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Cheesecake Factory introduces ‘SkinnyLicious’ Menu

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SkinnyLicious Asian Chicken Salad

After winning the dubious distinction of earning first and second place on the “Worst Foods in America” list from Eat This, Not That, The Cheesecake Factory is rolling out a new menu option.  The 165 chain restaurant is staggering the rollout, with the Beavercreek store set to debut on August 12th.  “On the skinny menu, fresh veggies will replace potatoes on steak and fish entrees. Tacos will have less cheese. And chicken salad will be made with light mayo, says CEO David Overton.

The wide variety of selections  featured on a standalone “Skinnylicious”  menu  include options ranging from appetizers to entrees and even some desserts.. The Small Plates Appetizers and fresh-baked Flatbreads categories feature dishes all under 490 calories, while the entre Salads and main courses are all served with 590 calories or less. Also featured are five Skinny Cocktails each with 150 calories or less.

The SkinnyLicious menu will also introduce 13 brand-new items including the Mexican Tortilla Salad, the SkinnyLicious Hamburger and Tuscan Chicken. Low-calorie favorites offered on The Cheesecake Factorys current menu such as the Beets with Goat Cheese, Chicken Pot Stickers and Asian Chicken Salad will also be offered on the SkinnyLicious menu.

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Marion’s Offers 47% Discount Today – Thursday

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Since opening in August of 1965, Marion’s Piazza has indeed become a Dayton Tradition! It’s easy to feel the history when you walk in their stores and see walls lined with black and white autographed photo’s of stars from yesteryear.  Many of the celebrities were in town to perform with The Kenley Players, stars like Sally Field, Mickey Rooney, William Shatner, Morgan Fairchild, Tim Conway, Billy Crystal and George Hamilton, who held the cast parties at Marion’s. Celebrating their 47 years of business means you can get a t 47% discount on up to 2 pizza’s this week with the coupon below.  Large lines are anticipated and be sure to bring cash, Marion’s does not accept credit cards!   Special pricing will be offered until closing on Thursday. Marion’s Piazza has been rated “Best Pizza” in 27 local survey’s and achieved national acclaim by being ranked  2nd in the Nationamongst all independent pizza restaurants. A true Dayton Original, between their 7 locations they employee about 275 and made a total of around 1 million pizzas in 2009.

print this coupon to get discount

Find the Marion’s nearest you:

241 North Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
B
711 Shroyer Road, at Patterson Road  – (937) 293-6991‎
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0
C
3443 North Dixie Drive, at Wagoner Ford Road – (937) 277-6553‎
D
8991 Kingsridge Drive, Dayton Mall ‎ – (937) 435-3300‎
Rated 3.3 out of 5.0
E
50 East Stroop Road, Town & Country ‎ – (937) 296-1177‎
F
241 North Main Street,  Centerville – (937) 433-3993‎
404 W. National Road, Englewood (937) 832-0333
1320 North Fairfield Road, Dayton, OH‎ – (937) 429-3393‎
1270 Expieriment Farm Road, Troy (937) 339-2000
and coming soon – Mason

“Where do you think we should go for a Food Adventure?”

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We need your help.  Do you have a favorite restaurant that we need to visit for a Food Adventure?  If so, please tell us, and post a comment below.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.  We are ready to try some new places !!!

We need your help, please post a comment below!

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

Celebrate International #IPADay

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Thursday, August 4th, is the first ever International IPA Day. On Thursday  craft beer drinkers across the social sphere and across the globe will raise pints in a collective toast to one of craft beer’s most iconic styles: the India Pale Ale. This celebrated style represents the pinnacle of brewing innovation with its broad spectrum of diverse brands, subcategories, and regional flavor variations – making it the perfect style to galvanize the craft beer’s social voice.

This is a new kind of event: a social media event.  All around the world (mostly in the USA, and more predominantly on the West Coast) IPA lovers will share their IPA experiences via Twitter, Facebook, Four Square, and other technological means of social communication.

Here’s the deal. Go out and drink some IPA on Thursday, August 4th and share your thoughts about what you’re drinking via social media. On twitter, use and follow the hashtag #IPADay.

This event, which exists in both the cyber realm and at many local pubs around the world, is the brainchild of @TheBeerWench and @RyanARoss. Sure they have real names, but given the nature of the event they created, why use anything but their twitter handles?

According to the event founders, “International #IPADay is a grassroots movement created to unite the voices of craft beer enthusiasts, bloggers, and brewers worldwide, using social media as the common arena for connecting the conversation together.”

“To participate, share your photos, videos, blog posts, tasting notes, recipes, thoughts with the world on Twitter Facebook, YouTube, WordPress, RateBeer, Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp, Untappd or any other social media platforms you may use. Use the hastag #IPADay in all of your posts and then see what others are saying by searching the hashtag on google, twitter or other social media resources.”

Or feel free to leave your IPA endorsements in the comments below.

Food Adventures recalls “Lost Food Gems of Dayton”

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Do you have any favorite food places that went out of business, and you still miss them to this day ?  Yeah, we do too.   How cruel to take a fantastic restaurant away from an addicted foodie.  This week, Food Adventures take a trip down memory lane and talk about some restaurants we miss in the Dayton area.  Please join us in this of recollection of Forgotten Food Adventures.  Feel free to comment and add some places of your own that you crave from time to time.

Here is our list of places that we wish had never closed.  Our “Lost Food Gems of Dayton”

BILL KNAPPS – We loved the chicken on a biscuit meal, also known as the elephant on the kids menu.  We also remember their au gratin potatoes as the best ever, served in a crock pot with browned cheese on top.  Ragu loved the clam dinner and chocolate cake.  We never forgot their incredible chocolate chip cookies.  There was a Bill Knapps on 48 near Loop Rd. in Centerville, and one by the Dayton Mall, and another near what is now The Greene.

Who else misses Rax?

RAX ROAST BEEF – We loved the salad bar.  We fondly remember the “BBC” (the beef bacon and cheddar).  The “BBC” proved the rule that bacon makes everything better but the cheese sauce made sandwich.  We frequented the 725 store that is now a Tim Horton’s

ROY ROGERS – We remember sitting in the little saddle chairs, and being addicted to the apple cheese crisp menu item.

WOODY’S GROCERY – The Big Ragu would tell you the bakery and seafood department was the best part of this West Carrollton icon.  Some however loved the deli with shaved fresh Corned Beef and Swiss on hard rolls with poppy seeds on top.  There was a cashier named Don Baker who had hair like Elvis that never changed for years.

WESTERN SIZZLIN STEAKHOUSE – We miss their beef tips

JED’S STEAK AND RIBS – Ragu remembers the salad bar had croutons that tasted like crayons, and their steak burger and ice cream bar were great childhood memories.  Jed’s was located on 725 in Centerville and is now a Goodwill store.

ROCKY ROCOCO’S PIZZA– We loved the chunks of roma  tomatoes on their pizzas.

JOE BISSETT’S GRUB STEAK– Remember the Princess Steak and a salad with blue cheese crumbles on top?  We also rocked the “kiddie cocktail” on North Main St, Dayton.

Free Ice Cream on your birthday

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

GIRVE’S BROWN DERBY– a place where Big Ragu loved the salad bar, and kiddie cocktails.  Ragu also loved the kids fish dinner. .  Ironically, the Brown Derby on Bigger Rd. is now a gym.

COZYMEL’S –  They had great margaritas and you got lots of food at a great price.  This place was located on 725 near McEwen Rd. in Centerville.

RIKES DOWNTOWN– Childhood memories of the snack bar in downtown Dayton.

This timeless restaurant in Miamisburg, is now a “lost food gem”

PEERLESS MILL– The Miamisburg Restaurant with the old fashioned and old school menu was like Thanksgiving everyday.

 

LUM’S – One of our favorites.  They had hot dogs cooked in beer.  Lum’s was located where Marion’s Pizza is now, in Town and Country shopping center.

PEASANT STOCK – We loved the peasant salad.  Ragu loved the atmosphere at the restaurant in the Town and Country Shopping Center.  We also visited the Peasant Stock Café in Dayton mall

THIRSTY DOG – A great microbrewery restaurant on the corner of Alex Bell Rd and 48 in Centerville that served homemade chips in dog bowls.  Ragu loved the Raspberry Light Beer, while Jax used to enjoy the Robinson’s India Pale Ale served warm.

Shuckin Shack on N. Main in Dayton, Ragu misses you the most

SHUCKIN’ SHACK – Ragu’s all-time favorite place on North Main St. in Dayton.  They would bring steamed clams out in golf ball baskets.  They also had a bar you could sit and eat raw oysters and clams, and throw your shells into a trough.  Another thing Ragu loved was their peel and eat shrimp and fried smelts.

KEENG WHA – This Chinese restaurant used to be on the corner of Woodman and Dorothy Lane.  They served Ragu’s favorite Chinese dish of all time: “Princess Prawns.”

ELDER BEERMAN RESTAURANT –  They hosted breakfast with Santa and the Easter bunny at this place located upstairs in the Centerville store on State Route 48.  Ragu’s memories are going to the Friday night buffet with his grandparents.  This was a place where the waitresses were “real” waitresses and they had the same staff for years.

HUNAN GOURMET – A long gone gem that was on 48 near Whipp Rd.  Ragu loved this place, especially their dry braised shrimp and sizzling rice soup.  It is now a Caribou Coffee.

NOBLE ROMAN’S – We miss the real Noble Roman’s, the new restaurants are completely different.  We miss the hand tossed pizza in the window, monster pizza and the hand rolled breadsticks with nacho cheese.

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

SAMBO’S – Ragu loved their pancakes served with boysenberry syrup.  This place was located at 48 near Loop Rd in Centerville.

ARTHUR TREACHER’S FISH & CHIPS – It was fried fish, so Ragu could live here.  The Jersey Mikes on 48 in Centerville is where one of the Arthur Treacher’s used to be.

CHICKEN LOUIE’S – This 24 hour chicken wing place is sorely missed on North Main Street in Dayton.  Ragu would risk life and limb by ordering through the bullet proof glass.  The related “Lou’s Broaster Hut on 3rd st had a special place in our heart.

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

TOTENKO – This place on the corner of 725 and 741 near the Dayton Mall was like a 70’s verison of PF Changs.  A great restaurant until it closed because a food critic found roaches on her plate.  Ragu learned to use chopsticks here while wearing his “toughskin” pants.  This place turned into a Chi Chi’s which has since gone out of business too.

MARK PI’s CHINA GATE –The fried rice was addicting at the Town and Country location.

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

BAJA FRESH – The Big Ragu still craves their fish tacos at the now defunct Dorothy Lane and Kettering Blvd location.

Burger Chef was one of our childhood favorites

DOMINIC’S – The iconic location on South Main Street in Dayton whose manicotti was incredible.  The real attraction here was the house salad dressing with so much garlic flavor that you breathed fire for 2 days afterward.

PHIL AND JERRY’S FOOD-A-RAMA –  Legendary Centerville grocery that had annual anniversary parties where a hot dog and a coke were around 20 cents.

BURGER CHEF- To this day, Ragu craves the Big Chef sandwich and their “works” bar where you could load up your burger!

D’LITES- Healthy fast food!  We loved their burgers and smoothies at the location of 48 and Whipp Rd.

WESTWARD HO – South Main Street cafeteria style restaurant that had drink glasses as big as your head.

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

What places do you still think about? Casa Lupita? Joe’s is a Fish House? Tequila Willie’s?  Kettering Village Inn?  Let us know any and all of them !

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

What restaurants do you miss? Please comment below !

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IPA’s Featured in New Holland Beer Crawl

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“New Holland Brewing’s Hatter Days is an annual event celebrating the success of the Michigan brewery and distillery with their customers and fans with a litany of versions of the flagship “Mad Hatter” ale. On Saturday, July 30th, New Holland is bringing the Hatter Days to Dayton. 6 Beers, 5 Bars! Come celebrate New Holland Brewing Co’s 14th Mad Hatter Birthday by drinking 6 different versions of Mad Hatter IPA.

Starting at 2pm at Thai 9 in the Oregon District, New Holland’s Beer Ambassador, Clay Cooper, will be tapping a specialty Mad Hatter at 5 different
establishments throughout the day.

Thai 9 will feature Rye Hatter: This beer showcases it’s grain-bill, made up of rye and barley malt. The rye adds a slight spiciness to the caramel-malt base, while also creating a creamy texture. Dry-hopping contributes a fresh citrus finish.

At Blind Bob’s you can experience the FarmHouse Hatter: An I.P.A. aged in Kentucky Barrels. Round, smooth wood character brings
a new dimension to dry-hopped, aromatic hoppiness.

Lucky’s will feature Oak Aged Hatter: aged in Kentucky Barrels. Round, smooth wood character brings a new dimension to dry-hopped, aromatic hoppiness.

Trolley Stop is serving up Black Hatter: A blackened version of Mad Hatter brewed with black malt for a dark, roasty sweetness to the base of the flavor profile. Finishes with a strong Centennial hop character from dry hopping.

And the final stop on the tour will be South Park Tavern for Imperial Hatter: A robust renovation of the India Pale Ale. Assertive dry-hoppying provides an aromatic telltale nose, indicative of the bitter symphony to follow. Bold hop character with lively grapefruit and citrus notes.

“Come to one tapping or come to all! It’s a pay as you go event that is sure to enlighten your taste buds in this World Gone Mad,” according to New Holland’s Clay Cooper.

The Tastiest Week of the Summer is Here

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Diners will once again get an opportunity to eat at some of the Miami Valley’s  best restaurants at affordable prices, while helping to support  local charity’s during Restaurant Week July 24 – 31.  More than 60 restaurants will be offering multi-course prix fixe menus at either $20.11, $25.11 or $30.11.

DaytonDinings Tips:  Make reservations when possible

This multi-tiered pricing is a new twist from the traditional $20 and change (based on the year) format that had been used since the introduction of Restaurant Week in 2005.  This past winter the Miami Valley Restaurant Association (MVRA)  raised the price to $25.11 and according to several restaurateurs guests had a  mixed reaction to the price increase.  So as a compromise this time around, restaurants will pick the price point they feel is best for them and guests can choose based on menu’s, many of which can be found on the MVRA site.

Expect crowds!

Upon perusing the menu’s on the site it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the array of choices.  Some eateries like Benhams and Sidebar are offering meals at several price points.  Others will be offering dinner for 2 at the pre-set prices like Dublin Pub and Hickory River Smokhouse, offering meals for 2 at $20.11, Chappy’s Tap Room & Grill, Pepito’s & Spinoza’s meal deals are 2 for $25.11 and  Kabuki will feed 2 for $30.11.  Based on the menu’s currently posted, it looks like only Fleming’s and The Melting Pot are offering a dinner for one for $30.11

Many restaurants are closed on Sun &/or Monday- check first

Traditionally Restaurant Week has kicked off on Sunday and ended on Friday.  This summer’s promotion has been extended to run Sunday through Sunday.  But take notice – not all restaurants are participating in the extended days, according to the MVRA website.  And keep your eye out, several restaurants often carry over the dining deals for a second week.

No matter where you chose to dine, part of the package includes a donation to charity partners.  $1 of each meal will be shared by Hope Blooms, MVRA Scholarship Fund, Icky Woods Foundation, Clothes That Work.  With restaurant week occurring twice a year, 14 weeks of donations have amounted to over $100,000 in n support of local nonprofits.

While saving on your meal- splurge on wine to compliment your meal

Many people have a love/hate relationship with Restaurant Week.  Before I go any further, I should admit that I was the President of the Restaurant Association when this promotion was launched and I am quite proud of the impact it’s had on our community.  But I know folks that dine out regularly and avoid this week due to the crowd, while appreciating the volume it creates for our local businesses. I also have a group of friends that can’t wait for the menu’s to be posted so they can plan their eating extravaganzas.

Restaurant staff also have mixed feelings about this promotion.  Most appreciate that they will be busy all week, but I’ve heard bartenders complain that while the servers and cooks are busy, that guests aren’t buying anything but the dining deal and therefore they don’t make much money.  As a former restaurateur, I know that those who embrace this promotion as a marketing opportunity are the ones that get the most from it. Owver/Chef Wiley at Meadowlark has been a great example from the very beginning.  She involved her staff, planned creative meals and promoted the menu’s ahead of time to her regular guests and even poured wine for waiting guests.  Savona got creative pairing value wines with each course.

Menu offerings can change – be flexible

I too, have things I dislike about this week.  Like restaurants that sign up for the promotion, but don’t get buy in from their staff.  I’ve been to several places that print a special Restaurant Week menu on an insert and the guests get seated without the promo menu. Whether  intentional or an oversight, I’ve then heard guests questioning whether the restaurant is participating or that they don’t see the $20.11 meal.  Restaurants please don’t make it hard for guests to partake.  The MVRA also promotes a contest offering guests a chance to win gift certificates for filling out a comment card, but many restaurants don’t pass them out- so be sure and ask your server for yours and your meal deal can really pay off if you win!

If you do go out for these dining deals, please keep in mind that for many places, this is the busiest week of the year for them and that can mean longer waits, frazzled staff and sometimes running out of the advertised items.  Be patient and please remember to share the savings you got on your meal when you tip.  Happy dining!

Food Adventures says: Godfather’s Pizza is the REAL DEAL !!

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When Noble Roman’s reopened a few years ago, we rushed over only to be disappointed by a pizza that was NOTHING like the product of the 80’s and breadsticks that were NOTHING like the hand rolled ones we had as kids.  Equally awful, Ragu had tried a Godfather’s Pizza in a gas station in another state. The gas station Godfather’s was more like Speedway Pizza than the Godfather’s of the past.  So needless to say, we were skeptical about the new Godfather’s Pizza. Was it going to be the same taste we remembered from the late 70’s and early 80’s?

The buzz about the Huber Heights Godfather’s Pizza was that it was the real deal.   So Food Adventures grabbed a couple of foodie friends and headed out Brandt Pike to solve the mystery for ourselves.

We entered the restaurant with our entourage of El Jefe and Gene Genie.  The new store works like this, you order first, they give you a number, then you sit down and they bring you your pizza.  Our party of four ordered, we decided to go BIG.  We ordered 2 jumbo deluxe pizza’s.  Hey if we are here, we got to do it right.  First of all, Godfathers is not cheap.  The sizes come in small, medium, large and jumbo.  The large specialty pizzas are $21 and the jumbo ones are $25.  However, the place was very busy, so we knew something was up.

That is not crust, it is a gateway to love

We could hardly stand the anticipation as we waited to try the pizzas.  We saw a packed restaurant of happy customers enjoying what looked like the same Godfather’s pizza we remembered as kids.  Ragu had to order a salad bar to help distract himself from the anticipation.

What followed could not have been better.  They brought out 2 huge, thick pizzas piled with toppings and mounds of melted cheese.  The cheese even had those brown burnt spots we remembered from the old days.  Your Food Adventurers were having a moment.  We kept looking at each other using words like incredible and awesome to describe the taste of the pizza.  Of course, we finished their pie with no leftovers.  El Jefe and Gene Genie on the other hand, had to ask for a to go box.  We left the restaurant humming early 80’s tunes and grateful for the chance to have truly re-lived a childhood food experience.

Exactly how we remembered it ! Click on the picture to enlarge and see for yourself!

A few months later, a Godfather’s opened up on Wilmington Pike near Feedwire Rd in Kettering/Bellbrook.  We had to make sure this was the same legit product and not one of the gas station Godfather’s pizza that resembles a frozen pizza.

Again, Godfather’s delivered as promised.  We ordered a small pizza this time, but still received the same great quality.  The small pizza was by no means cheap  at $14, but definitely worth it.  This pizza had anchovies on it and was very tasty.  It was also loaded with toppings like onions, green peppers and mushrooms.  We saw that the Wilmington Pike store had a small dining area and a “To Go” window as well.

Thick pizza – click on this photo to enlarge and see

Are you someone who misses that pizza taste of the early 80’s?  Then your Food Adventurers suggest you change into some terry cloth shorts and rock the 70’s afro to put you in the mood for some throwback Godfather’s Pizza.  Believe Food Adventures when we tell you: “It’s a pizza you can’t refuse!”

Click on this photo to enlarge. It will knock your knee high striped 70’s socks off

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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Centerville Market Walk

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Last week I met up with Chef Anne Kearney of Rue Dumaine Restaurant at the Centerville Farmers Market. I talked with Anne about whats in season at the market and finding its way on to her menu. Anne has always been committed to using the freshest superior ingredients. Right now Rue Dumaine’s menu features local peaches, plums, and apples from Downing Fruit Farm’s; salad greens from Hungry Toad Organic Farm; Morning Sun Farm’s eggs and spelt; Tim Downing’s tomatoes; and Brickel Creek Organic Farm’s raspberries, gold beets, and blackberries – just to name a few! What summer crops does Chef Kearney most look forward to? She can’t choose just one: “Beets, tomatoes, greens, beans, oh, the list is long!”

There are countless reasons to shop farmers markets: freshness, flavor, nutrient content as well as economic, environmental, and social reasons. You can simply taste the difference; produce is ripe and fresh because it’s bred for flavor whereas supermarket produce has been bred for shelf life, picked green and gassed to ripen slowly.  Supermarket shopping has become a confusing minefield of GMOs, pesticides, and preservatives. When you visit a farmers market answers are just a question away – all you have to do is ask the farmer. If you commit to eating what is in season locally, you’ll learn to handle new ingredients and you may find some new favorite flavors. Supporting the local economy is easy to understand at a farmer’s market, your hard earned dollars stay in our community, with people who support the community. I first met Anne when she and my Husband Joe both cooked for the March of Dimes Celebrity Chef Auction. When it comes to the environment, we can feel a sense of contribution buying local produce since it traveled far fewer miles to get to your plate than supermarket produce. A study in Iowa found that a regional diet consumed 17 times less oil and gas than a typical diet based on food shipped across the country.

Dayton area chefs are doing their part as well; local food is a major new trend but it isn’t anything new to Anne Kearney. “Year around I create daily specials that feature our local harvest. Check out the website to see what is being offered every day. Throughout the year I have many local greens and mushrooms that are featured on the core menu.” More and more chefs, like Anne and my Husband, are participating in farmers’ markets. On the second Thursday of each month Anne offers a selection of seasonal artisan soups, salads, and sandwiches to Centerville market patrons.

This year has been brutally hard for our area farmers. Heavy spring rains delayed planting for so long that some crops just didn’t make it into the ground. That rain is still having an impact on the produce at the Market and it will affect the entire season.  Despite the spring’s weather-related setbacks, area farmers’ markets are open this summer rain or shine. Remember to make an effort to shop a farmers market even when it’s raining – those are the days our farmers really need support. Make time to shop the market before heading out to those fairs and festivals this summer too. And when choosing where to dine out, consider the area restaurants and eateries that feature local products. Supporting them also supports our area farmers!

I talked with Robert Downing of Downing Fruit Farm and his pride in the quality of their produce was evident. Mr. Downing told me that his apple cider won first place for all of North America in 1999. I tried some of his peaches and the flavor and sweetness were truly remarkable, it’s easy to see why chef’s are selecting them.  “We are working hard every day to produce a quality product for our guests while utilizing our community’s bounty. Our clientele knows of the effort it takes and appreciates it.” –Anne Kearney

Don’t miss Rue Dumain’s study of pig, “Tour de Swine” this August. Anne is creating a pork special utilizing a few of the more obscure piggy parts!

As promised, Chef Kearney has written a special recipe for you to try out with some local raspberries and peaches:

Click to enlarge!

The Centerville Farmers’ Market, located at 829 S. Main Street, is open Thursdays throughout the summer from 2:30-6:30 and hosts ten regular vendors. In addition to Anne’s goodies, I saw wonderful tomatoes, peaches, plums, green beans, potatoes, zucchini, summer squash, lettuce, cucumbers and much more. Visit Our Ohio to view a list of what is in season this summer.

Market Walk looks forward to talking with more area chefs to see what local ingredients are sparking their imaginations this summer. Every week The Chef Case Facebook page highlights local ingredients from farmers at the 2nd Street Market and look forward to the next issue of Market Walk which talks with Chef Wiley about Meadowlark’s recent move to 5531 Far Hills Avenue and the farmers from the Yellow Springs Farmers Market that she works with.

See you at the Market!

Photo Credits: Ardently Ohio Photo

Cool Soups Luncheon Benefits Peace

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You’ll get relief from the heat if you attend the annual Cool Soup Lunch this Friday, July 22nd that will take place at Christ Episcopal Church at 20W. First Street.  For $20 you’ll receive an artisan-made pottery bowl or a vintage Kuntz’s Cafe Bowl filled with six freshly made cold soups (including a vegan option), Ashley’s Pastry Shop breads, a beverage and dessert, as well as benefit the Dayton International Peace Museum.
The soups are being made by a variety of people, including the chef from Cafe Monet from the Dayton Art Institute.  There are scheduled to be a watermelon gazpacho, a cold squash soup and exciting desserts.  “This fundraiser has been a big hit for the museum” says Chris Dull, co founder of the museum.  The museum is run fully and completely by donations and staffed fully and completely by volunteers.
To Sign Up and Pay by Credit Card on the Museum’s Secure Website. Select “Cool Soups” from the “Program Designation” drop-down menu and enter the cost at $20 each for the tickets you are ordering.  Include the names of those coming to enjoy the Cool Soups in the “Comments” field at the bottom of the form. Reservations should be made by July 21st.


Food Adventures heat things up at the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest at Fraze

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Stepping out of our Sebring convertibles on a humid summer day in front of the crowd, we knew we were in for a hot time.   The Big Ragu, with horrendous windblown hair, sniffed the aroma and approached the festival.  Make no mistake, Ragu loves wings, well done wings cooked all the way through.  Some prefers boneless chicken wings and all was unleashed at the fest.

Your Food Adventurers arrived at the first ever KICKIN’ CHICKEN WING FEST at Fraze Pavillion in Kettering right at the fest opening time of 2pm.  A crowd had already formed in the 90 degree heat.  Eleven restaurants offered their take on the almighty chicken wing.    Some offered other menu items in addition to wings, and most booths offered wings in 5 or more sauces.

Little did we know, the first wings we tried were going to be our favorites.  A place called Nick’s Restaurant from Xenia, had our favorite wing flavor of the day.  We had never heard of this place, but their Spicy Garlic Wing was our vote for best chicken wing.  Great taste, great kick and there was Parmesan cheese in the sauce.

Nick’s Restaurant’s Spicy Garlic Wings were our favorite flavor at the fest

As we walked from vendor to vendor we saw familiar favorites and some unfamiliar restaurants.  There were BW3, Rooster’s, Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, Beef O’Brady’s, and Buffalo Wings and Rings, all which we have had often.

We also saw McGillicutty’s restaurant out of Kettering who offered baked chicken wings, a tasty alternative to the fried fare.   Your Food Adventurers really enjoyed the hottest wings offered by Romer’s Sports Bar & Grill from Bellbrook.  They were scorching hot and turned on the waterworks for an already sweaty Big Ragu.

Romer’s Hot Wings Really Lit Us Up !

The prices of the wings were reasonable, 3 wings for $2. The cold beer sold for the regular inflated price of 5 bucks, which did not seem so bad on this steamy day.

We visited the Brixx Ice House Booth for Chicken Skewers with Bourbon Sauce and Vegetable Shish Kabobs.  Not bad for only 2 dollars a skewer.

We enjoyed the hot wings at the Archer’s  Tavern booth, which featured fiery sauces from Crazy Uncle Jesters.  We also tried the whole wings from Paradise Key which were a little undercooked for our taste, but they had the most customers in line for food.

Other sauces that we enjoyed were Buffalo Wings and Rings Parmesan Garlic,  Sweet n Sassy wings from Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers along with their Chipotle wings.  More favorites were the Rooster’s Killer sauce, Romer’s Asian Persuasion wings, and Archer’s wings with Crazy Uncle Jester’s Louisiana Firestorm or Jamaican Hellfire sauces!  We love BW3’s Teriyaki sauce while Ragu hit some of their Carribean Jerk wings.

The Sweet n Sassy wings from Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers were wickedly tangy

The heat and the spices took their toll this Food Adventure.  At the end our our tasting, we looked over and laughed at the messy Big Ragu.  With sauce on his face and hands, Ragu had to take a time out to wash up with cold water in the bathroom sink.  What emerged was a sopping wet Ragu, with his hair slicked back and bloodshot eyes.  His  chapped lips were still burning, but he managed a smile.  Sure some lines were long, but there was a “hot time in the old town tonight!”  We loved the first annual Kickin’ Chicken Wing Festival, it definitely didn’t lay an egg!

Please visit FOOD ADVENTURES ON Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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L’Auberge Hosts Annual Clambake

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In traditional New England Style, L’Auberge, located at 4120 Far Hills Avenue in Kettering,  will be serving up a clambake plate that includes a whole Maine Lobster, little neck clams, shrimp, mussels, redskin Potatoes, sweet Onions and corn on the Cob.  This meal will be offered during dinner hours which are 5:30 9pm on Thurs, July 14 and 5:30- 10pm on Fri, July 15 and  Sat, July 16. The clambake option runs $39.50.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling the restaurant at 299- 5536.
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Food Adventures hits a truly AUTHENTIC Mexican Restaurant – Taqueria Mixteca

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And we mean AUTHENTIC on E. 3rd St

There was a time in our lives when we once considered Taco Bell to be really good Mexican food.  It was during our high school and college years, when money was scarce and our late night cravings were curbed by a ritual “run to the border”.

After college, we started dining at various chain restaurants claiming to serve authentic Mexican cuisine, but they were no more than glorified Taco Bells.  As the Big Ragu’s favorite band Survivor said, “The Search is Over”. We are officially in love with a little restaurant on East Third Street in Dayton called TAQUERIA MIXTECA which means “damn good Mexican food” in Spanish.

Chicken Taco, Ground Beef Taco – note the double corn tortilla

Taqueria Mixteca isn’t a fancy restaurant, it is one of those places that you may shoot a glance at while driving by.  They don’t advertise, they don’t have a fancy dining room — we don’t even know if they have a bathroom! They do however, have a drive-thru.  What the place lacks in character is compensated for by a diverse group of diners, with a great menu to match.  The majority of dishes give you the option of ordering the kind of meat you want, ranging from chicken to tripe.  They have three different homemade sauces and delicious homemade salsa.  There is something for everyone…even you vegetarians out there!

Big Ragu tries the homemade hot sauce

On the day of our visit, the Big Ragu ordered multiple tacos including: Chicken, Chorizo, Beef Tongue, and Ground Beef.  The Food Adventures Crew also decided to try the Pork Quesadilla and Enchiladas.  We agree that these might be the greatest tacos we have ever eaten due to one factor — simplicity.  While other places load on the cheese and sour cream, the only ingredients that you find here are meat, cilantro, onion, and a lime wedge all placed on a double corn tortilla.

Since we are spicy individuals, we decided to try each one of their three homemade sauces and were not disappointed.  One of our favorite moments of this taco trifecta was making the Big Ragu try a Beef Tongue Taco. This was not an easy feat as The Big Ragu is picky about his meat.  He avoids steaks at any cost claiming textural difficulties and is the only Italian we know of who hates meatballs. We might not recommend the Beef Tongue Taco, but it was quite amusing to see the Big Ragu squirm.

Authentic Enchiladas

We didn’t know what to make of the Enchiladas when they brought them out because when we think of Enchiladas, we think of them topped with white cheese sauce.  These were naked as the day we were born and had a red-orange glow. Again, the taste of the enchiladas spoke for themselves.  Authentic, simple and the flavors were unique.
One of the biggest surprises was the pork quesadilla. The flavor was intense and fresh. It was probably our favorite item of the night.

The price for our meal was a great value.  Our bill was only $21, a great price for all of the items we tried.  Taqueria Mixteca was recommended to us by people who are from Mexico, or have spent a lot of time south of the border.

The Pork Quesadilla was our favorite

Sure the El Toro and El Rancho Grandes have their place, but this is the closest thing to AUTHENTIC Mexican that you will find in the Dayton area.

So get over to Taqueria Mixteca… VAMOS !!

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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Olive-an urban dive – Try It For Lunch This Week

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If you’re one of the many that’s been watching the transformation of the old Wympee’s building at the corner of 3rd and Wayne make its slow transformation over the past 8 months, let me tell you – it was worth the wait! Friday night I was among the lucky 150 guests that got to “Dive into Olive.”  This week long preview was smartly marketed by owner/operator Kimberly Collett, who did an excellent job using social media to build excitement, followers and future customers for her eatery.

As 30 of us sat down family style for dinner we were handed a piece of paper and a pen and asked to  really honestly share our opinion.  We started with baklava, followed by caesar salad, tuscan grilled cheese and gluten free tomato bisque (I have to say Coco’s tomato bisque now has competition). As each course came out Kimberly talked about local suppliers, what tweaks could be made to offer dishes as vegan and explained the challenges of a tiny kitchen.  Sacrifices had to be made- like going without a dishwasher- so plating has been thought out very carefully, and each glass, utensil and pot must be handwashed.  You could hear the pride in her voice as Kimberly shared with us that she made each table, the ceiling tiles and the bar was created out of a tree her grandfather cut down over 60 years ago.  The lights over the bar are made from Chimay Blanche bottles (Kimberly’s favorite beer – might come in handy to know if you need in without a reservation).

open faced tuna taco

Highlights for me included the spanikopita, garlic hamburger, fried leeks (think onion rings), tuna tacos  and of course the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams– Olive is just one of 300 approved restaurants in the country permitted to carry their products.   Each ingredient, we learned, must appear in at least 4 items to earn it’s place in the pantry. At Olive, everything possible is made from scratch, from as many local ingredients as can be found. Since all of their items are made from scratch, there isn’t even a can opener in the kitchen.  They will be promoting their local purveyors on the back of their staff shirts- the inaugural  shirt highlights 40 farmers. The restaurant won’t have a liquor license, so you are encouraged to bring your own beer or wine and they’ll happily supply the glassware.
Olive has over 1300 facebook friends who have been following the saga of the permitting process, came to their defense when occupancy numbers were at stake, and stopped by when invited for a graffiti party prior to the drywall going up.  And now finally like we told you back on June 13 Olive will be open from 10am – 3pm for a soft opening for lunch. They are offering a $10 meal which they describe as  “salads, lunch sized & a cuppa soup.” Check out the menu. Locavores will appreciate all the freshly sourced food, but remember- that doesn’t come cheap.  You’ll pay more to eat here- but the flavors you’ll get to taste will make it so worth it. But bring cash- Olive doesn’t take credit cards yet, and even when they do they won’t take American Express.

homemade cheescake with fresh cream

And while you’re there- think about reserving the place for your own private dinner party. Mon – Wed you can host your own evening- either pre fixe meal or off the menu for a party of up to 30.  There is also a darling patio out back that seats 15.   We’d love for you to share your impressions in the comments below, if you dine at Olive!

New Thai & Sushi Option Downtown

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Over a year after it was officially announced, and much speculation that it would never happen, Sa Bai, a casual upscale Asian restaurant, has finally opened at the corner of 5th and Jefferson Streets, across from the Convention Center.  Described by  owner/manager Saveth Yun, as a mix of 90% thai, 10% sushi, the restaurant will seat about 140 guests.  Previously Mr Yun was the general manager of Teak Thai Cuisine in Cincinnati.

He also tells us that he has plans for live music on the patio later in the summer.  The patio will seat another 80 guests.  The restaurant will serve lunch Mon – Fri, from 11am – 2:30pm with prices in the $6-$8 range.  Dinner service will start at 5pm seven day a week.  He expects dinner will be served until 9 or 10pm, but will have to see what traffic dictates.

sushi bar at Sa Bai

Yun says diners should expect to spend $10 – $15 on dinner entrees.  Happy Hours will be offered, but details weren’t firm yet on what that will include.

Sa Bai will be able to offer groups private seating, either in a curtained off section in the main dining room for about 40 or in the back room by the sushi bar for larger groups.  For more information  call the restaurant at 535-2900.  Yun says while he’s registered the domain name, he hasn’t had time to get the website working yet, but will soon.

There is free parking under the Transportation parking garage off Stone Street, where Neon Movies visitors used to park.  (Neon guests can now park for free across the street in the old bus station lot). Let us know your impressions if you dine at Sa Bai, in the comments below.

JET FREEZE for Summer Food Adventures and Treats

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Serving Customers Since 1957

What does a sweaty Big Ragu do to cool off this summer?  We leave the swim club and get a fix at JET FREEZE!  Located at the corner of Grange Hall and Patterson Rd in Beavercreek, this little known secret has been satisfying customers since 1957.

A favorite of Ragu’s since his childhood and able to quench any sweet tooth, this place has the most INCREDIBLE SOFT SERVE ice cream ever.  Why is the soft serve so delicious?  The answer is fresh milk.  We saw them pouring gallons of Reiter milk into the machine that mixes the 95% fat free treat.

Strawberry Soft Serve

Jet Freeze has chocolate and vanilla soft serve.  They also specialize in strawberry, a flavor that is rare in soft serve circles.  The management told us the strawberry flavoring is specially mixed by employees for that great one of a kind taste.  All flavors of soft serve cones are value priced from $1.20 to $1.80 for the large cone.  In fact, we had a hard time finding a menu item that was priced above 3 dollars.

The place is simple and old school.  They have 70’s style booths in the inside dining room, which is like an enclosed patio.  The outside dining area features decades old stone tables and benches under yellow neon bulbs. Customers look particularly handsome under this lighting.  Make sure you bring cash, because they do not accept credit or debit cards.

Family owned from the start, JET FREEZE has held onto its roots, while continuing to serve tasty treats year after year.  But beware, Jet Freeze is closed during the winter months, so you cannot satisfy your cravings year round.  Let’s get back to the food ….

The Big Ragu is addicted to their PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE.  The Food Adventurers found out they mix their own peanut butter sauce.  We also tried the Banana Split which was very tasty and filling.  Another treat that Jet Freeze serves are their FLURRIES. This is a take on the Dairy Queen Blizzard, and the soft serve makes this a winner, no matter what your topping.

Peanut Butter Cup Flurry and a Footlong

The menu also includes sandwiches.  Let us recommend the FOOTLONG with or without chili, and check out the BBQ sandwich.   Our suggestion is stick with the mainstays: soft serve or the sundaes.  Be like us, stay cool and  “Jet on over to Jet Freeze.”

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

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