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Dayton Dining

Guest Post: Where To Eat in Dayton

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Where to eat in Dayton Ohio for attorneys and legal professionals

At the Mike Mobley Reporting office in Dayton, if we have not started talking about “What’s for lunch?” by 9:30 am, the flu is probably about to hit our office. We love court reporting but we love food as much. We love it when we have clients visit the office for depositions from out of town and want a suggestion on where to eat in Dayton. There are so many little treasures we have all over our fine city. Here are a few suggestions we give people on a regular basis. If you are visiting Dayton, give one of them a try.

Quick Lunches in Dayton:

Flying Pizza – New York Style pizza by the slice. You can go traditional thin crust, Sicilian thick crust or my favorite, one of each. We’ve had a number of New Yorkers come back to the office after lunch and say they felt like they were home at Flying Pizza.

Skyline Chili – Stole this one from the “Where to Eat in Cincinnati” article but even though Skyline is Cincinnati chili, Daytonian’s still love it. Here is what our legal videographer Steve had to say about Skyline – Love it or hate it, “Cincinnati style” chili is the most well-known regional dish we have to offer. This polarizing style of chili features a meat sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa laid over either a bed of spaghetti or hotdog and covered with mounds of shredded cheese. More than anything else on this list, this is a risky recommendation as many who try out our special brand of chili leave either loving or despising it.

El Meson Food Truck – If you are in Dayton and lucky enough to have the El Meson Food Truck any place close to where you are taking depositions, you have to give it a shot. Their grouper soft tacos or chorizo burritos are amazing. They have some wonderful South American desserts to follow. If you are spending the night or week in Dayton for depositions, El Meson’s original restaurant is an amazing to place to have a longer lunch or dinner.

Longer Lunches or Dinner in Dayton:

The Dublin Pub – Always a favorite at Mike Mobley Reporting, The Dublin Pub is an Irish Pub that has great drink options but even better food options. They have great appetizers like the Emerald Ale Dip to the Barney Stones or just a pint of Guinness. One of my favorite sandwiches is the Ruck (smoked beef brisket, Guinness BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese on a pretzel roll) and they have the best Fish and Chips and/or Shrimp and Chips in town. You can’t go wrong with the Hell’s Belle’s Pasta or Bully Prime Shot either.  Enjoy!!

Franco’s – Another gem of the Gem City is Franco’s Ristorante Italiano. Everyone at Mike Mobley Reporting loves Italian food and Franco’s never disappoints. From the Alla Panna Gorgonzola to the Lasagna to the Scalloppini Entrée, the food is magnificent.

Mama DiSalvo’s – Like I said, we love our Italian food at Mike Mobley Reporting. Mama DiSalvo’s is about 10 minutes south of downtown Dayton but the food is out of this world. The homemade pastas, meatballs and sausages make my mouth water just thinking about it. The sauce is homemade by Mama and even sold in most of our grocery stores. I love the homemade gnocchi and the lasagna. The smells from the angel hair con scallops will make you feel like you are in Italy.

Dinner Only in Dayton:

Pine Club – A few minutes from downtown and basically on the campus of the University of Dayton, the Pine Club has the best steaks in town. They’ve won all kinds of national awards but it is as hometown as it gets. The Pine Club is another Dayton diamond that will make you feel like you just ate at one of the nicest restaurants in the country. If you’re going all out have the broiled lobster tail appetizer and one the classic steaks so you get the best of both worlds.

El Meson – See the Quick Lunches section above

Thai Nine – Thai Nine is located just outside of downtown in the historical Oregon District. The Oregon District is home of two earlier mentioned favorites The Dublin Pub and Franco’s. Thai Nine specializes in upscale Thai dishes and has wonderful sushi. If you like Thai food and like to pick your heat, don’t miss this one!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd Mobley is the president, accountant, and videographer for Mike Mobley Reporting. He has served on numerous committees of national and Ohio court reporting industry associations. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Vegan Grill: b.d.’s Mongolian Grill

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Dining out as a vegan can require some advanced planning. While we love to hit local joints, sometimes it’s nice to have the comfort and ease of chain establishments. That said, there’s only so much Chipotle and Mellow Mushroom a vegan can eat, and because we travel extensively, I’m always excited to find new regional and national options. When b.d.’s Mongolian Grill reached out to MostMetro to see if anyone on the team would be interested in trying their new targeted vegan options, I almost kicked myself for not thinking of them before.

 

Though their name sounds geared more to carnivores than herbivores, they’ve always been very “specific diet” friendly. For those not familiar with b.d.’s, the concept is simple: customers build their own stir-fry, selecting from multiple buffet tables of ingredients that include a variety of meats, veggies, and sauces.

 

Not into meat? Not a problem because you can skip the meat section of the buffet altogether. The sauces at the bar are all labeled as vegetarian (not yet vegan, but I’m told it’s coming). Although most of the food is cooked in front of diners on a large, flat grill at the back of the restaurant, there is a separate grill where you can request to have your food cooked if cross-contamination is a concern. (I believe the same holds true for other allergens, such as shellfish and egg, but best to check with the wait staff to confirm).

 

While the focus had been on vegetarians previously, the chain is now making a concerted effort to explicitly attract vegans, too. As such, the restaurant had contacted MostMetro and set up a time for my girlfriend and me, both vegans of three years, to visit and experience their new plant-based options.

 

Our experience was excellent. Both our server, Crystal, and the manager, Casey, were knowledgeable about vegan dietary needs and extremely friendly. To aide our experience, Crystal handed us an annotated version of their sauce menu that indicated all of the vegan sauces and two recipe cards for entrees that were explicitly vegan.

 

My girlfriend tried the first entrée—a sweet and sour tofu dish. She piled red peppers, green peppers, onions and pineapple on top of their prepared tofu. She augmented the recipe slightly, adding mushrooms and some hot sauce to the recommended Sweet and Sour Sauce.

I opted for the Southwest Fajita bowl, with traditional ingredients like corn, black beans, onions, peppers, and cilantro. I threw in some tofu for some extra protein and some fresh (and very hot) jalapenos for an added kick before topping it off with the recommended Fajita sauce and loads of fresh garlic.

 

I opted for the Southwest Fajita bowl, with traditional ingredients like corn, black beans, onions, peppers, and cilantro. I threw in some tofu for some extra protein and some fresh (and very hot) jalapenos for an added kick before topping it off with the recommended Fajita sauce and loads of fresh garlic.

 

Both dishes were well-balanced, flavorful, and satisfying. We ate them over a bed of brown rice and an accompanying salad from the restaurant’s salad bar. Although the meals and salads were filling in and of themselves, we also had steamed edamame and selections from their drinks menu: a specialty cocktail for her and a Warped Wing beer for me.

While dining as a vegan can require advanced planning, dinners out with kids who are not vegan, as both sets of ours are not, adds to the complexity of meal scheduling. We loved that b.d.’s offered options that were tailored to our diets but we could very easily see coming back with the kids and other family members who weren’t vegan. Because of the “build your own” nature of b.d.’s and their overall awareness of dietary concerns, this is an easy place to get a meal for diners across the entire spectrum. B.d.’s commitment to adding vegan labeling and making it easier to ensure vegan access is another smart, progressive step forward for the already flexible restaurant chain.

 

Visit b.d.’s Mongolian Grill at The Greene, located at  4488 Glengarry Drive in Beavercreek

Hours:

Mon – Thu: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Luminaries of Dayton: John Glossinger and the “Oh Henry!” candy bar

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Born at Xenia in 1868, John Glossinger at the age of 19 left for the big city in search of success. With just a $1 in his pocket he set off for Cincinnati. He later found himself in New York City and became a $5-a-week office boy. That opened the door to the sales field on which his heart was set. He was successful with the Waterbury Watch Co. and helped develop the Bulova timepiece business, brought the “Oh Henry!” candy bar to national notice and headed a smoking-pipe company.

He put an ad in the paper that an energetic young man was seeking employment as a salesman and he secured a position with a pipe tobacco company. His first assignment was in Boston, then later Philadelphia. After seven years, he was assigned to the Chicago office which included St. Louis in the territory.

He became so successful that the American Tobacco Company offered him a job which he accepted and in just a few years, he became president of the firm. Unfortunately the company split and he found himself without a job after 24 years in the tobacco business.

He accepted the position of sales manager for a Philadelphia chocolate and cocoa manufacturing business. Things were fine for a while, but though he was earning bonuses and good commissions, the company refused to pay him the money he earned, and so he went off to seek another position.

This time, he was in contact with the Williamson Candy Company of Chicago. He found that the company was making a candy bar, something that had not been done before. Hershey was in existence, but their products were not called candy bars. John thought that this new product called “Oh Henry!” had possibilities, but it had only been marketed locally. He wanted to make it into a nationally known product.

He decided to try to sell the bar first in Cleveland, and so hired boys to post cardboard signs wherever they could. The signs were small, a red card with white lettering reading “Oh Henry.”

He was holding the signs which the boys were tacking up when a car was standing at the curb. He slipped the card on the radiator and it fit. He put one on the next car and the next. A man driving a truck called out “Say, mister, come and put one on me, too,” which he did. Then the driver said “Give me one for my buddy.”

Soon he realized that tacking up the signs took too much time so they began to put the signs on the front of automobiles. What great advertising. All over town, cars had “Oh Henry!” showing on their radiators, and curiosity began to take over. People saw the signs, but had no idea what it meant.

The sales force was instructed to say they did not know about “Oh Henry!.” Soon they ran out of signs and so paid a local printer to publish 2,000 more cards by the next day. Soon Cleveland had thousands of red signs reading “Oh Henry”. Hundreds of people were asking what this meant.

John sent the salesmen out to get orders from the local merchants. The salesmen would carry the box of “Oh Henry” bars into the store, open the box, take out a bar and slice it so that anyone nearby could taste it. “This is a fine piece of dollar candy for a dime” was the slogan, since each bar sold for 10 cents.

The salesmen were instructed to tell the merchant that only that one box could be sold at that time, but more could be ordered.

In John’s own words “Well, Cleveland went over with a bang. We had a car-load of Oh Henry! on the railroad track worth $8,000 and before we were through, we didn’t have a bar left.”

Soon, other candy bars including Babe Ruth appeared, which sold for five cents. When John suggested lowering the price of Oh Henry to five cents, the company refused, and John quit.

At 65 he retired for a year but boredom and a reputation he had acquired for rehabilitating shaky enterprises brought him quickly back to business. As president of a surgical instrument manufacturing business he became known for inspirational messages addressed to associates. These found wider audience when compiled in a book and he wrote until he was well in his 90s.

This is one of his writings: “Let fear not weaken you, you have strength to meet any crisis that comes to you. You are equipped to meet any emergency. Have faith in yourself.”

“Colonel” Glossinger, as he was known to them, had many friends in high places, including governmental, military and show business celebrities.

Ever ready with aid for others, he once said, “When you love people, you have to help people.”

John Glossinger was born August 10, 1868 in Xenia and died July 23, 1968 in Dayton at the age of 99. He is located in Section 101 Lot 3742.

 

And what about that “Oh Henry!” candy bar…

“Oh Henry!” is a chocolate bar containing peanuts, caramel, and fudge coated in chocolate. It was first introduced in 1920, by the Williamson Candy Company of Chicago, Illinois. According to legend, “Oh Henry!” was originally named

after a boy who frequented the Williamson Company, flirting with the girls who made the candy. The name is also said to be a homage to American writer, O. Henry. However, there is no definitive explanation as to the exact origin of the name.

Another theory is that the candy bar was invented by a man named Tom Henry of Arkansas City, Kansas. Tom Henry ran a candy company called the Peerless Candy Factory, and in 1919 he started making the Tom Henry candy bar. He sold the candy bar to Williamson Candy Company in 1920 where they later changed the name to “Oh Henry!”.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Fore more information call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

Table 33 Celebrates First Anniversary

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When we asked Co-Owner and Chef Chris Harrison from Table 33 what he’s learned in the first year of business and he shared that he’d “been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the community was.  We opened modestly with breakfast and lunch, letting the people drive our growth, while we focused on building our team and our culture.”

They’ve continued to let demand drive their delivery, recently shifting their hours to be able to accommodate the pre-theater crowds.

Mon………. 8am-3pm
Tues-Fri…. 8am-8pm
Sat………… 8am-3pm

With the new hours they are looking to add some staff, both front and back of the house, so if you know of a great candidate for them, share this application.

 

Co-Owner Charlie Carroll shares that he’s “most thankful that in their first year of operations they found Dayton was ready for their progressive food and ideas and welcomed their Gluten-Free menu items.” Opening the patio added

more seating and according to Harrison, “it’s still rocking.  Guest are enjoying coffee in the sun.”

Both owners mentioned how their catering has just taken off, they are doing lots of breakfast meetings, boxed lunches and private events.  They’ve also hosted bridal showers, family parties and product launch parties on-site.

Looking to the future they hope to have their first satellite spot at the Dayton Metro Library opened in the next month or so.  They are currently waiting on some electrical and wiring work to be complete before they can begin offering their complete coffees service, with baked goods and fresh squeezed juices.  But that hasn’t stopped them from catering some of the special events that have been going on at the library already.

Speaking of the future, the guys mentioned that adding Sunday brunch to the restaurant offerings isn’t too far away and they hope to continue to evolve the menu. A few new offerings will debut tomorrow, adding some vegan dishes, including a smoked pumpkin soup, and  hot apple and pear cider.

Ale-O-Ween- A Craft Brew Lovers Treat!

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Promising all treats and no tricks, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association presents Ale-O-Ween, a Halloween-themed craft beer festival, at the Dayton Steam Plant on Saturday, October 21st from 6-9 pm. Thirty Ohio craft breweries will be on hand, pouring samples of seasonal styles and popular favorites.

Formerly known as Dia de las Cervezas, Ale-O-Ween will be the first public event at The Steam Plant, located at 617 E. Third Street in downtown Dayton. Built in 1907, the former Dayton Power & Light power-generating facility has been renovated for use as an event venue, carefully preserving the unique architectural features such as high ceilings, exposed beams, brick walls and iconic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Jeff Heater, owner of The Barrel House, says “as an OCBA sanctioned event, it’s a great opportunity to sample beers from Ohio breweries that aren’t available in the Dayton market. Plus plenty of familiar favorites!”

Here’s the Brew List:

Black Cloister Brewing Company – Casilda of Toledo, Mighty Samson
Carillon Brewing Company – Ginger Pale Ale, Squash Ale
Crooked Handle Brewing Company – Roadside Peanut Butter Porter, Witcher Pumpkin Ale
The Dayton Beer Company – Gem City Lager, Mad River Milk Stout
Elevator Brewing Company – 380 Left Coast IPA, Great White Pumpkin, Kiss My Kvass, Mocha Plum Stout
Eudora Brewing Company – 2016 Hullabaloo, Oktoberfest
Fat Head’s Brewery – Bumbleberry, Pumpkin Chucker
Fifth Street Brewpub – Biere de Garde, Hop Harvest
Grainworks Brewing Company – Haybale, Oatmeal Stout, Rye Saison, Scottish MISTS
Great Lakes Brewing Company – Nosferatu Imperial Red Ale, Ohio City Oatmeal Stout
Hairless Hare Brewing Company – Caerbannog Brown Ale, Fire Roasted Pumpkin Porter
Heavier Than Air Brewing – Golden Ale, Oktoberfest
Little Fish Brewing Company – No-Fi Farmhouse IPA, Reinheitsgewhat Verde!?
Lock 27 Brewing – Charlosta Brown Ale, Exploration DIPA #1
Lucky Star Brewery – Black Hole Schwarzbier, Octubre Fiesta
MadTree Brewing Company – Axis Mundi, Blood Orange Psychopathy, Happy Amber, Lyft, Pilgrim

Moeller Brew Barn – Blackberry Prairie Wheat, Wally Post Red
Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. – Golden Ale, Porter, Witbier
Municipal Brew Works – Approachable Blonde, True West Coffee Porter
North High Brewing Company – Paw, Paw, Pass-Smoked Paw Paw Beer, Tree Tapper-Maple Brown Ale
Platform Beer Co. – Paranormal Hoptivity IPA, Thunder Precipitator Doppelbock
Rhinegeist Brewery – Peach Dodo gose, Rough Ridge pale ale
Seventh Son Brewing Company – Goo Goo Muck tart IPA, Wilderman Autumn Farmhouse Ale
Star City Brewing – 319 Wee Heavy, Weizen Star
Streetside Brewery – It’s One Louder – Wet Hop Amarillo IPA, Key Lime Goes
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company – TBA
Toxic Brew Company – Coconut Hangar 18, Coffee Iso-Heaven, Practice Yoga, Toxic Harvest
Warped Wing Brewing Company – 10 Ton Smores, Chardonnay Barn Gang, Creepshow, Ermals Creamsicle, Flyer Red, Pirogue BLACK, Pirogue Blanc
Yellow Springs Brewery – Captain Stardust-Saison, Foggy Commute-Northeast Pale Ale, Smokin Handsome-Smoked American Brown Ale, Noodle Burner-Northeast IPA

In addition to craft beer samples, Ale-O-Ween will feature live music by The AmpFibians and Team Void, food from The Drunken Waffle and other food trucks, face painting. Attendees are encouraged to dress up to win prizes in the Ale-O-Ween costume contest. Ohio On Tap users in attendance will also earn five bonus passport stamps to be used to redeem prizes from the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

General admission tickets are available in advance for $40, which includes a souvenir glass and tasting tickets for 20 four-ounce samples. Early admission tickets are also available for $50, granting admission at 5 pm. Designated driver admission is available for $15 and includes a food voucher. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.beerfesttickets.com/aleoween

Ale-O-Ween is a fundraiser for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, a nonprofit guild that exists to promote and preserve Ohio’s unified craft brewing industry.

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote and preserve Ohio’s unified craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Free & Cheap Dining Deals This Week

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DaytonDining is all about sharing ways to eat on the cheap and if you watch our Facebook or Twitter we’re pretty good about sharing them.  Plenty of them are weekly specials, like $1.25 Taco’s at Carmel’s every Monday, or for $1 Tuesday’s at El Toro, or $1 burgers at Bar Louie’s at The Greene every Wednesday, 25% off dine in pizza at Oregon Express on Monday, and so many more – keep an eye on our DMM calendar for more!

But this week there are a  few special events we wanted to make sure you know about:

Old Scratch Pizza celebrates it’s 1st Anniversary with free pizza on Wed Oct 18th to anyone that has become a member of their text club.  To thank their customers for being so supportive, they  are going to have a big party that includes door prizes, drink specials, and FREE PIZZA! Just join the new Old Scratch Pizza “Family” text list, and not only will you get tasty deals delivered to your mobile phone, you will get a FREE PIZZA on their anniversary. Just text “OSP” to 797979 to sign up.

 

Hot Head Burritos is offering a $5 burrito or bowl online special this Wed, Oct 18th all day long.  Just place your order online and enjoy this dining deal!

It’s free Vanilla Milkshake Day  all day on Wed, Oct 18th at MOD Pizza, located at 5225 Cornerstone North Blvd in Centerville. In appreciation for choosing MOD, they will be giving away FREE vanilla milkshakes to our social media followers! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!
Sonic is offering $1 hot dogs all day long on Wed, Oct 18th.
 PizzaFire, located at 4325 Farr Hills Ave in Kettering, created  Customer Appreciate Free PizzaFire day on Friday, Oct 20th for those that follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.  Followers will get a free 3 topping pizza from 11am – 10pm that day.

Remembering Dayton’s Closed Restaurants

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2017 saw some classic Dayton restaurants close, from the incomparable Rue Dumaine, to the Hawthorne Grill in Kettering.  We saw longtime fixture from the 70′ the TGI Friday’s close their doors at the Dayton Mall and in Huber Heights.   Meanwhile,  restaurants like Carmella’s Italian Kitchen, we hardly got to know ya, since they closed after being open only a few months.  Whether a national chain, like Long John Silver’s Riverside shutting down, to local “chain” Caddy’s on 741 in Miami Township, they all felt the last call in 2017.

The Upper Krust Centerville Location

This got the  Food Adventures Crew thinking about restaurants of the past.   So today , we take you on a trip of years gone by.  We call it “Restaurants Closed But Not Forgotten.”

Let’s dive right in.

THE UPPER KRUST – Legendary sandwich shop with locations on North Main Street and in Woodbourne Village in Centerville near 48 and Whipp Rd.  Who can forget the “Tom Turkey” sandwich or the choice of beets, chips or apple sauce.

Remember Lawsons’s Convenient Stores?

TALL TIMBERS –  This old style “supper club” on Troy Pike in  Huber Heights, was known for steaks.  It was actually in an old building built by Benjamin Van Cleve in 1916.  Approximately 25 years ago, a fire closed the restaurant once and for all.  We remember dining there as kids and using the “Entertainment” coupon for a free entrée.

LAWSON’S – These milk stores/convenient stores were all over the Dayton area in the 70’s,  and even had delis inside.  Lawson’s was a Cleveland based company.

SAMPAN – On Webster Street, this oriental restaurant was one of the first ones in Dayton.  They had those cool 70’s style, steel serving plates, where you lift the metal top and steam would fly out of the plate, making it appear piping hot. .

Look at this old school Ponderosa from the 1970’s

TONY’S DUNKER’S DELIGHT DONUTS – Near the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering, this place had a cult following.

PEKING INN –  This spot was known for their signature dish “Peking Duck” and serving dinners in hot metal covered dishes.  Peking Inn was located on 725 near the middle of Centerville and is now “Las Piramedes” Mexican restaurant.

PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE – They used to be all over the place in the 70’s and early 80’s.  Who could forget the metal topped wooden plates and the damn buttery rolls!  Sliding your tray down the cafeteria line, watching them cook steaks, and visiting the trough salad bar.   Centerville’s Jerry Office was the CEO bringing them from a 40 million to a $400 million company.

The Colony Club Logo

CHIN’S ORIENTAL CAFE / CHIN’S GINGER GRILL – A fixture in downtown Dayton and in Tipp City, It was hard to see these 2 locations go.  For decades, Daytonians enjoyed these restaurants that were definitely ahead of their time.   Facility issues and lack of business, as well as an owner who wanted to retire, led to the closing of the Downtown Dayton location in 2003.  The Tipp City eatery would follow in the next few years.

THE COLONY CLUB –  Old school supper club, full bar and dancing on one side, a restaurant on the other side.   Owned by Don Mendenhall, they were known for their hopping atmosphere as well as steaks and seafood.  Located on South Dixie, The Big Ragu took his homecoming dinner date there in 1986.

Hamburger HEaven

Muscle Cars, Good Burgers at Hamburger Heaven on Woodman Dr.

URBAN SUBURBAN TAVERN: Remember the Butcher paper signs on the wall with the weekly specials written on them?  Owned by Dayton icon Urban Goeke, this spot was a popular destination in the early 80’s.  Located near Marshall Rd and Stroop, specialties included, steaks,  seafood and burgers.  Good prices and great values, this establishment was bought out by the owners of Elsa’s and converted to a Kettering Elsa’s location.  Not many people know that Urban Suburban was the first Dayton restaurant to serve buffalo style chicken wings.

HAMBURGER HEAVEN: This spot was a popular oldies car drive in destination on the weekends on Woodman Dr in a converted Red Barn restaurant.  They were known for their burgers, especially a huge creation called “The Galaxy Burger” which we loved.

Bosco’s Logo – Gone but not forgotten

BOBO CHINA – Little spot on Bigger Rd that used to be a Burger Chef and a Chucks Burgers and Stuff.  They had great egg rolls and one of the first buffets in town.

BOSCO’S / THE OAKS – Dart throwing, beer swilling, and live band watching pubs located at the corner of Bigger Rd and Hewitt Ave.  Big volleyball events and summer parties were also hallmarks here.  The spots were vacated and made way for the latest restaurant to close at the same location, Italian eatery, Arthur’s.

Talegators - incredible wings

We remember the incredible Chicken Wings at Talegators

 

THE MANDARIN KITCHEN – Formerly located at S. Ludlow, this restaurant was owned by celebrity chef Ming Tsai’s parents.  This restaurant was known for its “Yu Shang” dishes and twice cooked pork.

 

Shakey’s Pizza – yes you could hear some banjo and piano tunes too

TALEGATORS – Freshly demolished to make way for a new McDonalds, this place had some stellar wings, especially the sweet chili wings.  The sauce would make you smack your lips and smack your momma too.  Known for their live music and bar specials as well, this place had a cult following.

 

THE SAVORY –   An underrated steakhouse at 2335 Smithville Rd. that was in an old “A” frame building that was obviously an IHOP or Howard Johnson’s.  Cozy atmosphere, good food, a great wine selection, and some of the best steaks and lamb dinners in town. Highly underrated, the spot later became the first Cadillac Jacks and the Van Buren Tap Room !

SHAKEY’S PIZZA – The pizza place from the early 70’s with player pianos and music.  One was located where North China in Centerville is today.  They also had a big draft beer menu.  A family joint, with a  beer swillin’ twist and sing a longs… call it Noble Roman’s meets Hofbrau Haus.

 

PIZZA QUEEN INTERNATIONAL – Opened in 1978, by the Castro family, this place served pizzas from locations in West Carrollton and on Marshall Rd in Kettering.  In the earl 1990’s, the family decided to close the pizza shops and turn the West Carrollton location in into El Meson Restaurant which is still operating today under the same ownership.  Even though we love El Meson, we still miss Pizza Queen to this day!

SCOTTY’S HAMBURGERS – This place was very similar to White Castle, but with a diner feel inside.  The Big Ragu specifically remembers eating at the location on N. Fairfield Rd that would later become Bud Frantz’ Fairfield Inn and BR Scoteses’s.

Daytontians love Parkmoor Chicken from the 60’s

THE PARKMOOR – Dixie Style Chicken, this drive-in diner was a popular Daytonian stop in the 50’s and 60’s.  To this day, people talk about their chicken.  Miss that taste?  Well, the rumor is that Hasty Tasty Pancake House still offers the original Parkmoor Recipe Chicken today !  Fricker’s serves “Parkmoor Chicken Tender Sunday specials with crinkle cut fries and claims to have the recipe as well.

BUD FRANTZ’ FAIRFIELD INN – Family restaurant known for big portions and decent prices.  Chicken and steak were the specialties.  This spot later became BR Scotese’s.

B. R. SCOTESE’S  – Chef David Glynn opened this restaurant as a tribute to his grandfather.  The place had some terrific Italian specialties, but unfortunately went out of business in the 90’s.

BOB’S FOOD WAREHOUSE – This grocer on Woodman Dr. in Kettering was a pre-cursor to Sam’s club.  They had great prices and bulk items, but you had to bag your own stuff in their boxes.  Kind of a local GFS … Wrestling magazines and pulled pork were among the items sold.

CHARLIE CHAN’S — Upstairs at the food court in the Dayton Mall, this chain was known for its egg rolls and chinese dishes.  The first place we ever saw duck sauce and hot mustard packets.

A former fixture in the Dayton Mall food court

LAI LAI — A Chinese restaurant near Woodman and Dorothy Lane intersection.  They were one of the first Chinese restaurants to use coupons to lure customers and lunch crowds.

DUKE’S GOLDEN OX – When the owner of the place is a fixture at the bar, you know this is a special eatery.  Duke’s was original from the A-frame architecture to the drink menu.  Known for their steaks, spaghetti and ribs, we loved the bbq sauce that was almost sweet and tomato like.  The ambiance was an old school supper club mixed with a palm readers lair.  It was spooky, yet cool inside, and you didn’t know what time of day it was outside, as we don’t remember the place having any windows.

BAMBOO GARDEN — On Gettysburg Ave, this restaurant had Egg Foo Young, Sweet N Sour, Chow Mein, Chop Suey and Seafood dishes.

 

WAREHOUSE BEER DRIVE-IN –   The first chain of Dayton drive-thru’s with incredible Soft Pretzels.  Many drive-ins around the area today are just old Warehouse Beer Drive-ins.

STEVE KAO’S – An early, local version of PF Changs, this restaurant was very popular in the 80’s. Unfortunately inconsistent food quality led to diminishing business causing this spot to close. Their Kung Pao choices were terrific and they had some great appetizers too.

DEN

DRIFTWOOD BOWLING LANES – You wouldn’t think that a Bowling Lane would have good food, but this one did.  This place even had waitresses!  The cabbage rolls and Hot Shot sandwiches drew good lunch crowds. 

PIETRO MAURO’S ITALIAN DELI –  Located on Bigger Rd across from the Victoria’s Secret call center, this family owned Italian deli had great breads, cheeses and old world specialties.  From desserts, to stuffed peppers, to great sub sandwiches, we were sorry to see this place go out of business.

 

The Dutch Pantry

A Chain that is gone but not forgotten

THE DUTCH PANTRY – We like to describe this as an old time, Amish version of Bob Evans.  Dayton had a few locations including Springfield and Englewood.  Food Adventures enjoyed the waitresses’ old fashioned, Dutch outfits.

Ryan’s Buffet – Okra, Soft Rolls, Clam Chowder

RYANS STEAKHOUSE – The moist bread rolls and the deep fried okra first stole the heart of Daytonians in the 80’s.   The closest ones left are in Columbus and Marion, Ohio.  So you can still grab yourself a fork and enter the trough !

VITO’S VENETIAN INN – An Italian restaurant located on Dorothy Lane near Delco Park.  They were known for their simple pasta dishes and quality, family owned feel.  We miss the manicotti !

SHADES OF JADE –  The huge “Pu Pu Platter” appetizer sampler was a signature dish of this Chinese restaurant across from Wright State.  Fun decor including running fountains added to dining experience here.

SHOWBIZ PIZZA– The pre-cursor to Chuck E Cheese.  Eating cardboard like pizza and some of the kids are scared of the huge stuffed animal robots playing guitar.  Full arcade too, and in the 1980’s that actually kicked ass.

At Showbiz you could play Asteroids, and Eat Pizza

MYUNG SUNG – This Huber Heights Chinese restaurant was memorable with a seating area where you could sit on the floor.

THE BBQ HUT – The 298-RIBS phone number, the Broasted Chicken, potatoes and BBQ Specialties made this place a fixture on Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  They gave you that little dinner roll with each meal, that for some reason with a slab of butter was absolute heaven.

When a place had RIBS in their phone number…

THE VENETIAN – Great pizzas in this small spot on Stroop Rd. which is now Mama DiSalvos Restaurant!  The stepped up area in the back of the dining room housed a pool table.  They had great french fries too !!

DANIELS PARK ROW – They had the best shrimp scampi on earth.  This restaurant on Patterson Rd. was a throwback to the 50’s supper clubs where women would wear mink coats to dinner.  Good food, dark atmosphere.

 

AL & JOE’S FOODTOWN – Grocery store that was your typical 60’s grocery.  No frills, and the place always smelled like freshly sliced deli meat.

 

LATITUDE 49 – Centerville eatery where the Melting Pot is now.  Latitude 49 had some of the best calamari in the world.  We loved the aquarium decor and miss that place to this day.

BAYOU CAFE – The first Cajun restaurant in Dayton was a late 80’s venture.  This was the first place that your Food Adventurers tried alligator !  The spicy, cajun shrimp was fantastic too.  This site was most recently a Fox n Hound and Harrigans South, as well as a BBQ place.

There was a York Steakhouse inside the Dayton Mall

 

GARTSKA’S –  This Greek based eatery was a fixture in Bellbrook for many years.  Though the restaurant is gone, we haven’t forgotten their diverse menu and many incredible dishes.

 ALEX’s CONTINENTAL INN –   Dancing and music accompanied great food.  They had a couple of streaks, but finally closed within the last couple of years.  The first time Big Ragu ate lobster in a restaurant was here.

CAMBRIDGE INN –  Old style English cafeteria in Centerville, very reminiscent of Neil’s Heritage House.

YORK STEAK HOUSE – Located inside the Dayton mall, this cafeteria style steakhouse served items “a la carte.”  From Steaks to Seafood, this national chain was a staple in the Dayton Mall for many years, and was located just inside the entrance.

EMPIRE FAMILY RESTAURANT – Popular family spot on the corner of County Line Rd and Dorothy Lane.  After closing in the early 90’s it became a great Chinese restaurant called“China House” which also closed a few years later.

 

CHINA HOUSE – They served one of the best dishes we have ever tried called Walnut Shrimp.  Surprisingly, the location closed unceremoniously a few years ago, without warning.  It was located very close to The Greene.

SUTTMILLER’S – An old school supper club on N. Main.  This Dayton icon’s  standard was 70’s food and 70’s hairstyles.

 

THE MEAT HOUSE – Where’s the beef?  Everyone at the corner of Stroop and Marshall Rd in Kettering knew this was the meat house.  Whether chicken, pork or steaks they had it all here.  Also, this was one of the first places in Dayton where you could buy pre-formed hamburger patties.

SWEETHEARTS – Ice cream and video game place that we visited as kids.  These were some of our first Food Adventures alone.

Bad Dog, Nice Taco is missed !

BAD DOG, NICE TACO:Our own Chef LeeAnne House and Brian Johnson teamed to bring you a hot dog and nacho cart that spoiled us with toppings from feta to freshly made housemade sauces.  Currently Chef House is in Chicago, and when we asked about a re-opening possibility for Bad Dog, she said “never say never.”  Stay Tuned.

THE BARNSIDER: After more than 41 years, the Barnsider restaurant served its last meal in May 2016.  Known for prime rib and shrimp dinners, you can still buy their cocktail sauce at local grocers and Foremost Seafood.

No more Bob Evans French Toast on Harshman Rd

BOB EVAN’S:  The location on Harshman Road, near Stebbins High School closed in 2016.  We hope the students of Stebbins are still able to get biscuits, gravy and pancakes at acceptable intervals.

BOSTON’S BISTRO: July 2016 marked a historic closing.  After 35 years of business, owner Dave Boston closed his establishment on N. Main Street. Much of his business has been at the old Sports Page location. It was a building his father built.  Boston’s was known for being the first place to sell multiple craft beers in the Dayton area.  He started selling craft beers in the 1970’s.  Dave said he would reopen at another site if the deal was right.

David Boston, in his now closed pub

CORLEONE’S CENTERVILLE:  This spinoff pizza joint was the 2nd location for Corleone’s, tucked into a shopping center on 725 behind Fricker’s.  It never quite took off, even though they had some tremendous pizza and pasta options.  Thankfully the Patterson Rd. location is still open.

DESIGNER DOGS:  It opened in January, 2016 inside the Fairfield Commons mall, and closed in September.  Inventive toppings on the hot dogs included shout outs to various cities and states.  The owners promise a return in some fashion, noting a deal in the works to mass produce their dogs.  Hopefully we see them again real soon.

Corleone’s in Centerville closed. We miss the pasta dishes .

DON PABLO’S, FAIRFIELD COMMONS:  They were one of the first restaurants to open around the Fairfield Mall.  Decades later, they would close in 2016 citing lack of business.  We are sad to see them go as their drinks and chips with salsa were some of the best around town.

DT’s KITCHEN CARRYOUT: They opened in March and closed in December, 2016.  The menu was a broad diner menu from Quesadillas to Fried Shrimp Dinners.  We hate to see locally owned restaurants close, especially when the customer reviews looked so good.

Inside Sushi Cafe one last time

ECLIPSE COFFEE and TEA:  Locally owned coffee shop located on Wilmington Pike between LaRosa’s and Frisch’s.  Maybe the location was tough, because it looks like the product was superior.  They carried quality coffees and teas out of Seven Hills, Ohio.

KAI SUSHI CAFE: One of Dayton’s first sushi restaurants. The crowds had dwindled over the years with increased competition.  An empty parking lot seemed the norm the last few months, and after a couple of transfers of ownership and a legal dispute, the restaurant could not continue to operate.  We hope this old Howard Johnson building on Byers Rd. gets a new tenant soon.

KRISPY KREME: January, 2016 was the closing date for cult favorite.  The national donut franchise could not keep up with local

No more “Hot Fresh Now” light.  Damn you Krispy Kreme !

favorites.  Although it will close, regional bakeries will still be pumping Krispy Kreme product into various gas station convenient stores around town.

LAROSA’S, HUBER HEIGHTS:  Buddy LaRosa decided to pack this one in during 2016.  The Cincinnati based company could not get the business they wanted to stay open.  But don’t worry although the 7375 Old Troy Pike location is closed, there are others around Dayton and of course Wayne students can still get slices at King’s Island.

LaRosas closes in Huber Heights – no more all you can eat spaghetti

LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE, FAIRFIELD COMMONS MALL: A surprise to many, corporate cited high rent and low income for the closing.  If you people would have just not thrown your damn peanut shells on the floor.

MAX n ERMA’S SPRINGBORO:  Located at 710 Gardener Rd, off of State Route 741, this restaurant closed in January, 2016.  We love Max n Erma’s.  We love this regional chain and concept from the Garbage Burger to the drinks.  Hopefully another one will open in town, soon.

Chopped Steak and Sweet Potato from Logan’s Roadhouse

MCKENNA’S GRILL: This restaurant on Presidential Drive in Fairborn, inside the Holiday Inn, closed to make way for “The Wright Place.”

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB:  This locally owned restaurant closed in late 2016 and was replaced by Carmella’s Italian Kitchen.  It’s sister restaurant Paddy’s in Centerville remains open.

OSAKA SUSHI and BUFFET:  Dayton’s first conveyor belt sushi restaurant, was an upscale buffet that just never

Sangria at Max n Ermas

caught on.  There was a strong regular customers of Asian descent, but the big crowds were few, forcing them to close.  The owner has promised to renegotiate the rent and reopen as a hibachi restaurant much like Sake or Benihana.

Osaka Sushi Buffet and Hibachi has closed on Kingsridge

QDOBA, BROWN STREET: This eatery closed July 2016.  It was located in the heart of the busy restaurant district across from University of Dayton.

SHISH WRAPS:  Simon Abboud owned this health conscious restaurant that turned Mediterranean street food into some wonderful creations.  We were very sad to see this place on Brown Street go.  Their hummus, tabouleh and sauces were all made from scratch.  Their shish wraps always left us “shish faced.”

SUSHI CLUB: February, 2016 marked the end for this “all you can eat” made to order sushi place on Alex Rd.  We had hit this spot many times and always had a good meal.  Maybe the food costs did them in, but they never could seem to capture the big crowds although they had a regular following.  We were surprised it closed so quickly and really miss the food.

Fajita Rancher Bowl from Qdoba

TASTY MEASURES CAFE: Although they made their own deli meats using Sous Vide style cooking methods, the business crowds were not enough to stay open. Unfortunately this locally owned cafe on Jefferson Street closed in June, 2016.

UNCLE SUNNY’S HOMESTYLE CAJUN FISH & CHICKEN:  A family owned spot on 131 Cincinnati Ave in Xenia, it was all about the fried fish and chicken.  The reviews were great, and although they originally were going to be a 24 hour restaurant, that never came to fruition.  The owners are hinting at another project in the works, so stay tuned.

A Shish Wrap

GRINDSTONE CHARLEY’S – One of the casualties of the TGI FRIDAYS type restaurant wars.  We guess they couldn’t compete with the clones like O’Charley’s.

CHMIEL’S – Family grocery store in Centerville with a fantastic bakery.  Located on 725, it is now a “Big Lots” store.

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

 

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

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

 

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

Chmiels hometown family grocers

We miss Chmiels family owned grocery

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

BELLA VINO:  This wine bar had an incredible selection of vino, but just couldn’t build up enough regulars to stay in business.  Known for a nice patio and some recent menu improvements, we were sad to hear of their closing.  They still operate a location in West Chester.

 

ANTOJITOS CRIOLLOS had Plantains

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

 

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

 

We miss grand slams and drag queens here

DENNY’S: Oh how the mighty have fallen.  From the after hour diners leaving the 1470 dance club for some food, this Denny’s was busy late into many nights.  We know it’s a chain, but we loved a grilled cheese and onion rings at 2am.  Denny’s corporate office orchestrated the restaurant closing in December for unspecified reasons.  It is hard to believe that you can’t get a Grand Slam Breakfast in Dayton anymore.  Goodbye to an era and an icon.  

 

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

Reeses Pieces Sundae from Friendly

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

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

 

Closed in Centerville – it is now a Mixteca

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

 

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

 

Inside OLIVE – an urban dive

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

 

 

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

 

 

Inside Rinaldo’s

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

 

RINALDO’S BAKERY: The true loss of a legend, this bakery closing will have effects reaching into the Italian festival.    Many may know that a portion of the Italian Fest desserts are made by Rinaldo’s Bakery.  The Stolfo family operated the business for 50 years.  Due to health concerns of the son, the family decided to close their doors.  They simply couldn’t handle the workload at their ages.  We will forever miss the Italian Wedding Cakes, half moons, and the adult cakes that would fly out from time to time.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Shuckin Shack on N Main

 

JED’S STEAK AND RIBS – Remember their salad bar?  Sure it had croutons that tasted like crayons, but their steak burger and ‘make your own sundae bar’ were great childhood memories and huge innovations at the time.  There were many Jed’s around the Dayton area, one was located on 725 in Centerville and is now a Goodwill store.  We cannot find any photos or trace of this place online, can you?

SHUCKIN’ SHACK – One of our all-time favorite places was on North Main St. in Dayton.  They would bring steamed clams out in golf ball baskets.  At the raw bar you could sit and eat raw oysters and clams, and throw your shells into a trough.   Who could forget their massive peel and eat shrimp, or  fried smelts?  This was the only place in Dayton that made you fell like you were in a wharf type restaurant in Florida.

Peerless Mill – Miamisburg

THE PEERLESS MILL– The Miamisburg Restaurant with the old fashioned, old school menu.  Inside it was like a mixture of Thanksgiving and Christmas everyday.  We recall the incredible decor and churning wheel waterfall.  This restaurant was warm and inviting, with a trickling water wheel in the lobby.  The food was fantastic, and the service was always exceptional.  It was a great place for family celebrations.

KEENG WHA – This Chinese restaurant used to be on the corner of Woodman and Dorothy Lane.  They served Ragu’s favorite Chinese dish of all time: “Princess Prawns.”  A popular place in the 80’s until the chef left, and it was all downhill until it closed in the mid 90’s.

Bill Knapps was the bombdizzle

BILL KNAPPS –  The kids meal was filled with animal names like the “tiger” or the “elephant.”  The best au gratin potatoes ever were served here in a tiny crock pot with browned cheese on top.  Ragu loved the clam strips dinner and their signature chocolate cake.  On Tuesdays is was a full meal deal where every entree came with salad, soup and dessert.  INSANE ! There was a Bill Knapps on 48 near Loop Rd. in Centerville, one by the Dayton Mall, and another near what is now The Greene.

GIRVE’S BROWN DERBY– As kids, we felt like kings in this place.  They had the largest salad bar in town and you could even order a kiddie cocktail.   Ragu  loved the kids menu fish dinner.  Adults seemed to love the “Gus’ Steak” which came out with a wooden stake saying medium, or rare with on onion ring on top.  There was a bar inside and even lobster tail dinners flowed freely.  We felt the Brown Derby “jumped the shark” when it moved from Bigger Rd to the 725 location by the Dayton Mall.  Big mistake,  we really miss this food gem.

Woody’s Grocery Store in West Carrollton

WOODY’S GROCERY –  We might say the bakery and seafood department was the best part of this West Carrollton icon.  Also, we  loved the deli with shaved Corned Beef and Swiss on hard rolls with poppy seeds on top. We remember a cashier named Don Baker who had hair like Elvis that never changed for years.  Noone could forget the plaid dresses and bonnets worn by some of the female workers.

ELDER BEERMAN RESTAURANT –  Who doesn’t love a place where you could get breakfast with Santa and the Easter bunny?  Located upstairs in the Centerville store on State Route 48, our memories are also of the Friday night buffet.  This was a place where the waitresses were “real” waitresses and they had the same staff for decades.

BURGER CHEF- To this day, we crave the Big Chef sandwich and their “works” bar where you could load up your burger with toppings!  Remember that their regular hamburgers were stuffed into clear wrapping pouches and the steam marks would be on the plastic wrap? Bring back Burger Chef !!

CHICKEN LOUIE’S – A 24 hour chicken wing place?  What a great idea ! This was a fixture on North Main Street in Dayton for over 40 years.  Ragu would risk life and limb by ordering through the bullet proof glass at dusk.  The related “Lou’s Broaster Hut on 3rd st had a special place in our heart.

RAX ROAST BEEF – We loved the salad bar, which hilariously offered nacho cheese next to the pudding. The menu had a star, the “BBC” (the beef bacon and cheddar) which proves the theory that bacon makes everything better.   But Rax lovers know that the cheese sauce made those sandwiches.  We frequented the 725 store that is now a Tim Horton’s

ROCKY ROCOCO’S PIZZA– Chunks of roma tomatoes on their pizzas, made for a unique tasting pizza that was full of flavor.

JOE BISSETT’S GRUB STEAK– The killer menu item was the Princess Steak and a salad with blue cheese crumbles on top.  We also rocked the “kiddie cocktail” on North Main St, Dayton.  You may recall our article on the closing of The Grub steak HERE.

Lums – where hot dogs ruled

COZYMEL’S –  Great place for happy hours with margaritas swirling in machines above the bars.  You got lots of food at a great price here.  This sorely missed place was located on 725 near McEwen Rd. in Centerville and became a Smokey Bones which is also now closed.

FARRELL’S – Across from Tri-County Mall in Northern Cincinnati, this place had a ‘sundae on a stretcher.’   The staff would sing happy birthday to customers on kazoos.

LUM’S – An obscure town favorite.  They had hot dogs cooked in beer.  Lum’s was located where Marion’s Pizza is now, in Town and Country shopping center.

PEASANT STOCK – Who could forget the ‘Peasant salad.’  Ragu loved the atmosphere at the restaurant in the Town and Country Shopping Center.  Chef David Glynn served some great food out of this establishment.

We miss Thirsty Dog Brewery!

THIRSTY DOG – A great microbrewery restaurant on the corner of Alex Bell Rd and 48 in Centerville that served homemade chips in dog bowls.  Ragu loved the Raspberry Light Beer, and the burgers and fish dinners were fantastic too.

HUNAN GOURMET – A long gone gem that was on 48 near Whipp Rd.  We loved this place, especially their dry braised shrimp and sizzling rice soup.  Some of their entrees were second to none.  The building was razed about 8 years ago to build a coffee shop.

NOBLE ROMAN’S – We miss the real Noble Roman’s, not the stuff they are serving at the ‘new Noble Romans’ restaurants.  The old restaurants were completely different.  We miss the hand tossed pizza in the window, monster pizza, sicililan pizza and the hand rolled breadsticks with nacho cheese.

MARK PI’s CHINA GATE – The fried rice was addicting at this restaurant that was located upstairs in Town and Country shopping center.  A great atmosphere for special get togethers, the decor on the glass is still there today, even though they closed in the 80’s.

Sambo’s was like a weird, kids version of Denny’s

ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS – It was fried fish, so Ragu could live here.  The Jersey Mikes on 48 in Centerville is where one of the Arthur Treacher’s used to be.  We hear that some of these still exist in other states.  Dear Fast Food Gods, Bring them back to Dayton ASAP, and don’t forget the vinegar.

SAMBO’S – They featured pancakes served with boysenberry syrup.  This place was located at 48 near Loop Rd in Centerville until it closed in the early 80’s.  It was known for their cheap prices and controversial menu caricatures.  It was a weird, kid version of Denny’s on LSD.  But you couldn’t deny, they had great breakfast food.

 

FOUR’S COMPANY – After the Arthur Treacher’s closed on 48 near Whipp Rd in Centerville, this short lived place served up giant beer battered onion rings.   They were so full of beer you almost got buzzed by eating a few.

Dominic’s – A Dayton Original like us

TOTENKO – This place on the corner of 725 and 741 near the Dayton Mall was like a 70′s verison of PF Changs.  We learned to use chopsticks here while wearing “toughskin” pants.  A great restaurant until it closed because a food critic found roaches on her plate (TRUE STORY).  That critic was Ann Heller, writing one of her first reviews for the Dayton Daily News/Journal Herald.    This place turned into a Chi Chi’s which has since gone out of business too.

D’AMICO and MANZAS – An Italian eatery that was a mom and pop establishment.  Incredible spaghetti dishes highlighted a top notch pasta menu.  This spot is now Savona Restaurant.

DOMINIC’S – The iconic location on South Main Street in Dayton whose manicotti was incredible.  The real attraction here was the house salad dressing with so much garlic flavor that you breathed fire for 2 days afterward.  Ask any Daytonian who was around in the 70’s/80’s, they knew the only place to go where strong garlic breath was excused.

GROUND ROUND– Throw your peanut shells on the floor.  Ragu loved their all you can eat Friday night fish fry.  Remember the scale at the Wilmington Pike site where the cost of a kid’s dinner was a penny for each pound they weighed?

BAJA FRESH – Do you still crave their fish tacos like we do?   The now defunct Dorothy Lane and Kettering Blvd location claimed to not have refrigerators, because they served everything fresh.  We were sad to see this short-lived restaurant go.

PHIL AND JERRY’S FOOD-A-RAMA –  Legendary Centerville grocery that had annual anniversary parties where a hot dog and a coke were around 20 cents.  In business for over 30 years, they had a great seafood section.

Matchbook from Westward Ho on Brown Street

JOE’S IS A FISH HOUSE – This seafood spot on Loop Rd and State Rt 48 offered a one of a kind Sunday brunch that would knock your socks off.  It featured smelts and steamed mussels.  The restaurant was only open a couple of years, but it made an impact on us in the early 80’s.

WESTWARD HO – South Main Street cafeteria style restaurant that had drink glasses as big as your head.  The food was good, the patrons were old, yet this was still a hoppin’ place.  We used to visit the magic store across the street called the “Magic Hat,” after eating.

PO’ FOLKS – Fried food all over the menu, made this one of Ragu’s faves.  The fried clams and fried okra were so good.  The one we frequented was on the corner of Wilmington Pike and Dorothy Lane.

D’Lites – The first ‘Healthy Fast Food’

FAZIO’S GOLDMAN ONTARIO’s DISCOUNT FOOD STORES – This was the best place to shop with bellbottom pants in the 70’s for groceries.  Good deals and wide collars were the norm at this place!

D’LITES-  The first place ever to offer healthy fast food!  We weren’t sure how healthy it was, but Ragu loved their burgers and smoothiesat the location of 48 and Whipp Rd.  Another short-lived place, that we feel had great food.

CHMIELS GROCERY STORE – Now a Big Lots store in Centerville, this place had some incredible pastries.  Their bakery was almost as good as Woody’s.

Kettering Village Inn – closed but not forgotten

KETTERING VILLAGE INN – A mom and pop Italian eatery known for no frills and good food.  This spot is now an “OinkadoodleMoo” restaurant on the corner of Stroop Rd and 48 .  KVI had great pizza and pasta dishes.  This one is really missed.

ANTONIO’s  – An Italian restaurant once owned by the DiPasquale Family.  When Villanova’s Basketball team would come to town in the 1980’s, legendary coach Rollie Massimino would always eat here.  They had incredible ravioli dishes.  Their marinara sauce was out of this world.   Sweeney’s Seafood House is now located where Antonio’s operated.

Gone but not forgotten in West Dayton

KING COLE RESTAURANT – One of the most elegant dining places in Dayton at the bottom of the Kettering Tower.  Known for gourmet steaks and seafood, this was a hot spot in the 70’s and 80’s.

HOOK’S BBQ: In West Dayton, one of the best places for ribs.  Lots of southern style sides and healthy portions for cheap.  Sadly a shooting in the restaurant was the beginning of the end as a family member/owner was killed.  They never could recover from the tragedy.

A former Dayton icon

 

What places do you still think about? Casa Lupita? Charley’s Crab? Tequila Willie’s?  Let us know any and all of them by commenting below!  Check out the photo album below for even more restaurants that are “Closed but Not Forgotten.”

DID WE MISS A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS STORY?  WHICH ONES DID WE LEAVE OUT ???

Please comment below with your memories of these places, or any other you would like to mention!

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Crooked Handle Chili Boss Competition

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WANT TO HELP CHOOSE THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE?…Get your free “Vote for People’s Choice” ticket, come out to CHBC, grab a pint & spoon, and vote on your favorite chili for the People’s Choice Award !  On Sat, Oct 14th starting at 3pm the competition is on!

~ First place in the main event will receive $250 cash and their name engraved on the Crooked Handle Chili Boss plaque

~Second place in the main event will recieve a trophy and a $100 gift card

~Third place in the main event will receive a trophy and a $50 gift card

Fine chili should look good, smell good, and taste good! Accordingly, main event entries will be judged on the following criteria to arrive at a whole-number score for each category of 0 to 10 with 10 being the highest.

(a)Aroma—(b)Color—(c)Consistency (d)Taste—(e)Aftertaste

People’s Choice Award will be decided by ballot and the winner will receive a $150 in gift cards.

The main event judging will begin at 3pm.  Confirmed Judges include:

Heather Sukola- Heather’s Coffee and Cafe
Rich Gillette- Dayton Daily News
Jack Gridley & JoAnn Potts- Dorothy Lane Market
Lisa Grigsby- DaytonDining

Popular vote ballots will close at 4:30pm. Award presentations will begin at 5pm.

All proceds from the registration fee will be donated to a local charity Wild Again Animal Rescue.

Matzo and Lox More at Barry Bagels

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Delicious Bagels and Cream Cheeses await you

In 2014, The Bagel Cafe in Kettering went out of business.  Since then, The Food Adventures crew has felt a void.  In 2017, we have been made full again.

How?

Kettering now has a nice little eatery that is quietly becoming a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take out.  It is called Barry Bagels, and if you miss The Bagel Cafe, you’re gonna like this place.

Lets get the scoop, before you get verklempt.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BARRY BAGEL:

— Founded in 1972 by the late Barry Greenblatt, his family still owns the business, running 10 locations in Ohio

The serving counter gets busy

and Michigan.

— The Kettering Barry Bagel store opened March 2017 and is located at 4313 Far Hills Ave, near the intersection of Shroyer and Far Hills

— Weekday hours are 6:30am-7pm, while Saturday is 6:30am-5pm and Sunday hours are 8am-3pm

— They boil and bake the bagels in-house, and have around 18 choices of Bagel flavors and about 8 different types of Cream Cheeses

Lox and Cream Cheese Sandwich

— They roast and slice their meats on site, making for some delicious bagel sandwiches.

—Every bagel has the option of being toasted… and even buttered.. take advantage.

There are a ton of choices at this place, and after several visits, we have been through the menu and have come up with our patented “must eats.”  So without further delay.. oy vey !

 

HERE ARE THE MUST EATS at BARRY BAGEL:

—LOX and CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH:
Lox are thin slices of salmon that are cured in a salt/sugar mix or a brine. It is not smoked. The salmon is a delicacy, not common in Dayton, but delicious nonetheless. The Lox are served in this sandwich with plain cream cheese and capers. You can add more toppings, but we found this simple combo to be one of the best sandwiches we have ever eaten. This is one of our favorite sandwiches in the Miami Valley. Try this unique “must eat.”

Spinach Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese

 

—SPINACH FETA BAGEL with SCALLION CREAM CHEESE:
Sometimes our Food Adventures become obsessed with feta, and this is another instance. Try the combo of the spinach bagel and the scallion cream cheese. Such a rich, deep flavor. Savor th is luxury.

—BLUEBERRY BAGEL with STRAWBERRY CHEESE:
Going overboard on berries is a great thing here. Try the strawberry cream cheese on the blueberry bagel. It is like a dessert.

 

Loving the Grape Jelly – buttered and toasted too !

—SESAME SEED BAGEL, TOASTED and BUTTERED with GRAPE JELLY:
Sometimes it is a childhood taste that sets your mood. The jelly on this toasted and buttered bagel works miracles for bringing you back in time.

 

—A VANILLA CINNAMON BAGEL with CINNAMON SWIRL CREAM CHEESE:
Again the combo of flavors is like a dessert. This is a dreamy treat for an easy Sunday morning or a Thursday afternoon pep-up. This will be a favorite combo of yours.. wanna bet?

— TUNA SALAD SANDWICH on an EVERYTHING BAGEL:
We added pickle, lettuce and tomato for a sandwich that is simply “refreshing.” The tuna salad, made daily on site, hit the spot. A perfect choice for lunch on the “go.”

 

—TURKEY SANDWICH with PROVOLONE CHEESE on a WHOLE WHEAT BAGEL:
A very filling roasted turkey sandwich. Add provolone and mayo, and the toppings finish the deal. Playing a sport later? You found your carb and protein fuel.

—PEANUT BUTTER and JELLY SANDWICH on a PLAIN BAGEL:
An ultimate kid indulgence good enough for adults too. Strawberry jelly is our suggestion. Such a gooey and good treat, bring an extra napkin for the ride home.

 

Matzo Ball Soup

—MATZO BALL SOUP:
Where else can you get this stuff in Dayton? A Wonton soup like broth with a big matzo ball in the middle. Served very hot, so be careful. A simple, plain, yet delicate and traditional treat. Channel your inner New Yorker.

 

There you go – our Food Adventure faves…
Other honorable mentions include the Pastrami Sandwich and the Roast Beef Sandwich.

Is this the Carnegie Deli?  No, but it is a solid choice for good bagels and a casual meal in or “to go.”  The menu has some refreshing choices, including giant cookies and we all love Grape Fanta in a bottle !!

Barry Bagels is definitely “on a roll” with good food.  Note – long lines may form on Sundays and during certain rushes.  Be patient, it is worth it.

Grape Fanta in bottles !! And other throwback drinks.

 

Vanilla Cinnamon Bagel with Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Turkey Sandwich

Buckeye Bagel – with vanilla chocolate chips

What is a buckeye bagel ?

Gameday special

Sesame Seed with butter

Chocolate Chip Bagel with Cream Cheese

Blueberry and Blueberry cream cheese

Asiago cheese bagel with Butter

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time

Tuna on Everything Bagel

Back Entry

Platters to go

Roast Beef to go !

Tuna

PB & Jelly

Vanilla Cinnamon bagel with cinnamon cream cheese

Turkey for Lunch

Feel free to browse the gallery below of more Barry Bagel photos.

Are you a foodie?  Get the best Miami Valley foodie scoop every week right here and follow Food Adventures on Facebook HERE.

 

 

 

FREE Pizza To Celebrate Old Scratch Pizza’s First Year

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For a couple that met in culinary school, and turned an old 6000 square feet Standard Auto Parts store in an undesirable part of town, into the Miami Valley’s #1 Pizza Place (according to yelp reviews), you’d expect something special to celebrate the success of their first year of business.

Oakwood’s Eric & Stephanie Soller have a big celebration planned for Old Scratch Pizza’s first birthday on Wed, Oct 18th.  “We have been really overwhelmed by how generous our customers and the City of Dayton have been over the last year,” Soller said.  “We really wanted to say thank you.  And what better way to say thank you than free pizza.”

Join their text club by texting OSP to 797979 and you can  be eating FREE PIZZA at their Oct 18th First Anniversary celebration, which will run all day long starting at 11am.  Late Tuesday night, member of the text club will get a coupon that will be valid for the Wednesday anniversary party!

Old Scratch Pizza will also have the Trotwood trailer on hand with $3 Warped Wing beers, drink specials, door prizes and much more. According to Eric, “It’s probably going to get pretty  crazy around here on Wednesday.”

OSP is located at 812 S Patterson Blvd and is open six days a week, closed on Monday.

 

 

Old Scratch Pizza By the Numbers

 

1  – Years in Existence

12 –  Cones For A Cause Charity Partners

20  –  Taps of craft beers

40  –  Number of jobs created

230  – The number of seats in OSP

800  –  the temperature of the pizza ovens

6000 – Whole Roasted Cauliflower Heads served

17,000 –  dollars donated to local non-profits

 

 

Through the Cones for a Cause program, each month they’ve partnered with a local charity and all revenue from their soft -serve ice cream are donated to that organization.  Between the donations and 10% of sales from a one night takeover event, OSP has donated $17,000 to organizations including, Secret Smiles of Dayton, Clothes That Work, House of Bread, Miami Valley Pit Crew, Girls on the Run, Bike Miami Valley, Brigid’s Path, Equitas Health, Oak Tree Corner, Helping Hands of Dayton and Crayons to Classrooms.  If you’ve got a charity that would like to partner, sign up on the OSP website.

 

OSP also features some of the best local, wood-roasted vegetables in town. Pictured here brussels sprouts, broccolini, corn on the cob and sugar snap peas pictured below are just some of the specials you can expect to rotate when in season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course the highlight of any trip to Old Scratch Pizza are the creative pizza’s you can get there.
Of course you can get a pepperoni and cheese pizza, or you can get adventurous  and try one of these
pictured below:

Row 1 left: House-made lamb sausage, finished with feta, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce.
Row 1 right: Duck Salami, Mushrooms, Pistachio Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella and Sour Ale Reduction.

Row 1 left: Kale, house-made hot Italian sausage, lots of Pecorino Romano cheese, and sesame-seed crust.

Row 2 right: Romesco Base, Avocado Mousse, Arugula, Pickled Red Onion, Bacon and a Balsamic Reduction

*these specialty pizza are run as specials, not on the regular menu, be sure and check for features on your visit.  And yes, they do have gluten free pizza’s available.

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

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Since this column launched back in May I am often asked where I go for certain foods. Recently I was asked about biscuits and gravy. Here in Dayton, we are fortunate to have a good list of options for this breakfast delight.
I’ll be honest, it’s hard to beat my late Grandma Suddith’s scratch biscuits and sausage gravy she made in a cast iron skillet.  My aunt Jody makes the best bacon gravy I have ever had but she is 400 miles away on a hilltop outside of Phil Campbell Alabama. So when I need good biscuits and gravy I stop into these places to get my fill.

 

1111 William C. Good Blvd.   Franklin, Ohio

Mon -Fri 5am-7pm
Saturday 5am-1:30pm   &   Sunday 6am-130pm

The lady that runs the place and makes the gravy. Her name is mom. I’ve been eating at her place since I was a little kid. Used to be over in Red Lion, which is the place where Ohio State Routes 122, 123 and 741 all cross between Hunter, Springboro, and Lebanon. It’s a diner homage to Kentucky and those who came from there and settled in Warren County. She offers a full menu all day but I’ve only ordered two things in my nearly 40 years of eating there. Biscuits and gravy and the Cheeseburger.
The biscuits are fresh and not from the freezer and the gravy has enough pepper and sausage that a side of meat is never needed. Eating there is like eating with family. They are located on St. Rt. 123 at I-75 (Franklin exit) by the truck stop a 1/4 east of the interstate. Side note: One of the few places to find Fried Bologna on the menu. Doesn’t get more southern than that.

 

4480 Powell Rd. Huber Heights (Old Troy Pike. Rd 202) 45424
Tues thru Sun 7am-3pm
Sweet Home is always a welcome spot for a home-cooked meal while surounded by good people.

A full order of biscuits and gravy is only $4.99 and it will fill you up. The breakfast menu is complete and I add home fries and a scrambled egg.

The biscuits are fresh and the gravy full of sausage. I add some hot sauce for a little kick and save 1/2 a biscuit for some jelly. It is not fancy, but you will feel at home with this breakfast spot.

 

2229 Dryden Rd    Moraine, Ohio
Mon – Fri 6am -8pm
Closed Sat & Sun
What was Gus’ Bar and Carryout is now Vinny’s. I mean. Since 2004. This spot is best known by the blue-collar crowd in Moraine. Located on the north end of Dryden Road Vinny’s is often overlooked as a lottery/beer/cigarettes/pop carry out kinda place. It is way more. It is one of the best quick breakfast joints in town and classic bar and grill at night.
Back when I worked in Jefferson Township on the west side of Dayton, I’d stop into Vinny’s for a biscuit and gravy to go with a cup of coffee. Sure you can grab a breakfast sandwich, bacon, egg, and cheese, but why skip the hearty biscuits and gravy? They do it right. Slow-cooked gravy, freshly baked biscuits and they keep a pepper shaker handy to add that extra fresh cracked spice on top. A small order is $2.75, but go ahead and get the full size (2 biscuits and gravy) for $3.75.
A bonus here: They break up the biscuit for you before topping with gravy. Makes it easier to eat on the run, or in the car like I do.

 

1150 W. Main Street, Tipp City, OH 45371
Best known in Tipp City for homemade dinners and classic American restuarant atmosphere, Tipp O’ does a great breakfast. Don’t let the decor deter you. Sit, meet your server and enjoy some of the best home cooked food north of town. A large order only sits you back $3.99 and leaves room for a couple of eggs or home fries.
Sure you can get a Filey Mignon and eggs for breakfast, but why pass up the Biscuits and gravy? Breakfast is served all day and has never left me wishing I had gotten the burger or club. (Both really good choices for lunch though).

 

I’m always looking for a new spot north of town and south of town for a great biscuits and gravy. Tell us where you go to find yours. Bonus points if they are served all day!
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Fundraising Brunch at Basil’s For Chloe’s Special Wish

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Basil’s on Market proudly announces their annual The Wonderful World of Basil’s Event taking place November 5th, 2017. This spectacular Sunday Brunch event is sure to be magical with 50% of all the proceeds from the entire day benefiting the local charity, A Special Wish Foundation.

 

A Special Wish is a non-profit organization serving 6 local counties. Their mission is to provide children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder, the opportunity to have a wish fulfilled. These wishes can range from special gifts, visiting a special place, or even meeting their hero! This event will be looking to raise funds for Chloe, age 6, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, and grant her wish to visit Walt Disney World and become a Walt Disney World Princess!

The Dayton Chapter has granted wishes to more than 1,600 children over the past 30 years.  As the largest Special Wish Chapter in the country, they need the support of our community. “As a father of two, this organization is really close to my heart.  I love the idea of helping kids in our community and giving them an experience that they will never forget!” says Basil’s owner, Jeff Finkelstein.

 

Make this a day to remember for Chloe and reserve your table today by calling 937-641-4263. This Sunday Brunch will feature your everyday breakfast favorites, as well as some delicious Basil’s signature dishes.  Basil’s will also be featuring Bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas for only $10.95 per person! The Wonderful World of Basil’s is $22.95 per person, and the magic takes place on from 10AM-3PM!

New Brunch Menu at Mudlick Tap House Today

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Fall has come and with it a new round of menu’s at Mudlick Tap House at the corner of 2nd and St. Clair Streets. And while the menu has a lot of changes there is absolutely no change in the Bloody Mary Bar! Enjoy creating your own personalized concoction and for an extra kick try their house made dill pickle infused vodka.  Not a fan of the bloody mary?  Then maybe you’d prefer a mimosa.
Fall has come and with it a new round of menu’s at Mudlick Tap House at the corner of 2nd and St. Clair Streets. And while the menu has a lot of changes there is absolutely no change in the Bloody Mary Bar! Enjoy creating your own personalized concoction and for an extra kick try their house made dill pickle infused vodka.  Not a fan of the bloody mary?  Then maybe you’d prefer a mimosa.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday starting at 11am and is served until 4pm.

Lumberjack Festival at Ghostlight Coffee

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Happy International Lumberjack Heritage Week!

To celebrate,Ghostlight Coffee is hosting a Lumberjack Fest Saturday from 8am-Noon. To honor the many Lumberjacks of Dayton, they will offering a discount to all true Lumberjacks: 50 cents off all Lumberjack Lattes (Maple + Cinnamon + Smoked Sea Salt) OR a free short stack of Lumberjack Flapjacks (while supplies last).

How will we know if you are a true Lumberjack? Prove your Lumberjackishness to your Barista at the #GhostTruck parked outside the coffeehouse by proudly displaying 4 of the 5 Lumberjack key features:


a. a warm plaid flannel shirt
b. a handsome, perfectly coiffed beard
c. a knit cap, bonus point if it was purchased atBrim on Fifth
d. suspenders
e. leather logger boots

Note… This is a family friendly establishment, please leave your AX and your OX at home.Even if you are not a true Lumberjack, you still will enjoy the Lumberjack Fest!

Their special guests will include:

Lumberjack Cupcakes


Black Lake Vintage clothing.
Hawthorn Homestead Jams & Jellies.
Gem City Tees
Tina’s Sweet Treats (A Gluten Free Bakery)
Indian Creek Distillery Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.
Gem City Market (join up!).
Historic South Park
The Home Group Realty Co.
Peace on Fifth Fair Trade Chocolates.

That’s not all!! Come check out the new mural on the neighbor’s building by @mretcha it’s cool!!

Discount available Saturday morning (10/07/2017) from 8-noon. While supplies last for ?, all morning for lattes.

 

Dewberry 1850 Hosts Beer Dinner

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Dewberry 1850, the recently remodel restaurant inside the UD Marriott on Patterson, will host their 2nd beer dinner in collaboration with the Dayton Beer Company on Thursday, Oct 26th from 6-8pm.  Tickets are just $30 for this 4 course dinner.

Below is the menu:

 

Smoked Fritter/BEER PAIRING TBD

Smoked turkey, blue cheese fritters, blazed heirloom tomato chutney

 

Citrus Salmon Lardon/BEER PAIRING TBD

Pork studded salmon filet poached in lemon olive oil, roasted apples, shallot & parsnip hash

sweet tea reduction

 

Ribeye/BEER PAIRING TBD

5oz ribeye filet, butternut squash puree, barrel aged butter sauce

 

Pumpkin Pound Cake/BEER PAIRING TBD

Pumpkin pound cake with spiced farmers cheese, toasted pepitas, brown sugar

$30 per person

First 20 people to RSVP will be able to attend.

Please email [email protected] to Reserve your seat!

Can’t make this one?  Their third beer dinner will feature Warped Wing beers and is scheduled for Thursday, Nov 16th.

Dayton’s “Kings of Karaoke” Celebrate 15 years

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Mark Hall and Curt Delk celebrate 15 years of Karaoke Hosting

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

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

877 E. Franklin St Centerville

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

Bucket Specials

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

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SOFT ROCK CAFE:

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

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

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

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

Pizza

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

Here we go …

MUST EATS at SOFT ROCK CAFE:

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

—BONELESS CHUNKS:

Full Bar service

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

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

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

Garlic Parm Chunks

OCTOBER IS A BIG MONTH AT SOFT ROCK:

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

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

Debonte Brothers Concert

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

Mark as Slash on Halloweeen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is a gallery of fun times at Soft Rock.

Flamboyant hosts

Birthday shots

Pool

Mark and Nicole of Soft Rock

in concert OCT 6th at SOFT ROCK

Dance Floor

 

‘curt is also a golfer and tennis enthuisast

Go ask Alice — hint

Halloween soft rock

cheers

Yellow Springs Beers

Live Music

Breast Cancer awareness month

Guest singers

logo

bacon and eggs for halloween

Live bands

ROCKER

Karaoke Madness

sing with your friends

Singers

dance

  • Trot on over