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Fair-well to S. Main Street – Free Ticket Offer

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Montgomery County Fair opens this week

Next week will be the end of an era in Dayton.  The 165th Annual Montgomery County Fair will be historic, because it marks the last time the event will take place on 1043 South Main Street.  

2017 is the last time the fair will be held here

For multiple generations, the Montgomery County Fairgrounds has hosted this event. That all ends next Saturday July 15th.   So one last time, smell the funnel cakes and listen to the kids on the ferris wheel at the corner of main street.   But cheer up, this is one heck of a place for a Food Adventure.  So… Corn Dog lovers unite, this is your type of festival.  Farmers, carnival rides and special events will fill an action packed week.

 

Here are some old facts for you foodie history buffs….

FIRST FAIR HOSTED IN 1874
After Dayton failed to win a bid for the Ohio State Fair, the City decided to put on their own fair.  Dubbed the “Southern Ohio Fair,” the event started September 29th, 1874 at the place we all know as the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds’ saw over 100,000 vistors that week.

Now for this year’s event ….

FAMOUS VISITORS to the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:
President Lyndon B Johnson in 1966, with First Lady – Ladybird Johnson

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE 2017 MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

Lots of good food


— WHEN: Monday July 10th thru  Saturday July 15 (8am- 10pm, except Monday ends 8pm)

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

— COST: $8 per person, ages 6 and under are free, but the really BIG NEWS is FREE ADMISSION from 11am – 1pm Monday – Friday so you can eat lunch every day at the fair!    Also DMM has a $2 off coupon good on Thursday – just print and present at gate!

FREE TICKET OFFER:  Like and share this story and leave a comment below about your favorite fair food and we’ve got a few pairs of FREE ADMISSION tickets we’ll randomly give to those that comment below.

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

 

Craft Booths

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

So what is happening in 2017’s fair?  You know the usual, livestock contests, pie contests, and 4-H activities. But we like to point out some of the favorites we are anticipating.  Horse races and Demolition Derby to name a couple!

HERE IS THE SKINNY on THE BIG EVENTS:

MONDAY – JULY 10th 
—7:00pm  501 Diesel Dirt Drags – at the Grandstands

TUESDAY – JULY 11TH

165th year

Good Food

—7:00pm TUG-A-TRUCK, at the Grandstands

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12TH
—7:00pm Truck/Tractor Pull, at the Grandstands

THURSDAY – JULY 13TH
—6:00pm Harness Racing, at the Grandstands
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Shelby County Line,” in the Entertainment Tent

FRIDAY – JULY 14TH
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Rolling Stone Rodeo, at the Grandstands”
—7:00pm Live Music/Band “Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers,” in the Entertainment Tent

SATURDAY – JULY 15TH
7:00pm: Demolition Derby at the Grandstands

 

This is a food blog. we would be remiss if we didnt give you our often imitated, but never duplicated “Must Eats.”

MUST EATS at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:


— THE ASIAN CHICKEN WINGS at DAVE’S CONCESSIONS:
You can’t miss the huge “Broasted Chicken and Broasted Potatoes” sign that drapes this

Asian Wings

amazing booth.  Also, a huge grill teases the crowd with incredible aromas of chicken cooking.  But the thing to get here is the Chicken Wings.  Deep fried, served whole and drenched in any sauce you can’t go wrong.  Our suggestion is get the Asian Sauce.

 

The Donut Grilled cheese

— THE DONUT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH at THE GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE BOOTH:
A glazed donut with cheese, pan grilled and with pickles and tomatoes.  It is sweet and a tad salty, but surprisingly good!  This kind of stuff is what Food Adventures is all about.  No rules, no whiners.


— THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER from JEAN’S HOME COOKING: 
Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this literally made our day.  It was like being

Cobbler

transported to your grandma’s house and the cobbler had just come out of the oven.  Get lost in this dish, and take in the taste.  The warm cobbler and the sun, melt the ice cream slowly for a creamy experience.  We promise you will be impressed.

 

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

99 cent Huge Sweet Teas

day saving item.

 

Don’t miss your chance to attend the event and say farewell to the memories in your own way.  Go ahead, party like its 1899.

In 2018 the  fair will move to Arthur O. Fisher Park in Jefferson Twp.   Go area and out it on your calendar for July 9-14, 2018.

Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow the food related antics of The Food Adventure Crew:  Chef House, Big Ragu and Hungry Jax as they open and explore every nook and cranny of Dayton related eats.   Love Food Pictures?  Then our Facebook site is your Graceland! – CLICK HERE TO “LIKE OUR PAGE

Dont Miss this chicken stand

 

 

 

Dive Bar Thursday – Patterson Pub

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Dive Bar Thursday Patterson Pub

Welcome to the Patterson Pub!

When I moved to the Dayton area in the late 1990’s, one of the first places I frequented for an adult beverage was Taggart’s Pub. It was close to my apartment and had a friendly atmosphere with inexpensive beer. Perfect for someone in a new city just out of school! As a bonus it was also a Browns bar, adding that little touch of home. Every Sunday, I would head over with other masochistic fans of Cleveland football and watch our team struggle, enjoying complimentary food far more than the football games. We were happy the team had returned to Cleveland, but it was painful to watch. In 2014, the owner of Taggart’s Pub announced he was going to move to a larger venue. Unfortunately for Dayton, that new space never materialized. Even as they were leaving their seventeen-year home, they announced there was going to be a new owner taking over the space. After an incredibly short closure, the Patterson Pub opened up and has been going strong ever since.

If you have not been to Patterson Pub (970 Patterson Rd Dayton, OH 45419) in a while, you need to come and visit. Other than the ownership, little has changed in this Belmont area staple. There are two main areas to the pub: the spacious front room and the much more intimate back bar. The front room holds three large televisions and all the dart boards you could want. Six steel tip and three plastic tip board are there for the throwing, with multiple dart leagues through the week and the occasional tournament. The back bar is just that. It is the place where the magic happens. There is plenty of room to belly up and watch television or play some digital golf while enjoying a beer or cocktail. They have held on to their Irish roots as a pub. Their reverence for a good Irish whiskey and all things green, white, and orange still shines. Along with the orange of the Irish flag, they are still proudly (or, after last season, not as proudly) displaying the orange and brown of the Cleveland Browns. Whiskey and football are two of their great loves. Yes, they still are a Browns bar and show their games on Sundays in the main room. Other games are shown in the back bar area, for reasons that will become clear.

Dive Bar Thursday beer and liquor

So much to offer a thirsty patron.

They offer beers for every palate, from $5 Miller High Life pitchers (when they have it on tap) to a nitro tap to infuse extra smoothness into a beer. While some craft options, like Rhinegheist’s Truth, are always on tap, they bring in a variety of other selections that rotate through the seasons. If that is not enough, there are bottles and cans that expand on the tap offering. They even have a variety of specials through the week, including happy hour pricing from 3 to 7 PM daily. That pricing includes cocktails as well. And yes, they do have a cocktail menu to order from. As with the beers, it changes with the seasons but always has at least one Irish whiskey cocktail on the menu. Their liquor selection is continuing to grow, with plans to add some local Belle of Dayton gin and expand their selection of whiskeys. They do offer the normal bar foods like pizza, nachos, pretzels, and pepperoni and cheese breadsticks known as Bosco sticks. You can bring your own food as well, and their neighbors at Corleone’s Pizza are willing to deliver right to the bar.

How friendly is this bar? Very. They are friendly to the service industry, with Monday night being their Service Industry Night. On a slow night for most bars, they offer special pricing for all of the other hard-working bartenders in the Dayton area. They are also still very friendly to Browns fans. They have continued the tradition of the Browns Club for the diehards that have suffered through over two dozen quarterbacks and one minor logo change.

Patterson Pub Cocktail Specials

Cocktail and beer specials! Just waiting to be enjoyed…

The games are shown on the televisions in the main room along with food, cooked by one of the patrons, for members of the club. For a small fee, you get a t-shirt, a lanyard with an ID card, a magnet with the schedule, and a host of other specials and benefits. If you have a group of fans that want a table for the season, there is a way to buy that as well. Not only that, but any patron who comes in for those Sundays can imbibe a special house made Bloody Mary. Not just the Browns fan. The spacious front room is also available for other events as well, with a small deposit.

Many of the traditions that made Taggart’s Pub a beloved staple in the community have been carried over to the Patterson Pub. The staff is as friendly as I remember and the atmosphere is just as comfortable. They are making their own inroads into the community, embracing their neighborhood and offering a friendly barstool and pint to anyone who stops there.

The Patterson Pub, located at 970 Patterson Rd Dayton, OH 45419, is open 3 PM to 2:30 AM daily. You can call them at (937) 296-9476 and follow them on their Facebook page for more information about events and specials at the pub!

7 Tips for A Great Time at Centerville’s Americana Fest

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Being lifelong Daytontians and Centerville natives, gives you a strong knowledge and experience with the Americana Festival Parade and Fireworks that happen on July 4th.  Food Adventures is here to pass this knowledge off to those of you smart enough to be following DaytonMostMetro.

First of all realize there is an influx of 100,000 people into the Centerville area in a 12 hour time frame.  From the parade to the fireworks, that is a lot of holiday celebrators.

Here are some tips to help negotiate through the crowd and have an efficient and enjoyable day.

-HIT BILL’S DONUTS 8:30am (*update as fate would have it 2017 Bills is putting in a new parking lot during the festival and will be closed.  but in future years, this applies)
Start the day off right. Get in there while people are just drizzling in. The line will go fast if there is any. Get one of America’s favorite donuts and a milk. You got energy for a couple hours now.

-GET THERE EARLY:  This applies to both the PARADE and the FIREWORKS. For the parade, like we said, hit Bill’s first and get over to the parade route about 9am. Throw down your chair, eat your donut and wait for the show. The parade begins at 10am on East Franklin Street, west of Centerville High School, and proceeds West to Cline Elementary on Virginia Avenue. As for the fireworks, which are shot off from Centerville High School Stadium, 500 E. Franklin Street, go about an hour early. In this year’s case, Brass Tracks band is performing at 8:30pm so get there 7:30pm.

-BRING A FOLDING CHAIR:
This is a must. You can sit where you want and not on a dirty curb. You wont have to play musical chairs on a park bench. We just saved your pants from becoming a dirty butt.

Cooking up some chops

-SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE FOOD VENDORS:
Set up camp to watch the parade on the side where the food vendors are. That way if you need a drink, port-a-let or some food you can get some before the parade ends. If not you will have to wait to cross the street until 11:30am. Give yourself an escape option.

-HEAD TO BENHAMS GROVE FOR SOME FOOD VENDORS WITH SMALLER LINES:
As soon as things end, make a beeline to the pretzel booth in the center of town, then walk to Benhams Grove, which is at 166 N Main St. If the lines are short along the way, hit some food vendors. If lines are long, the Benhams Grove vendors usually have short lines early in the day and the area is a beautiful place to eat and drink while visiting with family.

-ACTIVITY CENTER PARK IS THE HEADQUARTERS FOR KIDS ACTIVITIES:

The streets will be lined with food, head to Benhams Grove too !

Got kids? You have to hit the Activity Center Park located between Marions Pizza and a bank building. From bouncy houses, to kids games, water fountain park, and playgrounds, the kids will love this place.
The street fairs goes on until 5pm.

-IF HEADING TO THE STADIUM FOR FIREWORKS, PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE SCHOOL:
Like we said. The band starts at 8:30pm. Get there 7:30pm park on the East Side of the school so when you leave, you have a shorter distance to the exit by hundreds of cars. When the fireworks are over, you’ll be grateful you did.

Hungry Jax with an Amish Soft Pretzel

 

 

 

So there you have it… Get the best out of your Americana Experience ! Do you have some tips to share?
Please put them in the comments below so we can share them with all of our readers!

Also, follow the Miami Valley’s favorite food blog, Food Adventures, on FACEBOOK HERE.

 

100,000 hungry people

Wshington Township Courthouse

We love their crawfish etoufee !

Parade en route

Bills Donut line an hour before the parade !

 

 

Hummus for the Holiday!

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Lemon Chimichurri Hummus, Carrots, Flatbread and Feta for fun

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots, doesnt that sound delicious?

Well it is, and it is something healthy and fairly easy to make for the masses this July 4th.
It is a perfect summer snack and addition to the party.  Ready to wow your friends?

Chef LeeAnne House from The Food Adventures Crew is here to share her special recipe with Dayton Most Metro readers.
In addition to Food Adventures, she also owns her own Hot Sauce and Spices company called HouseMade.

 

Chef House says “Use local produce for dipping into the hummus, from sources like Treadway’s Garden

Lemon Chimichurri Hummus with Grilled Carrots Recipe
Hummus:
2 cups canned chick peas
1 teaspoon smashed garlic
¼ cup water
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons HouseMade Sriracha Chimichurri seasoning
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Puree all ingredients in food processor till smooth.

Grilled carrots:
Cut carrots on a bias at least an inch long. The bigger the piece the easier they are grill.
Blanch in salted boiling water. They should still be crisp. Shock the carrots in cold water to stop the cooking.

Chef House from the Food Adventures Crew

 

 

Dry off and toss in olive oil. Season with a little kosher salt.
Grill on high heat quickly for grill marks on both sides. Toss with lime juice when they come off the grill.
Top the hummus with sheep’s milk feta and fresh parsley. Serve with grilled carrots.

Grilled flatbread is great with this too!

 

There you have it.  Everyday can be the 4th of July !

We wish you and your family a Happy Independence Day and an incredible summer season filled with food, love and fun!

For more Food Adventure content, check us out and our over 7,000 foodie fans on Facebook by clicking here to “like” us.

Housemade Sriracha Spices can be found at the Yellow Cab Night Markets and other local sources.

Here is another shot of this month’s recipe.

Chef Candace Announces Closing

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Back on April 16th , Chef Candace announced she was ceasing operations of Hawthorn Grill and on Thursday, May 4th she’d reopen as  Sweet Prince Deli & Treat Co.

As Rinke describes it, ” we are going to be your one-stop shop for coffee, espresso, cappuccino, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast pastries, lunch, sweet treats and carry-out of all of our most
popular Hawthorn Grill items- including mushroom soup, house salads, white bean chicken chili, lemon-dill potato salad, chocolate chip cookies and bread pudding.”  The new business would be open 7am – 4pm, giving Chef a chance to spend evenings with her family.

 

Well today she made another announcement via Facebook:


We tried to reach out to Candace, but instead got voicemail confirming that after seven years in business they were indeed closed.  We wish Candace and her crew the best as they embark on a new chapter.

 

Table 33 Throws A Patio Party

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On October 17, 2016 Table 33 opened its doors as Dayton newest eatery.  Since then they’ve established themselves with fine fare as a great breakfast and lunch place.  Part restaurant, part coffee shop, you can sit at the bar, a table or host a small meeting on the couches in the lounge area.  Getting rave reviews for their breakfast tacos, quiche of the day and friendly service, they’ve also mastered gluten free and vegan options that taste good!

On Monday, July 3rd they’ll add their huge patio to the mix.  Celebrating  with a Monday Funday Patio Party featuring a FREE BBQ buffet, drink specials, live music and a cornhole tourney from 2-6pm.

Donations are suggested for the free buffet, with 100% going to their charity partner UpDayton!

Hang out, soak up the sun, and get primed for the night’s festivities and fireworks!

The 35 Most Underrated Food Spots in Dayton

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“That place is amazing.. have you ever heard of it?”  …..no

“The food there is terrific, have you ever been?”  …..nope

Some eateries are like Rodney Dangerfield.  They don’t get the respect they deserve.  The people who have been there seemed to love the place, but some don’t know the restaurant exists, and most haven’t been there.  This is the frustrating… but in some ways the fun part of Food Adventures.  We get to share some of the unsung spots, some that have even been around for decades.  We get to introduce the masses to some great Miami Valley food spots that they may have never heard about.

Dayton’s culinary scene is a vast field of diamonds in the rough, and all of them need a little more attention from the public.

Food Adventures loves these places, and realize that you may not be familiar with many.  Call them some of the underdogs of the industry, we call them delicious and some of our favorites.

Here they are, ranked in order……

 

DAYTON’S 35 MOST UNDERRATED FOOD SPOTS:

1) VINNY’S BAR & GRILL:

Daytons #1 Underrated Restaurant is Vinny’s on Dryden Rd.

2229 Dryden Rd, Moraine, OH 45439
Maybe it’s the location on Dryden Rd.  Maybe it’s the fact he isn’t open weekends, except for UD Flyer’s Home Basketball games. Whatever the reason, the homemade food at Vinny’s Bar and Grill is the most underrated place in Dayton. Our 2013 feature article spells it out. Virtually everything we have tried on this menu is outta sight. From chili, to homemade soups. From broasted chicken wings, to incredible vegetable dishes. Vinny’s has sandwiches and burgers that are crowd pleasers too. It is reminiscent of a mini-Doubledays type menu. Owner Vinny Nyhan makes almost everything homemade from tested recipes.  But his hours are weekdays, since he is in the industrial business district.  Heck he even has a carry out food area and a convenient store attached to the restaurant.

Highlights at Vinny’s are cheap chicken wing night every Thursday. The wings are big, delicious, broasted with various sauce choices.  Other highlights include when his pal Rick’s Tropical Delight brings the Big Green Egg and cooks on the patio. He typically does this for UD Flyer home basketball games.  That is when he features his famous: “Indoor Tailgate Buffet,” which is always a “must eat.”  A full bar brings a sports bar feel to the place.

 

The Spicy Olive has dozens of flavor infused fresh olive oils and balsamic vinegars

2) THE SPICY OLIVE:
3650 Rigby Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Phone: (937) 247-5969
This place is one of our favorites, thanks the Hungry Jax who discovered it in Cincy. To say it is underrated is an understatement. Why? Because this store could revolutionize the way you cook at home. It has affected us for sure. Here we have a rare store, where the olive oil and balsamics are harvested at different parts of the globe at different times of the year, so you have the freshest product possible. The difference lends to taste and health. In a world of

where the olive oil industry is in turmoil with fake or diluted product, this store is a savior. Melanie Cedargren and her knowledgable staff are an asset to the Dayton community. With 2 other stores in Cincinnati, her brand is growing.  Our favorite’s are the Butter Olive Oil, The Roasted Sesame Seed Oil, The Lemon Olive Oil and so many more…. Check out our past feature article on The Spicy Olive for more details

 

Rocky’s Pizza – where else can you have great pizza and beer in a Boxing Ring?

3) ROCKY’S PIZZA RING- CLOSED

3273 Seajay Dr, Beavercreek, OH 45430
Unsung pizza place with an unforgettable atmosphere. Boxing posters and news clippings adorn the walls and even a speed bag hangs in the dining area. The coolest attraction is the dining room is inside 2 boxing rings. What gets overlooked? This place has terrific pizza, a semi-thin and crispy crust, cut into squares and served hot out of the oven on aluminum foil. “Must Eats” include the Taco Pizza, the EB pizza (everything but anchovies) and the Calzones.  Rocky’s even hosts comedy nights once a month. Beer available on draft and in cans/bottles. A cold draft beer with pizza never tasted as good as when you’re sitting in Rocky’s Pizza Ring.  Our previous feature article on Rocky’s goes in depth like no other.

 

4) LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY:
520 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Andrew Trick, the owner, has a cult following of loyal Lucky patrons. He supports local businesses in every facet of his restaurant whenever possible and is known for charity work as well. Lucky’s is a warm, inviting place in the Oregon District with a historic feel. But what gets overlooked, is how good the food is here. And with one of the most eclectic beer selections in town, things only get better from there. “Must Eats” are the Sunday Brunch Menu, and Chef House loves the Avocado BLT and the hamburgers, because the meat is from Keener Farms. The chili and vegan menu selections round out a strong menu. Make sure you get the beer notebook so you can browse, then choose some of these rare brews to batter your fish with.

 

5) THE SKYBOX, HOLLYWOOD GAMING AT DAYTON RACEWAY:
777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
Yes, the new Racino. That’s where you find some of the most underrated eats in town. Tired of Slots? Had enough of trying to pick the ponies? Well you deserve a break in the sleek restaurant called the Skybox at the top of the casino, near the Horse Race simulcast area. In fact, during LIVE racing events, there are servers who bring these delicious menu items all over the Racino table viewing area. The result is a VIP feel, overlooking the track.  What’s overlooked here?  The Pizza, The All U Can Eat Ribs(special, not always available), The Prime Rib, and the soups.

 

6) CHASKA GRILL

Chaska Grill – a Brand New Indian/Pakistani place

 

39 Fiesta Ln, Miamisburg, OH 45342
Time to take a Food Adventure. This place specializes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The result is a slightly spicy version of the typical Indian fare in Dayton. The owners have a successful gig in West Chester and are spreading their business, and recipes to Dayton. What is being overlooked here is the main attraction… the buffet. It is a great chance to experiment, try to go out of your comfort zone, testing new foods. You can do this without having to order and ruin a full meal. Friendly service and a quiet atmosphere is typical on weekdays and weekends. We hope more people discover their great food. “Must Eats” are the Saag Paneer (creamed cheesy spinach), Chicken Tikka Masala and the Garlic Naan Bread

 

Treadway’s Garden is a a great resource for beautiful produce

7) TREADWAY’S GARDEN:
10245 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville, OH 45458

Where do you start? Three generations of hard-working family members make this the premier “side of the road” produce stop in the area. Why? They have the most beautiful produce. Luscious tomatoes, perfect squash, gorgeous zucchini are just the tip of the iceberg. Throw in the beautiful varieties of green and hot peppers, corn and melons, now you have the makings fo a great food spot. Bring a healthy taste of nature back to your home tonight, and cook up a summers meal that your family wont soon forget. During fall this is a prime place for pumpkins, gourds and more.  Check out our in-depth feature story written before the passing of matriarch, Mrs Treadway.

 

Must Eats: General Tso’s Shrimp at CJ Chan’s

 

8) CJ CHAN’S:
Two Locations: 2747 W Alex Bell Rd, Moraine and 536 Wilmington Ave, Dayton
Fairly new Asian Restaurant with 2 Dayton area locations.  They feature both Chinese and Japanese food on the menu. What’s overlooked is the flavorful choices and decent prices. “Must Eats” are a long list here : General Tso’s Shrimp, Crab Rangoon, The CJ Roll, Pad Thai, Chicken Mei Fun, and Spicy Shrimp with Vegetables.  If you have not been here , give this place a try.  We don’t know one person who has been disappointed.

 

9) CENTERVILLE PIZZA AND BBQ:

Centerville Pizza and BBQ – Generous servings of incredible pulled pork

9470 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Dayton, OH 45458
Ok, it is a pizza joint, but what gets overlooked are the BBQ and Broasted chicken. We are here to tell you that they are the stars of the menu. I mean who else delivers BBQ Ribs and Brosted Chicken? “Must Eats” The Pulled Pork (ask for sides of BBQ sauce), The Broasted Whole Chicken Wings (ask for more BBQ sauce sides for dipping), Mashed potatoes and gravy and Calzones. The owner Robert Benson is a great guy and has won national pizza competitions, but his BBQ is so good, it steals the show. OMG and the sauce, his homemade BBQ sauce is incredible. Damn, this is making our mouths water thinking about it. Let’s call them….

 

10) THE TROLLEY STOP

The Trolley Stop is an underrated stop in the Oregon District

530 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
The Sassenberg family owns one of Dayton’s best kept secrets. Another charming, historic space in the Oregon Express where the food can shine. Many of you have seen the sign, but might not have stopped in. This place is overlooked for sure. Many are missing out on their burgers made from Keener Farm beef. Like the BELT Burger with bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato. Literally every sandwich is a winner from the Hippy Stacker to the Trolley Turkey. Much of these sandwiches are topped with veggies from Fulton Farms or Patchwork Gardens. And again, don’t overlook the beer selection here. They usually have a couple of rare brews on tap. It makes for interesting drinking times at this precious gem.

 

11) OREGON EXPRESS

The most underrated pizza in Dayton – Oregon Express !

336 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Heads up pizza lovers, this is THE MOST Underrated and unknown pizza in Dayton. The thin crusts are topped with generous

ingredients and sprinkled with spices that make the Oregon Express pizza taste unmistakable. Cut in the traditional squares, it is familiar but yet unlike anything you have tried. Bold flavors and a rich sauce are the secrets to their great pizza pies. A deluxe will out your taste buds in la la land. There is one must eat here, and it is a huge one. It is ANY OF THEIR PIZZAS.

 

Deroma’s Italian Restaurant serves heaps of Calamari

12) DEROMA ITALIAN RESTAURANT: CLOSED
6254 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424

We bet you have never been here. Well, it is time to go to Huber Heights. Tucked into the end of a small shopping strip, this quaint little Italian eatery delivers on food and flavor. Also, the proportions are nice, so you won’t walk out hungry. MUST EATS are manicotti, calamari, eggplant parmesan and the garlic rolls. These menu items are incredible. What is overlooked here is the sauce. A great marinara and alfredo sauce highlight almost all of the pasta dishes.

 

13) BENJAMINS THE BURGER MASTER:

Benjamin the Burger Master – a plate full of soul

1000 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45405
This old Red Barn restaurant has some of the best soul food in town. From Must Eats like Fried Fish and Cheeseburgers, to all time favorites like the skillet cornbread and Dayton’s best Chicken wings (BBQ style).  The homemade sides put it all in order like mom used to make.  Served cafeteria style, it gives you a chance to see all of the day’s steaming hot entrees.  The owners and staff are friendly and give to lots of charities.  We love this spot.  In fact you can view our in depth feature article  on Benjamin’s, HERE.

 

Chen’s Underrated Sushi and Szechuan Food

14) SHEN’S SZECHUAN and SUSHI
7580 Poe Ave, Dayton, OH 45414
Boy oh boy, do the loyal customers love this place. They shout it loud and proud. However, this spot still gets overlooked. What you’re missing is an EXTENSIVE menu featuring two worlds: The Chinese Szechuan special way of cooking and The Japanese Sushi Menu. You will find rare must eats like the Peking Duck, Ginger Prawns and Velvet Seafood Soup. On the sushi end, try the Crazy Tuna Roll and the Rising Sun Roll. You gotta try this place for an elegant, special tour of the Orient for your taste buds. Soon to be one of your favorite spots, we promise.

 

15) LITTLE SAIGON

Pho from Little Saigon

1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
The outside is a lime green and blue colored shack. You wouldn’t believe that inside holds the most delicious pho soups and soft rolls that you

will ever try. Many miss seeing the place entirely because it is so small. Many judge the outer appearance and never venture in.   all missing out. Again what is overlooked is a complete menu of Pho Soups and nice sized vegetarian menu. Must Eats? Oh that is easy – The Soft Shrimp Roll, Lemongrass Shrimp over Vermnicelli, the Vegetarian Spring Rolls, and the spicy Pho called “Shrimp and Pork Sate Soup with Egg noodles.” The owners have a tremendous story of coming to America for freedom. Today we benefit by enjoying their incredible family recipes. Try it, get out of your comfort one and live a little. You will be back !  For a full feature on Little Saigon, see or article HERE.  This place must be amazing because it has been in business over 25 years!

 

16) BOURBON STREET GRILL:
1043 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
An old Cassano’s restaurant has turned into a unlikeley success story. It is all because of the food. And many still don’t know about this place! The eatery is busy and the fast-moving line is long but you still get served in a couple of minutes? Why? Because the staff busts its ass harder than most anyone we have ever seen. They serve up Must Eats like The Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles, The Spicy Chicken over spicy rice, and what about the Blackened Salmon over Rice ? This place is so underrated it is sick. The food is great, the portions are gigantic and the price is right. See our Food Adventure article for an in-depth feature on Bourbon Street Grill.

 

Pozole from Chiapas Mexican Grill

17) CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:

298 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459
An authentic Mexican place that has not been the big enchilada. Other Taqueria’s have gotten much more love, while this menu is very close to other 2 or 3 restaurants in town with food in the style of Mexico City. Corn tortilla tacos with onions, cilantro, lime juice with your choice of meat. Note, no cheese. Also absent is the white queso topping in the style of many Tex Mex restaurants. It is peasant food, made simple, enjoyed and authentic. The prices are reasonable too. Must Eats are the Pozole Soup, Chicken Fajitas, Camroone Ala Diabla (spicy shrimp), Chorizo Soft Tacos and the best Tamales we have ever eaten. Want more info? Check out our feature article on Chiapas HERE.

 

18) CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:

Shrimp Chop Suey from Chop Suey Carryout

1465 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45429
When a place is named Chop Suey carryout, you have to try the Chop Suey.. and it’s the best in town for over 40 years. Still, not a large percentage have tried this spot. We don’t get it. The prices are great, and the food is stellar. Must Eats include 3 Chinese staple dishes:

Shrimp Chop Suey, Sweet n Sour Shrimp and Chicken Chow Mein. They have the tastiest and thickest creamy sauces. The recipes remain unchanged since the 70’s and we are grateful for that.  Even the Egg Rolls are a must eat and a throwback to the Dayton Mall Charlie Chans.  For more information, read our feature article on this, the oldest Chinese Restaurant in Dayton. Try it for carry out or eat in the dining room which is unchanged since the late 70’s when the Bee Gees ruled the pop charts.

 

19) BEAVERCREEK PIZZA DIVE:

4021 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432

BLT Pzza from Beavercreek Pizza Dive

If you have not been here, you are overlooking some of the most inventive and largest hand tossed pizza pies in Dayton. A cross between a NY style Pizza with toppings so unique they need special

names. We love this spot, and their Monday All you can eat pizza buffet is a hit and a MUST EAT. Try the 215 CheeseSteak Pizza, BLT pizza, Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza and the Hamburger Pizza. A family owned business by some of the friendliest people in town. Theresa Geraci is always looking out for local charities anc giving back. We think that is pretty special. And so is their fresh dough pizza ! We featured Beavercreek Pizza dive in an article, check it out for a full scoop.

 

20) YAFFA GRILL

Yaffa Grill in Fairborn – So underrated it hurts

2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH 45324 and 21 Alexandersville Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342
Good food is good food in any language. That is the case at one of the most underrated eateries in the Miami Valley. Yaffa Grill was the focus of an article and you may want to read it for a full breakdown. There are 2 locations, one in West Carrollton and one by Wright State. We prefer the general store in West Carrollton, and the eat in restaurant in Fairborn. Flame grilled chicken kababs are delicious. These are marinated in special sauce and the flavor is unique and delicious. Must eats are the hummus like Musabara, the Eggplant salad and the grilled half chicken. If you are willing to take a chance and try this menu, you will light up with amazement and surprise.

 

Banana Pudding Cake from George’s Family Restaurant

21) GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414
Again, one of the family eateries that deserves more notoriety. The article we wrote on George’s 5 years ago still stands. “Must Eats” include Broasted Fish, The Cheeseburger, Peanut Butter Pie, and Banana Pudding Pie. The freshly ground chuck makes for some of the best burgers in Dayton. Their entire breakfast menu is also a must eat.  Make sure you get to North Dixie and get some of this classic diner fare.

 

 

 

22) THE AMBER ROSE:

The Amber Rose has specialties like Dorito Encrusted Chickn

1400 Valley St, Dayton, OH 45404
This restaurant is the epitome of underrated. The menu is a one of a kind in Dayton. The German and Lithuanian dishes served are accented by inventive dishes. The Amber Rose has a great food variety, a “haunted” atmosphere, and an expert staff. Owner Joe Castellano and his chefs produce great meals. Known mostly for catering their restaurant is one of the most underrated places to grab a meal. If you have not been here make sure you try the Must Eats like Turtle Soup, Cabbage Rolls, Pierogies and the Dorito Crusted Chicken Sandwich special.

 

The Glazed Croissant at Ashley’s Pastries is one of the best things we have ever eaten

23) ASHLEY’S PASTRY SHOP:
21 Park Ave, Dayton, OH 45419
If Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe love this place, how could some people have not heard of this Oakwood bakery?  Decades of delicious dedication have gained great regular following, but the masses need to know about this impeccable pastry spot.  We did a feature article on Ashley’s Here.  Must Eats are the “Yum Yums,” “Glazed Croissants,” and “Sandy Tarts.” Owner Theresa is like Dayton’s version of a baker’s Willy Wonka.

 

 

 

24) JIMMY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN:

Manicotti from Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

3002 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Old world favorites in an old Taco Bell building.  An unlikely setting for some terrific eats, but Jimmy’s does just that.  “Must Eats here are Manicotti, Pierogies, Pizza and the Pepperoni Roll.  The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife.  Did we mention that the cannoli are excellent? For a more detailed view of Jimmy Italian Kitchen check out our article on Dayton Most Metro.

 

Rainbow Cake from The Cakery

25) THE CAKERY:
140 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45431
Another locally owned family place that is outta sight.  They are so inventive here that they take the cake scraps to make a huge, colorful dessert that is very popular, called Rainbow Cake.  It is a perfect place to get your birthday cakes.  In fact the “Must Eats” are a Chocolate Cake with Buttercream icing, Cream Puffs, Buttercream shots and Snickerdoodle Cupcakes.  Hungry Jax uses this baker for cakes and cupcakes and got us tuned into this store.   Check out our feature story on the Cakery for an in depth analysis of their baked goods.

 

 

 

26) NIDA THAI CUISINE:

This Thai Place in Centerville is wowing patrons

853 E Franklin St, Dayton, OH 45459
Very unknown restaurant tucked into a strip mall across from Centerville High School.  Must Eats are the Curry Shrimp Soup and the Shrimp Pad Thai.  We promise more Food Adventures at this location, so we can discover the inner workings of the place. Fresh, hot food at a decent price.  These guys know the secret.

 

Every Mardi Gras, Stone House Tavern does a Crawfish Boil

27) THE STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
258 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068
Archer’s sister restaurant doesn’t get as much love as the siblings.  It doesn’t make sense because some of the same great food and beer are at both spots. patio is one of Dayton’s best.  Hungry? Come to Waynesville and enjoy some great food and fun. Must Eats at Stone House are the Beer Selection (yes it is a great one to wade through), Burgers, Spartan Style Wings and the Crawfish Mardi Gras Boil.  Stay tuned for another Food Adventure dinner here in the coming months.

 

28) SAKAI JAPANESE BISTRO:

Sakai is an underrated , family owned hibachi and sushi joint in Troy

2303 W Main St, Troy, OH 45373
A hibachi mom and pop restaurant with a full sushi bar.  Yes, this place is incredible and their signature is using bean sprouts in their hibachi veggie choices.  you havent lived until you’ve scorched some bean sprouts baby.  The staff stops bows and says Hi to everyone who enters.  If you want you can tease them by leaving and coming back in multiple times. MUST EATS here are the Hibachi Steak, Hibachi Shrimp, Scallop and Lobster combo.  For sushi Must Eats are the Spider Roll and the Spicy Tuna roll.

 

29) HINDER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL:
902 W Main St, Tipp City, OH 45371
Another place witha cult following, especially because of their Must

Hinder’s Sports Bar known for their Wings mostly

Eats.. WINGS !  The burgers are Must Eats too.  There is  buzz surrounding this place, but again, especially in South Dayton, many have never heard of this gem.  Time to head to Tipp City and end the speculation  and see for yourself.  small price to pay for a perfect wing and perfect hot sauces.

 

30) ROMER’S BAR & GRILL:
4439 W Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305
A fantastic, underrated menu in Bellbrook.  Must Eats are the one and only stuffed  burger, The Juicy Lucy a Minnesota

Cross Section of the Juicy Lucy stuffed hambrger at Romers.

inspired favorite.  We also recommend the sliced in-house Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.  The homemade Turkey Balls, homemade jalapeno caps fried, and Reuben Sandwiches slow roasted in-house. We did a feature article on Romer’s a few years back and it is still timely today.  Read it HERE.

 

Street View of McIntosh’s in Bellbrook

31)  MCINTOSH’S PUB & GRUB:
6 E Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305
Cult Following where the rumble is about the wings.  Must Eats are the Blackened Wings, the Half Pound Cheeseburger and the Pizza (which is Ron’s).  This place has a fun fell and atmosphere and a great spot to have some beers and watch the big game.  Underrated?  Indeed… Trek over to Bellbrook next time you are hungry and see why.

Bunker’s has incredible Burgers

32) BUNKERS SPORTS BAR & GRILL:
893 E National Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377
Burgers and Wings are the MUST EAT Hallmarks here.  People in Vandalia know it, but others, not so much.  The other amazing thing here is their digital beer list on the wall.  Maybe 30 draft beers on tap?  A great selection, with many beers you wont see anywhere else in town.  ‘ the kind of thing that makes this place underrated.  Good brew, good grub and a place to enjoy it all.  The menu is very reasonably priced.  the only ting missing from this restaurant is you.. give it a go.

 

Fifth Street Brew Pub: Great Beer and Underrated Food

33) FIFTH STREET BREWPUB:
1600 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45403
An improved, remodeled kitchen catapulted this place up into underrated status.  Now, they are churning out gourmet pub food and it is matching the beer choices perfectly.  MUST EATS HERE.. come on.. their beer, especially the easy drinking Cream Ale and 1600 Kolsch Beer.  More “must eats” are the Co-op cheese curds, the cheeseburger, the seared salmon salad, and the Wedge.  Dive into this place head first, because the big menu and great choices will take you a few visits to get a good sampling.  Bring a friend down here, chances are they have not tried the food.

 

 

34) NORTH CHINA:
6090 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45459
The best Chinese food in town in Big Ragu’s humble opinion.  There is a huge Szechuan and Mandarin Menu and even some Korean

The greatest Egg Rolls in Dayton are at North China

Noodle meals.  Why underrated?  Since 1987 the quality has been top-notch but still, many people don’t know they exist because they never advertise.. ever. MUST EATS include Mongolian Chicken Spicy, Crispy Shrimp, and worlds Greatest Egg Rolls.  Great service has always been a priority and we hope it continues.  Check out our article on this underrated classic.

 

35) VOLTZY’S ROOT BEER STAND: CLOSED
4668 N Springboro Pike, Moraine, OH 45439
The soup nazi of Dayton is the owner of this cult classic. Rick Volz has been slapping burgers for almost 30 years in Dayton and still some people have never heard of him. If you love burgers, this is your Mecca. If you love soups, behold the winter months are yours. MUST Eats are simple The 10 for $12 cheeseburgers, The Hog (a 20 ounce cheeseburger), a Mug of Root Beer, and Cabbage Roll Soup. Remember these keys to survival at Voltzys or you will feel his sarcastic wrath ! First call your order in ahead of time. Second, don’t substitute or delete ingredients he has on the sandwiches unless it is a last resort.  Check out our detailed article on Voltzy’s.

Voltzys Cheeseburgers – 10 for $12 and the best burgers in Dayton.

 

How many of these places have you been too?  Unless you are a super foodie, we bet not many.  But here’s your chance.  Now you have some spots to seek out some new Food Adventures for yourself.   You can find some Miami Valley culinary treasure, because now you have the map. Aren’t you glad you follow Food Adventures for tips like these?

We hope you enjoyed our list.  Please comment and let us know if we left out and places that should have made the article.

For more of our Food Adventure blog, like us on Facebook HERE

 

Vinnys Restaurant featuring Ricks Tropical Delight cooking on the Egg – Lamb chops on a UD Basketball gameday

Romers freshly shaved roast beef and cheese

Turkey balls at Romers

Yaffa Grill – open yourself up to a new world of taste

Chef House knows how good Beavercreek Pizza Dive is …

Wings at BUNKERS !!

The wedge at Fifth Street Brewpub with some broiled salmon

Rocky’s Pepperoni Pizza

Corn tortilla Soft Tacos at Chiapas Mexican Grill

Spicy Chicken over white rice at Bourbon Street Grill

Chakras Restaurant. A trip to the buffet yields the spoils

 

 

A Meister Class in Bitter – Jagermeister Goes Beyond The Bomb

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Once a travelling stage, now a travelling school.

Bitter is back.

The craft beer scene has been embracing this flavor profile for years. The India Pale Ale (IPA) has been a staple of the craft beer movement for a decade; a look at Zymurgy’s yearly list of the top beers in the country shows that IPAs and Double IPAs rule the roost. The cocktail movement has been heading in the same direction. Starting with an appreciation for the wide range of vermouth currently available, bartenders have been exploring the drinkable bitters that Europe has loved for years. Most of these bitters come from Italy, and they are sipped at a meal. Sometimes before the meal (aperitif) to prepare the stomach, sometimes after a meal (digestif) to help with digestion. There are a few other well-known examples that come from other countries, like Hungary, the Czech Republic, and France. There is one very popular example of a digestif that Americans have embraced for decades. Jägermeister, currently the eighth-best selling spirit in the world, has been a frosty staple in bars since it was brought over by Sydney Frank in the 1970’s. If you thought 2016 was a big year for the brand (it was), this year is looking to be even bigger.

Jägermeister knows the quality of its product. Willy Shine, their energetic and charismatic Brand Meister, has been touring the country to reintroduce this spirit to the bar community as well as those that support it. The vehicle he is using is indicative of the direction of the brand. The trailer in which we were given a history lesson about amari is a converted mobile stage. Instead of showing up for the biggest music festivals, it is now showing up full of information and creative ways to utilize this versatile liquor. Which is the direction Jägermeister is heading; it wants to emphasize the multiple ways bartenders can use it, and patrons can enjoy it. It is not going to abandon its party past. In fact, the “Kühl as Ice” slogan it will be using this year (as well as their more prominent “Be The Meister” line) will be emphasizing serving it ice cold. -18 ˚C, to be exact.

The other piece of that flexibility in the spirit is how complex it can be in a cocktail. After walking our group through the history of herbs, spices, and floral elements steeped in spirits, Willy treated us to an array of various herbal liquors and liqueurs. Starting with a relatively light dry vermouth, the group was introduced to the various flavor profiles of vermouths and bitters. Every one of them was rich with the flavor extracted from the herbs macerated in the strong spirit. Jägermeister was, of course, the last liquor served. As you would expect, it does not fall into a traditional category but is part of a much smaller group: kräuterlikör. These liquors are traditionally German and date back to the 1100’s. They have a higher sugar content than traditional amari but are still packed with the same herbal, bitter qualities as their Italian cousins.

Getting ready to do some tasting…

Most people do not enjoy Jägermeister at room temperature, the way it is imbibed in Germany. It goes from a sweeter, slightly thicker liquid to one that flows easily and is filled with flavor. While most people associate a strong licorice flavor with the liqueur, at room temperature orange, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and many other flavors start to emerge. At lower temperatures, subtle flavors disappear. As the temperature of the liquid rises, subtle flavors are released. This is why brandy snifters and red wine glasses have their unique shape, and more flavorful beers should not be served ice cold.

Being in almost constant contact with the liquor, Willie has done some experimentation with it as well as witness what other bartenders have done. He has seen variations of martinis and other classics, including his favorite, and Old Fashioned.

Jäger Old Fashioned

1.5 oz. rye whiskey
1.5 oz. Jägermeister
.25 oz. maple syrup
2-3 dashes bitters (Willie recommended Pimento Bitters, but your favorite bitters will do)

Glass: Rocks
Ice: Cubes
Garnish: Orange Zest

Pour all of the ingredients over the ice in a glass and stir well, for 20-30 seconds. Twist the orange peel over the cocktail, then drop it into the drink.

A delightful finish, served at negative eighteen degrees.

With the spices that are naturally in the spirit, tiki drinks are a natural fit. Substitute Jägermeister in your next piña colada for a tasty treat. The spices also go well in cola, almost turning it into root beer. Actually, there is a recipe for that…

Root Meister

1 oz. Jägermeister
1 oz. Averna liqueur
1 oz. amaretto
4-6 oz. cola

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubes
Garnish: None

Pour the Jägermeister, Averna, and amaretto into a mixing glass over ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds, then strain over fresh ice. Top with the cola, then stir gently once or twice and serve.

Walking out of the converted trailer would give anyone who went in a different perspective on what can be done with this amazing liqueur. If it has been a while since you have added some Jägermeister to your night, now is a good time to rectify that. Willy Shine has suggested it is an excellent pairing with one of those popular IPAs you have been enjoying. The two create a match made in bitter flavor heaven. Prost!

Nibbles hosts Tiki Night!

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Nibbles Restaurant at 105 S. Second Street in downtown Miamisburg brings in  Summer with Tiki Night on Tuesday, July 11th at 6:30pm. This special event will feature food with a tropical theme, paired with classic Tiki drinks sure to wash away your troubles!

Four courses of Chef Maria’s delicious food each paired with a mini-cocktail from our Barman’s trove of tropical concoctions for $64 per person.  As with most of Nibbles theme nights-this will sell out quickly!

 

 

Four Course Dinner Menu with Cocktails

Hawaiian Poké
the traditional island favorite, marinated in soy, sesame, and citrus
Paired with: Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
From a base of rum and Orgeat, comes this minor miracle
Werewolves may be sighted in the vicinity.

Braised Pork Belly Tacos
with grilled pineapple-mango-jicama slaw
Paired with: Fog Cutter
A triple-threatof rum, brandy, and gin, known to induce untoward behavior.
Polynesian Fish Ribs
crispy Pacu ribs in a sweet Pacific glaze with fried plantain chips
Paired with: Zombie The ultimate Tiki drink! A special blend of rums, fruit
juices, and secret spices.
All hail Don the Be achcomber!
Coco Lopez Rum Cake
a Polynesian spin on Tres Leches, with cream of coconut and a rum soak
Paired with:  The Genuine Piña Colada
Made just as God intended, with Coco Lopez and pineapple juice.
Takes you right back to Ricky Ricardo and the Club Babalo

Reservations by phone only!
(937) 802 -0891

 

Roadtrip: Cleveland (on the) Rocks

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Porco

Porco Lounge and Tiki Room

Most people know it as the Mistake on the Lake. The Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOEG-uh) River, running through the industrial heart of the city to Akron and into Geauga County, is best known for a 1969 fire that helped spark a conversation about the environment while cementing Cleveland’s reputation as a city on the decline. That river had burned at least thirteen other times, but that was the one that made it into TIME magazine. As a child, I remember notifications in the Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s newspaper of record, about restrictions on what fish you could eat out of Lake Erie because of toxin accumulation. Until recently, it had also suffered a fifty-two year major sports championship drought, broken by the Cleveland Cavaliers. I will add that the minor league Lake Erie Monsters sparked the rally by winning the Calder Cup in the AHL, but I am biased to hockey. Cleveland is seen as a Rust Belt-relic, a big city that could have been, and a major city in a fly over state. Outside the state, it has a questionable reputation.

Inside the state, and especially inside the city, we know better. While the national media is just starting to sing the praises of “The Land”, the city itself has been doing what it always does: ignoring the critics and just keep improving. The Cleveland Clinic is a world leader in medicine with a sprawling campus on the east side of the city. Just past that is University Circle, home to a beautifully renovated Cleveland Museum of Art. University Circle also houses Severance Hall, home to one of the best orchestras in the country and Case Western Reserve University, ranked 37th in the country for its undergrad program by U.S. News and World Report. Looking for the largest performing arts center outside of New York City? We welcome you to Playhouse Square, complete with amazing bars and restaurants in walking distance. Many of you may Platform-1know that A Christmas Story was filmed in The 216, but did you know parts of Spider-Man 3, The Avengers, Air Force One, and Captain America: Winter Soldier were also filmed there? It is also home to the largest Hungarian population outside of Hungary, and has a generally eastern European flavor.

We have not even touched on the food. Michael Symon has done amazing things to put Cleveland on the culinary map. Lola laid the ground work for the empire he has built there, and it continues to grow. Jonathon Sawyer made his mark in the city as well, being recognized by the James Beard Foundation in 2015 with their Best Chef Great Lakes for his work at The Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat, and Trentina. There is no need to focus on fine dining. Slyman’s Restaurant will make you a sandwich as big as your head. You can pick up a host of delicious treats at the venerable West Side Market in Ohio City, or get a classic taste of Cleveland at Sokolowski’s University Inn (another Beard Award winner). The explosion of the food scene has fanned the flames of a thriving cocktail and beer scene.

Yes, Cleveland bars and watering holes can stand up to any other gin joint in the country. I will listen to the fact that they may be behind on the trends, but that has never bothered the waves of thirsty people lining up to have a beer, a glass of wine, or a well-crafted cocktail after a long day at the office. They are as complex and impressive as anything you will find on the coasts. Our bartenders are leaving the state frequently to discover what other liquors and spirits are becoming popular and reporting their findings. This involves either developing their own concoction to match the flavors or appealing to the liquor control board in Ohio to make it available. This is Cleveland after all. Nothing is given, everything is earned.

If you are going to be in The Land in the near future, here is a list of a bars for you to visit, from the best cocktail bars in the city to cramped dive bars with all the atmosphere you can soak in.

Cocktails

Rouge Awakening at Velvet Tango Room

Rouge Awakening at Velvet Tango Room

Velvet Tango Room (2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-241-8869) – The VTR is mentioned first because when you ask about Cleveland cocktails, this name will roll off anyone’s tongue. House made bitters and syrups, numbered and entertaining menus, and three to four ingredient cocktails keep patrons coming back to see what spirited magic is being conjured next. It must be some wizardry, because the bartenders here make it all look effortless. The Rouge Awakening was developed to help one of the bartenders find her love of Campari, and she nailed it by adding rhubarb and grapefruit to the mix. If you want to stay with the environment’s speakeasy history, order up a refreshing Bourbon Daisy featuring their house made ginger beer.

Porco Lounge and Tiki Room (2527 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-802-9222) – Just a little south of downtown you will find a little slice of tropical heaven. Porco has done its homework on tiki; their cocktails are served in an amazing variety of glasses, with fancy umbrellas and toys garnishing the drinks. Toys aside, these cocktails are serious business. They have all the kick of the classic tiki cocktails along with the juices and the spices. You can choose what level of Painkiller you are looking for, from one to three. The Heart of Darkness is well balanced between the citrus and the rum, while the Mai Tais and Zombies offer a little boozier kick. Depending on the group size, you can get most of their cocktails in a punch-sized Scorpion Bowl format for sharing.

Society Lounge (2063 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, 216-781-9050) – Its proximity to Quicken Loans Arena (home of the Cavs), Progressive Field (home of the Indians), and Playhouse Square make this an incredibly popular spot. Walking down the stairs takes you from the early 21st century to the early 20th century. The low lighting and the décor set the low key mood, preparing you for a lovely night of cocktails. Their menu is as much of a work of art as the cocktails, leading you to the libation you want with simple graphics and a key. They offer a full spectrum of drinks, from rare classics like the Corpse Reviver #1 to their own complex creations like the Smokey Robinson (which is actually smoked as you order it).

Beer

Taps at Platform Beer Company

Taps at Platform Beer Company

Great Lakes Brewing Company (2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-771-4404) – It would be irresponsible of me to suggest any other place for a good beer in this town before I mention Great Lakes. Located near the West Side Market in Ohio City, it is an ideal location to stop after a long day of shopping or to eat before a downtown event. Their food offerings, many made with the beers they brew and locally sourced ingredients, are delicious as well. Their core beers, like Dortmunder Gold (which they also use in their mustard) and Edmund Fitzgerald porter are always on tap, as well as some unique seasonal and brewery-only offerings. Lake Erie Monster is an amazing imperial IPA for summer, and their Oktoberfest in the fall is top notch. You can book a tour of the brewery and learn a little bit about some of Cleveland’s haunted history as you do.

Platform Beer Company (4125 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-202-1386) – There are two amazing things happening at the Platform Beer Company. The first is offering excellent beers in a casual, industrial setting. The exposed brick walls mesh well with the polished steel vats and unique beer handles. They offer their wide range of beers, from rich, smoky stouts like Anathema #1 to fresh, sour goses like 9021 Goz-uh, brewed with watermelon, as pints or in flights for you to sample. The second thing the company’s commitment to helping other local brewers start their own brewery. Not just how to brew beer, but how to run the business end of it as well. If you get hungry here, they have different vendors coming in daily for a variety of eats. Or you can hit the Plum Café and Kitchen next door and bring it to the brewery with you.

Butcher and the Brewer (2043 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, 216-331-0805) – The farm-to-table movement is alive and well on the north coast of Ohio. This outstanding space offers as much locally sourced ingredients as they can buy, and that goes for their beers as well. They are all solid brews, from the summery Repeater kölsch to the rich and creamy Midnight Oil milk stout. You can taste the freshness in the food, and since it is seasonally purchased the menu changes frequently. Community is not just something they support with their dollars; their long tables encourage you to make friends as you dine and drink.

Offerings at Great Lakes Brewing Company

Offerings at Great Lakes Brewing Company

Wine

Press Wine Bar (2221 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, 44113, 216-566-9463) – One of the first places on this list where “open, light and airy” would be the best way to describe the atmosphere. Press offers an extensive beer and cocktail menu in addition to their global wine list. Their selection includes exotic bottles like the 2011 Numanthia “Termes” Tempranillo from Spain to locally produced Riesling from South River Vineyard in Ohio. In addition to the well-balanced bar offerings, they have a food menu that ranges from small bites to full meals. The décor is just as impressive as the food and drink, highlighting the openness of the space.

Humble Wine Bar (15400 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, 216-767-5977) – It is hard to determine which is more impressive, their wine list or the pizza they serve. If you do not feel like one of their delightful pizzas to go with your wine, you can select from their small plate and charcuterie menu. Their list offers a vast selection of wines for the meal you select, whether you have a glass of the 2013 Foxglove Zinfandel to go with the Quatro Formaggio pizza or bottle of 2015 Terlato Pinot Grigio with a White Wine Cheese Plate. Add a patio into the mix and you have a great way to finish a day.

Odds and Ends

Griffin Cider House (12401 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, 216-767-5444) – What does a British citizen living in the United States do when the only ciders he can find are light ones? He starts his own cider house. Owner Richard Read creates his own full-bodied, English style ciders from local apples. There is a wide range of styles and flavors to choose from, from the incredibly popular unfiltered Burley Man to the summery Lemon Blues. On top of the ciders, they have one of the largest gin collections from Chicago to New York. The fifty different bottles they offer range from the local small batch gin made by Seven Brother’s Distillery, crowd favorites like Boodle’s, and high end players like Nolet’s Reserve. If you are not sure what to try first, gin and cider flights are available.

Portside Distillery (983 Front Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-586-6633) – Which comes first, the liquor or the beer? If you want to get into the technicalities of it, distiller’s beer comes first when making liquor, but Portside Distillery was envisioned as a distillery and brewery from the start. They have been producing locally sourced rums since 2012 and kicked off their beer production with their fan favorite 216 Pale Ale in 2015. Start your rum tasting journey with their traditionally distilled Silver rum, then wander a spectrum of flavors that include sweet Vanilla Maple to their unique Hopped rum.

Griffin Cider

Griffin Cider

TownHall Urban Café (1909 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-344-9400) – This joint is jumping. Premium beers, craft cocktails, and a wide ranging food menu is just the start of why you should stop here. They offer a little something for any dietary need, whether you are vegan, looking for something gluten free, or just trying to eat a little healthier. Their attention to a range of diets on the menu extends to “Sophisticated Swill” with cocktails that include Carmine, a paleo-inspired libation featuring mint-infused Avión and kiwi-strawberry-jalapeño puree. For something more traditional, I point you to the Sandyfornication, a shrub-like sweet and fruity cocktail with a vodka base. They are located in the heart of Ohio City, with easy access to a number of other bars and other curiosities. You can celebrate your healthy meal and cocktails with a visit to Mitchell’s Ice Cream right next door. You get a reward, right?

While I know this is a long list of places to go in Cleveland, this leaves out some favorites like The Side Quest (games and cocktails), The Spotted Owl (classy, delicious history), and many others. The culture around spirits in the city rivals what is happening in any other major city. Innovation, grit, and pride in the bounty of northeast Ohio are part of everything that is produced up there. Next time you are in Cleveland, take a little extra time to dig into the variety of experiences the bars here have to offer. Just don’t order any flaming cocktails.

A big thank you to USBG Cleveland, especially Danina Calame of the Velvet Tango Room, and USBG Columbus for all of the help with this article. Cleveland has a diverse cocktail scene, and their suggestions helped narrow down my research. Cheers!

Wine Gallery Tasting & Sale

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The Wine Gallery Wine Shop and Bistro located downtown at 5 W. Monument is hosting  a wine tasting and sale this evening, Saturday, June 24th,  beginning at 6pm featuring 24 wines sweet to dry available for tasting.  They will have whites, reds and pinks available  with special pricing for case purchases. If you have any events coming up this summer or early fall that require wine, you won’t want miss this event. They will have cases of wine as low as $40 for 12 bottles. But with  prices like this, they do not allow mixing of the cases.

You’ll also be able to enjoy all pizza’s, salads and appetizers at 1/2 off during the wine sale. Check our menu out at www.thewinegalleryandcafe.com

Call 937-224-9463 to reserve a table this evening. Cheers!

Free Prince Tribute Concert Headlines Garlic Fest

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Prince Tribute Band FREE CONCERT, July 22 at GARLIC FEST

Dayton Most Metro has EXCLUSIVE scoop on a free concert coming to the 2017 Garlic Fest Saturday evening, July 22nd.

A Prince Tribute band out of Chicago and Columbus, called “Prince Night” will perform hits from “Cream” to “Little Red Corvette,” and everything in between.  There may even be a Sheila E. and Appolonia song or two.

Get ready to party like it’s “1999,” because the concert will go off  “Purple Rain” or shine…

The band is set to hit the stage Saturday Night July 22nd at 7:30pm.

Beer and Food Vendors on Hand

 

The concert is FREE and will take place at the
Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall
on 2625 County Line Rd,
Beavercreek, OH 45430.  
Many of you may know this site from September’s Italian Fall Festa, Dayton’s annual Italian Festival.

Folding chairs are welcome.
FYI no pets are allowed on premises due to insurance reasons.

Get Ready to Party Like its 1999 with Prince’s Greatest Hits

Come out to the Garlic Festival for an unforgettable night of Food, Adult Drinks, Music, and more.  

The Bocce Classic will also be underway, so you can watch one of the biggest Bocce Tournaments in the nation kick off.

Garlic Fest is part of a huge weekend at the Sons of Italy lodge.  Here is a breakdown of the weekend’s festivities.

All the songs you love from Prince !

FRIDAY JULY 21st – 5pm-10pm
SONS OF ITALY FOOD TRUCK RALLY
-Food Truck Rally with 15 Trucks 
-Beer Trucks & Wine
-Free Acoustic Band
-Craft Booths
-Beginner Bocce Ball Tournament called the “Bocce Bash” This is for charity and some local celebs will be on hand.
We need teams! Sign up here, but you must be a complete bocce beginner !
-10pm-11pm Food and Beer Vendors shut down

We expect a big, fun crowd for this festival!


SATURDAY JULY 22nd – 11am-10pm
GARLIC FEST & PRINCE TRIBUTE CONCERT
-15 Local Restaurants & Food Vendors
-Craft Booths
-Beer Trucks & Wine
-Free Cooking Demos inside the Bella Villa Hall noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
-1pm-4pm Live Band “Blue Caboose”
-5pm Garlic Eating Contest
-6pm Bocce Classic Tournament Kickoff
-7:30pm Prince Tribute Band “Prince Night”
-10pm-11pm Food and Beer Vendors shut down

 

SUNDAY JULY 23rd 9am – ?

Concert begins approx 730pm

BOCCE CLASSIC BOCCE BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
-Beer Sales
-Italian Food
–Enter a team in the tournament click here

 

So “Let’s Go Crazy” on July 22nd when “doves are sure to cry..”  Just “Take Me with U” and wear your “Rasberry Beret.”

It’s GARLIC FEST 2017, and we want your extra time and your …. “Kiss.”

Bocce Ball Tournament Same Weekend

Tiem for a FOOD ADVENTURE !

Purple Garlic

READY TO ROCK ?

Lots of food vendors, tables and chairs, but Folding Chairs are also welcome

The magic of PRINCE NIGHT begins July 22nd ….

FIRST CONCERT IN OHIO !

PRINCE FANS and 80’s MUSIC LOVERS !

Purple for the night ….

There will be singing and dancing to the Prince tunes

 

 

 

Maxim Names 15 Best BBQ Sauces- 2 From Miami Valley

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Maxim Magazine recently released their 15 Best Damn Barbecue Sauces in America list.
According to the online article they used research from the National Barbecue News events to create their list:

The National Barbecue News holds two events every year that are NBN Rubs of Honor logofocused on helping readers and subscribers find the best barbecue sauce and rubs for chicken, pork, and beef. In 2017 we celebrate our 7th year of hosting and organizing these events that ANYONE can enter, regardless if you are a commercially available product or just a backyard enthusiast with a great product. Below you will find our winners list sorted for your convenience. We will also be posting up applications for upcoming events here as wel

Broken down by meat choices, here are the top 5 in each category for 2017.

Pork Sauces

#1  Roadhouse Blues by 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q

This Rustic Outdoor Eatery is open Thursday through Sunday at 10542 East State Route 73 in Waynesville on the grounds of the Renaissance Festival. Pitmasters Chris Cavender and Mike Tenore  have proved to be a winning combination at 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q.

Beef Sauces

3. Chief Smoky by Company 7 BBQ

This business founded by a family of firefighters has been winning awards since 2011. Visit them seven days a week at 1001 S. Main Street in Englewood, just off highway 70. They even have a drive through and a private banquet room that can seat about 100.

 

To see the lists in their entirety click here.

 

Jon Hung On Sky Asian: A Gem That You Have To Try

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It’s your local Dayton Asian-Canadian-American with another million dollar review. I have been taken by the fact that, after over a decade in the area, some really nice Asian restaurants have moved in. I’ve already written on Wat Da Pho and CJ Chan’s, and now I’ve had the chance to try Sky Asian Restaurant. And I have to say, like the others, I am taken aback by the quality. The restaurant itself is classy and dressed-up. It looks like something you’d expect in Hong Kong, not Dayton. The comfortable interior is supplemented by a small patio, making Sky one of the few places where you can get quality Asian cuisine and enjoy the sun while you do so.
The restaurant serves both Chinese and Japanese dishes. As I was having lunch with my wife, I elected the latter. We opened with friend pork gyoza and shrimp shumai, both of which were excellent: the gyoza was lightly fried on one side, and the shumai, clearly steamed, had a soft texture and subtle seafood flavor to it — so much so that the sauce threatened to mask it completely (thankfully, the sauce was on the side). 
My wife ordered two salmon rolls, which were reasonably priced and looked excellent. (I dared not steal one; she said she was hangry, and I’m smart enough not to steal my wife’s food when she’s hangry.) I got a hibachi steak bento box, which was less a box than a platter of well-seasoned, tasty Japanese bits. The preliminary salad was not over-dressed, and every bit of the box seemed perfect — and the steak must have been tenderloin or ribeye because it was juicy, tender, and clearly not a generic cut of sirloin or strip.
I didn’t get to try the Chinese food, but you can bet I’ll be taking another trip up there based on the Japanese food alone. This really is a Kettering-area gem that you have to try to believe. Sky is located at 4090 Wilmington Pike, between Woodman and Wilmington (near where they intersect), near the Meijer.

Chick-fil-A Now Offers Gluten Free Bun

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This month, Chick-fil-A is introducing a gluten-free bun to our menu. Made from a mix with ancient grains—like sorghum, amaranth, millet, quinoa and teff— this new bread option makes sandwich-eating-on-the-go easier for those looking to eat less or no gluten in their diet.  Its new bun is made with quinoa and amaranth and sweetened with molasses and raisins. It contains 150 calories and costs an additional $1.15.  Chick-fil-A will be one of a few fast-food restaurants to offer a gluten-free bread.

“We know our customers are looking for more gluten-sensitive alternatives. They asked, and we listened,” said Leslie Neslage, senior consultant of menu development at Chick-fil-A. “We heard positive feedback in test markets that the bun tastes better than some other gluten-free breads. That’s because instead of rice flower, we’ve made the bun with more premium ingredients like quinoa and amaranth. Our hope is that the Gluten-Free Bun addition opens up options for gluten-sensitive customers to enjoy more of our menu.”

What’s gluten-free at Chick-fil-A?

In addition to the new bun, here’s a list of other gluten-free items at Chick-fil-A. These items are sealed to prevent cross-contamination with other items in our kitchen made with gluten.

  • Honest Kids Appley Ever After® Organic Juice Drink
  • Cinnamon Apple Sauce (Buddy Fruits®)
  • Milk
  • Simply Orange® Orange Juice
  • Waffle Potato Chips (catering only).

For guests who wish to minimize their gluten intake, here is a list of additional menu items offered at Chick-fil-A. (The fine print: Due to the handcrafted nature of our food, variations in our supplier ingredients and our use of shared cooking and preparation areas, we cannot ensure that our restaurant environment or any menu item will be completely free of gluten.)

  • Entrée
    o Grilled chicken filet (no bun)
    o Grilled Nuggets (8 or 12-count)
    o Grilled Market Salad*
  • Sides
    o Fruit Cup
    o Side Salad*
    o Superfood Side
    o Waffle Potato Fries™
    o Greek Yogurt Parfait*
  • Breakfast
    o Bacon slice
    o Sausage patty
    o Hash Browns
  • Kid’s Meal
    o Grilled Nuggets (4 or 6-count)
  • Beverages
  • Dipping Sauces and Dressings
    o Barbecue Sauce
    o Honey Mustard Sauce
    o Honey Roasted BBQ sauce
    o Polynesian Sauce
    o Zesty Buffalo Sauce
    o Chick-fil-A® Sauce
    o Garlic & Herb Ranch Dressing
    o Creamy Salsa Dressing
    o Avocado Lime Ranch dressing
    o Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette
    o Chili Lime Vinaigrette
    o Light Italian Dressing
    o Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
    o Fat Free Honey Mustard dressing

*Does not include toppings

– See more at: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/Stories/Inside-Chick-fil-A/2017/06/19/Whats-Gluten-Free-at-Chick-fil-A#sthash.LfUUgjhH.dpuf

New Local Salsa & Sauce is “Fresh in a Jar”

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Chef Marshall Bartley with his “Fresh in a Jar” Sauce and Salsa

Remember, you heard it here first.  Dayton has a new local sauce company, specializing in Salsa and Spaghetti Sauce.  Their jarred items should be available in late July.  The product line is  is called “Fresh in a Jar.”

Made by a local chef, and canned by a local manufacturer, this new product is looking to be the next big thing in Dayton’s long line of food favorites.   The Food Adventures Crew were lucky enough to get a VIP personal taste test of the products, and we think they are fantastic.

 

THE MAN BEHIND THE SAUCES:

Miami Valley Chef, Marshall Bartley is the man behind Dayton’s “Red Headed Sauce Company.”    He is a Centerville native, but has traveled the U.S. working in the culinary world.

His past history in the kitchen includes:

-Studying at the National Center for Hospitality Studies at Sullivan College in Louisville
-Opened up the first Bravo Restaurant on Sawmill Rd
–Wetherington Golf Club West Chester
-Culinary Arts Schoool in Ashland
-Cooking stints in Annapolis , MD
–NCR Country Club
-Restaurants in Savannah, GA
-Today, he works for a local catering company as well as promoting “Fresh in a Jar”

All Natural, Gluten Free Salsa – Hints of Roasted Garlic and Cilantro

Sounds like he has been a few Food Adventures of his own…

Marshall is also proud to note that this year makes him 8 years sober from alcohol.  Things are going great and he couldnt be happier with his future.

Let’s explore the curent salsas and sauces offered by the Chef.  Not only are they all natural, they are gluten free as well.  Read the side of the jar and see the simple ingredients.

Here are our “MUST EATS” for the Red Headed Sauce Company’s “Fresh in a Jar” Product Line…

Big Ragu’s New Favorite Salsa

 

MUST EATS FROM “FRESH IN A JAR”

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MILD SALSA:
The secret here is using the Stanislaus tomatoes.  He uses them in all three of his products.   It priduces a rich, deep taste that is ind What immediately strikes us is the fresh taste of the salsa.  You would swear it had just been made a few minutes ago.  Also, note that this product has a 2 year shelf life.

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MEDIUM HOT SALSA:
This is it, this is the big one.  This is the salsa that blew us away.  We predict this will be the star of the product line.  Just enough heat to light you up, and just enough good flavor to pull you back in for just one more dip. The Big Ragu will go on record as saying “this is the best salsa from a jar that he has ever had.”   For Ragu the secret to the deliciousness of the sauce is that the onion flavor is very distant.   In fact, the salsa has more of faint roasted garlic hint, instead of a sharp onion flavor you might find in other salsas.

Cooking up pasta to test the sauce

—FRESH IN A JAR’S MARINARA:
Again we taste the difference of the Stanislaus tomatoes. Many sauces in a jar are fairly plain, in the old traditional style which is very peasant style. You end up having to doctir up the jarred sauce with spices tobring out some flavor. With “Fresh in a Jar” Marinara, the taste is similar to the gourmet upscale restaurants like Brio Tuscan Grille, Carrabbas and Bravo. An americanized, gourmet take on sauce, bursting with spices, so you do not need to add a thing. It is already doctored up. This saucehas quickly climbed the Big Ragu’s list into the top 2 or 3. We have never tasted anything like it. It is very bold, very fresh, and very flavorful. Even the color of the sauce looks different than the other jarred sauces.

 

CHARITY TIES:
Chef Marshall Bartley has always believed in giving back to the community.   He has decided to give a portion of his sales to Dayton charity the Pink Ribbon Girls.  The Pink Ribbon Girls give rides to and supply meals to those who are sick with breast cancer.   Due to treatment, many cannot perform daily activities.  So Pink Ribbon Girls even clean houses for the families as well.  It is a great organization, and we are happy to see Red Headed Sauces teaming with them.

Spaghetti with Fresh in a Jar Marinara

FUNDRAISING PARTNERSHIPS:
Red Headed sauces is also offering a plan for schools, groups and organizations that need to raise money. By selling jars of the sauces, any group or team can raise funds for their cause.  For fundraising opportunities, email Chef Bartley

 

Be on the lookout for these sauces in various local outlets or send an email to the chef to place a direct order.

We are expecting big success with Fresh in a Jar, and are sure you will love the taste too.

Want more scoop on the best eats of Dayton?  Please follow Food Adventures on Facebook with the over 7200 fans that interact daily, and thousands more that follow our weekly articles right here on Dayton Most Metro.

A Little Chips and Salsa – the Medium hot is AMAZING

Dippin and bloggin

Try this sauce on for size –

Fresh for sure

Simple way to kick up cheese nachos