Food Adventure

Food Adventure Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Ribbon Skewers

June 13, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Thinly sliced grilled zucchini, the beginnings of a recipe

Attention Dayton Cooks and Foodies !

You know the Food Adventure Crew from their weekly articles and food photos shared on this site, or maybe their dinner events.

With all of this original content, there is more …. Did you know they also have a nice collection of recipes? Some have been shared in various cooking classes at Dorothy Lane Market, Living Dayton TV, Spicy Olive, or through Foremost Seafood’s site. Some recipes will make their debut here.

It is all in a NEW monthly feature now cooking on Dayton Most Metro: “Your Food Adventure Recipe of the Month.”

June starts out featuring our culinary crew hero Chef LeeAnne House and a summer favorite that will wow your friends.

Chef House getting ready for a cooking class !

Chef House has always been known for her love of veggies and her philosophy of using local vendors for that fresh, “farm to table” dimension. The results are Dayton’s seasonal flavors, bursting on your plate and leaving your tastebuds happy.

Without further delay let’s dive into one of those fresh recipes.

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

Ingredients:

2 zucchini

2 teaspoons olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Lemon juice

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

Directions:
Pick the straightest zucchini, these will be easier to cut on the mandolin. Slice them lengthwise ¼ inch thick. Toss with olive oil and salt.

Grill on high heat quickly, get grill marks on both sides and off the grill. Toss with a pinch more salt and a little lemon juice.

PESTO:

1 clove garlic, smashed

4 ounces basil

2 cups arugula, packed

1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

Directions:
Puree all of the above ingredients in a food processor till smooth. Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Now we add and assemble with:
-Fresh mozzarella
-Hot pepper flakes or even better use HouseMade Sriracha Toasted Sriracha Powder

Assembly Directions:
Roll the zucchini ribbons up and skewer 2 to a small skewer. The mozzarella goes on the end. Season it with kosher salt and spiced pepper. Serve with the pesto.

Pesto in the processor

Try this for a summer picnic, or a party on the patio. Your next cookout is a great chance to skewer some of these bites.

More about Chef House. In addition to being a member of the Food Adventure Crew, she has her own line of locally made, all-natural sauces, spices and rubs called Housemade. Her Thai Chili Sriracha sauce and Hot Honey sauce have won National competitions. She also teaches many local cooking classes. In the past, she has helped with catering companies and has been a chef at some top notch local restaurants. You will be able to catch her in a FREE COOKING DEMO on Saturday July 22nd at Garlic Fest at the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall on County Line Rd. Chef House will be giving out free tastes of her garlic dish to those in attendance. Come join the party at Garlic Fest !

See you next month with another fun recipe.

Follow Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

We are not food critics, we are just 3 passionate foodies that love to feature local foods!

ZUCCHINI RIBBON SKEWERS with PEPPER SPIKED MOZZARELLA & ARUGULA PESTO

$250 Awaits Cornhole Winners at Rock N Green Tomato Fest

May 23, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

$250 awaits you

Calling all Cornholers… Beginners, intermediate, advanced… it doesnt matter. June 10th is your day. You all have a shot at the $250 prize and anything could go your way. Can you throw that bag filled with corn? Can you knock it through the hole or leave it dangling on the board for points?

Dayton’s biggest cornhole tournament will be in Miamisburg again at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival on Saturday June 10th. You can sign up now and save money or signup the day of the event.

June 10th bags will be flying

WHAT: 7th ANNUAL ROCK N GREEN TOMATO CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

WHEN: SAT. JUNE 10th – TEAMS CHECK IN 11:30 AM, playing starts at NOON

WHERE: RIVERFRONT PARK IN MIAMISBURG – next to RONS PIZZA on MAIN STREET

COST: $20 per team in advance, $30 per team day of the event.

PRIZE: $250 WINNER TAKE ALL !
This tournament has become a tradition and is one of Dayton’s biggest corhole contests. The atmosphere is laid back and background activities are live bands and food and craft vendors. It is a perfect chance to bring the family, a few lawn chairs and let them listen to the free music and enjoy the kids activities as well.WANT TO PLAY? DOWNLOAD THE SIGNUP SHEET —> HERE

June 10th will host of of Daytons biggest cornhole tourneys

WHAT IS CORHOLE YOU SAY ?????

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE GAME OF CORNHOLE:
— It is essentially a bean bag toss towards a board, 33 feet away

— You get 4 bean bag tosses each turn

— Object is to accumulate points by throwng your bag into the hole, or landing it on the board

— The strategy is to also keep your opponent from scoring points

— The first team to score 21 points, wins

The following is a list of terms commonly used in cornhole. (For the record, we at Food Adventures have been using words like “Dirty Rollup” and “Slippery Granny” for years under different circumstances).

Ace or cow pie: A bag landing on the board, worth one point.
Back door or Dirty Rollup: A cornhole bag that rolls over the top of a blocker and into the hole.
Backstop: A bag that lands past the hole but remains on the board creating a backboard for a slider to knock into without going off the board.
Blocker: A bag that lands in front of the hole, blocking the hole.
Cornfusion: When players or teams cannot agree on the scoring
Cornhole: A bag that falls in the hole, which is worth three points.
Cornucopia: A player possessing a wide variety of skills
Green Beer served at Ron’s Pizza Tavern
Dirty bag: A bag that is on the ground or is hanging off the board touching the ground.
Flop: Type of toss without rotation or spin.
Grasshopper: A bag that bounces off the grass or ground and lands on the board for a point.
Screaming Eagle: A bag that flys beyond the board without hitting the board.
Slippery Granny: Scoring three bags in a row on the board only.
Gusher, double deuce, Cornholio, or Four Bagger: Four cornholes by a single player in a single round.
Hanger: A bag on the lip of the hole ready to drop.
Hooker: A bag hitting the board and hooking or curving around into the hole.
Jumper: A bag that strikes another bag on the board causing it to bounce up into the hole.
Leprechaun or Clover: When a player attains all four bags onto the board without getting any into the hole.
Po-lice: The cornhole referee
Sally or Shortbag: A weak toss that and lands on the ground before reaching the board.
Shucker: When a player throws a bag and it knocks an opponent’s bag off the board.
Skunk, whitewash or shutout: A game that ends in an 11–0 score.
Slider or a White Castle: A cornhole bag that slides into the hole.
Swish: A bag that goes directly in the hole without touching the board.
Shotgun: Throwing all your bags at once.

This isn’t just a great day for Cornhole. It is a great opportunity for a Food Adventure. And that’s what we will be there for.. Food and live music…

MUST EATS AFTER A CORNHOLE MATCH AT THE ROCKnGREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

Lots to eat like Hamburger Wagon

— THE HAMBURGER WAGON will be at the park. If you are feeling really competitive, you can also enter the Burger eating contest at 2pm!

— RON’S PIZZA patio and dining room will be open, featuring a full menu. Let us suggest the deluxe pizza, extra sauce with a special drink of the day – “Green Draft Beer.”

— The ICE CREAM TROLLEY is always a cool stop on a summer’s day of cornhole

— SCHIAVONE’S – Meatballs, Italian Pork Sandwiches, pasta, rum pudding and Cannolis

There will be a 12 Piece Vegas Style Elvis Tribute Band

— TOTALLY AWESOME BRANDS – Kettle Corn, Lemonade, Fudge Puppies

— MIAMISBURG ATHLETICS/RON’S BOOTH – Fried Green Tomatoes, Tomato Sliders, Green Tomato Pizza

Mark your calendars !!!!

We will see you at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park, downtown, behind Ron’s Pizza on JUNE 10th.

So, stretch out those hamstrings, crack those knuckles and roll your wrists. Get loosey goosey and let the bean bags fly!

Join the Food Adventures crew at the Rock N Green Tomato Festival, 2017.

Below is an schedule of events and photos from the past:

June 10th 2017 schedule of events

Expecting another big crowd

$250 up for grabs

Cron holing

Kevin Farley, Funnybone & The Dublin Pub

May 20, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Comedian Kevin Farley enjoying Irish fare at Dayton’s Dublin Pub with the Food Adventures crew

It is still not too late to get your tickets to see Kevin Farley at the Funnybone tonight or tomorrow

HERE IS A LINK TO TICKETS for SHOWTIMES
SATURDAY MAY 20th 10:00pm
SUNDAY MAY 21st at 7:30pm

The Big Ragu sat down with the comedian and actor this weekend at the Dublin Pub and had one heck of a Food Adventure. Kevin Farley is proud of his Irish American heritage and a lover of good Irish food. He is a humble, down to earth, guys guy, who is one of the coolest cats in the room. Oh and funny as hell. We talked sports, we talked music and bad lyrics. We talked family, metaphors and of course FOOD!

We even picked out some cigars from the Dublin Pub humidor after lunch and bonded a bit.

Kevin Farley holding up his Potato Soup for a Food Adventure picture = PRICELESS

What a perfect venue for a great visit to learn about his career, insight and places he is going, His take on life is simple to see. He works hard and makes things happen.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on KEVIN FARLEY:

—A Madison, Wisconsin native he loves the Green Bay Packers, will root for some Wisconsin Badgers, and is pretty much a fan of Wisconsin teams. We are working to get him on College Gameday next time they visit Madison ! Hey Herbstreit !! Little help ?

—He is a graduate of Marquette University and remembered Dayton played them in basketball.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – a must eat Irish dish at Dublin Pub

—Kevin of course had a famous brother, but has been growing his own brand, breaking ground and making an identity of his own for years.

—Kevin Farley is a foodie. He enjoys Irish Food, Buffets, Italian food, Sushi and Seafood. He seemed impressed with the Dublin Pub, taking advantage of the Bottomless Chips, Potato Soup and Corned Beef and Cabbage. He was a true Food Adventurer, and now has the t-shirt to prove it.

—Kevin currently lives in West Hollywood and is in tune with the entertainment and food scene.

KEVIN FARLEY PROJECTS YOU “MUST SEE”:

Kevin doing stand up

—His standup routine is a riot. Kevin is currently touring the Midwest he has pretty full schedule this summer hitting other states like Texas, Florida, Washington, and Nevada to name a few. He will be back in Ohio at a Cleveland show in September. His full stand up schedule can be seen at www.kevinfarleyofficial.com/

—His “Kevin Farley on the Road” podcast – Check out Kevin at Itunes for his free podcast. Here is the link: CLICK HERE

— “F is for Family” – Kevin’s animated series on Netflix with fellow comedian Bill Burr.

— “Still the King” a CMT Channel original starts it’s second season on July 11th ! Kevin Farley stars alongside Billy Ray Cyrus. How bout dat? Catch me outside watchin that.

Kevin Farley is an official Food Adventure Fan !

Now drumroll please for our feature must eats as suggested by KEVIN FARLEY! Take this tip and hit these spots when traveling. you have the expertise of a famous foodies behind you!

KEVIN FARLEY’S “MUST EATS” RESTAURANT LIST:

GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE – Chicago, IL

LURE FISH BAR – New York City, NY

CECCONI’S – West Hollywood, CA

DAN TANA’S – West Hollywood, CA

Favorite Closed Restaurant – BEN BENSON’S STEAKHOUSE in NYC

MUST EATS at DUBLIN PUB from KEVIN FARLEY:

—POTATO SOUP: Why is it “world famous?” add bacon and cheese and you’ll know why…

—CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: Center cut corned beef brisket, red potatoes and steamed cabbage. Kevin prefers they “hold the onions.” An authentic dish and delicious, unique plate of goods.

— After Meal Cigar – mini -Macanudo cigar from the Dublin Pub humidor

Big Ragu’s Pub Fries

Dayton Most Metro wants to thank Kevin Farley for taking time out for a Food Adventure. He was great company and we look forward to seeing his standup shows this weekend. JOIN US BY CLICKING THE LINKS ABOVE !

For more exclusive Dayton food scoop, follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking here. We aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.

Below are some more photos from our Dublin Pub visits !

A piece of the fish n chips

The Dublin Fry Burger

The Ruck Sandwich

Harps Lager

Inside the Pub

Dub Pub Bar

Addition room

The Beef Bully

Shepards Pie and green beans

Channel your inner foodie at Dublin Pub with all kinds of sandwiches, add egg to any of them.

Bread Pudding

Shepherds Pipe

DubPub

Fried Pickles

Black n Tan Onion rings

Beef Barley Soup

Lots of Taps

Spinach dip and chips

Ickey Shuffles into Dayton May 8th

May 6, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Monday May 8, 2017 Golf Outing

Monday May 8th, former Cincinnati Bengal star, Ickey Woods, shuffles into the Dayton area for charity, and he needs your help. It is for a cause named after his late son, Jovante, who succumbed to a severe asthma attack during his high school years.

The Jovante Woods Foundation is hosting an event at NCR Country Club called “Fairways for Airways” to benefit a cure research for Asthma and help promote awareness of the dangers of the condition.

Food Adventures is proud to be a small part of this event. We look forward to a fun day of golf with friends and celebs.

Ickey Woods

Archer’s Tavern, Boyle Mechanical, Dayton Freight are the major sponsors of the event. The 2017 Fairways for Airways Celebrity Golf Outing on the South Course of the NCR Country Club is the 2nd annual event for this cause. The weather forecast is calling for clear skies with little to no chance for rain. Temperatures should be in the high 50s for the noon shotgun start and the low 60s during most of the outing. Perfect Golf Weather. There is still time for you to sign up for this one of a kind experience.

Each foursome will be paired with a celebrity for a round of golf.

In the past, former Reds, Bengals and Buckeye stars have been participating. Former appearances have included James Brooks, Tom Browning, Archie Griffin, Jim Breech, Pete Johnson, Yancy Thigpen, Andy Harmon, Dmitri Young, Barney Bussey, Steve Caminiti, Richard Carey, Doug Pelfrey, Dan Wilkinson, Eric Shaw, Ernie Mills, Eric Thomas, Frank Minnifield, Lonzell Hill, Joe Kelly, Robert Jackson, Kanavis Mcghee, Katie Blackburn, Michael Wiley

and of course Ickey himself…

Event to be at NCR Country Club 5/8/17 9:30am

Registration and the driving range open at 9:30am. You are encouraged to register as soon as you arrive.

Buckeye Vodka is hosting the Buckeye Bloody Mary Bar beginning at 10:00 A.M. All vodka drinks are compliments of Dayton’s very own Buckeye Vodka!

A lunch buffet will be served beginning at 10:30.

Throughout the event, bottled water and sports drinks will be available compliments of US Foods.

Complimentary (and outstanding) beer will be available thanks to the beer sponsor, Lock 27 Brewing.

A familiar face to Dayton area Charities, Dan Apolito of Archer’s

There is a fantastic silent auction throughout the day featuring some very impressive sports memorabilia, a US Flag flown over the capital building donated by Congressman Mike Turner and Sharon Lowery, a day of fly fishing with Ickey Woods, an impressive basket from Buckeye Vodka and some great golf gear and summer gadgets from Heidelberg Distributing.

After the round of golf, mingle, swap stories and snap some pictures with former college and professional football, baseball and basketball greats. This truly is an event you will never forget, and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

LAST MINUTE SIGNUP – email [email protected] The cost is $1,500 per foursome.

Archer’s Tavern is one of the major sponsors of “Fairways for Airways” Celeb outing

Thanks again to Dan Apolito, owner of Archer’s Tavern and Ickey Woods for setting everything up. The Food Adventures Crew looks forward to slinging some beers and swinging some clubs for charity.

We hope you can make it last minute if you are interested, but the sooner you contact Dan, the better chance you have of getting a spot.

For more of the best events and food in Dayton, follow Food Adventures on Facebook HERE. All original content with no rules! Love to eat Dayton’s best? You’ve found your foodie paradise !

Ickey doing the shuffle for cold cuts ….

Groovy! Mikesells Brings Back Chips cooked in Peanut Oil

April 27, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

They are back! Groovy Mikesells cooked in 100% Peanut Oil

Talk about a Throwback Thursday announcement.

Food Adventures has seen the Facebook comments on Mikesell’s page, “I wish you still cooked your chips in Peanut Oil.” Well now, you can quit yer itchin, because our hometown favorite chip company has re-released Groovy Potato Chips cooked in 100% Peanut Oil. For those of you who love Mikesell’s products, this is one you will be glad they brought back. It is all in the taste.

Oh yes, the taste is a throwback. This is the original DW Mikesell recipe you grew up with. Of course the patented groovy design allows for great dipping and hearty party snacks. So for all you Mikesell purists, this chip is back for you !

Now in stores near you !

You can find them immediately in stores like Kroger, Dot’s and Dorothy Lane Market. You can even grab a bag at Speedway, Cassano’s and Marion’s. We got to sample a couple of the big bags. They were fresh and had that familiar Mikesells taste of yesteryear. At first we were skeptical, but you can definitely tell a difference.

Afraid of a peanut allergy?? We have good news for you. The FDA exempts highly refined peanut oil from being labeled as an allergen. Studies show that most individuals with peanut allergy can safely eat peanut oil.

Mother’s Day and Memorial Day parties would be a perfect time to break out these Groovy Peanut Oil chips and wow your guests and family. Always grab the big bag and support your local potato chip company. Mikesell’s is the oldest continually running potato chip company in the United States. We want them around for another couple of centuries.

We hope you enjoy some snacking and dippin’ with Mikesell’s Groovy chips cooked in 100% Peanut Oil, real soon.

Also enjoy more of our Food Adventures by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.s

Chef House, Luke Mapp-Mikesells VP, and Jax at the potato chip factory on Leo st.

“Hey, They weren’t frying these in Peanut oil when I was a baby …. this is good stuff !”

The Food Adventures Crew at Mikesells Headquarters

The Buckin’ Donkey is Back !!

April 21, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew 2 Comments

It’s Baaaack ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !

Ba – Donk- A -Donk !

Two years ago a popular sports bar in Kettering abruptly closed, resulting in Facebook posts of grief from a slew of customers. The cult following had been hoping one day for a return.

Today, their hopes came true. The Buckin Donkey restaurant will be returning to Dayton (they dropped the Grill part of the name). The new spot will be located at the old Murray’s Place restaurant in Moraine.

Food Adventures has exclusive scoop on the new developments after talking to our friend and owner, of the original Buckin Donkey, Sean McKown.

Beef on Weck

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—The Buckin Donkey is the project of Sean McKown, Kiera Harris and Sean’s brother Larry Maglicco

—They plan to open for business MAY 2nd, 2017. They are finishing flooring and booth construction right now.

—The restaurant address is 2866 S Dixie Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45409

—Many menu items will be returning that were favorites at the previous restaurant. Food Adventures is really excited about this.

Sign of the times – out with Murrays , in with the Donkey

—They will be closed on Mondays for sanity and relaxation.

—Saturdays and Sunday mornings will feature Breakfast and Booze

—Full bar to feature 8 taps, BudLight and 7 revolving taps

—The Buckin Donkey will feature boxed lunch delivery as well

—Menu will feature a Vegan Section

—Plans for a Happy Hour are in the works

Now for the favorites you missed for 2 years … here is our often imitated, never duplicated list of MUST EATS

The Donut Burger

MUST EATS at THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—THE DONUT BURGER:
The old “using the donut for the bun” trick. Not only this burger, but many other favorites will be back. Crazy combos of tasty ingredients that make unique burgers. Customers can join the “burger club” where they get a punch card to try every burger on the menu.

—JAMBALAYA:
One of Dayton’s best “soups” if you will. It is back, and better than ever. Rice, sausage, spice and more.

Jambalaya – homemade

—PIES:
Homemade pies available. Every one is delicious and made by Sean or his mom. In fact, customers can request any fruit cream pie a couple of days in advance.

—TRIPLE BYPASS:
A fresh patty of ground beef and bacon, topped with bacon strips, fried egg and cheese. Not for wusses.

—PIZZA WITH HOMEMADE SAUCE:
New addition to the menu, Sean says it is all about the sauce. His Pittsburgh family recipe pizza sauce to be exact.

Peanut Butter Pie – homemade

—MAGIC MUSHROOM:
A Grilled Portabella Mushroom sandwich with cheese and more toppings. Absolutely fantastic for the vegetarian choice.

—FROSTED FLAKE COATED FRENCH TOAST :
Crumbs of Forsted flakes provide a crispy coating to the soft, cinnamony French Toast. One of Big Ragu’s favorites. He says it melts in your mouth.

Frosted Flake French Toast

Social media is gaining some buzz about the opening, and Daytonians look ready for this upcoming Bucking Food Adventure.

This time around there will be more parking, and a bigger restaurant than before. They hope to avoid previous pitfalls like being hampered by bills for equipment repairs, like the previous walk-in cooler that caused them to be closed 9 days, with a hefty bill.

The restaurant looks to pull clients from Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Dayton and Moraine. They think it is a good fit and we agree. Food Adventures plans to be there opening night May 2nd.

Want more original foodie content from the Dayton area? We don’t share news blurbs, we create them! From original restaurant reviews, to cooking classes, original dinner events and festival partnerships, The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax are the Food Adventure Crew sharing our favorite eats with Miami Valley foodies. Follow us on Facebook HERE.

Strawberry cheesecake – homemade

Walnut Pie

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Philly cheesesteak

NY Cheesecake – homemade

Join their Burger club

Biscuits and Gravy

Frosted Flake French Toast

Reuben

Grilled Cajun Shrimp Po Boy

Pierogie Burger might be a special one day

Grilled Spicy Garlic Wings

Home made Beef Barley soup

Portabella Mushroom Sandwich- sliced in half

Ham and Cheese

Italian Nachos

Ariake to Host All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Adventure!

April 18, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

The Dayton Roll

All You Can Eat Premium Sushi Rolls?? YES !! Sushi Lovers… unite !!

Food Adventures has done it again.

We have partnered with Ariake Sushi to host a ONE NIGHT ONLY, all you want sushi event on Monday, May 1st, 2017. They have agreed to open up on a Monday evening and let our Food Adventures Crew have the entire restaurant.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THIS LINK. Tickets include tax, tip and water/tea.

Please note, we only have room for 50 people at this dinner, and have about 25 seats left. So get your tickets NOW !

Ariake is known for terrific, premium sushi. You may have seen our previous article on this restaurant HERE.

Miso Soup included

Owner Miko Whigham and her sushi chef, Chef Sasaki have planned an incredible spread, and this night will be one of a kind. This is the foodie event you have been waiting for.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARIAKE SUSHI’S ALL YOU CAN EAT FOOD ADVENTURE:

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 1st, 2017 at 6:30pm

The Godzilla Roll

WHERE: ARIAKE SUSHI RESTAURANT, 59 FIESTA LANE, MIAMISBURG

COST: $45 per person this includes the tip and tax and the following….

— MISO SOUP

— CRAB & SEAWEED SALAD

— ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS and NIGIRI SUSHI UNTIL 8:30pm.

— HOT TEA and WATER

Shrimp Tempura Roll

There will be other drinks and alcohol for purchase.

NOTE*** The sushi rolls and nigiri sushi available will be a good variety chosen by the chef. Diners will pick from a nice display of sushi that will be constantly replenished and some made to order.

*** CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS *** Seats are limited and PRE-PAY only.

Join us for this MUST EAT event on Monday May 1st, 2017. As always, this Food Adventure will also be filled with Trivia, Door prizes and more…

Check out some more photos below of what you can expect at the special dinner.

Are you a local foodie?? Then join the more than 7,000 Dayton foodies on our Facebook Food Adventures Page HERE

All you can eat Jan 16th

Up close Spider Roll

Tuna Roll

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Front Entrance across from the Dayton Mall

Dayton Roll

Shrimp Tempura roll

The Crab Seaweed Salad

Deep Fried Roll

Rainbow roll and Tuna Roll

Ariake Roll and more

Spider Roll – Softshell crab

Salmon Roll up close

Salmon Roll

All the sushi you want ..

Tuna Roll up close

Chef Torching an eel roll

Look at that plate !!

Buy your tickets NOW !

Spicy tuna roll

Oh my goodness… an Ariake Roll!

“The Growler” Opens on Wilmington Pike

March 14, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Co-owner Gary Leasure wants to offer you a beer!

Craft beer lovers who can’t get enough, you have another spot to get your growler filled. “The Growler” is now open in the former “Wright Wing” spot on Wilmington Pike. The same building has housed The Buckin’ Donkey Grille. and Monkeez previously. Food Adventures has the scoop on the new place…

This sports dive is mainly bar seating and booths, with a few dining tables inside. Outside there is one hell of a patio. Other attractions include a killer Happy Hour.

Hungry? Thirsty? Step inside…

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu, and Chef House are here to tell you …

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE GROWLER:

Dart Boards and more.

—Located at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, The Growler has a full service bar and plenty of TV’s to catch your favorite event.

—From 3pm to 7pm on weekdays, they have 1/2 off all appetizers and craft beers are only $3.50, tall domestic beers are just $2.25 during this happy hour time too.

—Other attractions: Pinball, dart boards, with live trivia on Wednesdays and Karaoke on Thursdays

Spicy Pulled Pork Pizza

—Owner’s Gary and Steve Leasure are lifelong Daytonians, suggest you check groupon.com for special deals.

—They have 10 rotating taps and various domestic, craft and import bottled beers too. By May they should be selling their signature “Growlers to go.”

Good drink is usually followed with good eats, so lets get growlin, Food Adventure fans !

MUST EATS at THE GROWLER:

Loaded Fries

—LOADED FRIES:
Served on a pizza tin and foil this MOUND of fries is almost a mountain. Roasted and covered with cheese and bacon, this sinful appetizer is over the top. Get some ranch and ketchup for dipping and find your self closing your eyes and finding your zen. We almost did yoga in our plate.

—THE SPICY PULLED PORK PIZZA:
Unique idea of pulled pork pizza, but they kicked it up a notch with heat. This pig pizza is on fire with flavor and just the right amount of kick. Nice innovation, Growler.

The Original Sub

—THE SWEET CHILI WINGS:
A Sweet and Spicy saucy sauce, that is sticky and finger licking good.

—THE ORGINAL SUB: A nice 2 piece sub, with Italian style lunch meat. Salami, Pepperoni, Capiccola, Marinara, Mozzarella and Banana Peppers make this sub a popular choice. Served with potato chips it is a filling lunch or dinner.

—BREADED MUSHROOMS:
Nice and hearty, these breaded mushrooms, are a big order and they taste great.

Now for the craft beers…..

They are always listed on BeerMenus.com: Right now their 10 taps are….
1) Yellow Springs Moon Balloon
2) Warped Wing Trotwood Lager

New place is open !

3) Warped Wing 10 ton Stout
4) Great Lakes Chill Wave IPA
5) The Brew Kettle’s Black Rajah
6) Three Floyds Yum Yum
7) Ace Pineapple Cider
8) Blue Moon
9) Bud Light
10) Miller Lite

Beers waiting in the on deck circle to be tapped…. are …..

-Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale
-Madtree Passion Fruit Tart Ale
-Warped Wing Hop Smuggler
-Bear Republic Brewing’s Racer 5 IPA
-Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout
-Platform Speedmerchant White IPA
-Jackie O’s Mystic Mama

Deep Fried Mushrooms

**** SPECIAL SCOOP !! **** THE GROWLER’S ST PATTY PARTY CLICK HERE

JELLO SHOTS! NCAA MARCH MADNESS HOOPS EXCITEMENT!
IRISH CRAFT BEER! BUSHMILL SHOT SPECIALS and more.

Party goes all day Friday, March 17th!

Keep the party going every week right here for feature articles weekly on Dayton Most Metro from the Food Adventure Crew. Growl at you later.

Outside the Growler

They have a number of subs to choose from

Domestic Bottles 1.70 during happy hour

The Fry at Incarnation is Tonight!

March 10, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

One of Dayton’s biggest Fish Frys is tonight !

Incarnation Parish will be buzzing tonight, as one of the area’s biggest fish fry’s gets cooking.

Food, Black Jack, Live Music, Beer, and Wine will be the hallmark for this year’s event, and as always we expect lots of people, and lots of fun. The Food Adventure Crew will even be on hand dealing blackjack for charity. Come try your luck at other Monte Carlo style games of chance and enjoy some special unveilings.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE FRY at INCARNATION:

Fun times at the Blackjack tables

WHEN: Tonight, March 10th, 2017 –
—Carryout Meals 5pm – 6:30pm,
—Eat in 7pm – Midnight

WHERE: Incarnation School, 55 Williamsburg Ln. in Centerville

COST: $20 at the door includes all you can eat fish dinner with

Fish, Beer and More !

fries and cole slaw, and a non-alcoholic drink
—Beer and Wine will be on sale prices ranging from $2 to $5

SPECIAL EVENT: Warped Wing Brewing Company will be tapping a special experimental hop series beer.

WHY: All proceeds benefit the Incarnation School and PTO

Beware, this is a big party and you will be around a big crowd. There are also silent auction

The cafeteria will soon be full !

items, raffles and so much more. This is a perfect event to meet up with a group of friends and have yourself a little Food Adventure.

The atmosphere is casual with the event being held in the school cafeteria and school gymnasium. We hope you stop out and fill yourself to the gills with some great fried fish !

For more foodie action all over the Dayton area from dives to fine dining, check out Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here…

Feel free to browse our gallery below from past fish frys at Incarnation.

All you can eat

Hecht Family frying fish

Charity workers

Tartar and cocktail sauce

Take a chance on me

Everyday we’re shuff-a-lin

Surprises at Cheesesteak Qualifier, Finals to Follow

March 5, 2017 By Food Adventures with Big Ragu & The Crew Leave a Comment

Chef Hayden Shocks the Crowd, wins Qualifier !

Fat Tuesday got even fatter this past week at Submarine House in Centerville. The newly opened restaurant at 503 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. was packed. Fifteen competitors were ready to take on the Super Duper Cheesesteak Challenge and their friends and family were there cheering them on. Standing room only was the atmosphere as Dayton’s favorite foodies, The Food Adventure Crew called the place to order.

Hungry Jax was the Emcee and official timekeeper was Kris Mick, past champion and cheesesteak eating legend. We were here to see if any of these big mouths could qualify for the store’s top 10 times.

What happened next was simply epic…….

— LOCAL CHEF MATT “PORK CHOP”

The 16 inch Super Duper Cheesesteak

HAYDEN STUNS THE CROWD WITH WINNING TIME of 4 minutes 41 seconds. Rumors swirled after the event that the chef and owner of Scratch Food had been training for weeks with an unorthodox diet of ruffage, cabbage and even cauliflower to stretch his stomach. We cannot confirm this, but his time was amazing. We did notice his foot stomping and bouncing method while eating. That may have been a strategy to let the food settle, or it could have been excitement. We will never know.

Kayla Bradstreet put her hair up, and put the men to shame !

We do know it was a legendary cheesesteak challenge moment and surprising highlight of the night. When Chef Hayden raised his hands and yelled “done,” he then stuck out his tongue. The crowd gave him a big pop of applause, hoots and hollers.

— DAYTON AREA SOCIALITE KAYLA BRADSTREET, REPRESENTING THE WOMEN, BEATS THE CHALLENGE and shows the men the some girl power ! Calling herself “man hands” she manhandled the sub sandwich into submission with a time of 14 minutes 20 seconds. The crowd went bonkers as she tilted her head back and sprinkled the last bits of lettuce into her mouth. She raised her hands and showed her empty mouth in triumph to the roar of women throughout the restaurant. There were cell phone flashes and people recording videos everywhere. It was

Chris Goode (left) finished in 5 minutes and Gary “The Growler” Leasure finished in 15 minutes.

Female Food Adventure for the ages.

— CHRIS GOODE, LAST MINUTE SUBSTITUTE FOR THE CHROME DIVAS, and the thinnest contestant, destroys his Super Duper Cheesesteak in 5 minutes flat for the 2nd best time. Lesson learned, don’t ever count the little guy out. Especially if he has a mohawk! Chris tore into that sandwich and rode off into the sunset on his Harley! Thank you to the Chrome Diva’s for your support and your great representative !

The contestants grow restless – 15 people took the challenge

Bryan Suddith Seducing the Camera

—At the end of the night, the thermometer donation tally was at $686 plus approximately $180 more would be donated from $1,800 of food and drink sales in 2 hours. Not too bad, about $886 bucks for the night. We could have never done it without the participation of the contestants and the support of their friends and families. Thank you to those who came out to watch, eat and drink and who also donated money on the side. We could not have succeeded without the incredible ownership of Submarine House and their staff. Their generosity and local support of causes is an example for all. Thank you to Dayton Dining, Dayton Most Metro, Dayton Chrome Divas, and

The Pink Ribbon Girls for the promotion and support.

This was a one night only fun get together for charity, but it was fun to see who could qualify for the event. The top 10 times go on to compete for the store championship in mid-April and each store’s champion will be named. Then each champ moves on to the April 22nd, 1pm event, the finals at the Huber Heights new Submarine House Bar and Grill. Come watch with us !

Triple the Meat, Triple the Cheese and the Works Toppings

**HERE ARE THE FULL RESULTS from the SUBMARINE HOUSE’S
2nd ANNUAL FOOD ADVENTURE SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK QUALIFIER**

—MATT “PORK CHOP” HAYDEN – 4 minutes, 41 seconds:
He put on a clinic.

—CHRIS GOODE – CHROME DIVAS REPRESENTATIVE – 5 minutes even:
Little guy, big appetite !

— JEREMY “SWEETNESS” SWIHART – 5 minutes, 24 seconds.
Easily the most cool, calm and collected contestant of the night. He was an eating machine.

Mark “the Beard” DaGrossa taking the cheesesteak to task

— TACO “CHEESESTEAK” PHILLY – 8 minutes, 42 seconds.
The big guy tore through the sandwich like child’s play, joking the whole way through.

— JOE “THE MINISTER OF MEAT” AMSTUTZ – 8 minutes 49 seconds
An impressive display of chomping skills. A terrific time for the big sandwich.

— BRYAN “BABY BLUES” SUDDITH: 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
Dayton’s top story slammer and ferocious foodie, improved his time over last year by 4 minutes.

Kevin “The Garlic King” Sorice is loving the good food !

— KEVIN “THE GARLIC KING” SORICE – 13 minutes 41 seconds.
The self declared senior division champ had no problem beating the challenge.

— KAYLA “MAN HANDS” BRADSTREET – 14 minutes 20 seconds.
Girl power rules! An unforgettable win.

— NATE “COWBOY” TUCKER – 14 minutes and 22 seconds.
The big guy put a hurtin on the cheesesteak and squeaked in ahead of the deadline.

— GARY ” THE GROWLER” LEASURE – 15 minutes, 1 second.
Steady chewing was the key to his success.

— MARK “THE BEARD” DaGROSSA – Could not finish in 16 minutes.
This real life Santa was steady, he almost did it, but enjoyed the tasty experience.

Chris Kilroy, ready to take the challenge !

— BRIAN “THE BIG APPLE” APPLETON – Could not finish in 16 minutes.
had to go out to the patio for air.

— CHRIS “THE KILLER” KILROY – Could not finish in 16 minutes.

Disappointed, but thought the sandwich was delicious !

— JOHN “HAMBONE” HAMMOND – Could not finish in 16 minutes.
Improved over last year, but fell just short this year. Close… real close !

— STEVE “THE BIG RAGU” MILANO – Could not finish in 16 minutes.
He is contemplating retirement

Emcee for the Night was Jax from Food Adventures !

****ARE YOU UP FOR THE SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK CHALLENGE?****

You may still take the challenge at any Submarine House location through April 2nd.

—WHAT: You must eat a 16 inch SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK. Super Duper means this 16 inch sub has triple the meat and triple the cheese of their normal subs. You have to eat it topped AS IS with “The Works” toppings in less than 16 minutes. The Works includes: Cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, homemade oil & vinegar dressing & pepper relish. Grilled Mushrooms also come on the sub. Important – NO topping substitutions, you have to eat it as is with all of the ingredients. This is not a baby challenge. So bring your loose pants.

Packed House Watching !! The night raised almost 900 bucks for Pink Ribbon Girls !

—WHY: If you complete the challenge, your sandwich is free and you win a T-shirt. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Pink Ribbon Girls charity.

—COST: About $23 up front, which is refundable if you complete the challenge successfully. You can take the challenge at any Submarine House, alone or with a group of friends from Jan 30th through April 2nd.

John “Hambone” Hammond and the Big Ragu could not finish the Super Duper Cheesesteak

Remember, the top 10 fastest times at each store will see the competitors called back in April for the “store championship semi-finals.” If you win the best time at the store championship, you are off to the finals April 22nd at 1pm at the new Huber Heights Bar & Grill location of Submarine House.

Browse the gallery below from memories of this incredible night for charity.

Still Hungry? “LIKE” FOOD ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK by clicking here. We are not food critics, we are passionate foodies, living and loving the Dayton food scene and sharing our finds!