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The Top 35 Burgers of Dayton

May 22, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 25 Comments

Two of the 20 ounce Hog Burgers from Voltzy’s. Home of Dayton’s Best Hamburger !

According to our good friends at Dayton Dining, May 28th is National Hamburger Day. Today, we celebrate with this timely article.

THIS IS THE UNDENIABLE TOP 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO. Some are well known icons, some are not. What they all have in common is incredible taste and freshness. Each is a burger in a class of its own.

For years, Food Adventures has scoured the Miami Valley, trying different places over and over again to make sure we get the definitive list. We have eaten each burger on this list at least twice to ensure placement, accuracy of ranking and consistent quality. Our hard work and chewing has paid off.

Now, without further delay, Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu present, in order, the best 35 burgers of Dayton, Ohio.

The 10 ounce Cheeseburger from Slyder’s Tavern. “The Pride of Belmont”

THE BEST 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO

1) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” and ” THE HOG BURGER ” at VOLTZY’S ROOT BEER STANDE: Fresh hamburgers and fresher service. Dayton’s #1 burger is in a shack, but at least they have bathrooms. We are amazed at how many people still have not tried this place. The owner Rick Volz, is known for his grumpy, yet playful attitude with the customers. If you go in the wrong door, forget to call in your order, or deviate from the regular toppings, you will feel Voltzy’s wrath. It is his “schtick,” similar to the Seinfield show’s “soup nazi.” Enduring the insults is worth it for a taste of his cheeseburgers. Voltzy grills each and every hamburger himself, and he does it to perfection. The 2 burgers here that are MUST EATS are the CHEESEBURGERS ,which are sliders and priced at 10 for $12. The other burger is THE HOG, a 20 ounce mammoth burger that he named after his ex wife. One of his sleepers is the Betty Ann Burger, named after his mom.

The Secret: His 80/20 chuck mix is ground fresh every morning. His burgers are steam grilled with onions and cheese, and topped with sweet heat mustard.

The Tank Burger with Cheese, a Cult Classic in Dayton !

2) ” THE 10 OUNCE CHEESEBURGER ” at SLYDERS TAVERN: Make sure you get the 10 ounce burger for the full experience. This is a ‘burger lovers burger,’ with a fresh taste. You get it all, lots of toppings and you can taste the seasoned meat. If you don’t get a handle on the burger early, it can get a little messy. A burger with a huge underground following, and comes in at #2. Make sure you check out “The Pride of Belmont” on Watervliet Rd.

The Secret: They use Dot’s Market fresh 80/20 Ground Chuck. “Grandma’s old iron cast stove and steel grill” in the back is also a key to cooking the burgers perfectly.

3) ” THE TANK BURGER WITH CHEESE ” at TANK’S BAR & GRILL: One of Dayton’s Iconic Dayton Burgers. It is as simple as that. This burger has a cult following of thousands and thousands of fans. People come from all over to this spot on Wayne Avenue to try the legendary burgers. Sink your teeth into one of these big, meaty legends !

The Secret: The owner Dan ” Tank” Tankersley says it himself..”Fresh, fresh, fresh… and the quality helps too.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

The "Lark Burger" from Meadowlark has a unique and distinctive flavor

The “Lark Burger” from Meadowlark has a unique and distinct flavor

4) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at THE PINE CLUB: You think they have great steaks? You should try their Cheeseburgers! This iconic restaurant on Brown Street, is the most unlikely place to find a good burger. But it makes sense, doesn’t it? Some of the best quality meat in town in here.. right? It’s so good that they sell their raw hamburger meat in 5 pound bags “to go.”

The Secret: They grind the hamburger meat daily, at the same time that the butchers are carving the most famous steaks in Dayton. Rumor has it that they add a little bit of ground lamb to their burgers.

5) ” THE LARK BURGER ” at THE MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT: Served on a sturdy kaiser roll with white cheddar, this is one of the juiciest burgers we have ever eaten. Trust us, and order one of these burgers. It is a sophisticated, delicious and unique tasting burger, and unlike any other on this list.

The Secret: Fresh Rosemary spice is worked into the all-natural, Ohio Beef patties, which are also seasoned in wine. The burger is as aromatic as it is delicious.

The “Jerk Burger” at Ye Olde Trail Tavern in Yellow Springs has Jerk Seasonings and Jalapenos

6) ” THE JERK BURGER ” at YE OLDE TRAIL TAVERN: Talk about a Food Adventure in a bun, this burger has a lot going on. The cheese topped jalapenos bring the burn, the beef brings the flavor, and the jerk sauce is the icing on the cake. A burger so unique, we have never had anything like it. This one is #6 with a bullet !

The Secret: They tout that they have their own special “beef blend” for their burgers. This and the inventiveness of the jerk sauce on the burger are the secret.

7) ” THE ONION STRAW BURGER ” at THE HORSELESS BUGGY EATERY: They won 3rd place in the nation for food truck’s with the best burger. We love them for the size of this burger. The presentation of this hefty burger is usually met with “ooohs and ahhs,” from people standing around at food truck rallies.

The Secret: The burger is pattied fresh daily with special seasonings. The onion straws are made fresh to order, on a bakery style Kaiser roll. These onion straws are that crunch that puts it over the top.

The Onion Straw Burger from The Horseless Buggy Eatery, a Food Truck

8) ” THE VOSS BURGER ” at O’LEARY’S PUB & GRUB: Two hand smashed patties totaling 2/3 pound of meat, with cole slaw and any other of your typical toppings. A nice Kaiser roll with a long toothpick holds it all together. This burger is messy but so delicious. One of the best burgers we have ever eaten, but get it with cheese !

The Secret: The burgers are ground daily at Zink’s Meat Market less than a block away. The high quality and fresh 80/20 ground chuck, catapult this burger onto our list.

9) ” THE BOURBON BURGER ” at BRIXX ICE CO.: A huge hamburger, that even feels warm through the bun. With lots of toppings, it is surprising, but the bourbon sauce is still very noticeable. There is no better atmosphere to enjoy a burger than inside this old building, or on the patio overlooking the Dragon’s stadium. This burger is simply phenomenal.

The Secret: It’s all in the bourbon sauce. It haunts your every bite, in a good way, letting you know “I’m still here.”

10) ” THE MOWHAWK BURGER ” at MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL (FOOD TRUCK): A huge burger on wheels. Chef Aaron serves up some of the best burgers in Dayton. They have a distinct taste. Truly a delicious burger with great toppings. Make sure you grab one of these, when his food truck is in town. You can thank us later.

The Secret: He uses fresh ground ribeye meat. The result is a big, juicy, delicious burger. It is as simple as that.

“The Voss Burger” from O’Leary’s Pub in Centerville

11) ” THE GOAT BURGER ” at LUCKY’S TAPROOM: A nice, filling burger with a ton of flavor. It is made of local, Dayton beef, and a pile of toppings. Unhinge your jaw and bite into a serious burger. Andrew Trick and his staff do this up right!

The Secret: The beef is from Keener Farms, which produce locally grain fed beef. The freshness is evident in every bite.

12) ” THE TASTY BURGER ” at THE HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: Like a “Big Boy” sandwich, only better. It is juicy, tasty and filling. This is one of the lesser know burgers in town, with the biggest flavor. Every bite is like music to your mouth.

The Secret: The greasy grill of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House, seasons the burgers perfectly. The bun and tartar sauce on your tongue, seals the deal, and makes it a MUST EAT.

13) ” THE STICKY BURGER ” at ARCHER’S TAVERN: This unique burger is another MUST EAT. It is the #1 selling signature burger on their menu. Part-owner Dan Apolito says in his 5 years at Archer’s, he knows of only 2 people that tried it and didn’t like it. If you’re thinking about it, go for it! Peanut butter as a topping makes it a Food Adventure for sure !

The Secret: Peanut Butter, Bacon, & Pepper Jack Cheese give it a hot, sweet almost Thai peanut taste. They suggest you order it with no lettuce , no tomato, no onion or pickles

14) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at CARVER’S STEAKS & CHOPS: This burger is only available at the bar or “to go.” It is not on the regular menu, so this burger is one of the best kept secrets in town. A deliciously seasoned burger with all the ‘fixins.’ The weck style dinner bun makes it easy to eat.

The Secret: They use steak scraps to make the burgers. The burger is also served with carmelized onions and a housmade A1 aioli sauce.

15) “THE THREE CHEESE BACON BURGER” at ONE EYED JACKS: Provolone, Swiss and Cheddar cheese adorn this burger , as do 2 big pieces of bacon. This is one of the best burgers we tried, and the flavor is one-of-a-kind. It is one of those burgers that when you take a bite, you say with a full mouth “oh my gawwwsh.”

The Secret: When they mix the meat, they add herbs and spices. The result is a very distinct taste of basil and other ingredients. This burger is one of the dark horses on the list.

The “Bourbon Burger” from Brixx Ice Co. is a Food Adventure on a plate

16) ” THE PARAGON STEAKBURGER ” at THE PARAGON SUPPER CLUB: The burger is a modest 6 ounce serving, and a great deal at just $7.50. When you add the bun, tomato, lettuce and onion, it becomes a mouth stretcher on that first bite. We choose to add american cheese, mustard and ketchup to seal the deal. It is even great when ordered “to go.”

The Secret: They grind the trimmings of their filet mignon steaks for the patties of this burger. The result is lean, flavorful magic.

17) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at KOWALSKI’S HOTS: Yes, a burger from a hot dog stand made this list, and rightfully so. Fresh meat on a NY style weck bun, with concession style condiment choices where you doctor it up yourself. The $5 price tag is worth every bite, and when the relish, mixed with the weck bun and meat hit your taste buds, we say “goodnight Irene.”

The Secret: He puts a meaty coney sauce on the hamburger. The way the juicy meat soaks into the weck bun is a perfect vessel for delivering this burger to your mouth. We found ourselves dancing while standing and eating it at the cart.

The “Mohawk Burger” from Mohawk Freestyle Grill Food Truck

18) ” THE LARGE, CLASSIC CHEESEBURGER ” at E. O. BURGERS: Located at the Greene, not only is this a great burger place, but their shakes are killer too. Make sure you get the large cheeseburger, take your number, sit down and wait for the main event. Condiment carts at the tables have sauce toppings including A1 and Cholula. It doesn’t matter what you top it with, it is a great burger.

The Secret: They use 100% USDA Prime Beef, and the taste is terrific. Fresh, handmade patties everyday with USDA Prime Beef quality, means consistently good burgers.

19) ” THE CHEESEBURGER” at JIMMIES LADDER 11: This six ounce masterpiece is probably the best deal on our list. The burger, the toppings and the atmopsphere is 100% Dayton. We love it. With so many great items on their menu, it is no surprise that their burgers kick butt too.

The Secret: The burgers are 100% Angus meat, mixed with secret house seasonings. It doesn’t hurt that the burger is served with Mikesells Chips.

The “Goat Burger” from Lucky’s Taproom is a Masterpiece

20) ” THE URBAN BURGER ” at ELSA’S KETTERING SPORTS GRILL: Made famous by the legendary Dayton restaurant owner, Urban Suburban, this burger has been a Miami Valley favorite for decades. The recipe is untouched since Elsa’s Kettering took over, and the result is still magical. Get it with cheese.

The Secret: Fresh meat, never frozen and a pile of toppings. Big eaters with big appetites, this burger is for you.

21) “ THE GROUND BEEF BURGER” from CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: Easy to eat, and absolutely delicious. This burger is as unique as the restaurant that serves it. They pride themselves on organic, all natural burgers with no additives. The proof of that choice is in every bite. The most picturesque burger on our list, it looks like a magazine ad.

The Secret: A bakery quality, multi-grain roll holds the burger together perfectly. It is the handle that carries that non additive beef burger into your mouth, like a valet for your taste buds.

The Large, Classic Cheeseburger from E.O. Burger at the Greene

22) ” THE BISTRO BURGER ” at COCO’S BISTRO: This Angus beef burger is served with bacon, carmelized onions and the most incredible Boursin cheese sauce. One of the more unique burgers on the list, the taste is instantly recognizable.

The Secret: It is all about the creamy, rich, Boursin cheese sauce. The first bite is one of those “wow” moments. The kaiser roll is stellar too. We cant stop saying the word Boursin after eating this… Boursin, Boursin. Booooorr. siiiiine. It’s all about boursin,bout de boursin, no trouble…

23) ” THE BLEU CHEESE STUFFED PEPPERCORN BURGER ” at THE TROLLEY STOP: It is a juicy burger, made with local beef. It is stuffed with bleu cheese. You must stuff it in your mouth. Not a lot of condiments are needed for this special treat. The chef at Trolley Stop has really kicked up their menu, and this is just another example of that.

The Secret: It is made with Keener Beef, a locally raised beef, which gives a very fresh and organic feel to the burger.

The “Ground Beef Burger” from Christopher’s is Delicious & Picture Perfect

24) ” THE BIG NICK BURGER ” at NICK’S RESTAURANT: Xenia natives know this is a great burger. For the others that don’t know, welcome to another place where you can “get the beef!” The Big Nick is a tasty 1/2 pound burger, and the only place in the area where you can get a side of smelts with it. Call it a Xenia Surf and Turf ! We love it !

The Secret: They claim the perfect blend of 80/20 ground chuck. We say they are right! You have to love a burger whose call tag it, “What’s on your Big Nick?”

25) ” THE BLACK JAX AND BLEU BURGER ” at SEA JAX TAVERN: This nice sized burger is served with carmelized onions, pepper jack cheese and crumbles of bleu cheese. Lots of flavor in this one.

The Secret: The burger is “blackened” before the incredible toppings are added. The cajun spices on the meat are a nice touch.

The Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg has been legendary fro over 100 years !

26) ” THE HAMBURGER ” at THE HAMBURGER WAGON: Any place that people that people stand in line 15 deep in the bitter cold or intense heat, just to get a taste of the burgers, has to be on this list. There is no doubt, this place has a cult following. In fact the “place” is actually a wagon in the street. Since the Great Flood of 1913, the Hamburger Wagon has been an icon in Miamisburg. The burgers are topped only with onion, pickle and salt & pepper. The pride themselves on needing “no stinking condiments.”

The Secret: The burgers are actually a mix of burger and sausage meat. Also, the grilling method of deep frying the burgers, by pressing them down with a spatula, in a large iron skillet gives the hamburgers than one of a kind “crunch” when you bite into them

27) ” THE ITALIAN BURGER ” at BLIND BOB’S: A generous 1/2 pound burger with provolone cheese, marinara sauce and carmelized onions. The atmosphere and quiet fanfare for this burger, makes for a fun experience. Definitely a hamburger not to be overlooked.

The Secret: The burger is “stuffed” with provolone, green peppers and basil. It oozes with every bite. Eat it quick, so it oozes into your mouth and not in your hand.

“The Italian Burger” from Blind Bobs is stuffed with Provolone, Green Peppers and Basil

28) ” THE APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER ” at BUNKER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL: A nice sized hamburger with bacon and cheddar cheese. You have to pour the BBQ sauce on yourself, since it is served on the side. The result is a smokehouse flavor that is a refreshing twist. This is the only burger on the list that is served with shredded cheese.

The Secret: Fresh Angus beef combined with applewood smoked bacon is the key to this bad boy. It gives a nice maple hint to the burger and shredded cheese.

29) ” THE PUB FRIES BURGER ” at THE DUBLIN PUB: A burger with fries, cheese and bacon crumbles on top. When you combine Dayton’s favorite pub fries and a great burger, you are bound to have a winner. Add the “Dub Pub” atmosphere and you have yourself a Food Adventure escape from reality !

The Secret: The cheesey pub fries topping are what puts this on the list. The burger is good, but the pub cheese fries on top, make it outstanding.

The “Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burger” at Bunker’s in Vandalia

30) ” THE DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER “ at CADILLAC JACKS: A great sports bar atmosphere for one of the best burgers in town. Make sure you get the “double” burger, it is time to play with the adults. Great flavor from the first cheesey bite, to the last.

The Secret: Fresh ground sirloin and ground chuck mix, with tons of cheese. The result is a melt in your mouth, delicious experience.

31) ” THE HAMBURGER ” at GEEZ GRILL and PUB: A solid, great tasting pub burger. This burger is one of the dark horses on our list. “Mama G” hits the mark again with her menu items. Make sure you get some cheese on it

The Secret: The meat is fresh Ground Chuck, pattied daily by hand. And that was all it took in this case.

The Double Cheeseburger from Cadillac Jack’s. Soooo Cheesey !

32) ” THE HALF POUND HAMBURGER ” at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: A diner that is a throwback to the “good ole’ days”. Killer food and good service. Grab a 1/2 pounder at George’s to fill your carnivore cravings. No frills, no dramatic presentation, just a damn fresh and tasty burger in a bun, on a plate.

The Secret: Fresh meat cooked on a flaming grill. The grill is so fierce, you can see it flare up from time to time if you are seated in certain areas of the dining room.

33) ” THE YUMMY BURGER ” from WHITE LOTUS RESTAURANT: A true Dayton dive with a friendly cook / owner. Here your hamburger could be cooked next to some chicken pad thai. The burger is delicious and the prices are cheap. “Yummy burger?” Hell yes it is!

The Secret: The owner will tell you that her “love” that goes into the burger is the secret. But we saw the trick. It is fresh ground meat, with garlic salt and pepper, cooked on that old, seasoned, flat top grill.

34) ” THE MINNESOTA JUICY LUCY ” at ROMER’S BAR & GRILL: This 1/2 pound burger is stuffed with provolone, pepperoni and jalapenos. The result is a tasty hamburger that oozes cheese with every bite from inside the burger. Yet another Food Adventure on a plate, this one takes it to a whole new level of taste.

The Secret: The “inside out burger” mentality of the Juicy Lucy and the unique stuffings of course. The pepperoni and jalapenos give it a salty and sultry burn in every bite.

“The Yummy Burger” from White Lotus

35) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at BENJAMIN’S THE BURGER MASTER: A great burger that deserves a spot on our list. The gooey cheese and the meat, it’s the simplest burger on this page. And it simply tastes great. They also have the best BBQ wings in town.

The Secret: The simplicity equals good taste. The burgers are fresh, 100% ground beef, seasoned and topped simply. Sometimes, less is more.

Honorable Mention:

” THE BIG FRICKIN’ BURGER ” at FRICKER’S: This burger is a full pound of beef. The patties are brought in fresh, not frozen. This burger stacks two of the 1/2 pound patties, resulting in a massive burger, and a great frickin’ deal at just $7.99.

The Secret: Cooked over a flaming grill. Great grill marks, and a great taste.

“The Big Frickin’ Burger” at Fricker’s is a pound of meat, flame grilled, for less than 9 bucks

” THE MAID RITE ” at MAID-RITE SANDWICH SHOPPE: They are sweet tasting, tiny, little sloppy joe like sandwiches. We are letting them slide by into the burger category. The small sandwiches are addicting and delicious. There is a HUGE fan following of this restaurant, and many people travel an hour for these little icons. The eatery is located at 125 N. Broadway St in Greenville, Ohio.

The Secret: It is the cooking technique, which is a closely guarded mystery. Some say they add sugar to the meat, others think they steam the meat in Pepsi. We have no idea, we just know we love them.

Honorable Mention Chain Burgers: “The Garbage Burger” from Max N Erma’s, The Big Boy Sandwich, and White Castle Hamburgers. These regional chains along with the Red Robin burgers are MUST EATS. We give a shout out to Five Guys and Smashburger as well… We eat it all, no self contradictions here.

“The Hamburger” at Geez Grill & Pub. A solid entry into the list.

There you have it, that’s our list of the top 35 Burgers in The Miami Valley ! Comment below and give us your beefs, take it easy on our buns…

As you can see, Food Adventures never does anything halfway, and this is no different. Notice, we have no contributed or borrowed stock photos here. All of these pictures are original, because we actually went to the places and ate the burgers at least 2 times each. Yes, multiple visits is what keeps Food Adventures on top of the pack.

Want more of the best foodie spots in Dayton? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE. Join Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu as they leave no plate unturned.

DID WE LEAVE ANYONE OUT?

IS SOMEONE IN A SPOT THEY SHOULDN’T BE?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU ! COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR “UNDENIABLE LIST” DAYTON’s TOP 20 BURGERS !

Also, check out our photo gallery below.

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All You Can Eat “Sushi Club” Hits Dayton + win free sushi

April 10, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 329 Comments

The Alaska Roll up front, Raw Pepper Tuna and Raw Salmon in the back

Attention sushi lovers, you aren’t gonna believe this. For the first time ever, an all you can eat sushi restaurant has opened in the Gem City.

This special place, called the “Sushi Club” has been open for a couple of weeks in West Carrollton. Now, before you start thinking of the side sushi at a Chinese buffet, let us stop you, because you’re wrong. This place is more like a Brazilian Steakhouse setup, but for sushi. Actually, it is just a sushi restaurant, with an option to pay $16.99, and order sushi rolls until you are full. That’s how it works. And the quality is great !! Your humble Food Adventure Crew have already visited the place a handful of times, and we are hooked!

***Contest*** Want to win a free all you can eat sushi experience???

Comment below on why you should win and one lucky person will be chosen at random and will win dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Sushi Club!

Click to enlarge this roll called “Sexy on the Beach”

You certainly don’t have to get the all you can eat option, but it’s the best deal in the place. So get ready to grab some chopsticks, pour some soy sauce and stir in some wasabi. It is time to indulge to your hearts content! Time for your own Japanese Food Adventure !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Sushi Club is located at 2098 S. Alex Rd in West Carrollton

— The best deal is the all you can eat sushi rolls, for $16.99, available all day long. There are 47 different sushi rolls for you to choose from. You can order 2 at a time, and the waitress will bring out your order and you can place another order and so on until you are done. The meal is served with salad, soup and an orange for dessert. The salad is an amazing lettuce and mango salad with creamy dressing. Sometimes, edamame is also served on the house.

— If you want to order Ngiri sushi slices or sashimi raw slices, the fee is and additional 25cents per piece. But it is totally worth it to try 4 or so pieces each visit. The raw sushi pieces are fresh and delicious.

— The staff couldn’t be friendlier. They are very helpful, and always willing to explain the menu with a smile.

— Not a sushi fan? No problem! The menu features Hibachi Steak, Chicken, Shrimp and Lobster too !

With so many choices, let’s just say you can’t go wrong. From mango topped to tuna topped, from yellow tail to salmon roe, whatever you like, Sushi Club will deliver a roll that will blow your mind and your mouth!

After trying nearly 40 rolls, we give to you our patented MUST EATS at the Sushi Club !!

MUST EATS:

The Incredible Roll

— THE ALASKA ROLL: Raw salmon, cucumber and avocado . A simple roll, highlighting fresh salmon.

— SPICY YELLOWTAIL ROLL: This roll is a rarity in the sushi world. Raw yellowtail tuna is chopped and mixed with spicy mayo. The result is a creamy, fresh, raw taste.

— SEXY ON THE BEACH ROLL: We don’t know if they meant to name it the drink name and messed up or what. But we don’t care, it’s that good. Spicy yellowtail on the inside, topped with tuna and salmon

— THE INCREDIBLE ROLL: Shrimp Tempura and avacado, topped with spicy crabmeat, eel and sweet chili sauce. A huge blend of flavors in this one promises to become one of your favorites.

— THE TUNA AMAZING ROLL: Crabmeat, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with pepper tuna, eel and spicy mayo. Whoever named this roll, got it right. Its amazingly naughty.

The Fancy Roll

— THE SOUTH ALEX ROLL: A deep fried roll with smoked salmon, avacado and cream cheese. It is topped with scallions, eels sauce and spicy mayo. Very filling, this one will put a dent in your all you can eat plans.

—THE FANCY ROLL: Tuna, Salmon and avacado, topped with whitefish, miso, and spicy mayo sauce. A nice, big mouthful or flavor.

— THE TUNA ROLL: Raw tuna, and avacado, back to the basic melt in our mouth sushi on this one.

Honorable Mention: A couple of items here are worth mentioning because they are good and because we have not seen them in other sushi place before. Try the raw “Pepper Tuna” Nigiri. It’s lightly coated with black pepper. Also try the Fish Tempura roll. We have never seen these before and it’s not bad. Finally, they offer Raw Tilapia sushi. We again have never seen this anywhere before, and it was very much like yellowtail sashimi. We also love the fact that they have a nice sake selection, and we enjoyed a beer we had never seen on draft before, Kirin Ichiban, one of our fave bottled beers since the early 90’s.

Tuna Roll and Tuna Sashimi

Now… about the free sushi..

***** WIN A FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI DINNER ! *****

Put a comment in the story below and 1 lucky person will win an all you can eat sushi feast with the Food Adventures Crew. One winner will be chosen at random next week !

If you come to the Sushi Club, you won’t ever have the “I just spent $20 on sushi and I am still hungry” problem. Instead, satisfy your sushi cravings and treat yourself! Tell them the Food Adventures Crew sent you ! You won’t regret giving this place a try. Roll on !

Speaking of rolls. We literally have ordered every sushi roll on the menu, so please check out our gallery below for killer pictures on what to expect.

Also – visit Chef House, The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE. 5,000 fans can’t be wrong.

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

March 12, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot. They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy. But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well? Yes ! The addition is called B & B Slices. Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go. Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza. So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will. These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven. The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you. Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough. Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action. One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza. If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one. The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough. So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

Hungry for more Dayton eats? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here! Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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New Bar Opens in Centerville to Rave Reviews !

March 5, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 6 Comments

The Barnyard Pizza: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage

Bars are bars right? Well, one new spot that just opened in Centerville’s Normandy Square Shopping Center on 725 next door to Big Lots, aims to prove that theory wrong. Mack’s Tavern owner, Mackenzie Manley, will distinguish her place with unique eats, and an old school, laid back atmosphere, that feels like home. Mack’s Tavern has only been open for a few weeks, but since the VIP soft opening, the buzz and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Food Adventures has already visited the bar a few times, and each trip we notice the beer taps keep rotating, and the menu keeps growing. We have also noticed that the crowds have been steady.

Our Food Adventures Crew is always on the hunt for new and exciting killer food items on Dayton menus. It is our “thang,” if you will. Mack’s impressed us with some kitchen creations, causing us to say her trademark tagline .. “it’s better than expected.” Let’s get to it …

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mackenzie Manley, Owner of Mack’s Tavern in Centerville

— MACK’S TAVERN first gained attention by winning The Bloody Mary Showdown, in October, 2014 a few months before their doors even opened. Mack’s came out of nowhere to beat the field of competition and have their drink named the best Bloody Mary in Dayton.

— Owner Mackenzie Manley, is using her previous bartender experience, to create a friendly atmosphere, even for families. Mackenzie said kids are welcome, and asks parents to use discretion on how late they stay (she says before 9 pm seems to be the typical time for kids to head home).

— Hours are 2pm-11pm weekdays and 2pm-2am on Fri and Sat nights. This spring she looks to expand hours to opening at 11am for those wanting lunch Food Adventures.

— They have 12 beer taps and currently are featuring some unique beers like Sweetwater Blue and Konig Ludwig Weissbier Hell. Mack’s Tavern also features a IPA named after her dog, Haze. It is called “Haze’s IPA” and is brewed by RedHook Brewery.

— Mack’s features some wildly inventive cocktails. The Angry Orchard Ale with Oak Heart Spiced Rum is just one of them. It is called “Chewys Hogtail” named after the stuffed boar above the bar she has nicknamed Chewbacca. Other drinks include the “Kitty on a Triscuit” with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Pucker and orange juice. Or how about the drink named after her dog, Haze. A “Sweet Haze” is a mix of Corzo Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

All these drinks need to be soaked up by some food. Here we go the patented section of the article, where we display our MUST EATS for Mack’s Tavern.

“Chewy’s Boar Bombs,” are Pork Niblets tossed in a delicious glaze sauce

MUST EATS:

— THE BLOODY MARY: Our first must eat is a “must drink.” Come on, if you win Dayton’s best Bloody Mary contest, your drink kicks some serious butt. No brainer here.

— MACK’S SIGNATURE MAC N CHEESE: Served piping hot in a casserole dish, small or large this is cheesey goodness at it’s best. We love the bread crumb toppings for a perfect crunch. They have a few variations, but our favorite is the CHICKEN PARM MAC n CHEESE.

— BROWN BOTTLE CHEESE DIP and PRETZEL STICKS: This is all about the dip, bout the dip, no pretzel. This thick beer cheese dip will melt you. The Food Adventures Crew could drink a glass of this stuff. The flavor is out of this world.

— CHEWYS BOAR BOMBS: They look like wings at first, but they are pork ‘riblets.’ These bites are on the bone and tossed in an amazing glaze sauce. This was the Big Ragu’s favorite menu item of them all. The pork is cooked perfectly, and the sauce will have you licking your fingers like a kid.

Chicken Parm Mac N Cheese, one of Mack’s Signature Dishes

— NOT YOUR GRANDMA’s BREAD: Naan bread topped with feta cheese, spicy sauce, and drizzled with spicy sour cream. The whole thing is toasted, until the toppings are melted. We have never had anything like this in a bar, that’s for sure. Creative and delicious. A Food Adventure on Naan Bread.

— THE BARNYARD PIZZA: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage toppings. Hint: all their pizzas are good. Take the veggie pizza called the “Tree Hugger.” for example which has black and green olives on it with mushrooms, onions, banana peppers and green peppers. Our our favorite name , The “PMS” Pizza. It has Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage.

Honorable Mention goes to the Salsa served with chips. It is a smoky tasting salsa, made from scratch and is the secret recipe of Mack’s brother, Jacob. It is addicting !

Mack’s Tavern has plans to expand the menu even more to include a Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork that will be smoked on site. Also look for burgers to be added to the menu in the near future.

Mackenzie’s dog, Haze, has his own IPA

So you can see, Mack’s Tavern is not your typical bar. Sure they have dart leagues and pool tables. We want to mention that they have some of the friendliest bartenders in town. Mackenzie of course, and Gabby, Stacy and Tiffany always have a smile on their face. Good food, good drink, good people, good times. Check out Mack’s Tavern for yourself and tell Haze and Chewy that the Food Adventures Crew said “woof.”

Want more foodie fun from The Big Ragu, Chef House, The King and Hungry Jax ? Then follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE and “liking” their page. Be sure to browse our gallery below for the sneak peek into MACK’S TAVERN’s food and atmosphere.

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Hungry Jax Shares A Recipe From Her Hometown: Utica Greens

March 3, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 2 Comments

“Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish from Upstate NY.

The Food Adventure Crew have come up with a brand new feature that you’ll will see in upcoming months called “KITCHEN ADVENTURES.” Here we will list some of our favorite all time recipes that will release the inner foodie in you. We are also hoping these recipes will impress your family and friends. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them where you got it. It will be our little secret.

Our inaugural installment comes to you from our resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax. May we present to you…

KITCHEN ADVENTURES: UTICA GREENS

Hey all! “Hungry Jax” here. About 9 years ago my husband and I relocated to the Dayton area from our hometown of Utica, NY. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a culinary treasure that is slowly, but surely making it’s name as one of the most delicious places to eat in the US. It is a city rich in Italian culture and cuisine! Upon relocating, I was homesick, not just for family, but for the culinary creations that are unique to the Utica area. So my kitchen became a laboratory with weekly experiments to recreate these hometown dishes that I love so dearly (talk about a Food Adventure!). I find that these dishes are ones that I love to share with my new friends here in Dayton. Sharing with them not just a great dish, but part of who I am and where I have come from. I’d like to share with you all one of these special dishes and I hope that you enjoy this recipe and maybe even take a stab at making them!

So my dear fellow Food Adventurers, I give you: “Utica Greens“.

I know what you’re asking yourself: “What’s a Utica Green?” “Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish made up of escarole, garlic, pancetta, hot peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs. Typically served as a side dish but can easily become a meal with a hunk of Italian bread! I also like to mix these in with penne to make a fun pasta dish, or even cook up with eggs in an omelet or frittata!

Hot Cherry Peppers

It should be noted that the peppers for this dish, Hot Cherry Peppers, are hard to find around here. I have found them fresh at Jungle Jims, as well as at Meijers from time to time. You can find them jarred, but typically those are sweet and not hot. Mild will work fine and if you want to spice thing up, just add more red crushed pepper. I have my brothers mail me these peppers when I am not back north to stock up on them myself!

For this dish you will need:

3 heads Escarole chopped and cleaned well. This type of green can be very “gritty” so I have found it best to let the chopped leaves soak in a sink full of cold water to allow for any dirt on the leaves to sink to the bottom. Rinse once more and then you should be good to go!
One small bag baby spinach
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3-5 chopped Hot Cherry Peppers
3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan – I use a mixture of both)
1/8lb Prosciutto or Pancetta chopped
Olive oil
Salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste
Mix together an additional ¼ cup bread crumbs and ¼ cup cheese, set aside

Cut and thoroughly clean the escarole. Add the greens to a large pot of salted water. After water comes to a boil, cook the greens for about 4-5 minutes. Do not cover pot as it will turn your greens brown. Remove and drain.

In a frying pan add olive oil and heat. Fry Pancetta until crispy. Remove from pan and let sit on paper towel to drain.

The Finished Product. Mangia!

Next, add garlic and hot cherry peppers. Cook for just about one minute.

Add the greens and cook just until heated through. Make sure to stir often. Add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted. Add salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste.

Take off heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cheese . Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese and broil for a few minutes to crisp! If the greens look too “wet” don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. You will find that they are crucial for flavoring the dish. Same with the cheese. So add and taste as you go.

Now tear yourself off a big piece of crusty Italian bread and go to town! This will serve about 4 people (or just me).

These also freeze great which makes it easy for me to grab a batch out of the freezer for holidays or unexpected dinner guests!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do. Let me know if you give it a try!

Mangia!

~ Hungry Jax

Want more Food Adventures and scoop on local eateries?

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Buttercream Bliss at The Cakery

February 26, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Classic Cakery: Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

DISCLAIMER: You may need a tall glass of milk in order to read about our latest Food Adventure.

When the Big Ragu asked Hungry Jax to name one of her favorite places to eat in the Dayton area, she didn’t even hesitate to yell out “THE CAKERY!” She went on and on about their buttercream frosting and how it reminded her of a bakery back in her hometown. So when an opportunity arose to highlight this local bake shop for an article, Hungry Jax about bit off Ragu’s hand claiming this mission! Sure, Chef House, Big Ragu and The King have had a delicious Cakery cake here and there at Birthday Parties, and have even picked up a cake, but our stops have mostly been drivebys. Not the case with Hungry Jax, who’s obsession with the greatness of the Cakery has made her a mini-expert. So on a cold and snowy day, the Food Adventure’s crew ventured out again to see what Hungry Jax was so hyped up about. And we were not disappointed with this full blown Food Adventure!

From buckeyes to wedding cakes, The Cakery can satisfy any craving big or small! This family owned business has been around for almost 20 years, and once you taste their products, you’ll see why! The Cakery opened in July of 1995 (located at 140 Woodman Drive). In 2008, Tom and Karla Kennedy became the third and current owners. Their daughter, Jamie Burchfield, had started working at The Cakery in 2002 after graduating from pastry school. Jamie started out as a cake decorator and most recently has taken on the role of Office Manager after the birth of her second son last year. After seeing a rising need to serve their loyal customers from Jamie’s hometown of Troy, OH and the areas north of Dayton, the Kennedy’s expanded the business. In May of 2013, the Troy location opened (1875 W. Main St.) and has been going strong ever since. We had the privilege of sitting down with Jamie to learn some delicious and fun facts about their crafty creations.

This is our kind of 6 pack!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Cakery prides itself on baking all of their goods “in house” and they have the grocery list to prove it. At 1,000lbs of powdered sugar and 200lbs of butter per week, The Cakery ensures that each and every creation is of the best quality and taste!

— There are three main traditional frostings offered for their cakes and cupcakes: Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, and White Vanilla Cream. Each week they go through 25 five-gallon buckets of the traditional Buttercream, 8 buckets of their Vanilla cream, and 3 of the Chocolate! But the flavors don’t end there. You’ll also find cupcakes topped with snickerdoodle frosting, lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, orange cream and more!

— The peak season for weddings tends to be from May-October. During this time, The Cakery averages anywhere from 6-10 Wedding cakes per weekend! And don’t worry Brides, Jamie will ensure that your vision for the cake of your dreams is met. The artists behind the scenes, have made cakes taller than Kindergarteners with all different types of embellishments from fondants and fresh flowers, to pearls and candles. Check out the gallery on their webpage to see some of their amazing creations!

— Zagat.com voted their buckeyes as “The Best in Ohio” and most recently honored as Dayton Magazine’s “2014 Best in Dayton” bakery, beating out other top local confectioneries!

MUST EATS:

— CHOCOLATE CAKE with TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: Keep it classic Dayton. You can’t go wrong with indulging in this mainstay. The chocolate cake is moist but not too dense. And the creamy buttercream frosting has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This is an annual combination for Hungry Jax’s birthday cake! The Big Ragu has enjoyed these at many parties. For The King, it was love at first bite.

Chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting!

— SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKE: Yes, you read that right. The beloved cookie has been transformed into a cupcake that will leave you wanting more! This cinnamon sugar cupcake is topped with an equally delightful cinnamon frosting.

— ICED BUTTER COOKIES: A soft cake-like sugar cookie topped with the traditional buttercream frosting. You can buy these strait out of their display cases or order them to be decorated for a special occasion!

— BUTTER CREAM SHOTS: Fan of frosting? Well here you can buy a shot-sized dollop of buttercream to indulge in. Be aware though, side effects include an immediate rush of pure joy and contentment that will leave you wanting more! We love crazy foodies who do butter cream shots with us.

—CREAM PUFFS These little puffs of joy are filled with a light and creamy mousse. Absolutely terrific, The Big Ragu and The King claimed these as their favorite.

— Somewhere over the the “RAINBOW CAKE“: This cake is a layer cake sold by the slice. The layers are actually the tops of cakes that the bakers shave off when leveling out a cake prior to decorating. Instead of wasting these perfectly delicious cake shavings, the bakers created a layered cake out of them, alternating the cake layers with strawberry preserves and buttercream frosting. This cake varies slightly from day to day depending on what types of cakes are being made.

Rainbow Cake: No pot of gold is necessary at the end of this rainbow!

— FLAVORED CUPCAKES: Along with the traditional cupcake flavors of chocolate and white cake, you’ll also find a large variety of specialty cupcakes. Orange cream, strawberry lemonade, strawberry cream, peanut butter and jelly, almond, and banana are just a few. Each of these are topped with unique frosting s to complement the fun flavors of the cake.

— FILLED CUPCAKES: In addition to the tasty flavors, The Cakery also creates cupcakes that are filled with frosting, mousse, or custards. Some flavors are cookies and cream, key lime and chocolate truffle.

— BUCKEYES: Zagat.com got it right! These peanut butter filled bites of delight are truly some of the best around! The King could have eaten a couple dozen of these things.

Honorable Mention: Gourmet cakes that deserve mention are the Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, and Humming Bird Cake (tropical cake made with pineapple and coconut with an apricot filling). The King, loved the carrot cake. Also, don’t forget the Layer cakes, which can be filled with a variety of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, custards, mousse and more!

The choices and combinations of cakes and desserts are endless! Cakes start around $17 and cupcakes at $1.50. If you have a special order to place, be sure to give them at least 2-3 days notice to ensure that the bakers can meet your needs.

If you’re a bride, it’s highly recommended you book them once you have a sate set as their schedule fills up fast. They also have a variety of goodies you can order, such as brownies, tarts, pastries, cookies, and other treats that you can indulge in.

Shots are on us !

So, the next time you have a sweet craving or need a cake to celebrate a special event, let the creative team at The Cakery meet your needs. Stop in and try some of these tasty treats and let us know what you think! Check out their website for more information, or follow them on Facebook!

The next time you are hosting a party, and need some desserts, stand up on your chair and announce to the family.. “LET THEM EAT CAKERY !”

Please browse of photo gallery below, and leave your comments about The Cakery. We would love to hear your take!

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for more foodie scoop from all over Dayton !

We are not food critics, we are just four people that love to eat !

You can check out our weekly feature articles here on Dayton Most Metro every Thursday.

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Food Adventure Scoop: Our Fave Olive Oil Store Coming to Austin Landing!

February 19, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

“The Spicy Olive” carries the highest quality of Olive Oils and Vinegars!

Finally, we can let out a secret we have been dying to share with our fellow foodies for months! One of our favorite shops is tentatively set to open at Austin Landing in May, 2015. It is called The Spicy Olive and can satisfy any pallet of needs! This unique tasting emporium carries a large variety of specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars that are of the utmost quality! And yes, you’ll get to taste them all! Looking to amp up the flavors in your kitchen? Need to find your favorite cook a gift? Want a fun place for a foodie date? Look no further than The Spicy Olive !

The Food Adventures Crew appreciates not only great places to go out and eat, but also places that will bring the flavors of high end dining right into your own kitchen! And dear foodie friends, this place does just that! For the past couple of years we have been heading down 75 south to the town of West Chester, and using Spicy Olive’s products. Hungry Jax introduced the rest of the Food Adventure Crew and we were hooked !

As you all know, we typically feature Dayton foodstuffs. So, when we found out they were coming to the Gem City, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight this unique and delicious shopping experience! There are so many incredible oils and vinegars to sample. Rest assured, your Food Adventures Crew tried them ALL! And you’ll find a decent stock pile of them in our own home kitchens at any given time!

Melanie Cedargren, owner and founder of The Spicy Olive

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—While eating her way through culinary masterpieces on her travels to Italy, owner and founder, Melanie Cedargren fell in love with the rich and pure quality of FRESH olive oil. So much so that she was inspired to bring back this freshness and superb taste. And we are SO glad that she did! In September of 2012, her dream came true and she opened her first store. It is a unique shop that allows you to taste and combine any and all of the oils and vinegars offered.

— Cedargren and her staff (many of whom started as loyal customers), run two stores south of our Gem city: one located in West Chester (7671 Cox Lane, West Chester, OH 45069) and the other in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park (2736 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208). The third store will be at Austin Landing, and Food Adventures is the first to spill the beans on this new location! At each store, you will find around 20 different olive oils and specialty oils along with 30 balsamic vinegars! But you won’t get overwhelmed with options, because the staff has made it easy for you to combine flavors and even provide recipe cards to help you create culinary masterpieces!

— The Spicy Olive, prides itself on the fact that their oils are purchased using a “bi-hemispheric” model, ensuring that the freshest oils are purchased during peak seasons. These oils travel from Italy, Greece, Spain, South Africa, Brazil and many other places all depending on when their peak season is. The balsamic vinegars are all aged 12-18 years and are imported from Modena, Italy! These oils and vinegars are then infused by their supplier, Veronica Foods Co. in California. The Spicy Olive is different from chain olive oil shops as they (and their supplier) pride themselves on not being a franchise, allowing them to keep their business more personable and their products of highest quality.

Each bottle is filled for you right on the spot!

— Bottles are filled on the spot for you and run anywhere from $11-$25. Also sold are specialty olives, jams and spices from local vendors! Need a gift? Here you’ll find gift baskets as well fun pasta and serving dishes. At the West Chester store you can also purchase fine wines from “UnCorked at The Spicy Olive”, ran by Scott Hau, located in the back of the store. Also offered are cooking classes with local chefs! And if that wasn’t enough, they have started a cosmetic line that is based with their pure olive oil and fragranced with essential oils! These products are also all natural.

Like we said, we literally have tried every oil and vinegar in this store. We have compiled a list of our favorites. They are a list of what we feel are the best flavors, and best successes we had, when cooking at home with these products.

The list is big, but they are all MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

BUTTER OLIVE OIL: Yes, you read that right. The world of butter and olive oil have united and created something that you can indulge in without feeling the guilt! Hungry Jax frequently uses this on homemade popcorn for a healthy alternative! It’s also great for roasting vegetables!

VERMONT MAPLE BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Your mouth will be very happy to taste this one! The sweet, but not over powering flavor of the real maple syrup dances deliciously with the balsamic vinegar creating a product that you can drizzle on chicken, salads, fruit and so much more!

TUSCAN HERB OLIVE OIL: This is one of their top sellers! And it’s not secret as to why. The flavor combinations of the herbs infused of oregano, rosemary, sage and garlic provide a complete package to toss this with some pasta and top with fresh Parmesan cheese! Or you can just grab hunk of crusty bread and dip away! Again, the possibilities are endless!

Proper storage ensures that light and temperature do not decrease the quality of the products!

ESPRESSO BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Who knew that coffee and vinegar could work? Well it does. Try making your self a glaze to top off a steak with this one! Spicy Olive suggests pairing this with the Blood Orange Olive Oil for a flavorful pork marinade!

BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL: Another big seller! There is no mistaking the citrus zip that this oil has! This oil is infused with REAL orange. Replace the oil in your favorite brownie recipe with this!

HARISSA OLIVE OIL: Like spice? Well this oil will help kick up the heat in any dish you serve it! Roasted chili peppers, cumin, garlic, cinnamon and caraway are flavors that pack this oil with it’s flavorful punch!

TOASTED SESAME SEED OIL: This is like no other sesame seed oil that you have tasted. Go out and buy a wok. Trust us, you’ll want to stir fry everything in this oil! The Big Ragu had struggled for years, but was never able to get that”Chinese Restaurant” taste to his stir fry dishes. This product finally solved his problem, and the aroma in the house is like Chinatown!

STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Vinegar on dessert? Yup. It works. Drizzle this beauty on top of your strawberry shortcake and you’ve just wowed your guests with a layer of unexpected flavor.

Homemade Cheddar Popcorn

SICILIAN LEMON WHITE BALSAMIC VINEGAR: One of the Big Ragu’s favorites. Use this when pan searing calamari, shrimp and scallops. We have had great success cooking with this vinegar, but it makes a great salad dressing when mixed with olive oil ! We eat in on spinach salad most!

FROG JAM: Figs, Raspberries, Oranges and Ginger make up the flavors of this jam. On toast or on crackers, it will make your morning shine. you will never think of the word “frog” the same way again!

Honorable Mention: The Cilantro and Roasted Onion Olive Oil is fantastic with seafood. So is the Milanese Gremolata Olive Oil with its garlic, lemon and mint flavors from Italy.

We can go on and on with all the flavors they offer! Garlic, Wild Dill, Basil are just a few more of the olive oils. The gourmet line of oils include Truffle Oils, Sesame, Almond and Walnut. Ever try Lavender Balsamic Vinegar? Well here you can! What about Mango? Dark Chocolate? Blueberry?

Can’t wait until the Austin Landing opening in May? Then head on down to one of their Cincy locations today and check it out! Melanie and her staff are ready to take you on a culinary journey that will have you coming back for more! Explore, because your kitchen will never be the same again.

The Spicy Olives products are high quality because they supervise how, when and where the olives are pressed, to the flavors they are infused with, and even down to the proper way to store them. The Spicy Olive elevates olive oil and vinegar to create superb dishes beyond your salad bowl! Don’t miss stopping into this store in the future. your kitchen will never be the same. Olive this place, well …we all do!

Please check out our photo gallery below of The Spicy Olive’s products and how we put them to use!

Want more scoop on Dayton food happenings? Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House, The Big Ragu and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Dayton’s Housemade Sauces: Taking Oregon District by Storm

February 12, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 1 Comment

Taking the Oregon District by Storm

A local company called HouseMade, has been heating up the local food scene with their sauces, particularly the HouseMade Sriracha sauce. Ground zero of this inferno seems to be the Oregon district. Lovers of spicy food have delighted in the surge of sriracha around the Fifth Street area. The cause of the local warming of the taste buds is Dayton area Chef, Leanne House.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Chef House developed her signature sauces throughout her culinary career, but only started bottling them last year. Since that time the bottles have exploded in popularity.

— The past 12 months have definitely been a whirlwind for her. In that time she has grown her business 1000 fold, joined the blogging team of Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures Crew, and accepted the job of Executive Chef at Mudlick Tap House. She will be launching her new menu in the coming weeks. Did we mention that in the same time frame, her sriracha sauce won 1st place at a hot sauce competition in Louisiana, and her hot honey sauce won 1st place at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire event?

— Whats her secret? It is twofold. First she uses Ohio grown peppers, and everyone knows Ohio produce rocks. Secondly, her workers take the time to peel the stems off of each and every pepper. Other sauces leave the stems on, but there are no bitter pepper stems in her sauce !

— Dayton homeless charity, HOMEFULL, is growing peppers this year for Housemade. They will team with Ohio farms Folsom and Pine Farm, in Columbus, who will start the seeds. Homefull will grow the plants to maturity, and expect to grow over 1000 pounds of peppers this year. The eventual goal would be to grow all the peppers needed for the year here in Dayton, creating more jobs at Homefull, thereby benefiting Dayton’s homeless population. Housemade is all about giving back to the community.

Chef House in front of her Housemade Sauce Display at Dorothy Lane Marrket

— Housemade Sauces and other products have crept their way through the nooks and crannies of the Oregon district, or as she has named it, the “Oregon Trail.”

Here are places in the Oregon District area that have Housemade Sriracha sauces and products in stock, or feature them in their food menu:

THE “OREGON TRAIL” INCLUDES:

1. THE OREGON EXPRESS – Their “SRIRACHA PIZZA” is one of our favorite pizzas of all time

2. SPICE PARADISE – Local spice grocer has sauces and rubs for sale

3. LILY’S BISTRO – They feature the local sriracha in their kitchen and are one of the only restaurants in Dayton to feature the sauce in their bar drink offerings

4. TOXIC BREW COMPANY – Porn or prawn beer & bloody beers featuring Lily’s bloody Mary mix and Housemade Sriracha

5. LUCKY’S TAP ROOM & EATERY – A recent addition to the “Oregon Trail,” having just bought some Sriracha to feature on their menu

6. THE TROLLEY STOP – Not originally in the trail, but they are another recent addition. Look for them to feature the sriracha in their menu and maybe bar drinks

7. ECLECTIC ESSENTIALS – Art, Jewelry, antiques, and now Housemade sauces and products !! One of our first vendors!

8. CLASH DAYTON – Art gallery, clothing store, and a great place to get Housemade Sriracha! One of our first vendors!

9. THE DUBLIN PUB – Now featuring Housemade sauces at their restaurant

10. WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR – Has recently featured the locally made sriracha on their pizzas

HouseMade has over 60 vendors throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Full list of Dayton Vendors CLICK HERE . Full list of Dayton Restaurants featuring Housemade CLICK HERE. List of Columbus, Cincinnati, and more vendors CLICK HERE

Housemade now offers Salts & Rubs

MUST EATS:

— HOUSEMADE SRIRACHA: The flagship sauce. Sweeter, bolder and better than the srirachas you are used to. No bitter stems in this locally made sauce !

— HOUSEMADE HOT HONEY: This Thai Chili hot honey makes anything it is drizzled on taste amazing. Warning-highly addictive.

— HOUSEMADE SALTS & RUBS: One of a kind rubs for your meats including: Tomatillo-Serrano, Thai Chili and Smoked Sriracha flavors respectively. Spice up your life with these babies!

— HOUSEMADE JAMS: Limited availability. Our fave flavors include Vanilla-Pear and Pineapple-Mango ! Homemade and one-of-a-kind fresh tastes.

What is next for Chef LeeAnne House?

She will be featuring quite a few of her products at Mudlick Tap House.

The Hard to find Jams from Housemade are Extremely Delicious

1. Tomatillo serrano smoked salt in the fresh greek yogurt cheese ( I am making this)

2. Sriracha in the house made chorizo

3. Sriracha in the pimento cheese

4. Hot Honey will be appearing in Chef House’s cakes. Mudlick Tap House will have a daily offering of fresh cakes at the bar. It will be one of the first things you see when you walk in.

Chef House’s lifelong passion has been the culinary world. She was raised in area restaurants owned by her parents. In recent years, she has been lucky enough to share kitchens with some of Dayton’s best chefs. Benefit from her hard work, by getting some of the best sauces on the planet! Get on the bandwagon and join the thousands in Dayton that are eating up the Sriracha sauce and other HouseMade creations.

Check out more of CHEF HOUSE and the FOOD ADVENTURES CREW here on FACEBOOK !!

Feel free to browse the gallery below of Dayton’s own, Housemade Sauces !

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White Castle: Yes or No ? Comment to Win a Crave Case of Sliders !

February 5, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 40 Comments

Nothing like the smell of a White Castle. Same applies 5 hours later

The White Castle Hamburger in its Natural Habitat

Sliders. People either love them or hate them. Only Food Adventures would tackle such a volatile subject. What is your opinon? We need your vote by commenting below, and there is a prize at stake. We ask the question: White Castle….. YES or NO ?

One lucky winner will be chosen at random to win a bonus prize. If you win and your vote was YES, you get a Crave Case of 30 White Castle hamburgers. Eat them yourself or give them as a gift to your favorite foodie.

If you win and your vote was NO, we can negotiate another burger gift card (Voltzys or Hamburger Wagon, etc).

But this is your chance to be heard.

Do you crave their food or do you despise it? Stand Up! Be Heard !

White Castle….. YES or NO ?

WHERE DO THE FOOD ADVENTURES STAND?

CHEF HOUSE: “My vote is NO. I seriously don’t eat fast food.”

HUNGRY JAX: “My vote is YES. They remind me of my mom’s ‘steak umms’ sandwiches, so for me it’s nostalgic.”

THE KING: “My vote is NO. This vote is based on the after effects.”

White Castle: Do you love ’em or hate ’em ?

THE BIG RAGU: “My vote is YES. The secret is, don’t eat more than 4 at a time, and you will crave them again.”

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— White Castle locations in the Dayton area are a dying breed. Only 2 remain, one at 5201 Salem Bend in Trotwood, and one at 6901 State Route 123 in Franklin. The next 2 closest locations are in Middletown and South Lebanon. But the chain, still has a cult following.

— The first White Castle hamburger was served in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. However, since 1933 the company’s headquarters have been in Columbus, Ohio

— For all you romantic types, every year on Valentines Day, White Castle offers to reserve a candlelit table for two, complete with a server.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of a White Castle burger, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu scoured the menu for our “MUST EATS. ”

Onion Chips: the Crispy Catalyst, for a Full Experience

MUST EATS:

— CHEESEBURGERS: The tiny hamburger patty has 5 curious holes punched in the meat, like a #5 on a 6 sided dice. It is steam-grilled with onions and topped with cheese and served with pickle on a bun. Some people grab some ketchup and mustard packets to add later, others are purists and eat them “as is”

— HAMBURGERS: Same as above, but with no cheese. This is the famous “slider.” People have been known to throw down 10 or more of these bad boys. Caution: It is nicknamed “slider” for its gastro intestinal wrecking power of sliding in, and sliding out.

— ONION CHIPS: Delicious and addicting. But beware, these are the catalyst for stomach grumbling and mixed with sliders, can produce super powered “Dutch Oven” options at night.

— DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER: This sandwich is White Castle’s big hunk of burning love. This is a double stacked cheeseburger and is surprisingly filling. Two of these and you are good to go.

Now, it’s your turn. We need you vote thumbs up or thumbs down to White Castle. Yes or No to Slider utopia !

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN !

For more crazy and original foodie fun, check out FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking here !

Browse the gallery below for the myth and legend of White Castle Hamburgers.

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Archer’s Tavern Announces Menu for “50 Shades of Grape” Event

January 20, 2015 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Not “tied up” on February 10th ??

Then you should know that the Food Adventures Crew is teaming with Archer’s Tavern and Dayton Most Metro for a one-of-kind Wine Pairing Dinner on that night. Dubbed a “50 Shades of Grape Food Adventure Event,” it promises to be at sold out capacity, with tickets being pre-pay only.

The dinner is a brainchild of Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew, and is obviously timed with the release of the popular book to movie release, “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Archer’s was the perfect venue for this event. Partner Dan Apolito and manager Myron Yoder worked with the kitchen staff to develop a menu that rings true with fans of the book. The result is a 4 course dinner, paired with 4 glasses of wine. The powers that be have chosen to keep the wine pairings a secret, much in the spirit of the blindfolds in the book’s story line.

It should be an exciting night with many door prizes, gift certificates, and giveaways, including 2 tickets to the upcoming movie “50 Shades of Grey.” As always, these Food Adventures always hold many surprises. This one may include a blindfold taste test or two.

Wanna join us?

HERE’S THE SKINNY :

WHEN: TUESDAY NIGHT, FEB 10th, 2015 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: ARCHER’S TAVERN in CENTERVILLE

WHAT: 4 FOOD COURSES, 4 WINES

COST: PRE-PAY ONLY – LIMITED SEATING $35 per person, includes the tip

HOW: TICKETS MAY ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE THROUGH Dayton Most Metro –> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS BEFORE IT SELLS OUT !

MENU ANNOUNCED !!!

COURSE # 1: BACON WRAPPED MISSION FIGS STUFFED WITH BLEU CHEESE, to be served with a mystery wine #1

COURSE # 2: SEASONAL MELON AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD, to be served with mystery wine #2

COURSE #3: COCOA AND CHILI RUBBED FLANK STEAK, WTH A COCOA MERLOT REDUCTION SAUCE, to be served with mystery wine #3

COURSE #4: LEMON SYLLABUB, a light and creamy parfait like dessert, to be served with wine #4

We are excited to be a part of the menu showcases of Archer’s on this fun filled evening. Get your tickets before they sell out !!

The entire Food Adventure Crew of Chef House,The King, Hungry Jax, and The Big Ragu will be in attendance autographing any of your fuzzy handcuffs, gray ties and boxer shorts that you bring to the dinner. We are also happy that Dayton Dining’s Lisa Grigsby will be joining us!

If you are a Dayton area foodie, then make sure you like Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

Feel free to browse our photo gallery below .. Mr Grape will see you now ….

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