Dayton Dining

Beer Release Blow Out At Hairless Hare

April 27, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Saturday will be a big day at the Vandalia brewery as Matt Harris, Master Brewer and Owner of Hairless Hare Brewery, hosts a special 5 beer release. Don’t let the strip mall location across from the airport fool you. These guys, who opened their brewery in 2013, make some awesome beers and were voted the Best Brewery in 2015 at BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing.

On tap when the brewery, located at 738 W. National Road, opens at 1pm will be:

Maple Brown Ale: Made with Maple Syrup from Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, *100% of the proceeds of this first day of sales of the Maple Brown Ale to support Aullwood’s education programs.

GO2 Brew IPA: This IPA was made for GO2 Technologies which is a local company that builds custom machines for many types industries.
Barrel Age Barley Wine: This barley wine was aged in Weller bourbon barrel received from the Century Bar.

Brown Barrel Bomber: a brown ale aged in a Woodford Reserve bourbon. This is a 2nd release for this beer, it sold out in record time the first time and expect it will do so again.

Clown Shoes White Tail Unidragon: , a 12 percent ABV Russian imperial stout brewed with rye malt as well as Cascade and Columbus hops before being aged in bourbon barrels

Pairing perfectly with these beers, Hairless Hare offers some pretty tasty gourmet pizza. The Smoked Salmon Pizza, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Chicken Curry Pizza are some of the most popular or you can munch on chicken wings, the BBQ Smoked Brisket Sandwich or just nibble on Hummus & Pita Chips. Don’t forget to bring a growler to be filled, or just pick one up there to add to your collection.

LaRosa’s 40+ Year Spaghetti Pigout Tradition

April 27, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

All you Can Eat Spaghetti Mon & Tues at LaRosa’s

LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria has had the best dinner deal in town, for four decades. It is called “Spaghetti a Plenty” Nights. We decided to revisit this weekly special and see if it is still “bowling” folks over.

We found out, kids love it, grown ups love it.. so what’s going on here?

Oodles and oodles of noodles… enough for several Food Adventures, that’s what’s going on here. It is a chance to indulge at a nominal price.

Since the 1970’s LaRosa’s has been serving up the Monday and Tuesday “All-You-Can-Eat” Spaghetti deal for adults and for kids. The Big Ragu remembers those 70’s nights in Centerville and Lebanon taking advantage of the special treat. If you love pasta, this place has been the mecca for your craving at the beginning of each week. It is a tradition to “pig out” and loosen your belt after the meal….

Do you love your spaghetti with chunky marinara sauce, full of tomatoes? Or are you the meat sauce type, even loving a big old meatball in the middle of your spun noodles. This dinner has all the fixings and is crazy cheap. How Cheap? 99 cents cheap for kids and $5.19 for adults. From the Oregano to the Parmesan, this night will have you and your family dancing in your booth seats.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Looks like it is Meatball Mania on this Food Adventure

WHAT: “SPAGHETTI-A-PLENTY” NIGHTS at LaROSA’S PIZZERIA.. it’s ALL-U-CAN-EAT Spaghetti! Capeesh?

WHEN: MONDAY and TUESDAY’s from 4pm – close.

COST: 99cents for kids, $5.19 for adults. (Sometimes they charge you $1 for meat sauce)

Ok , so The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have super secret codes and we are gonna share with you the way to get the most of this special if you are a pasta lover. We will channel your inner Italian …especially like the Italian in us!

ROUND 1: DINNER SALAD – This isn’t your typical “side salad.” They are generous with shredded mozzarella, covering your mixed greens plate, and serving your favorite dressing on the side. Dig it, it is cold, refreshing and delicious. Even served with an olive or 2, make sure you shake, shake shake some of that Parmesan cheese on top.

ROUND 2: SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE: Order this first. A big portion, how we like it, with a LOT of sauce. Buddy LaRosa’s own family recipe of sauce, that has stood the test for 6 decades. Ask for the TEXAS TOAST here and work it into your noodle spinning. Did we forget to mention.. sprinkle the oregano, hot pepper, and Parmesan cheese on your “Sketty Mountain.”

Salad Included.. Do it up !

ROUND 3: SPAGHETTI with MEAT SAUCE: Finish strong, even asking for a meatball in the middle. They serve this and other “refills” as half portions. So hey, deal with it… meaty, so good. Ask for the BREADSTICKS option on this round, so you take advantage of all the amenities

**NOTE: Your kids don’t like sauce? No problem! They have a butter sauce available, so the noodles are served plain… go ahead, if you want it this way, put your “lunch hooks” in the air and wave…

That’s our system, after this you are on your own. You could keep going, ordering more servings or eat forkfuls off your kids plates and a pound of spaghetti like Hungry Jax. Another option is spill half of it down your chest like The Big Ragu, leaving stains as memories of past Food Adventures.

Want something besides spaghetti? Well we have a few patented “Must Eats” that you want to sink your teeth into. And away we go ….

Pepperoni Pizza – it put Kings Island on the International food map

MUST EATS: (BESIDES SPAGHETTI A PLENTY)

— PEPPERONI PIZZA: Why just pepperoni? Because it is the pizza that put Kings Island on the International food map. Come on, the pizza tastes so good. Whether you are sitting in a wet bathing suit on a bench after “Waterworks” water park, or in a booth with your favorite pizza pal.

— GARLIC FRIES: Dripping with freshly minced garlic and butter, what’s not to love. Your breath might be rank, but your mouth will be smiling.

— LASAGNA: A brick of lasagna, smothered in sauce and cheese. Try it and get lost in gooey, cheesey, saucy heaven. A labor of love, brought to you by Buddy LaRosa.

But this week it was all about the spaghetti. It was about fork spinnin, sauce drippin’, bread dippin’ good eats. “Spaghetti A Plenty” is a CHEAP, fun way to get the family together. It has been going on for 40 years.. why don’t you stop at LaRosa’s Pizzeria and see why ? See you at tables….

Chef House says follow Food Adventures on INSTAGRAM HERE if you know whats good for you. Be a Facebook fan with our entourage of foodies by clicking HERE

All you want, endless “Spaghetti A Plenty”

Forkfull

Menu shot

Tomato Sauce

Big Ragu and his ancestor ????

Pepperoni Pie

Garlic Fries

Fun for the whole family

Meat Sauce.. but of courrrse !

Breadstick for dipping, CHECK !

Buddy Larosa

The Starch Stare

Hungry Jax and her daughters run on PASTA POWER !

Meat Sauce

We love our breadsticks

Hangry? Get Texas Toast

Get to twirling

Hello Mr bubbly

Cheese , PLEASE

I see a MEATBALL on top…

Lasagna – ohh baby

The Three Wiseman of LaRosas

Fresh, cold, crisp

Dive Bar Tuesday – Diplomat Lounge

April 26, 2016 By Brian Petro

Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

After an extended hiatus, we are back! Of course, that is one of the best things about any good dive bar you go to. Any bar, really. They become more than a place to just get a drink after work; you get to know the bartenders. You start to discover that other patrons are from a town near yours, or enjoy Game of Thrones as much as you do, or weep quietly every Sunday after a Browns loss. Whether you go to the best wine bar in town or a venue where their craft beer is Budweiser Lime-A-Rita, you are going for more than the product they are offering. You are going for the comfortable feeling it provides. Of all the bars my friends and I have gone to so far, the Diplomat Lounge has felt the most comfortable.

The Diplomat Lounge (2766 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH., 45419) was located a little further down the road on Smithville Rd., just past where it splits from Wilmington Pike. There was some major construction in the mall area they were located, changing an old Kroger and the surrounding stores into a small neighborhood. The Diplomat moved down the street and has been there since. Where many of the other bars we have gone to were more focused on pool, this is a place where darts appear to be king. They offer BYOP dart tournaments once a month on the second Saturday of the month (the next one will be May 14, 2016), and Luck of the Draw tournaments on Sunday nights. Have no fear, pool players. There are a couple of tables for you in the back half of the bar. But there are darts on both sides.

Back room pool tables, and the doorway to the “secret patio”.

When I say both sides, the bar cuts the space in half. If you are not familiar with the space, you may think that it is a little small, until you realize there is this great space on the other side of the bar as well. This is where the pool tables are, and it is a slightly darker, more intimate space. You are tucked away from the storefront windows and people coming in and out of the bar. Service was on both sides, which would be great on a busy Friday or Saturday night when you are trying to get a beverage while tossing darts or warming up your pipes for karaoke. The weekends may have all the action, but there are liquor and beer specials all week. Every night there is a liquor with a little discount and a beer that is just a dollar. My personal choices are fifty cents of tequila on Tuesday and $2 cans on Monday. Feel free to drop in and check out their other daily specials.

If you are looking for a menu, this is not the place. They do have a menu for their specials on their Facebook page, but that is the one menu we found. Their food options are limited to pizzas and chips (perfect fuel for long nights of drinking), but there are plenty of other food options nearby if you want to eat before you show up or stop somewhere after you leave. There was not a cocktail menu to be seen, and if you ask the bartender they will share the beer list with you. It offers little in the way of craft beers or cocktails, but it that really why you are going here? No, no it is not.

They have a few bottles for you to choose from…

Two things to note when you plan on making the trip to the Diplomat. The first is that motorcycle riders are welcome here. If you have been looking for a place to stop with your bike on a ride around town, we have found another place for you. Though you most likely knew it already. It is about three miles from 675 or 35, just a hop, skip, and jump. The other thing to note is that once you have discovered the back room, keep going because there is a patio! It is a great enclosed space that has a cozy feel to it, the outside world being held at bay by a wooden fence. One other thing I have found in every bar we have gone to is that each has a little surprise inside.

The Diplomat Lounge is a great place to hang out for a few hours, enjoy a few drinks on a quiet patio, and leave the world behind. If you are so inclined, they are creating summer dart leagues right now! What are you doing Tuesday nights that is more important? And who knows, maybe this is the comfortable after work spot you have been seeking. You know there will be some dart fans or motorcycle riders there to meet.

The Diplomat Lounge is located at 2766 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45419. They are open 1 PM to 2:30 AM Monday through Friday, and 12 PM to 2:30 AM Saturday and Sunday. You can visit their Facebook page for more information, or call (937) 293-2508.

10 Course Food Adventure at North China

April 23, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Crab Rangoon and Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings

We don’t monkey around. Everyone who knows us, know we do things original and right.

Today, we announce one of the biggest and boldest Food Adventure dinners yet…. and it just happens to be at one of our favorite spots. North China Restaurant in Centerville will host the “Year of the Monkey” Celebration dinner, with 10 courses of food !

Since 1987, North China Restaurant has been pleasing Dayton area foodies, with tastes of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. May 19th they team up with our crew for an epic eating extravaganza! From appetizers to entrees, this “Year of the Monkey Dinner” promises to be a throwback to 80’s Chinese American restaurants, with a touch of family style dining.

Tickets are PRE-PAY only and can only be bought online at this link —> CLICK HERE. There is limited seating, so get your tickets before we sell out.

Just what kind of Food Adventure have we come up with? Let’s get the scoop…

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mongolian Chicken

— WHAT: 10 Course Food Adventure Dinner Event at North China Restaurant

— WHERE: 6090 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459, next to Woodbourne Library.

— WHEN: 6:30pm THURSDAY MAY 19th

— WHY: Celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” … and a chance to eat some good food!

— COST $29 per person & includes tip. Water and Hot Tea included. Alcohol and Soft Drinks, additional cost.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE—> CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

How are your chopstick skills? It doesn’t matter, because you will get forks and spoons too… so get ready here are the 10 courses of MUST EATS during the Year of the Monkey !

TEN COURSES OF MUST EATS AT NORTH CHINA: (sorry, no substitutions)

Top of the Entrance to a Dayton Original

1) SIZZLING RICE SOUP: A light brothed soup with vegetables, rice and chicken. A perfect start to awaken your taste buds and senses.

2) EGG ROLL: The best in Dayton, bar none. Handmade, hand rolled, and stuffed with pork, cabbage and a touch of peanut dust.

3) CRAB RANGOON: Handmade, on site, this cheesey goodness should be dipped in sweet and sour sauce with a dash of soy sauce.

4) HONEY TERIYAKI GLAZED CHICKEN WING: The delicate sweetness, the savory deep fried morsels…. ’nuff said

5) MU SHU PORK: A wrapped “Chinese burrito,” The wrapper is rubbed with a plum and hoisin sauce, and pork and vegetables are added, and the “tortilla” is gently wrapped and served. One of the most special delicacy attractions at North China.

Crispy Shrimp Entree

6) MONGOLIAN CHICKEN ENTREE: North China’s best selling dish. Prepare to become addicted.

7) CRISPY SHRIMP ENTREE: Deep Fried Shrimp, in a sweet and spicy, yellowish, brown sauce.

8) PEPPER STEAK ENTREE: Sauteed beef slices with onions and green peppers

9) KUNG PAO CHICKEN ENTREE: Cubed, stir fried chicken in a slightly spicy brown sauce

10) SHRIMP WITH VEGETABLE ENTREE: A lighter dish, served with broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Entrees will be served with STEAMED WHITE RICE and shared family style.

Dinner will end with the all familiar fortune cookie… which will probably say “you just ate too much on a Food Adventure.”

Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu will be passing out door prizes, t-shirts, gift certificates and more.

Please join us for this epic Food Adventure celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” at North China Restaurant.

Join the 6,200 Foodies in the Dayton area following Food Adventures on Facebook, “like” us HERE.

“We are not food critics, we are just three people who love to eat at Dayton’s best spots. No Rules!”

Soy, Sweet N Sour, Hot Mustard, & Tea – your accessories!

Sizzling Rice Soup

2016 : The Year of the Monkey

Pot Sticker.. pot steeeeka !

The greatest egg rolls in the world

Hand Made Crab Rangoon

Mu shu Pork

Sign of good things coming

Pot Stickers – so good

North China never dissapoints

Mongolian Chicken

Entrance to Food Adventure Bliss

Shrimp and Lobster Sauce

Crab Rangoon

Chicken and Broccoli

Happy Family Dish

Hot Tea

$1 Lunch Deal at Jimmy John’s This Thursday

April 19, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, IL. As part of a special nationwide customer appreciation celebration, Jimmy John’s will offer $1 sandwiches at locations across the country on Thursday, April 21.

The deal will be valid from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with a limit of one sandwich per customer. Officials say sandwiches one through six on the menu will be served for $1 during the four-hour span.

Sorry, freaky fast delivery won’t be included in this offer — you’ll have to go into the shop yourself.

Changes Coming at Rue Dumaine

April 19, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

On November 27, 2007, Kearney and Sand opened Rue Dumaine in Centerville, Ohio.”Rue Dumaine” was the street on which Peristyle, Chef Anne’s first New Olreans restaurant was located . Rue Dumaine has gone on to win both awards and recognition for their food, wine list and service. Kearney has been recognized nine times by the James Beard Foundation, as one of the top chefs in the country.

This morning Chef Anne sent this eblast out to her loyal customers:

“It takes a village”…while this African proverb references the raising of children, I am writing this with a deep sense of gratitude toward my village – the Rue Dumaine krewe, farmers, artisans, purveyors, and guests who have helped me build something special in the Dayton dining community over the last 8 years. When Rue Dumaine opened back in November 2007, I was happy to be back in my hometown, ready to share my love of good food with any & all. As I look back on this journey I am very proud of the mark Rue Dumaine has made in this community, but I also know that nothing remains the same; things must evolve or die away. Although change can be unsettling, it can also be exciting and open the door to greater opportunities. With that in mind, I have made the choice to let go of things I can’t change and focus on the things I can. For Rue Dumaine this means restructuring our food service program.

Between now Tuesday, April 19th and Saturday, May 7, 2016 Rue Dumaine will continue to operate during its normal business hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 5-9pm; Friday lunch 11:30am-1:30pm; and Friday – Saturday 5-10pm. The last evening of our regular restaurant service will be Saturday, May 7.

Beginning May 8, 2016, the restaurant’s operations will transition to private events, plus monthly special dinners and events that are open to the public. These special dinners will include a monthly wine dinner, local farmer’s HARVEST dinner, four monthly POP-UP dinners (different every evening, prix fixe menus, wine optional), plus assorted cocktail and cooking classes (dates yet to be determined). During the growing season we are hosting monthly in-house RUE Dumaine Farmer’s Market showcasing our regions bounty turned into ready to eat foods to be enjoyed at your home. At any time of operation Rue Dumaine gift cards will be honored.

In re-structuring our food service program we will provide the Dayton area with dining opportunities featuring our classic style of food and beverage service personalized for your private event needs. This approach allows us to accommodate the ever-growing demand for private events while continuing to serve our loyal customers.

We will focus our attention on each event personally resulting in success for all parties involved. Who doesn’t want to eat a good meal at their next Board meeting or Pharmaceutical dinner? Whether it is a monthly business meeting with the management team (enjoy a nice meal then get down to business), your poppa’s 70th birthday celebration, graduation party, last minute rehearsal dinner, dinner club get-together, or even your daughters intimate wedding celebration; the RUE may well be the right fit.

I will remain invested in Rue Dumaine as we move forward building upon the reputation we have made for ourselves in this community. We look forward to continuing to serve you and yours during this transition.

Thank you.”

GarlicFest Returns with Bocce Classic July 15-17th

April 19, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Eddie “Boom Boom” takes a bocce break to eat Bella Sorella Pizza

The faint smell of garlic is in the air! Today being National Garlic Day, it gives Dayton Most Metro the perfect opportunity to announce that GarlicFest is returning this summer to the Sons of Italy’s Bella Villa Hall. We are again partnering with the John Pirelli Lodge for this popular event. Food Adventures is honored to be helping with the festivities. The same weekend also features the annual bocce ball tournament called the “Bocce Classic,” which is in its 22nd year.

The Bella Villa Hall venue is located at 2625 County Line Rd. in Beavercreek, the same place the Italian Fall Festa is held.

The big weekend will feature:
A huge Food Truck Rally Friday, July 15th
The Bocce Classic Tournament, July 16 -17th
The Garlic Festival, Sunday July 17th.

One new attraction will see local celebs, and Up Dayton groups square off Friday Night, July 15th in a “Beginner Bocce Bash.” A Single elimination bocce tournament with cash prizes for the top 3 teams. Just $40/team to enter.

The weekend will be filled with Food Vendors, Garlic Vendors, and Craft Vendors. There will be a booth for the deep fried “Holy Cannoli.”

There will be soft drinks, beer, and more. There will be bocce ball, and the Garlic King and Queen. Chef House and Hungry Jax from Food Adventures, will be hosting cooking demos with garlic inside the hall. Weezy’s Garlic, Spices and More will be there with all kinds of garlic goodies for you to buy! Don’t forget the Garlic Eating Contest with host the Big Ragu and a Live Band !

With so much to do and so much to eat, you may have to make a couple of trips back during the weekend….

Some of the food vendors we are expecting over the weekend are:

Garlic Fest and Live Music

Zombie Dogz
Bella Sorella Pizza
Horseless Buggy Food Truck
Wicked Wich of Dayton Food Truck
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Brixx Ice Co.
Mama DiSalvos Restaurant
El Meson Restaurant
Mohawk Freestyle Burger Food Truck
Amber Rose Restaurant
The Hamburger Wagon
Hunger Paynes Food Truck
Voltzy’s
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Streatery
Sweet P’s Ice Pops
Painted Pepper Food Truck
Gyro Palace
The Spicy Olive Olive Oil Store
The Texas Beef and Cattle Company

We will announce more vendors as they confirm….

Weekend of July 15 – 17th

HERE’S THE SKINNY for the

Timeline of the GarlicFest / Bocce Classic Weeekend:

FRIDAY , JULY 15th

5pm – 9pm: SONS OF ITALY FOOD TRUCK RALLY – 15 trucks, live music, adult beverages

6pm – 9pm: “BEGINNER BOCCE BASH” with LOCAL CELEBS and hosted by “UpDayton”
(Want to enter a team for the local celeb tournament, email [email protected] or call 937-380-6723)

SATURDAY , JULY 16^th

9am – 5pm: BOCCE CLASSIC Tournament opening rounds. (Signup at BocceClassic.com)

9am – 5pm: Concession Booth of Pizza, Meatball Sandwiches, Italian Sausages
from the John Pirelli Lodge/Sons of Italy

Bocce Finals

5pm – 7pm: Dinner from Outback Steakhouse

7pm – 11pm: Bocce Tournament continues

SUNDAY , JULY 17^th

9am: BOCCE CLASSIC tournament continues all day til 6:30pm Championships
(signup at www.BocceClassic.com)

Noon – 8pm: GARLICFEST – 15 Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Garlic Vendors,
Pop, Beer,

1pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Jackie “Hungry Jax” Scanlan, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

Garlic Chicken from Scratch Catering

3pm: Cooking Demo featuring a garlic recipe by Chef LeeAnne House, from Food Adventures, inside the Bella Villa Hall

5pm: Garlic Eating Contest with The Big Ragu as emcee

5:30PM – 8PM: Live Band

So, mark your calendar for the weekend of July 15-17, and bring your breath mints. Stretch out your bocce arm enjoy

Come out to get your garlic fix that weekend and play some bocce ball . Below are photos from last year’s GarlicFest and Bocce Classic. Please check them out…

Feel free to follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Ohhhh the food ! Amber Rose dessert

Beer Trucks

Garlic Feta and tomatoes

Cannoli

Cooking Demo

crowd

bocce ball courts

Garlic Eating contest

Grounds

Voltzys Garlic Burger

Submarine House Crowns Champ, Announces Expansion

April 17, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Andrew Oakes, 2016 Super Duper Cheesesteak Champ

A big crowd watched the Super Duper Cheesesteak finals Saturday afternoon at The Beavercreek Submarine House. Of course your source for Dayton food scoop, Food Adventures was on hand. After an hour of build up, they brought out the cheesesteaks like the Star Wars “Imperial March.”

The crowd grew silent, the judges looked at the stopwatch.. and GO.. the contest was on. Nine Champions from each individual Submarine House store around Dayton, were now facing each other in an “eat-off” that has become an annual tradition.

The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge is where you must eat a 16 inch long Super Duper Cheesesteak in under 16 minutes.

“Super Duper” in Submarine House language means a 16 inch cheesesteak with triple the meat, triple the cheese, and the “works” toppings. The works is onions, mushrooms & peppers cooked with the steak, mushrooms, and topped with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato and hot pepper relish.

NO SUBSTITUTIONS, NO CHANGES, you must eat the sandwich “as is.” This challenge is a true Food Adventure! Not for the squeamish, this contest is fast paced. Don’t blink, or you could miss the finish !

As the nine contestants took their first bites, 3 leaders emerged, 2015 champ Aaron Smith, 2013 champ Andrew Oakes and 2014 champ Clayton Naylor. They chomped, they chewed, and almost spewed, but instead washed it down intermittently with water.

Now the scoop on what happened next…..

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Submarine House’s 16 Inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

— The Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge benefits Dayton’s Children’s Hospital. The Submarine House owners, Jason and Brody Danner, started the event by presenting a check in excess of $15,000 to the hospital’s charity fund. What an incredible donation.

— Andray Simmons, a young man who is the goodwill ambassador from Dayton Children’s Hospital was introduced to the crowd. Andray is battling sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. He thanked the crowd for the charity support, and the whole place erupted in applause. A touching moment for the crowd and Andray, who was there with his family.

— More money was given away as they drew a $500, $1,000 and $10,000 cash prize for 3 different, lucky Submarine House customers! It was insane!

Chef House Judging the contest with the Paparazzi everywhere

— Then came the eating contest… Judging the contest were Chef House and the Big Ragu from Food Adventures, Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining, Brian Jarvis from Beavercreek City Council, WHIO’s Larry Hansgen, K99’s Frye Guy, and finally Sallie Taylor, Zac Pitts, and Katie Kenney from Living Dayton TV show.

— The winner was …. ANDREW OAKES, from the Centerville store, with a time of 1 minute, 36seconds. Andrew becomes the first ever “two time” champ. A close second was Clayton Naylor and close third was Aaron Smith. Both men were literally a few seconds away from winning. Trophies were passed out, photos were taken, and interviews made.

— SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jason and Brody Danner shared the information with us, and Larry Hansgen announced to the crowd… Submarine House will be EXPANDING. The Centerville Submarine House is moving to a larger location on 725 where the old Blockbuster Video was located. There will be a Submarine House opening up in Huber Heights in the old Fifth Third branch at 5376 Taylorsville Road. (((BOOM! A Food Adventure is gonna take place there soon !)))

So that’s it folks, another year of cheesesteaks in the record books.

As the fans and “paparazzi” left the building, we all promised to do it again next year. In the meantime, order a Super Duper Cheesesteak for yourself. There is a reason they call it “16 inches of heaven.”

Promise us that you will check out the photos below from the event, and follow Food Adventures on Facebook, by clicking HERE.. Dayton’s #1 food blog for restaurant photos, dinner events, TV spots, festival fun, charity events, cooking classes and Food Adventures like this one… from Beers to Bananas Foster, we eat it all.. no rules.

Submarine House owner’s Brody and Jason present Children’s Hospital with a $15,600 check

It’s official, Chef House declares 2016 Submarine Champ Andrew Oakes

Are you rrrready ???

Chef House, Andrew Oakes and the Big Ragu

Hungry contestents

Andrew Oakes and Ambassador from Children’s Hospital, Andray Simmons

Andray Simmons, Dayton Children’s Hospital’s Goodwill Ambassador addresses the crowd

The new champ is interviewed by WHIO’s Larry Hansgen

The Big Ragu eyeballs just HALF of a Super Duper Cheesesteak !

Dayton’s Sriracha Mamma Takes Top Honors Again

April 15, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

At this year’s Cajun Hot Sauce Festival that just wrapped up last week in Louisianna, Lee Anne House and her House Made sauces walked away with the People’s Choice Award this year, after finishing 2nd last year, for her Red Thai Chili Sriracha Sauce.

Her brand new Carrot Mango Habanero took first place in the fruit category!
For the 2nd year in a row her Thai Chili Hot Honey sauce was named the Champion of Champions.

Due to a problem sourcing peppers the original sauce has been off the shelves for a while but she was recently able to begin sauce making again and now HouseMade Sriracha is back up and running with their newest flavors restocking local specialty stores like Keener Farm Butcher Block, Yankee Street Market, Ollie’s Place, A Taste Of Wine, Arrow Wine, Foremost Seafood LTD, Belmont Party Supply and Spice Paradise Dayton.

Head to The Night Market at the Yellow Cab Tonight, where you can pick up a bottle or two and congrautlate Lee Anne yourself. There’s a food truck rally there as well from 5-10pm, so you can try out the sriracha or sauces on some great street food.

Check out the Shantz Express!

April 15, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Bill Schancey spent years in the restaurant business in Pittsburg. He’s been in Dayton for about 14 years and missed the business. Bill says, ” I love to cook, this is a way to get around the community, and meet people.

I’m learning to use social media- to promote, which is new for me.” So this year he’s launched a food truck, the Shantz Express. His menu is still a work in progress, but you can expect mostly American fare.

He’s currently serving wings, burgers, salads, gyros, French fries, and calzones. He’s still trying to find a pizza he can serve quickly that he feels good about, but it’s not on the truck, yet.

You can try his wings three different ways, with buffalo sauce, garlic butter parmesan or with BBQ sauce and they sell 6 for $5 at lunch or 10 for $9 at dinner.

His burgers run from $5-9 dollars. You can try the Big Kahuna, the Fat Burger which has bacon and a fried egg or he’s just added one with pineapple.

His signature sandwich is the Juggernaut, with ham, turkey and bacon, swiss and cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato with a little Shantz Sauce and fries right on the sandwich for $8

Where to Find the Shantz Express:

Every Wed lunch – WPAFB, base access required
Most Fridays lunch’s – at the car dealerships on 35
This Friday- Truck Rally at Kmart across from The Greene 5-10pm

10 Places To Cocktail On The Patio

April 15, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

The skies are sunny and warm weather is here, which can mean only one thing: The season for patio drinking is here! Since it’s been a while since we’ve been able to sip cocktails on a patio, we’d like to remind you of a few of our favorites:

Wheat Penny
515 Wayne Ave
Newly improved, it’s always a who’s who of Dayton hanging on this rustic veranda enjoying some eggplant fires and hand crafted cocktail from their well trained bartenders.

Lily’s Bistro
329 E. 5th Street, Oregon District
They actually have three patio’s, but it’s the back patio, often dubbed the hidden garden and makes you totally forget you’re just blocks from downtown.

El Meson
903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton
Expanded just last year, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a vacation when you hang out here, enjoying an eclectic menu of Latin American tapas and don’t miss their signature sangria! They even have days when they welcome your pooches on the patio. Close to the bike path as well.

Fifth Street Brewpub
1600 E. Fifth Steet in St. Anne’s Hill
Newly expanded, this co-op’s courtyard is packed with picnic tables and often features live music

Carmel’s
1025 Shroyer Road
Ice Cold BOBARITAS go down awfully easy when you chill on this patio with some tex/mex appetizers. This neighborhood dive is packed with regulars and has a very casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Heather’s
505 Main Street, Springboro
They renovated an old house in Springboro and turned it in to a great little coffee/lunch place by day and a rocking little hangout at night. The nightlife usually happens on Wed-Fri, with an occasional Sat.

Trolley Stop
430 E. Fifth Street, Oregon District
Great for lunch or a late afternoon meeting, time just disappears when you hang out at this oasis that just blocks out all the noise in the busy city. On Saturday take advantage of their bloody mary bar and brunch menu.

South Park Tavern
1301 Wayne Ave, South Park
This enclosed patio has a cool, casual feel, and great service, so it’s easy to sip away an afternoon.
Monday’s are especially busy, when you can take advantage of 1/2 price pizza.

Mudlick Tap House

135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402
This Gastropub recently moved from Germantown to downtown, but they’ve kept their rustic feel, great selection of craft beers and scratch kitchen. Open seven days a week and serving brunch Sat and Sun with a great bloody mary bar.

TJ Chumps
12 E. Linden, Miamisburg
When they take off the walls, this patio is a great hangout. Close to the bike trail it’s a perfect spot to refuel after a great ride.

This is just a small sampling, and focused more on where we enjoy drinks on the patio. If you’ve got a favorite we missed, feel free to add it in the comments below. For many more options check out our outdoor dining guide.

Super Duper Cheesesteak Finals, Saturday !

April 15, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

16inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

2016 clash of the cheesesteak champs, climaxes this Saturday at 1pm at the Beavercreek store. The battle to see who can eat a 16 inch Super Duper Cheeseseak the fastest is a day away, and you are invited to come watch the devastation!

The individual store champions are set. The judges are set, the cooks are ready, the grill is hot and the buns are warming.

Last year’s champ Aaron Smith looks to retain his title from 2015, where he ate the sandwich in mere 89 seconds. Dayton Most Metro’s Food Adventures Crew was there last year and will be there again judging for the 4th year in a row. Chef House and the Big Ragu will join K99 radio personality The Frye Guy, Beavercreek Mayor Brian Jarvis, and Living Dayton’s hosts Katie Kenney, Zak Pitts and Sallie Taylor and Lisa Grigsby from DaytonDining to decide the winner. The Champ will get check for $1,000 plus their name on the Cheesesteak Championship Belt.

The event ends with an incredible donation presentation to Dayton’s Children’s Hospital, which was over $15,000 last year. There is also a $10,000 prize drawing at the contest from the entries collected in 2016. Submarine House is a great company, who gives back to Dayton and deserves our patronage, plus their cheesesteaks kick some serious butt.

Come out and watch the fun, it is usually standing room only, but you gotta see this! Stay afterward for your own Food Adventure and try a cheesesteak for yourself, or many of the other popular sandwiches, pizzas and more on the menu.

SEE YOU THERE for CHEESESTEAKS, CHARITY and MORE !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Aaron Smith set the record in 2015 by eating one in 89 seconds

WHAT: The Super Duper Cheesesteak Championship Finals

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 16th at 1pm

WHERE: The Submarine House, 3195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434

WHY: Proceeds of the cheesteak challenge benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital

Hang out with Food Adventures Crew at Submarine House after the contest, and grab some drinks and grub.. we will be autographing sub buns and lettuce for our fans…

Here is one “Must Eat” you should know about on this special day!

MUST EATS:

— THE 16INCH SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK: Dubbed “16 inches of heaven.” It is a cheesesteak with triple the meat and cheese, tossed and grilled with peppers, mushrooms and onions, then topped with the works (lettuce, tomato, spices, mayo, hot pepper relish), all on a 16 inch sub bun. If you have not tried this sandwich – it is a Dayton Icon and a MUST EAT. It is DELICIOUS ! Not a big eater? Get the 8inch version and find cheesesteak bliss.

See you Saturday ! Are you a Dayton Foodie? Then follow our everyday Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.

Like us on Facebook, love us in your hearts ….

Donation to Dayton Childrens Hospital 2015

How fast can you eat this ?

Some hangry contestants

Gooey cheese

16 inches of heaven

full sub

Ragu takes the challenge

cooking em up in Centerville

Super Duper

Champ !

Hungry Jax, Big Ragu and 2015 Champ Aaron Smith !

Chef House will be a judge !

Lunch from a Gas Station?

April 14, 2016 By Bryan Suddith

When I lived in Baton Rouge it was common knowledge that the best Boudin Sausage could be found at a roadside gas station on Airline Highway between the capital city and New Orleans. Last year in Kansas City I had the best “burnt ends” at Joe’s. Joe’s is a working gas station where the line for BBQ is an hour long most afternoons. It should have been no surprise that the best Fried Chicken in Kettering can be found at Town and Country Shell Gas Station on the corner of Far Hills and Stroop Road.

For months, I have kept this little bit of information to myself. Great fried chicken and potato wedges that surpass everyday fast food offerings. Krispy Krunchy Chicken also serves up great wings, fried fish and cajun season fried shrimp. I casually mentioned that this fried food haven was now filling growlers with local beers to the Food Adventures Crew and my secret was out.

I unofficially joined the Food Adventures Crew this week and hosted them at my favorite gas station. Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu joined me for lunch and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Ragu had the wings, both the bbq and buffalo, as well as the traditional breaded whole wings. Chef House was the most cautious, but with the help of her Housemade Thai Spiced Hot Honey she was quickly on board with the fried chicken fingers. Hungry Jax brought the kids and they approved of the chicken fingers and Mac & Cheese. I stuck to the Cajun fried chicken. We arrived at the end of the lunch hour and the fries were in short supply, so I opted for a side of Jambalaya.

The chicken was cooked perfectly. Crispy flavorful coating and moist and slightly spicy chicken underneath. As a former Louisiana resident I can say the Jambalaya, sausage and chicken, was as authentic as I have found anywhere in Ohio. Two forks up for the spicy rice dish served inside a gas station.

The highlight of the lunch came in two parts. Chef House brought an empty 1/2 growler and

filled up with Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb for only $8.00. Gamma Bomb is their American IPA and it really worked with spicy chicken. At 92 IBU it was a bit hoppier than I like but fit the bill for a lunch hour drink. The second surprise was the complimentary honey cheddar biscuit that comes with every order. The Big Ragu was a happy camper when he found the biscuit in his bag atop the wings. The biscuit is sweet and savory all in one buttery bite. This biscuit is almost a sweet dessert after the spicy chicken.

A two piece lunch with a side, biscuit, and fountain drink runs about $7.50. Fish and shrimp options can be a little pricier. Family packs and lunch portions are both available. There are only a half dozen seats in the station, but this food is perfect to grab for home or work when in a hurry. With 16 beers on tap and their own growlers for sale it is easy to find a beer to accompany lunch or dinner. You will find Dayton area favorites like Warped Wing, Toxic Brew and Yellow Springs Brewery as well as Rhinegeist, Mad Tree and my personal favorite, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, on tap for a glass, sampler flight or a growler to go.

If you find yourself south of town at lunch or in need of a quick grab to take home to the family, keep Town and Country Shell Station in mind. Sometimes the most unlikely of spots offer exactly what you are looking for. Order an extra biscuit. You’ll thank me later.

Find them on Facebook or on the web for a full menu and hours.

Food Network’s “Cooks Vs. Cons” Now Casting

April 13, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

The show tries to answer the question… Are some home cooks good enough to beat a pro. But there is a twist and a secret ingredient thrown into the mix. Master of modern cuisine, Geoffrey Zakarian hosts the next generation of cooking competition, a battle that asks the ultimate question: Could a talented home cook beat a pro, or does a true professional have skills that no amateur could match? With a level playing field, and no one knowing which cook is which, only a blind taste test will prove who has the best dish. If the professional is victorious, he or she will take home $10,000, but if the home cook can beat the odds and take down the pro, the amateur walk away with $15,000!

The Food Network show just premiered a few weeks back and is already looking ahead to season 2. Cooks vs. Cons levels the playing field by making this a blind competition. Often times professional chefs compete, their reputations and experience precede them making an unbiased opinion of the food itself difficult. “Cooks Vs. Cons” takes care of that problem. The competition is completely blind, no one knows who is competing or the skill level of the competition, not the cooks and not the judges.

Think you have some mad skills in the kitchen that may be worth a $15,000 prize?

If so, here is a chance to apply for the Food Network show.

Crafted & Cured – A Dream Come True for Local Entrepreneurs

April 12, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Two and a half years ago, two friends and co-workers that shared a passion for craft beer and high quality cured meats and cheeses envisioned a unique space where you could find obscure beers, ciders and sours along with family owned, small batch wines and champagne. It took quite a while but finally their vision is coming to fruition as Crafted & Cured.

Together Christian Alvarez and Andy Routson have quite the background that makes them a great team to lead this inspiring business. Chris is a chef, with his degree from Le Cordon Bleu in California. He will be making all kinds of pickles, mustards, anything to go with their charcuterie.

Eventually, his goal is to cure their own meats in the market itself with other vendors. Wait till you see their meat slicer, flown in straight from Italy, it is an eye catcher. Bright red with a hand crank wheel to give you the sheerest of cuts on prosciuttos, this is sure to please with fine meats.

Andy is an avid craft beer drinker and trader. He is working towards becoming a certified cicerone. (A cicerone is a certification awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an expertise in beer service.) He comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has always known he wanted to own his own business. Obviously, one of the most important questions on the table during my chat with them was what their favorite styles of beer are. Andy loves stouts and anything barrel aged. Chris is all about those IPA’s. I am going to love drinking with these guys!!

Crafted & Cured simply put is a growler house, not a bar. This is a place to come taste some samples of unique brews and take them home to enjoy. Not only do they offer the growlers that we have all become so familiar with they also have a crowler! A crowler is a 32 ounce can to-go that they will right in front of you! Crafted & Cured will have 60 taps with 10-12 of those dedicated to ciders, sours and meads. Dayton has a great beer scene and we have been seeing the new trend of beer infusions popping up all over town, especially at Toxic Brew Co. Luckily Crafted and Cured has a Randall, made by Dogfish Head, to infuse beers right there at the bar! You will be able to pick from a variety of ingredients, from lemongrass to vanilla beans or cocoa nibs to make your own specially seasoned beer.

Not only will Crafted & Cured offer beer, there will be a whole wall of wines and champagnes that you can’t get anywhere else. They are working closely with their rep Mike Freeman to make sure they only offer small batch, family owned, grower vineyards. Mike will be available once a month for a fun educational night with tastings.

You don’t have to worry about a lack of parking, there is plenty! They have 9 spots available in the space between them and Wheat Penny and all of the surrounding roads behind them. Monday – Friday during the day till 4:30pm at the Theatre Guild, right across the street to the right, and from 5 pm on at the Behavioral Health Center on Wayne, also across the street to the left, and all day and night on the weekends here as well.

Crafted & Cured plans on opening their doors for a soft opening, prior to May. This soft opening period will last approximately one month and will not include the cured side of the business quite yet. They plan to master the beverage side of the business then launch a grand opening in coordination with the opening of District Provisions. The grand opening will mark the start of the cured side of the business. And don’t worry, District Provisions will open soon!

The rest of the building is going to be fantastic. It’s big and beautiful and full of potential. District Provisions is a turn of century style neighborhood market. It is designed to supply the primary grocery needs to the residents of the Oregon District, South Park, St. Anne’s Hill, and downtown Dayton. The focus of this market is to provide the highest quality produce, local humanely raised meats, fresh local dairy, organic health foods and unique household goods. We can’t wait! This is just what downtown Dayton needs.

You’ll find Crafted & Cured at 531 Wayne Ave, just 2 blocks south of 5th Street. Watch DaytonDining for their exact grand opening date.

Free Cheese Fondue Offer Returns for National Cheese Fondue Day

April 11, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

In celebration of National Cheese Fondue Day, premier fondue restaurant franchise The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., is offering free cheese fondue vouchers* to the first 25,000 people who sign up for its Club Fondue today only, April 11, 2016, as part of its seventh annual National Cheese Fondue Day celebration. Guests can sign up at nationalcheesefondueday.com for their chance to get in on this cheesy offer, which is redeemable April 18 – June 30, 2016.

“As the leading fondue restaurant in the country, The Melting Pot takes the National Cheese Fondue Day holiday very seriously,” said Melting Pot President Mike Lester. “It’s the perfect opportunity to share the cheese fondue love with those who’ve never experienced it by once again giving away free cheese fondue vouchers.”

The Melting Pot’s cheese fondue course is valued at around $8 – 9 per person (prices vary by location) and the communal fondue dining experience allows for up to four individual portions of cheese fondue to be shared in one fondue pot. Each cheese fondue is served with artisan bread and seasonal vegetables for dipping. Cheese fondue varieties include cheddar, classic Alpine, spinach artichoke and more.

To further celebrate the holiday, The Melting Pot is hosting a #HowDoUFondue Twitter party on April 11 from 2 pm to 3 pm EST. This special one-hour party will be hosted by Chef Jason Miller, where followers have the chance to ask questions about the “Fondues” and “Fondon’ts” when it comes to dining at The Melting Pot and learn about various dipping styles. Twitter followers who engage with Chef Jason will have the chance to win one of two $50 gift cards to The Melting Pot. Fans can tune into the conversation by following the hashtag #HowDoUFondue and RSVP by visiting http://tweetvite.com/event/HowDoUFondue.

In 2015, The Melting Pot was ranked No. 1 among 40 casual-dining restaurant chains in Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2015 Consumer Picks report. The Melting Pot ranked first in four out of 10 overall attribute categories, achieving top scores in cleanliness, service, atmosphere and craveability.

The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has 10 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.