STONE CREAMERY:

Incredible flavor, and a unique one too.  Like licking the batter spoon?  You will love this stuff.  Again, a chain, but undeniable in goodness.

 

Buckin Donkeys Dreamsicle Pie

 

 

 

 

22) BANANA MILK SHAKE from SONIC:

This chain makes a refreshing banana shake.  It tastes like fresh banana and circus peanuts.  A nic sip on a summers ever while cruising in the car.  Sonic on Wilmington Pike is waiting for you to place your order !

 

23) CHUNKY MONKEY ICE CREAM from BEN AND JERRYS:

Whether you are at the actual store on Brown Street near University of Dayton’s campus, or in a local grocery, get some chunky monkey ice cream and cool off.  So many other flavors, just feel your way …. Cookie Dough is amazing and so is chocolate chip cookie dough.  Vermont’s finest ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s !

Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen

 

24) BANANA SPLITS At WHITTS FROZEN CUSTARD in LEBANON:

Get the signature dish that will have you dripping all over downtown Lebanon.  Three topping syrups and the typical setup with sliced bananas.  Treat yourself, you only live once.

 

25) CULVERS TURTLE SUNDAE:

This is a sinful sundae and one of the most delicious things we have ever tasted.  Culver’s is a chain with locations in Troy, and Mason.The also specialize in fried fish and butter burgers.

 

Inside Hidden Valley Orchard – Fresh, Cold Apple Cider!

26) THE BANANA CREAM PIE SHAKE from GOLD STAR CHILI:

Yes, this chili parlor has shakes,  Yes the banana cream pie shake is awesome.  Cool down at the end of a spicy lunch with one of those large shakes.  You won’t regret it.

 

27) BLUE RASPBERRY ITALIAN ICE at RITA’S ITALIAN ICE:

Little spot on Indian Ripple Rd and Dorothy Lane with Italian Ice and Gelato.  Fruit flavors abide and a nice patio.  Try the blue raspberry and let it set our world on fire, then cool it off .

Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter N Chocolate Cone

 

 

28) BROWNIE BATTER YOGURT from ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT:

Doctor this up with some chocolate chip toppings and you have an epic Food Adventure on your hands.

 

29) WENDY’S FROSTY:

The classic. It had to make the list.  A spoon, no straw, just you and tons of chocolate flavor.

 

30) THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER A LA MODE at THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

The only reason this is lower on the list is that it isn’t readily available like many others. You can only get this at a limited time at the Montgomery County Fair

 

Our pal “the King” and some fried Ice Cream at El Toro !

31) THE CHOCOLATE CUSTARD SHAKE from E.O BURGERS:

After that massive burger, you need a cool washdown.  How about a chocolate custard shake from EO Burgers?  So cold and creamy, it is a perfect end to a burger meal !

 

32) THE COOKIES n CREAM POPSICLE at SWEET P’s HANDCRAFTED ICE POPS:

Become a kid again and enjoy this Popsicle or try a strawberry one as well.  The tons of flavors offered give you a chance to get lost in a world of ice pops.  From kiwi to banana cream pops, there is something for everyone in this food cart.

 

33) NEW YORK CHEESECAKE SOYO YOGURT:

McDonalds $1 Cone

Also try the salted caramel yogurt.  The toppings you add make them taste like a real cheesecake.  Store is located on 48 in Centerville near Spring Valley.

 

Are you cooled down yet?  Did that do the trick ?  Did we get some of your favorites?  Who did we leave out?

Feel free to comment below.  Also, Food Adventures has a weekly feature article right here exclusively on DaytonMostMetro .com.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK for more Dayton Foodie scoop!

 

Chunky Monkey from Ben and Jerrys

Blackberry cobble a la mode from the Montgomery County Fair

Orange Leaf Yogurt

SOYO YOGURT

Banana Cream Pie Shake at Gold Star Chili

Peanut Butter and Banana Shake

EO Burger custard machine

Jet Freeze

Sweet P’s Ice Pops

 

 

New Venue for Garlic Fest Saturday

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Garlic lovers of all ages will unite this Saturday June 29th at Carroll High School for Dayton’s Garlic Festival !  The fest kicks off at noon at the new venue on Linden Ave.  The festival will benefit the Carroll Athletic Boosters and promises to be a “stinking good time.”  Features include food vendors, beer trucks, live bands, craft vendors, indoor and outdoor seating.  There is a $100 garlic eating contest, a dunk tank and free garlic cooking demos.  This is a festival with fun for all ages.   Join us on another Food Adventure !

Come celebrate the garlic flower with us all day and evening!

 

NEW VENUE – CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL!

The Garlic Festival has a new home, Carroll High School, located at 4529 Linden Ave in Dayton.
Indoor and outdoor seating will allow for air conditioned relaxation or outdoor fun in the sun.

 

FOOD VENDORS:

— THE HOLY CANNOLI:
The Carroll Athletic Club will be selling deep fried cannolis.  They are cold in the middle and warm on the outside.

 

— THE BUCKIN DONKEY:
Local restaurant to feature Garlic Honey Sriracha Chicken Tacos with carrot slaw, Garlic Truffle Oil Fries with Shaved Parmesan, Baby Parfaits, Crabby Garlic Dip, and Virgin Donkey Punches.

 

— THE GYRO PALACE:

Garlic Chicken Sriracha Tacos by Buckin Donkey

Garlic Hummus, Chicken and Regular Gyros with Garlic Tzatziki Sauce are on the menu, with Greek Hot Dogs and salads

 

— BOURBON STREET GRILL AND CAFE:
We can wait to try the Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice, Bourbon Chicken, Noodles, and Cajun Rice

 

— RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD:
Cool off with some Sundaes, Italian Ice, and homemade Gelati 

The Gyro from Gyro Palace with garlic Tzatziki sauce

 

 

— TOTALLY AWESOME KETTLE CORN And LEMONADE:
Special menu will include Parmesan Garlic Popcorn and White Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Kettle Corn.  Lemonade shakers will be available too.

 

 — PA’S PORK FOOD TRUCK:
This food vendor specializes in BBQ, so look for the Smoked pork belly with garlic BBQ sauce.  Also Roasted Garlic King Crab Mac and Cheese will be served.  Other items include Schnitzel, Nashville Hot Chicken Nachos, and Pulled Pork Nachos, Smoked Tofu and Vegan Options.

Beer trucks

 

.

 

Family Friendly Live Music !

— WOOTEN’S CHUCK WAGON:
Featured items include Garlic Burgers, Garlic Chicken Wings, Garlic Coney Dogs, Loaded Fries.

 

BEER TRUCK ON SITE !!


Choose from a few, ice cold, refreshing brews on site and say “ahhhh.”  It doesn’t get any better than this!

 

  LIVE MUSIC  –

Thomas Mac

— THE PANDINI BROTHERS:  1pm-3pm
a plucked string quartet specializing in traditional Italian and pan-Mediterranean mandolin music.

— THOMAS MAC ( McVicar): 4pm -6pm
Carroll Graduate  and Country Music star will be performing a special show is his hometown  !!

— LOCKING UP OTIS:  7:30 – 9:30am
Classic Rock n roll – 60’s 70’s and 80’s music will light up the stage and sounds of Garlic Fest !

 

Garlic Cooking Demos !

GARLIC COOKING DEMO:  3pm

How to make some wonderful garlic dip and free samples to first the 40 seated.  Compliments of Hungry Jax from the Food Adventure Crew with some cooking help from her young daughters!!

 

CRAFT VENDORS:

Visit booths of local craft vendors and area made goods!

 

AIR CONDITIONED INDOOR SEATING or OUT DOOR SEATING OPTIONS?

Want it cool ?  Want it sunny?  Enjoy the festival your way with both indoor and outdoor eating, drinking and seating options.

 

DUNK TANK!


Drench your favorite coach in the dunk tank.  Soak it to someone and show them what kind of a throwing arm you’ve got.  A fun filled, good-natured fund raiser for the Carroll Athletic Club.

12 noon- Sarah (Cheer),
1pm Kevin (Girls Soccer),
2pm Scott (Soccer),
3pm Mike (Track),
4pm Mike (GLAX),
5pm Cody (Football)

If you love garlic, or if you love fun…

GARLIC EATING CONTwEST

How many cloves can you eat in just 2 minutes?  The winner will take home $100 cash.  Register here.  Contest takes place at 7pm

 

 

COME TO GARLIC FEST FOR A STINKIN’ GOOD TIME !

Fun for the whole family, and INDOOR or OUTDOOR Options to RELAX and beat the heat !

See you there !!!

SATURDAY JUNE 29th
NOON – 10 PM
CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL – 4524 Linden Ave.
FREE ADMISSION

The Pandini Brothers

Free Garlic Cooking Demos !

Behold the Holy Cannoli

 

 

Bakin’ Dayton: Big Sky Bread Company

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The Pizza Bread aka Pepperoni Roll

The smell of yeast and baked bread is coming from Far Hills Ave. The place is bustling with regulars, and the crust is not a bust.

Tucked in a small strip mall where Kettering meets Oakwood is The Big Sky Bread Company.  In a world where carbs are under attack, Big Sky Bread Company is thriving .  The staff is friendly and helpful, and the menu has something for everyone’s tastes.  Let us butter you up and take you into this mom and pop business.

 

Chocolate chip Oatmeal cookies

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE BIG SKY BREAD CO.

— Started by a local couple as a franchise in 1994, Mari and Phillip broke off into independent ownership for the last 18 years.

— Known for the very best whole grain ingredients, they use Montana Red Hard Wheat in their baked goods.

— Located at 3070 Far Hills Ave., their hours are:

Monday – Friday:  7am -6pm
Saturday: 7am – 2:30pm
Sunday : Closed

Inside Big Sky Bread


— They have a bread board at checkout where they offer you a free slice of bread from about 6 menu choices.

— They offer a frequent customer card where you get your 13th bread loaf for free.

— Big Sky Bread Co. will be closed July 10 – July 25th for family vacation.  They close for 2 weeks every summer.

The Cinnamon Roll

— The eatery also has a coffee bar featuring Seven Hills Coffee, bottled juices, milk and soft drinks.

MUST EATS at THE BIG SKY BREAD CO.

OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES:
These are our favorite item on the menu.  Completely whole grain cookies with generous amounts of chocolate chips throughout.  They are not cheap, but they are absolutely amazing.

 

Blueberry Crumble Muffin

CINNAMON ROLLS:
The cinnamon rolls are fantastic and what makes it is the icing on top.  So rich, so delicious, if you add butter it might just cause an explosion.

 

BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE CUPCAKES:
The soft,  light topping, the crumbles that bare way to the blueberries inside the muffin.  All this goodness in paper cupcake holder.  Have you ever taken a bite of something so rich, your voice gets lower?  Yeah, that’s this one ….

 

PIZZA BREAD:

The Croissant at Big Sky Bread


An Italian classic !  In upstate New York they would call this a pepperoni roll, but the Big Sky Bread company calls it “pizza bread.”  It is one of the best pepperoni rolls we have ever eaten.  It is pretty much a bread with pepperoni baked into it.  This will fill you up quickly,

 

CROISSANTS:
The croissants are fresh and delicious.  Try them with butter and place in the microwave for 15 seconds.. WOW ! Melts in your mouth.

 

The Orange - Cranberry BreadTHE CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD:
This is like a moist cornbread with cranberry and orange zest inside.  This is a light, and delicious bite.  This is a nice treat.

 

WHITE, SLICED BREAD:
Yes, just their plain, white sliced bread is great.  It makes great toast or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A sturdy bread to hold up to those cold cuts and cheeses and mustards too !

 

TOMATO BASIL SOUP:

Tomato Basil Bisque


The Big Sky Bread Co. usually has a couple of soups on hand.  We think the best one is the Tomato Basil Soup.

 

TUNA SALAD SANDWICH:
Of the various sandwiches, we found the Tuna to be the best, with Turkey a close second.   The tuna salad is fresh and served cold.  It is the perfect size for a light lunch.

HONORABLE MENTION:  The CHALLAH Bread.  So soft.  Heat it up 20 seconds, and butter this up with some jelly.  Challah, if you hear me !

 

The owners tell us the pretzel knots are the biggest selling item,

Tuna Salad

Pretzel Knots

Turkey Sandwich

We loved the White Sliced Bread for sandwiches !!!

We loved the White Sliced Bread for sandwiches !!!

Challah Bread

WE loved the white sliced for sandwiches

Garlic Cheese Bread

Garlic Cheese Bread

Soft Pretzel

Muffins

Ciabatta

 

They were good, but we loved so many other items more.

Check out their menu for yourself.  The staff is very attentive and will help you find anything you need.

The Big Sky Bread Company, a little gem that often gets overlooked.  Discover or rediscover their fantastic items.  We do not accept responsibility for cookie addictions from this point forward.

Food Adventures is Dayton’s favorite food blog since 2008.  We have a feature food column here each and every week exclusively on  DaytonMostMetro. com

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Levitt Pavillion Singer AJ Croce’s Food Adventure at DiSalvos

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AJ Croce on a Food Adventure to Mamma DiSalvos

“Operator, could you help us make this dinner reservation call, it seems the number on the match book is old and faded.”

Wednesday night was an epic night for the Food Adventure Crew. 

As many of you know, tonight, Thursday June 13th, AJ Croce plays a free concert downtown at Levitt Pavilion.  We were lucky enough to spend a couple hours with him and his band at Mamma DiSalvos Ristorante on Stroop Rd the evening before his concert.  The result was great food, great vino and unforgettable conversation.

 

HERE’s THE SKINNY ON AJ CROCE:
A LESSON IN STRENGTH and PERSEVERANCE

Sauteed Broccoli

Eggplant Rollitini

First a little background on this jazzy piano player and guitarist.  AJ has endured more tragedy than one should in a lifetime.  You may know of his father, Jim Croce.  A musician and guitar player from Philadelphia with #1 hits such at “Bad Leroy Brown” and “Operator (That’s Not the Way it Feels).”  Jim was taken from this world in a plane crash in 1973, and our nation mourned his loss for weeks.  AJ was just two years old when his dad passed away.  Raised by his mom, AJ endured a temporary blinding illness as a child. He and his mom, Ingrid worked hard and thrived with 5 restaurants in San Diego.  AJ practiced music, and eventually became a talented piano player, opening up for the likes of BB King.  He got married and had two children.  Sadly, in 2018 AJ’s wife passed away from a rare heart virus and again he was faced with tragedy.  He has persevered, like he always does.  AJ’s career includes 9 studio albums and 18 top 20 singles.   And now he is on tour in 2019 with a stop here in Dayton,and at Kent State University next.  His concert set promises to feature his songs, and songs made famous by his dear old dad.

 

ITALIANS at DINNER :

Mamma DiSalvos was the perfect spot for dinner and foodie talk.  AJ is Italian (Croce means “Cross” in Italian), as are the Food Adventure Crew of Jackie, the Big Ragu and Jessie (who was unable to make this dinner).  It was like a family dinner for us all.  As we sat down, we started to get to know AJ asking about his favorite foods as we always do with our guests.  He loves seafood and vegetables.  He says he really doesn’t eat much, but enjoys good healthy food and loves to cook at home as well.  His home being raised in San Diego, but he has lived in Nashville for about a decade.

 

Rare photo of AJ with 3 desserts near him – cannoli, lemoncella and tiramisu

AJ CROCE’S FAVORITE FOOD TYPES:
—MEXICAN
—INDONESIAN
—JAPANESE
—FRENCH
—SPANISH

 

DINNER at MAMMA DISALVOS:

A cheese pizza from Mamma’s kitchen was waiting for us as we sat down.   It served as a welcoming appetizer for the band who had just flown in from California.  Besides AJ, band members included David Barard, a grammy award winning bass player and pillar in New Orleans’ artist Dr. John’s band for 30 years.  Also eating with us was Gary Mallabar, the drummer from the Steve Miller Band from 1976-1987.  His beats were on many of their hit songs!  Rounding out our group was Garrett Stoner, the Nashville recording artist and guitarist in the band.

As we ordered we all started with Italian wine or an Italian beer.  We had Italian wedding soup, salad and bread.  AJ ordered the linguine

Good Wine, Good Food

and clams dinner, some sauteed vegetables, and a meatball in sauce.  Jackie ordered Eggplant Rollitini, and Big Ragu ordered Eggplant Parm over spaghetti.  The forks were flying, people loving their dishes.   We then went wild …. on dessert.  The whole group indulged in cannoli, tiramisu and lemocella with whipped cream.   Forks and spoons were trying every dish and smiles and laughs ended the night.  Mamma DiSalvos hit this one out of the park.  AJ thought the tiramisu was to die for, but ate the cannoli too and ordered another cannoli to go … successful outing.   We were all full and happy.  Conversation and company was great.  AJ is a virtual encyclopedia of the music industry, and well read citing historical and literary references throughout dinner.  He is a sharp cookie, and you have to keep up with his sometimes obscure references, but what a joy he is to be around.

 

AJ’s TOP 5 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS OF ALL TIME (no particular order):


—BALTHAZAR in New York City:
A French restaurant known for fresh seafood and shellfish, as well as bread and pastries.

— THE RESTAURANTS in LA MAMOUNIA RESORT in Marrakech, Morocco:
A Moroccan, French and Italian restaurant are on site and a featured Sunday Brunch

—LOS PANCHOS in Hillcrest, California (San Diego):
Mexican Grill and Cantina

—LA CAMPANA in Rome, Italy
500 year old restaurant, making it the world’s oldest restaurant

— VEGETARIAN FOOD CARTS on the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal:

Tiramisu


He doesn’t remember the name of the cart, just that the food carts were amazing and served mostly vegetarian foods.

 

******AJ, What other favorites do you recommend?******

In his hometown of Nashville, he likes FIVE POINTS PIZZA the best.

He also suggests a French restaurant in Nashville called MARGOT CAFE and BAR.

Being that his dad is from Philly and he has a lot of family there, we asked his the age old question …
which cheesesteak is better JIM’S , PAT’S , GENO’S or STEVE’S ???

Pizza

He says JIM’S is best and yes, get the cheese whiz on the sandwich !

 

HOW TO FOLLOW and FIND AJ CROCE’S MUSIC:

—AJ ON APPLE and ITUNES

— AJ CROCE ON TOUR –
Show at Dayton’s Levitt Pavilion on Thursday June 13th at 7pm – FREE ADMISSION

— AJ on FACEBOOK

 

*** CATCH AJ IN CONCERT FOR FREE THURSDAY JUNE 13th,  7pm DOWNTOWN DAYTON at LEVITT PAVILION ! ***

THANK YOU

Clams and Linguine for Mr Croce

We would like to thank Bobby DiSalvo and his staff at Mamma DiSalvos for handling our dinner reservation with excellence and class.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals.  If you have not been to Mamma’s, then you are missing one of Dayton’s top MUST EATS ! 

Also, thank you to AJ Croce, his band, and his management for the opportunity to visit with him and talk food.  We knew this would be an interview like no other he had before, and it turned out even better than expected.  It was like a family dinner with old friends.  It was simply an unforgettable Food Adventure.

For more on Dayton’s best eats, follow us on FACEBOOK by clicking here. We also have an exclusive feature article right here each and every week on DaytonMostMetro.com

 

Eggplant Parm

Red Wine and Peroni Beer

Good Times with AJ Croce

 

 

 

St Louis Man Wins Submarine House Contest

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He is done ! 1 min 34 seconds!

This was a Food Adventure to remember, and our crew was on hand to judge the epic clash of huge subs and humanity in the name of charity.

2019 CHEESESTEAK CHAMPION CROWNED

A nationally known competitive eater swooped into Dayton to win the 2019 Super Duper Cheesesteak Championship on Saturday. The Submarine House’s annual eating contest was won by St Louis native Brandon “Da Garbage Disposal” Clark.  He took he title for the 2nd year in a row.  He ate the 16 inch, Super Duper Cheesesteak, with triple the cheese and triple the meat in 1 minute and 34 seconds.  The sandwich was topped with “The Works.”  A close second was Steve Howard, a local Daytonian and past champ.

16 inches of the SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK

The contest featured the fastest cheesesteak eaters as timed at each location at the store championships.  Former champions such at Kris Mick and Clayton Naylor rounded out the toughest group of competitors to date.

Brandon Clark stunned the crowd in 2018 when he blew away the record time and ate the sandwich in 1 minute and 14 seconds.  The previous record at that time was just under 2 minutes.  The Garbage Disposal did not disappoint in 2019,

Big Crowd on hand to watch !

winning the contest with 2nd best time ever recorded.  “Da Garbage Disposal” is gaining national fame for his traveling and eating challenges, and his YouTube Channel is approaching 22 thousand subscribers.  He even has a video with him and YouTube Eating Challenge star “Atlas” taking on a 15 egg omelette.

 

SUBMARINE HOUSE DONATES $35,000 to PINK RIBBON GIRLS

When reality hits !

The championship was held Saturday June 1st at the Centerville Submarine House Grille and Bar location.  All proceeds went to the Pink Ribbon Girls.  Even more impressive that the eating contest, was that Submarine House locations donated $35,000 to the Pink Ribbon Girls.  This means that over the past 3 years, Pink Ribbon Girls charity has received over $100,000 from this event!!  This was the 9th annual event, with the first 6 years benefiting Children’s Medical Center of Dayton.

 

THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN THE CHALLENGE ?

Plans are already gearing up for next year’s challenge – stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro and Food Adventures blog for information on next year’s even that will begin in March 2020.  Contestants can qualify next year at

Check presented to Pink Ribbon Girls for $35,000

each and every Submarine House location through mid May, 2020, then store championship and finals will be announced.  Thanks to those who supported the event.  Superstars like Jason and Brody Danner who own the franchise are amazing.  As are Centerville Store Owner Jeremy McDaniel and Marketing Director Kelsey Terhune.  You were the real champions this day.

For more Food Adventures FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK HERE

Follow our weekly feature articles EXCLUSIVELY here on Dayton Most Metro.  We leave no plate unturned and no rules here !

 

Steve Howard finishes 2nd

Kelsey and Brody watch the contest

Kris Mick and Dom Foster

Kris Mick

Look a those Super Duper Cheesesteaks !

This is 1/2 of the sandwich !

2020 Cheesesteak Challenges begin MARCH 2020 !

Da Garbage Disposal on his Youtube Channel after winning Heinkels Hot Dog Eating Contest

Brandon Clark and Atlas on Youtube eating a 15 egg omelette with veggies and toast and bacon and sausage

Past champ Clayton Naylor !

WINNER ! Brandon Clark finishes first !

Cheesesteak Challenge

and GO !!

Ready to go

PInk Ribbon girls CEO Heather Salazar, Submarine House owners Brody and Jason Danner

Super Duper Cheesesteak

Clayton Naylor, Steve Howard and Kris Mick are ready while Kelsey and Brody look on…

The chomp down ! Brandon Clark all the way to the right

1 minute in

Super Super Cheesesteak

Da Garbage Disposal on his way to the win

Mouthful

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elsa’s Enters 74th Summer

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Centerville Far Hills

Locally owned restaurant now serving out of 5 locations.

Most Daytonians know Elsa’s Mexican Cantina for eats and drinks.  Most do not know they have been around for nearly 3 quarters of a century.  That’s a lot of taco shells.

Miami Valley Residents love Elsa’s. What’s not to love?  Each location has a sports bar feel, typically a great patio, and the fun atmosphere make it seem like cinco de mayo every day.  It is also a GREAT place to catch baseball and football games.  It gets noisy sometimes, but hey it is part of he fun and alcohol..

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ELSA’s:

Frozen Blue Juan and Frozen Bad Juan Margarita

—In 1945, Elsa Bonner opened her restaurant.

—In 1979,  Elsa’s daughter sold it to 4 business men, 1 whom still owns it.  The menu is Americanized Mexican food, and sports bar favorites.  Full bar menu highlights include margaritas and Mexican Beers.

— In 2019, they are operating 5 strong locations, and is the consummate place for a happy hour gathering with friends.

Here are the locations:
Elsa’s East Restaurant & Cantina , Linden Ave., Dayton, Ohio
Elsa’s Kettering Sports Grill, E. Stroop, Dayton, Ohio
Elsa’s On The Border, Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio
Elsa’s South Restaurant & Cantina, Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio
Elsa’s Corner Cantina,  Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH

 

Now- you’re at Elsa’s, what are you gonna order?

MUST EATS at ELSA’S MEXICAN CANTINA:

—THE BAD JUAN MARGARITA:
The first must eat is a “must drink.”  This is Dayton’s submission to the Margarita world.  Known for its potency the choice is frozen, or on the rocks.  You can also choose Strawberry among other flavors.  We remain purists here and say “Order a Regular Bad Juan, Frozen.”  Warning may cause blurred speech and bad decisions after two of them.

 

— QUESO BLANCO DIP:

You get free popcorn and chips and salsa, so just take a little more and go first class.  This white cheese dip is the sinful deliciousness you are used to.  It is the cheese hat remains hot and liquid and after a few minutes it takes a second to become solid.

—THE MINI-SUPER BURRITO:
 A flour tortilla filled with refried beans, and your choice of ground beef, shredded beef, chicken, chorizo, or pork carnitas.  We always go for the ground beef.  The burrito is topped with a mild sauce, lettuce, pico de gallo, and aged cheddar cheese.  It is the perfect size for a happy hour bite.

 

— CRUNCHY BEEF TACOS:
That greasy beef, with that crispy, crunchy shell.  The lettuce and cheese make it a deal.  Use the Big Ragu’s “fat kid trick,” and drizzle salsa over the top of the taco,before you take a bite.

— JAMAICA JERK CHICKEN WINGS:
These are some of the most outstanding wings in Dayton.  Same with the sweet BBQ sauce.  The only problem is you can no longer order them “well done.”  What the hell ?  Yes it is true, and that is a travesty and affects the wings.  Maybe if a glut of us order “well done” wings and complain, they will change the policy.  But for now, Elsa’s wont cook their wings well done.  But boy are those wings and especially those 2 sauces amazing.

 

— NACHOS
3 awesome must eat nachos:
1) GROUND BEEF AND CHEESE NACHOS
For the simple, pure nacho lover, ask for sour cream on the side.

2) NACHOS GRANDE DELUXE:
Shredded beef, chicken, refried beans and Monterrey jack cheese.  Lettuce , tomatoes, onions, black olives and jalapenos are added.  Ask for Sour Cream and Guacamole on the side.

3) FAJITA NACHOS:
Ground beef, bean and/or chicken nachos, topped with cheese, grilled onions and grilled peppers.

There you have it.  Our patented must eats.  This will get you where you wanna go fast on the large menu.

As we enter the 74th summer of Elsa’s in the Dayton area, we have 5 locations we can ponder visiting.  Now you may have discovered a couple of new “must eats.”  Good Luck at happy hour !

For more MUST EATS around Dayton – check out Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

Kettering Location

Centerville Location

Kettering

Beer

Tacos

BAD JUAN on the rocks

inside a mini super burrito

wings – jamaica jerk

Bad Juans

Nachos

Nachos

Beef and cheeses nachos

Tacos

Tacos

BBQ wings

Jamaica Jerk Wings

Feel free to browse the gallery below

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plea For Help, Turns to Dream Come True

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**** UPDATE to OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLE “HAMBURGER WAGON OWNER’S PLEA FOR HELP” ****

In a world of sad news, this story will restore your faith of people, and shows how special people are in the Miami Valley.  As you may recall we had been following the story of HAMBURGER WAGON OWNER JACK SPERRY.  He was fighting a lifelong illness, of all things called “Berger’s” disease.  The progression of this syndrome, leaves the person with a gradual decline in kidney function over a 15 year period, eventually resulting in renal failure.

TIME OF NEED

It was early 2019, Jack had run out of time, he had just turned 56 years old and his kidney function was bordering on 15%.  The doctors told him he was weeks away from dialysis, and he needed a new kidney.

Along with our readers, many news and social outlets reached out to the community.  The response was overwhelming.  There were so many requests for donors, that the University of Cincinnati hospital had to put a pause on processing any more matches for Jack.

Alex and Jack – Pre Operation

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

As the first batch of tests came through, he had a match.  But they had to do more tests to make sure the match was exact.  It was.  Even more incredible, is that match was his fiancee Alex Frazier.  Against all reasonable odds, it was fate that she would be his hero.  Jacks chances were looking better.

Surgery was scheduled for Monday May 20th at University of Cincinnati.  The plan was to take one of Alex’s regular functioning kidneys and insert it into Jacks abdomen and connect it to his existing 2 kidneys.  Alex would be left with one kidney, which is strong enough that she could function normally with it.

As this past weekend went by, Jack visited with friends and relaxed.  He talked with The Food Adventures Crew and  rubbed it in that he had landed a Rock N Green Tomato Festival sponsor just hours before surgery.  “Im in renal failure and still kicking butt” he joked.

SURGERY DAY

Surgery was performed Monday May 20th, in the morning.   Then, the first word came through Monday afternoon,  a friend wrote on Facebook.  “Alex and Jack are out of surgery, Alex is recovering well and Jack’s new kidney is performing wonderfully.”  This was the first news, and it was tremendous news.

RECOVERY

Today (Tuesday May 21st) we received some joking texts from Jack and an eventual phone call.  Jack is sore as they have reduced his pain meds and he has gotten out of bed for the first time.  Joking about his high school football days at Centerville, he said “I should be back in the locker room in a few days, but I will have some stadium steps to run as punishment for missing practice.”  Asked how he feels, he said he is very sore.  He also said that Alex was in pain yesterday too, understandably.  He should improve every day and after a few weeks he will be cleared to drive again.  “I am hoping to be at the Rock N Green Tomato Fest.” he said.  We told him good, because Elvis, was looking forward to it.

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Sperry family, and Alex Heeter and the Frazier family, thank you for your support.  In a time of need, to see so many generous people willing to take a risk to help save someones life is a lesson in humanity.  We are cautiously optimistic that Jack and Alex will have a speedy recovery and a chance at a long, love filled life.  The MostMetro.com family is grateful to call them friends, and also to have friends like the many of you who signed up to donate for Jack.

Here are 2 links to organ donation

— KIDNEY DONATION:

— GENERAL ORGAN DONATION:

 

 

Ickey, Elvis and Cornhole June 8th

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There will be ELVIS sightings at Riverscape Park in Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza Tavern on June 8th.

The Food Adventures Crew has EXCLUSIVE scoop – on the vendors and music.. so here we go.

THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL IS BACK for year #9. 
THE FESTIVAL GOES FROM NOON – 10pm !

Ickey is Coming !!!

ICKEY WOODS – Former Bengals star and GEICO TV ad star will be on hand signing photos.
12 Food Trucks and a $250 Cornhole Tournament will also be at the festival.  We are expecting 30 craft vendor booths, and live Rock n Rock and Roll all day !

There is even a MOTORCYCLE RUN – register at the park from 9:15am-10:15am – the run begins 10:30am benefiting the Youth Mission. Call 937-901-5393 for more info on the motorcycle run !

Hamburger Eating and Hula Hoop contests? YEP !

Kids Bouncy House and a Dunk Tank ? YES !!!

Packed for the free concert

Bengals and Ohio State Football star PETE JOHNSON will have a booth too with Buckeye and NFL merchandise.  Did you know he has scored more touchdowns than any Buckeye or Bengal in history?  He holds the record for both teams !

Live music all day on the stage adds to the fun. “The Funky Uncles” open at noon,  “Disturbing the Peace Band” play at 3, and “B-Caged” go on at 5pm.

There is even a Green Tomato Pie baking contest in the afternoon.

ELVIS ? is coming !

The festival reaches a fever pitch around 7:30pm when the crowd gathers to eat and drink and watch The Elvis tribute band, “Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special. ” A Vegas style tribute act with a 14 piece band backing up Ryan.  If you have not experienced the show, come see why Ryan was voted Daytons #1 Male vocalist for 2019.

 

YES FOLKS ALL THIS AND MORE at the
ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL,
SATURDAY JUNE 8th from noon -10pm.
Riverfront Park, 1 S. Main St Miamisburg, Oh  45342

Fried Green Tomatoes !!

Here is an exclusive peek at the eats available at the festival:

FOOD VENDORS:

—THE BUCKIN DONKEY:
Look for them to feature tacos with green tomato salsa and more.

—GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY FOOD TRUCK:
Chicken Salad on croissant, Mac n Cheese, Chicken and Dumplins, Burgers, pie and cobbler.

— GYRO PALACE:  Look for incredible regular or chicken gyros with an option of green tomatoes !

—THE HAMBURGER WAGON:
For the first time in 105 years, they will offer an option of green tomato on your burger !!!

Big Burger with Green Tomato

—KONA ICE:
Sno-cones with many flavors to choose from and mix !

—MIAMISBURG ATHLETIC BOOSTERS:
Fried Green Tomatoes and Bacon and Green Tomato Sliders

DUNK TANK

—RONS PIZZA TAVERN:
Pizza with Bacon and Green Tomatoes.  They will also serve Green Beer inside the Tavern at the bar and patio area.

—THE SALTY DOG FOOD TRUCK:
SaltyDog bacon wrapped hot dog, Fried Fish Sandwiches, chicken strip baskets, waffle fries, loaded nachos and tater tots, Smoothies and sweet tea.

—SCHIAVONE’S ITALIAN FOOD:
Deep fried lasagna, Deep fried meatballs with Mozarella cheese inside, Mini-Cannoli

—SINSATIONAL SANDWICHES:
Gourmet Burgers and Gourmet Hot Dogs, fresh cut fries, mac n cheese, homemade chips with BBQ sauce, corndogs.

—TOTALLY AWESOME KETTLE KORN:
Huge bags of Gourmet Popcorn and Lemon Shaker Drinks !

—WINKS TREATS:

Green Tomato and Bacon Pizza from Ron’s

Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, Soft Pretzels, Caramel Apples, Nachos, Walking Tacos, Bacon Egg and Cheese Burrito, Biscuits and Gravy, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

 

DON’T FORGET – $250 prize CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT !!
Registration begins 11am

Here is a list of the days festivities !!

Bring your friends SATURDAY JUNE 8th to MIAMISBURG’S RIVERFRONT PARK

It should be an epic Food Adventure for the whole family,with classic Rock n Roll Music -LIVE !

We will see you at the 9th Annual Rock N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL!

Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce from Gyro Palace!

Hula Hoop Contest !

Green Maters !

Hamburger Wagon

SALTY DOG FOOD TRUCK has a BLGT – Bacon, Lettuce, Green Tomato

Winks Treats Hot Dog

KIDS BOUNCY HOUSE

$250 CORNHOLE TOURNEY – REGISTER 11am !

BIKE RUN -REGISTER 9:15 am

Schiavone’s Mozarella Stuffed Meatballs

Buckeye and Bengals Legend PETE JOHNSON is coming !

Green Tomato Pie Contest

Tacos from Buckin Donkey

Sinsational Sandwiches

Disturbing the Peace Band will be there !!

Good Golly Miss Molly chicken salad

Kona Ice

EMCEE JIM BUCHER !!

Totally Awesome Kettle Corn


 

 

 

 

 

 

ELvis Tribute Star Ryan Roth

The Crowd

$250 cornhole tourney

Green Beer inside Rons PIzza Tavern

Bacon Green Tomato Sliders

Hamburger Wagon Burger eating contest

 

Extreme Eats at Chicago Gyros & Dogs

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The Italian Beef Sandwich and Bacon Fries

We found a spot for a true Food Adventure.  It is an eatery which gained some fame on Wilmington Ave, then moved to a shopping strip on Indian Ripple Rd, not far from the Greene.  Chicago Gyros and Dogs is bustling and people coming in and out for carry outs, or to dine in, means they are doing something right. Their wacky menu features all types of one-of-a-kind sandwiches.

Let’s learn about this eatery with the extreme menu, that brings hungry Daytonians back for more.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CHICAGO GYROS AND DOGS:

This is “The Dougie” – it needs extra cheese to make it perfect

 

— Owned by a father and son, this local business has two locations:
3979 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek  and
201 W McMillan St, Cincinnati near the campus of University of Cincinnati.

— Hours of the Beavercreek location are:
Monday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sundays : 11am – 6pm

“The Fedyk “- A dog covered with chili , cheese and fries

— Menu features various takes on Gyros, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Fries.  The menu has options and add-ons that let you create your own monster sandwich.

— The biggest tip is to take advantage of their incredible lunch specials from 11am-2pm. You can save from 2 to 5 bucks with upgrades and more.  Each day has a different deal, check the chalk board near the counter for specials and deals.

 

We scoured the menu and have been there a half-dozen times.  We still have a couple of items to try, but we definitely have the feel for the menu enough to give you our patented “must eats.”

The Nasty Nati – 2 burgers, gyro meat,bacon, jalapenos and 2 kinds of cheese and more

 

“MUST EATS” at CHICAGO GYROS and DOGS:

— “THE DOUGIE” with EXTRA CHEESE:
This is a grilled cheese sandwich with gyro meat in it as well.  The regular menu item comes with one slice of cheese which just isn’t enough.  Make sure you order this deliciously toasted bread sandwich with extra cheese.  It makes all he difference.  Add some Tzatziki sauce and you are right where you wanna be.

 

— “THE FEDYK”:
Named after University of Dayton Football 2005 offensive lineman Dan Fedyk.  It’s a hot dog with mustard, onions, chili, cheese, fries and cole slaw.  This was our favorite dog on the menu.  It takes two hands to eat, and can quickly turn sloppy.

 

The Chicken Philly Gyro

— THE NASTY NATI:
This is the monster of the menu.  Instead of buns, it is served between two regular sized pitas.  It starts with two beef patties with provolone cheese, topped with gyro meat and Bacon.  Next it drizzled with nacho cheese and sprinkled with jalapenos and grilled onions.  It is then covered with Tzatziki sauce.  This sandwich is work of art and is a 10 napkin minimum.  This thing is so big , 2 people could share it.  This menu item defines the word “Food Adventure.”  Not for the squeamish, no rules here.

 

—THE CHICKEN PHILLY GYRO with EXTRA TZATZIKI SAUCE:
A huge heaping pita with grilled, diced chicken breast.  It is filled with Onions, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Provolone & Mayo.  Add some extra tzatziki sauce and request that they grill the onions too.  This is a huge sandwich and very filling.  All of the menu sandwiches are large, so it is par for the course.

The Gyro Sandwich – hidden below are tomatoes

 

— THE REGULAR GYRO:
The basic Gyro sandwich is great.  It is stuffed with meat and is like what you get at the Dayton Greek fest, but about 4 times the meat inside.  It also has a lot of onions on it and a couple of tomatoes.  We prefer to ask that they grill the onions.  Just a tip, to lessen the sharpness of that raw onion that some people love.

The Dayton Dog is covered in fries

—  THE DAYTON DOG:
This is a Vienna Beef Hot Dog on a poppy-seed bakery bun, with Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sport Peppers, Fries.  The sports peppers are hot and will sneak up on you.  It is a delicious dog, paying homage to the Gem city, with a little heat!

 

— THE CHICAGO DOG:
We again start with the poppy-seed bun and a Vienna hot dog.  Those hot dogs pop when you bite into them.  They have a little “snap.” It is topped with Mustard, Relish, Onions, Sport Peppers, Tomato, Dill Pickle, Celery Salt.  This is probably their signature dog. Again, watch those sports peppers, they will light you up!  So delicious, that you will crave them later.

The Chicago Dog

 

— THE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH:
This is not the Italian beef you are used to having.  This one has more onions and green peppers, making he dip into the au jus tricky.  This sandwich is loaded with toppings.  It is a huge meal in itself, and if you want more beef, less toppings, the more traditional order would be the Italian Beef with no, or light onions and green peppers.

 

—“CARDIAC” FRIES:
Oh, dare to indulge on this one.  These fries are topped with a scoop of Bob Evans sausage gravy and  covered in shredded cheese.  Get a fork, and go to town.  These were absolutely delicious, and our tip here is to ask for extra gravy.  Yeah .. we said it .

 

Cardiac Fries

The key here is that there are a lot of choices, so building or choosing a sandwich is easy.  The problem is picking which one or 2 to try, because you can have many favorites on this menu.  Chicago Gyro and Dogs has a lot to offer and the prices are very affordable.  The staff at the  Indian Ripple location are knowledgeable and friendly.

Although this place does have a decent cult following, and seems to do a brisk business, many people have yet to visit this establishment.  Check it out, as summer is a perfect time for Dogs and Gyros !

Thank you for reading this week’s article.  We have a Food Adventure feature article right here, each and every week on Dayton Most Metro.  For even more Food Adventures, like us on Facebook and discover why we are Dayton’s favorite food blog since 2008.

Chicago Dog

Bacon Fries and Italian Beef

“The Dougie”

Regular Gyro

Old location on Wilmington Ave

They have a Food Truck !

The Nasty Nati is served like this- you have to assemble it

Lunch Specials

Nasty Nati cut in half

Store Front on Indian Ripple Rd in Beavercreek

The Chicago Dog