Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Dayton Dining

The Big Ragu Releases the AMBUCS Chili Cook-off Votes!

By 2 Comments

Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure.   Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.  The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event.   We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.

First off, we tried each and every chili offered.  We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s.  Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse .  Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern.  Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too.   There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”

We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno.  But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:

Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ

After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games.  Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS.  It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities.  We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart.  See you next year !

If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=11 name=Gallery]

Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition Seeks Entrants

By Leave a Comment

Amateur bakers are invited to help create one of the most enjoyable displays at Woodland Lights – the twelfth annual collection of gingerbread houses.

“The gingerbread house display at Woodland Lights brings joy to thousands of people every year. Adults and children working inGingerbreadHouse their kitchens throughout the Miami Valley make it possible,” said Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “We hope people will get into the holiday spirit early this year by sharing their favorite gingerbread creations with the community.”

Entries for the Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition are due on Monday, Nov. 26. Bakers can enter individually or in groups. Categories include: adults, youth 7 to 18, preschoolers, and groups such as families, community organizations and schools. Professional bakers also have a category.

Families especially are encouraged to submit entries, Madden said. “Working in the kitchen helps bring families together. Designing, baking and decorating a gingerbread house provides a wonderful intergenerational opportunity.”

GingerbreadContestantIndividuals who place first in their category will receive an Active 90 Pass which provides free entrance for 90 days to the recreation center’s aquatic activities, fitness center, running track, open gym and climbing wall and to Rec West’s gym, theater and game room. Second place winners receive five daily passes. Registered participants who win as part of a group will receive two daily passes.

Gingerbread house entries should be taken to the Stolz Building, behind the Washington Township Recreation Center, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26. Gingerbread judging takes place Thursday, Nov. 29th. Entering is free. For additional information, call 438-7985 or  check their website.

Chili Cook Off and Casino Night at the Fair Grounds

By 1 Comment

If you’re a chili fan, there will be no better place to be than the Colesium at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds tonight as Chili Chefs from all over the Dayton region will be competing in the 26th Annual Ambucs Chili Cook Off & Casino Night. For just $18 you’ll have a chance to try over 20 chili entries as well as hot dogs, beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks.  All proceeds benefit area children & adults with disabilities,a s well as The Therapist Scholarship Fund. There will even be door prizes, including $500 cash! If you’re thinking this event used to be held at Polen Farms, it was, but according to event organizer Peggy Quinn, “we moved the event to the Fairgrounds so we aren’t dependent on the weather.  This is a big fundraiser for us and if it was cold or rainy we’d get killed.”

Dayton MostMetro’s own SuperFry and The Big Ragu will be judging the chili and will select a critic’s choice winner and there will also be a people’s choice, voted on by the participants.  The event starts at 6pm and after you’ve had your fill of chili there will be plenty of casino games to try your luck.

The following have all donated a minimum of 5 gallon s of Chili for tonight’s festivities:

AMELIA’S      ATRIUM GRILLE      BUCKIN’ DONKEY     BULLWINKLE’S
CAFE MEXICO      CHAPPY’S GRILL     CHEF DADDY’S FIREHOUSE CHILI
CHRISTOPHER’S     CHUCK EASTMAN’S DEER SLAYER CHILI      ELSA’S @ WILMINGTON AVE.
FLANNIGAN’S PUB      HARRIGAN’S TAVERN      JIMMY’S LADDER 11      LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
ST. ANNE’S HILL CHILI COOK-OFF CHAMPION      SCRATCH CATERING      SLYDERS      SMOKIN’ BAR B Q
THE MIAMI VALLEY GOLF CLUB      THE TROPICS AT LINCOLN PARK      UNO’S CHICAGO STYLE PIZZERIA
The South Dayton Chapter of National AMBUCS is a charitable (501c3) service club.

  • They are one of the 4 chapters located in the Dayton Area and are among the 6000 AMBUCS members nationwide, helping people with disabilities
  • They provide free-of-charge special built tricycles called AmTrykes to facilitate therapy of disabled children and adults
  • They also sponsor scholarships for therapist.

For more information on Ambucs programs check these links out:
Every Kid Needs a Bike

Pictures of Recent AmTrykes in Action
Helping Disabled Vets
What is an AmTryke Rodeo

 

Happy Birthday, Ghostlight Coffee!

By 1 Comment

 

Recreate the audio atmosphere of Ghostlight Coffee as you read about the journey from an idea to the first anniversary of this local gem.
 Sounds of Ghostlight Coffee by Shelly “Gladgirl” Hulce (Opening Song: Me & Mountains – “Dayton, Ohio” from their LP “Feral”)

It’s 1:30am on a hot summer Thursday. As I make my way home up Wayne Ave. from a local rock show when I see the dim lights through the steamed up front window of Ghostlight Coffee. A usual sight, Shane Anderson is behind the bar alone until the wee hours of the morning tending to his shop while most of Dayton sleeps.

It’s been a good 7 months since the shop opened. Lot’s of drinks have been invented, served and consumed. On this late night / early morning Shane is toiling over the popular summer “cold brew” coffee, making sure to meet the demands of the specialty drinks fans. It’s a long tedious process, taking place over a 24 hour period. Special grind, soaking in special crocks on the shelf with ice cold temperatures that need constant monitoring. On the 25th. hour, the laborious steps of pour, drain, sift, squeeze, repeat begins for the concentrated elixir that’s served over an ice filled mason jar.

A task that would test anyones patience, this process could stand as metaphor for the previous 5 years of Anderson’s pilgrimage from the life of a school teacher to his dream of owning a coffee house. A long time coffee connoisseur and student of the coffee arts, it only made since to embark on such an endeavor.

That endeavor would take the better part of a decade to get off the ground.

Many potential partners and locations came and went. With each disappointment and unmet expectation came bigger better possibilities. A resident of the South Park neighborhood of Dayton, Anderson maintained 3 jobs, (working in a local credit union, employed by Muse Machine and executive director of ETC Music Theater), while scrimping and saving towards his dream. That dream lined up with those of his South Park neighbors for betterment of the areas business district. The Wayne Ave. corridor has been under transformation and tight bonds have been made between those business owners and the residents of the neighborhood. Out of such relationships came the offer of a South Park property owner to house the coffee shop of Andersons dreams. Going only on his savings and without a business partner, he began a long exhausting journey of gutting, building, refurnishing and swimming through the sea of red tape it takes to open the doors. Endless long days of getting off work from one job to spending entire days and nights in the shop. During the anticipated stalled out period of zoning issues, he went to work finding the most beautiful re-claimed / recycled wood from demolished Dayton homes via St. Vincent DePauls Deconstruction Depot, eBay auctions for furniture and restaurant equipment and oh the sanding sanding sanding and hours of staining…..”all this for coffee?” you may say.

Now, one year later, it’s clear, this dream included coffee but is more about community. A community of friends, neighbors and an accent on art. As diverse as it’s customer base, the arts that cross the stage, tables and walls of Ghostlight Coffee are an example of the reinvention process taking place not only on the Wayne Ave. corridor in the South Park area of Dayton, Ohio. It’s become a home base for personal growth through new found relationships, exposure to all levels of arts and artists in the area.

The artisan coffees, all made by scratch by outgoing and personable Baristas, are a reflection of the highly creative edge in the area. The art created within the shop itself is indicative of the core of Ghostlight regulars. (and you can see that art on display during the month of November.)

You may enter Ghostlight as a coffee drinker but you quickly skip the step of customer and become family.

In the last year, a band of regulars have found this coffee shop to be “home base”.

Much like the shows “Friends” and “Cheers”, friendships have been fostered, almost creating a cultural event.

Ghostlight Coffee Owner Shane Anderson (photo by Arielle Thomas)

Having a background in education and the performing arts, Anderson is sensitive to the working needs of artists and students in the area, employing many actors, musicians and students. This sets up an almost revolving door of staff, which is more of a delight than a hardship for his staffing.

In Nov. of 2011, his opening staff included 2 actors which have gone on to successful productions in New York and Boston. When actor JJ Parkey left in March of ’12 for the boards of Broadway, Anderson quickly networked with artisan coffee houses in New York City, assisting Parkey in landing a position in upscale shop “Kava”. The Ghostlight spirit of love and support wasn’t left in Dayton, Ohio. Quickly Parkey was serving notable celebrities of the arts world at “Kava”, including his long time idol, Joel Grey, star of the musical “Cabaret”. Call it kismet, but Parkey was up for the role as portrayed by Grey decades earlier. With the encouragement of “Kava” owner, he struck up a conversation with Grey and a coffee chat birthed a mentoring friendship.

(Parkey got the part and has since been nominated for Best Actor as a result of that production.)

Tales like this are not unusual among Ghostlight regulars. The power of attraction, a positive and nurturing atmosphere….yes, there’s something “in” the coffee at Ghostlight!

Plans for a small expansion are coming for 2013. Anderson is still surprised by the large and steady stream of patrons. Demand for more music and art based events are also reason to expand.

There’s always room for one more, around the table at this shop.

Happy First Anniversary to Ghostlight Coffee, where everybody knows your name!

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” (Cheers Theme)

By Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,

and they’re always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows

Your name.

 

Here are some photos from Ghostlight Coffee’s first year…

Matera Caffe: One of a Kind Restaurant in Franklin

By 1 Comment

There is nothing else like Matera Caffe in the Dayton area, and not only because they use two “F’s” in Caffe.  Why is Matera so special?  Because they mill their own flour and wheat on site. Yes, you read that correctly.  It doesn’t get fresher than this, and we have the flour marks on our clothes to prove it!  But that is only one of the great qualities of this eatery.

The owners of Matera Cafe have developed a place that is perfect example of why we do Food Adventures.  Inspired by a missionary trip to Honduras, Mary & Larry Rowland decided to open up a coffee house which would later turn into a full blown restaurant.  Close to their missionary work, they named the restaurant after the city of Matera, Italy where the movie “Passion of the Christ” was filmed.  The result is a well groomed restaurant that is as immaculate on the inside as it is outside.  It looks like the “after” pictures from the Kitchen Nightmares TV show.  There is even an outdoor dining area under the overhang.

As we entered Matera, a wonderful baked cinnamon smell greeted our noses, as well as the warmth a wood fired oven.  The chilly day made this a wonderful, inviting atmosphere.   Friendly servers explained the menu and the daily specials.  We were already drooling.

You already know they mill their own flour and wheat to make pizza dough, breads and waffles.  Well, they also make their own salad dressings and pancake syrup.   We tried the homemade waffle and syrup together, and it was great.  The Liege style Belgian Waffles are served with seasonal fruit and whipped cream.  A very unique, fresh tasting waffle was unlike any we have ever eaten.

Our Food Adventure to Matera Caffe would not be complete unless we tried one of the pizzas cooked in the wood fired oven.  We tried the Margherita Pizza, which is topped with roma tomatoes, romano cheese, fresh basil, mozzarella & olive oil.  The pizza was cooked perfectly, and the dough was so fresh that it had an incredible softness to it.  We were blown away.

Another item we loved was the Americano Sandwich.  It starts with their freshly baked ciabatta bread made from scratch.  The sandwich ingredients include fire roasted chicken, roasted roma tomatoes and arugula spinach.   The sandwich was also topped with an incredible pesto sauce that is homemade from herbs grown on site.   We are still raving about the Americano sandwich as one of our all time favorites.

Our Food Adventure ended in a tour of the milling operation.  We were very impressed at the hard work and passion that goes into making this menu.  Matera is one of a kind, so look for this little known spot to catch even more buzz in the coming months.

Dayton foodies should definitely check out Matera Caffe.  The staff and owners go out of their way to accommodate patrons.  They even offered us some wood fire roasted veggies as an alternative to Saratoga potato chips as a side.  Something not to miss, is the full Honduran coffee menu and various teas to compliment any meal.  The prices are affordable and the portions are nicely sized.  We devoured so much food that The Big Ragu actually had a rare “to go container!”  There is much more to come from Matera, as the owners plan to expand the dining area outside and have just recently secured a liquor license.  So take a drive down State Route 73 towards Franklin and experience the delicious cuisine like we did.  It is definitely a homemade experience from start to finish.

For more of Food Adventures, please visit our Facebook Page HERE and “like” us !

[flagallery gid=10 name=Gallery]

 

For hours, directions and menu information please visit them at www.materacaffe.com.

 

 

Restaurants Honor Military with Deals for Veterans Day

By Leave a Comment

A number of restaurants are saluting veterans, military service men and women this Veterans Day by offering local discounts, specials and promotions.  Here’s a quick guide to many of these great deals to be found on Veterans Day throughout the Dayton area:

 

Applebee’s – Free entree from selected menu  to active duty military and veterans on Sun, Nov 11th 

BD Mongolian Grill –  Show your military identification, and get half off stir-fry on regular priced bowls on Sun, Nov. 11

Chili’s – Free Veterans Day Meal from special Menu

Champp’s – Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free champps cheeseburger and fries all day on Mon, Nov 12th with military ID

Fazoli’s – Servicemen and women in uniform or with valid military ID will receive a FREE pasta entree, Valid thru Nov 12

Giovanni’s Pizzeria –  free spaghetti dinner for Veterans on Sun, Nov 11th

Golden Corral – Any person who has served in the US Military gets a free dinner from 4-9pm Mon, Nov 12th

Hooters – Veterans and active duty military members get 10 free boneless wings with a drink purchase, Sun, Nov. 11th.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – Active duty, retirees and veterans get a free doughnut and small coffee, Sun, Nov. 11th.

McCormick & Shcmick’s – Enjoy a free meal from their special menu on Nov 11th with valid ID

McDonald’s – On Nov 12th, buy one Quarter Pounder with Cheese or Big Mac at regular price, get one more of the same for just 12 cents.

O’Charley’s –  Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a complimentary meal from the “$9.99er” menu, Mon, Nov 12th and

Oinkadoodlemoo BBQ – FREE SAMMICH, SIDE, and BEVERAGE, Mon, Nov 12th  and they will be offering our Military a 10% OFF discount each and everyday starting November 13th.

Olive Garden – Veterans and active-duty military members can choose from one of six free entrees, Sun, Nov 11th.

Smashburger – Active-duty military members and veterans receive a free entree of their choice on Monday, Nov 12th
Texas Roadhouse -join us for lunch from 11AM-3PM on Mon, Nov 12th. If you are a Veteran or Active Military Personnel, bring your military ID, Veterans Affairs Card, or discharge papers to select a free entree and soft drink/tea from our Veterans lunch* menu

TGI Friday’s- Free lunch on Mon, Nov 12th for for all US Military personnel and veterans. Must wear uniform (if permitted by your service) or present military ID or other proof of service.

 

The Pub at The Greene– all active duty and retired members of the military  will receive a 50% discount on Sun, Nov 11th off of food.
 TJ Chumps –  Veterans eat free on Nov 12th with military ID

 

If you know of other deals, please feel free to add them in the comments below.

Arrow Wine Centerville Adds Growlers

By 1 Comment

Arrow Wine & Spirits Centerville store  has always hosted a Friday night beer tasting, but now they’ve taken it one step further by adding a Growler Station, with 6 rotating taps for draft beer.  For $5 you can buy the actual reusable 64 ounce Growler, then get it  filled up straight from the tap with your choice of brew, then it gets sealed with a twist on cap.  With proper refrigeration, your beer will last about a week. Cost of a fill up will depend on your beer choice, but run about $14-$18. Your growler is a little more than a 6 pack of beer, if you’re trying to compare prices.

According to wikapedia, the modern day growler states was introduced in 1989, Charlie Otto and his father were discussing the dilemma facing the Otto Brothers Brewery. They wanted to offer “beer-to-go” for their local customers, but they were not yet in a position to bottle. Father Otto suggested the use of “growlers,” which were used in his younger days, but Charlie recognized the need for an updated package type. He purchased a small silkscreen machine, and set it up on his patio. Soon he was silk-screening his logo on half-gallon glass bottles that resembled moonshine jugs. The modern-day “growler” was introduced.

The Growler menu at Arrow this week

George Bulvas III, brewmaster at Water Street Lake County Brewery, WI, suggests that growlers are named for the buckets of beer once given to factory workers before their stomachs began to “growl” from hunger. Regardless of its true origin, the growler is a great way to take home some fresh brew from a local bar or restaurant.

Locally you can pick up growlers at several bars downtown that are part of the  Growler C0-0p, which we wrote about in 2010, and was  started by Blind Bobʼs, South Park Tavern, Thai 9 and the Trolley Stop. The South Dayton  Growler programs was created by Doubleday’s, The Culinary Company,  Buffalo Wings & Rings and Archer’s Tavern in the summer of 2011.

Dayton Beer Company, Boston’s Bistro and The Liquor & Wine Warehouse on York Commons  all have Growler programs as well.

 

 

Five Guys vs. Smashburger: Who’d You Rather?

By 11 Comments

The voting is not over this week, you have one more ballot to cast.  Food Adventures asks ‘Who’d you Rather?’  This installment pits two fairly new burger chains against each other, Smashburger versus Five Guys Burgers and Fries.   Both eateries are popular casual dining spots, so this promises to be a tight race.  Please comment below on which one you would rather do, and why !

Here is the opinion of your Food Adventurers:

Hungry Jax’s Vote:  Smashburger

“I like Smashburger’s sandwiches better. I think the Smash fries at Smashburger are tasty.  No hanging chads on this ballot!”

The Big Ragu’s Vote:  Five Guys

“Five Guys burgers taste better and are more filling.  I think pound for pound, you get a better bang for your buck at Five Guys.  I like Smashburger, I just like Five Guys huge burgers better.”

Dearest Food Adventure Fans: Who’d you rather: FIVE GUYS or SMASHBURGER?  Do you like the gourmet options of Smashburger and their smash fries made with rosemary, garlic and olive oil?   Do you prefer the no frills double burgers at Five Guys and their fresh sliced fries made with peanut oil?  Let your voice be heard and comment below !

Become an official fan and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=9 name=Gallery]

 

Hello Sunshine!

By Leave a Comment

Harvey Wallbanger Ingredients

Just add some avocado shag carpeting, and the 70’s are back!

Cocktails made a very slow recovery after World War II. The basics, like the Manhattan and the martini, came back rather quickly. In all honesty, they never really disappeared. During the 1950’s, like most of the culture, we were slowly getting back into the swing of things after three decades of unrest. We tried to put things back together the way they were, but it really did not work that well. Vodka became the staple spirit, once people realized that three martini lunches could be had without smelling of strong liquor. That led us to the 1960’s, where boundaries were pushed as far as they could go. The tiki cocktail craze hit and drinks got complicated. We went from simple combinations of one or two spirits and one mixer to the Mai Tai, Zombie, Planter’s Punch, and crazy combinations of exotic spirits and mixers. Rum was king, and every drink had multiple mixers, liquors, and garnishes. The 1970’s simplified the cocktail game a little. There were a few throwbacks to complexity, like the Long Island Iced Tea, but simpler cocktails returned. They returned with additional flavors. A little bit of a twist on the traditional. It was in this environment that the Harvey Wallbanger thrived.

The Harvey Wallbanger is incredibly simple to make. Take a Screwdriver (1.5 oz. vodka, 4-5 oz. orange juice, and build over ice) and float an additional .75 oz. of Galliano over it. Simple, but with a little twist.  The story behind the cocktail also has a little twist. One story revolves around a surfer named Harvey, who had a bad day on the waves. He lost a big contest, and went to one of the local watering holes, where Donato “Duke” Antone had a drink special going that day: a Screwdriver with a float of Galliano. Harvey apparently loved them, and spent the afternoon drinking them. When he got up to leave, he was stumbling out of the bar, hitting tables and banging into walls. From that day forward, they called him “Harvey the Wallbanger”, and the name stuck to the drink. The twist to the story? It could have been completely fabricated by the Galliano company, who was trying to figure out a way to sell their liquor to a market that was willing to experiment. The drink was invented in the 1950’s, but did not hit its stride until the 1970’s. It was so popular that it actually earned enough votes in the 1972 election to be noticed, and was named as one of the top food fads of the 70’s by the Food Network.

Much like polyester suits and disco, the drink fell back into obscurity after the 1970’s. You will still see a tall, lone, golden bottle of Galliano in bars, just waiting to be used in a Harvey Wallbanger, possibly a Golden Cadillac. It will then go back to its seat on the shelf. There are rumblings that the elaborate craft cocktail movement may be transitioning to simpler cocktails, and the Harvey Wallbanger might become one of the fads of 2013. On this November 8th, National Harvey Wallbanger Day, search out one of those distinctive cocktails and try and become a trendsetter. Cheers!

 

Dayton Bartenders Compete For Jagermeister Title

By Leave a Comment

The Winner’s Trophy

While most of Dayton were watching election results, the Dayton Racquet Club was packed with some of the region’s most creative bartenders.  Jägermeister Herbal Liqueur hosted an exclusive event for 25 area bartenders, who had submitted their best Jager recipes to earn a “Seat at the Table” for for the first ever Jagermeister Mix Off.

Tony Dea, State of Ohio Manager for  Sydney Frank Importing Company, explained “that each bartenders recipes were  sent to our New York headquarters where the brand team chose the top 10 to compete in the regionals. A similar event was held last night in Cincinnati and next week Columbus and Cleveland  bartenders will compete in their regionals, and in January the finalists from all 4 cities will compete for the state title.”

The  finalists from Dayton  included Colleen Mescher from Taggarts Pub, Jonna Thompson of G & J’s Highspot, Nicole Hitte from Good Time Charilie’s, Tim Brant from MJ’s Cafe, Cheri Simmons of Brixx, Dave Thomas from Ned Peppers, Dave from Jimmie’s Ladder 11 and Seth Browning of Carvers Steakhouse.

Bartender Dave from Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Bartenders were introduced by DJ Fish, who shared their  drink recipes while they had 5 minutes to mix 18 drinks, which were then served to 17 judges, 15 of them being the bartenders that did not make it to the top 10.  Other judges included representatives from Southern Wine, the local distributor for Jagermeister.  A caricature artist was on hand to make sure each guest left with a souvenir,  and Connie from Tuty’s in Fairborn won a Jager Tap machine in the door prize drawing.

While the judges were tabulating the votes, guests where treated to a Flair Bartending demonstration by Scott Christian, the raining Bistro Franchise Champion.  Just like Tom Cruise from Cocktails, Christian juggled up to 4 liquor bottles, while mixing drinks to the cheers of the crowd.  He heads next week to Pittsburgh, where he claims “he’ll win and head on to the Top 10” and continue his touring with the Flair Bartending Associations World Tour.

The 3 finalists, surrounded by the Jager Girls, will head to the state finals in Jan.

The 3rd place winner, Marissa Todd from Bargos Grill and Tap (2nd from the left above) won a $100 with her Jager Mocha Mudslide:  In a blender mix 1oz of Jager, 1oz of Van Gough double expresso, chocolate syrup, 1 scoop of Ben & Jerry’s phish food ice cream and half and half.  Serve in a chilled 16oz glass.

In 2nd place Seth Browning (2nd from the right)  took home $150 and will be happy to serve you a Chocolate Jager Mint at Carvers:  1 1/2 oz Jager, 1/2 oz dark creme de menthe, 1 1/2 oz Godiva White Chocolate served in a chocolate drizzled martini glass.

Winner Jamie Gaulding

Taking home the Dayton regional trophy as well as  $250, Jamie Gaulding, from PC’s Lounge on Gettysburg,  winning nameless recipe is:

1 part Jager to 2 parts Italian sweet cream (aka coffee mate), half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.  Blend with ice and serve in a rocks glass, top with whip cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

“All three of the top finalist will head to the State finals in Columbus, held in January according to represent Dayton,” according to Heather Taggart Robinson, the Ohio Sales Representative for Sidney Frank Importing Company.

Your Vote Earns You Deals at Area Eateries

By 4 Comments

Doing your civic duty can be your ticket to discounts around town today:

  • Rue Dumaine is offering 10% off your meal today with your sticker.
  • Buy one cupcake, get one free at Cake, Hope  & Love in Beavercreek
  • At El Meson bring in your ” I VOTED STICKER”- and with the purchase of Tapas, Small Plates, or dinner- recieve a Pitcher of SANGRIA for $5! This can also be for a FREE dessert ! your Choice Lunch or Dinner!
  • Hawthorn Grill will upgrade your lunch sandwich into a platter with your sticker
  • BD Mongolian Grill is offering $2 off your meal with your sticker.
  • Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop will give its guests a free donut when they purchase any beverage and show their “I Voted” sticker at participating U.S. restaurants on Election Day.
  • The Amber Rose is hosting Voter Apperciation Day! Present your voting sticker to your server and receive $2.50 off lunch or $5.00 off dinner!  *One discount per check only. Valid today only

 

If you hear of more deals, feel free to add them in the comments below!

Craft for the Coast

By Leave a Comment

Cavalier Distributing, who describe themselves as Ohio’s Finest Specialty Beer Wholesaler, is partnering with  Dogfish Head, Heavy Seas, and Sixpoint Breweries, all of which are located on the East Coast, to raise funds to support the American Red Cross in assisting those people affected by Superstorm Sandy. They will donate $1 per case sold from these breweries on Nov 5th – Nov 9th.

Additionally on Tues, Nov 6th, they are teaming up with Ohio bars and restaurants on a Craft for the Coast night.  The participating bars will donate $1/pint sold and Cavalier will match the money raised, dollar for dollar for each Dogfish Head, Heavy Seas, and Sixpoint beer sold. Stop by your favorite local bar, restaurant, or store to help our fellow Americans in need!

Bunkers Sports Bar and Grill
893 East National Road, Vandalia, OH 45377
937-890-8899      Hours: 11am – 2am

Featured Beers:
Dogfish Head (Delaware) Chicory & Punkin
Heavy Seas (Maryland) Loose Cannon & Winter Storm
Sixpoint (Brooklyn NY) Lager & Bengal Tiger

Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille
2733 W. Alex Bell Road, Moraine, OH 45459
(937) 299-7427     Hours: 11am – 2am

Featured Beers:
Dogfish Head (Delaware) Positive Contact, Palo Santa Marron and Indian Brown
Sixpoint (Brooklyn, NY) Resin and The Crisp
Heavey Seas  (Maryland)  Loose Cannon & Winter Storm

It’s also 2 for $22 Dinner day at Chappy’s – each person can choose from 6 entrees, with 2 sides and Texas Chocolate sheet cake.

Lucky’s Tap Room and Grill
520 E. Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-6800     Hours:  11am -2:30am

Featured Beers:
Dog Fish Head  (Delaware) Midas Touch
SixPoint (Brooklyn, NY) Resin.
Heavy Seas (Maryland)  Small Batch Warning

Scene 75 Entertainment Center
6196 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 619-3200      Hours:  3- 10pm

Featured Beers:
Heavy Seas Winter Storm

Piada: Fresh, Fast and Furious Food Adventure

By 2 Comments

The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House are not food critics, we are Food Adventurers.  That’s like comparing Roger Ebert to Indiana Jones.  We always eat big, never use generic stock photos, and always hit a place multiple times.  If it is something we love, we write about it.  Piada is one such place.  Since the grand opening of this new spot, in our hometown of Centerville, the lines have been out the door.  So we bided our time, until the frenzy died down.  What is the excitement about?  This popular Columbus based franchise has capitalized on the “assembly line” serving style which has brought countless comparisons to the likes of Chipotle.

Here is the rundown, when you enter the place you pick your meal type.  You have four choices: A piada (a huge burrito), a pasta bowl, a chopped salad bowl or a select two in which you can choose mini versions of any of the items mentioned earlier.  After you pick your meal type, you pick your meat: calamari, grilled chicken, crispy chicken fritte , Italian sausage, steak, salmon or vegetarian.  Be forewarned that the grilled chicken is a mix of white and dark meat.  The crispy chicken is strictly chicken breast.

You are then asked to choose a sauce: pomodoro, diavolo(spicy tomato sauce), alfredo, red pepper pesto, basil pesto, or creamy parmesan.  After that, you are moved down the line to choose from a variety of vegetable toppings, including unique choices such as eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, and papadew peppers.

Hungry Jax liked the pick two two combo, but her recommendation is to go for the BIG chopped salad bowl instead of the smaller combo portions.  It is simply a better deal.  Fresh greens with your choice of veggie and meat toppings make this a healthy and flavorful choice.  The Big Ragu says go for the Calamari Piada or Salmon Piada, but don’t put any pasta in the “burrito.”  Instead, save room to stuff more kinds of veggies in there!

One thing we love are the artichoke piada sticks and the parmesan reggiano piada sticks.  They are cheesy, dusted with garlic powder and delicious.    Another attraction for us is that they have Peroni, on tap.  We always enjoy the crisp taste of this Italian import beer.  Other unique beverages included the Italian Teas and Sodas.  Our favorite was the raspberry soda.  Piada even offers Peach Bellini’s, which are made with sparkling wine.  Finally, we tried the of cannoli dip.  It is a bag of mini-cannoli shells and a side of cann0li filling for dipping.  An interesting concept for a dessert on the go.

Ragu’s Italian ancestors are not sure if this is authentic street food, but it tastes great.  Prices run $6 – $9 for your typical entree.  Check out our album below for lots of food photos.  Do you want a lunch that is a fresh, fast and furious?  Then visit Piada Italian Street Food and get some chow…. or should we say…  Ciao !

Often imitated but never duplicated, you can find Food Adventures HERE on Facebook.

Piada Italian Street Food is located at 1047 Miamisburg-Centerville Road.  Hours are 10:45 am – 10:00 pm every day.

[flagallery gid=8 name=Gallery]

’83 Sweets Cupcake Wars Episode Reruns Thurs, Nov 1st

By Leave a Comment

’83 Sweets girls, Alyssa and Julie with Cody Simpson at the winner’s party!

We’ve said it before, but just like a good episode of Cupcake Wars, the story is worth repeating!  Daytonian Alyssa Logan and her mother Julie recently competed on an episode of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and if you missed it the first time, it will be re-aired on Thurs, Nov 1st at 7pm. Since it’s already aired, we figure we’re not spoiling anything by sharing that ’83 Sweets was the winner of this episode featuring Cody Simpson.  Their cupcake display was featured at special fan event for rocker Simpson.

According to the Food Netork’s website, “each week on Cupcake Wars, four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains. The sweet prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the winning gig. Candace Nelson (owner of Sprinkles Cupcakes) and Florian Bellanger (chef and co-owner of online macaroon company MadMac) serve as permanent judges with a third rotating judge each week.”

This is the second trip to Cupcake Wars for Alyssa and her mom, who serves as her assistant. Their first trip was for the Tony Hawk Foundation Skate Parks which aired on July 8th of this year, in which the baking team made it to the finals.  Her carob cupcakes with avovado, sunflower butter frosting and candy-coated sunflower seeds made a big impression on this show.  You can check out some behind the scenes video here:  [yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ0FtcPmM4&feature=youtu.be’]

Logan said she was picked to be on the show among thousands of applicants, and believes her 1980s-themed bakery is what set them apart.  She thinks her small town

vibe really made a difference in her being cast, even though she initially thought it might put her at a disadvantage.  Logan says she’s a fourth generation baker, who learned to bake at her Grandmother’s side.  “The aromas of baking cakes, cookies and pies remind me of her, and it makes me smile.  Our special time lives on through her recipes.”  Logan is especially proud to use fresh eggs from her mothers farm as well as many organic ingredients in her baked goods as possible.

’83 Sweets is a  home based bakery-delivery business that was opened almost 3 years ago.   You place an order and she delivers.  You can also order up cupcakes and other sweets on her etsy shop.  However with all the attention “83 Sweets is getting, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear an opening soon announcement….

 

Another local bakery, Moore Dessert Please, was also featured in this episode, which originally aired on Oct 21st, read about them here.

 

 

 

Dayton Native Plugs New Cookbook With Local Appearance

By Leave a Comment

Celebrity chef Ming Tsai was born and raised right here in Dayton and learned to cook working side by side with his mother and father in the family business, the Mandarin Kitchen.  After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Yale, he toured the world working in kitchen and training with renowned chefs from Paris to Japan.  He eventually opened his own restaurant in Wellesley, MA.  The Blue Ginger has been widely acclaimed and Ming has been awarded Best Chef Awards and been recognized with many industry accolades.

Ming hosts his own cooking show on  public television SIMPLY MING, which can be seen here locally on ThinkTV.  Ming will return to Dayton on Thurs, Nov 1st at 7 pm at Books & Co. a The Greene to introduce his newest book, Simply Ming In Your Kitchen: 80 Recipes to Watch, Learn, Cook & Enjoy.  This collection of 80 simple dishes introduces a new concept in cook books.  By using QR codes, you can use have Ming in your kitchen with you on video demonstrating the techniques you’ll use to create each dish.  You’ll even by able to download ingredient shopping lists to your smart phone. Recipes  reflect Ming’s East meets West approach to cooking and include: Honey Crab Wontons, Olive-Oil Poached Salmon with Tomato Tapenade, Japanese Chicken Curry and also some of his favorite cocktails like a Sake Cucumber Martini or Pasion Fruit Ma Tai.


 

 

 

 

 

Beer Tasting For A Cause

By 6 Comments

The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio invites you to join them at the Taj M Garaj this Saturday night , Nov 3rd, for their annual Autoberfest beer tasting from 6 – 10pm.   Amongst the amazing collection of Porsches and Volkswagen’s on display, guests can choose up to 20 samples  of craft beers and  a new addition this year, a selection of 6 wines as well.   Live music will be provided by Side of Fries and appetizers will be served up by Bernstein’s Fine Catering.

Beer Selections will include brews from  21st Amendment, Boston Beer Company, Brooklyn, Chimay Trappist, Goose Island, Lindemans, Magic Hat, Morgaat Duvvel, Mt. Carmel, Ommegang, Redbridge, Rogue, Samuel Smith, Shock Top, Sierra Nevada, Smuttynose, Stella Artois, Thirsty Dog, Victory and Widmer Brothers.

Tickets are available online for $40 or at the door for $50 and include a souvenir glass and tasting guide.   All guests must by 21 or over and tropical attire is encouraged. The Taj Ma Garaj is located at 30 Perry Street in downtown Dayton.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have TWO PAIRS of  tickets to send you to Autoberfest so fill out the form below, and then leave a comment at the end of this article that tells us why YOU should win tickets from DaytonDining.  We’ll announce the winners on Thursday by 4pm.  Cheers!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Joe Erickson and Fran Paschall!