Dayton Most Metro

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

Bryan Suddith

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

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Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Quest for the Best Latte

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My dad, who was an over- the-road truck driver,  was a simple black coffee kind of guy. Donut shop, diner, or an exit ramp truck stop was his go to for breakfast and a thermos refill of coffee. His coffee usually came in a styrofoam cup from a driver’s break room or from an abandoned Mr. Coffee in the corner of the warehouse by the loading dock where he waited on the truck to be loaded. (bills photo)
Like my dad I am no coffee snob. I’m as loyal to Speedway as I am Starbucks. Both are convenient and fill my belly with warmth and varying degrees of caffeine. Dayton however has grown a more sophisticated taste for good coffee and good company. A recent boom of coffee shops has provided room for everyone here in town.  For fun, I took a tour drinking Latte’s in all the coffee shops in my part of town.
If I am not drinking a black coffee, I am probably enjoying a latte. I like it from a big mug. The kind that requires two hands to lift and tip. The latte is entirely Italian and kinda fancy. Often confused with a cappuccino, the latte is espresso with steamed milk and a little foam on top. Technically speaking, 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk and 1/6 foamy milk providing a frothy head. Perhaps more than you need to know. I like mine straight. No flavored syrup added.

Here is where you can get a great latte in Dayton:

Ghostlight

1201 Wayne Ave.
Latte: 16 oz $3.75
Drip: 16 oz $2.50
Everyone’s favorite. It’s comfy and familiar. This is where the Wayne Ave Coffee Trail begins. Check out this latte out. Shane has created a space akin to your favorite aunt’s living room. You will hear a great story, meet someone new and probably share a table with a stranger. Baked goods grace the counter and the baristas are in the know and will help you decide among a flavored latte, a cold brew or something unique just for your taste.

Wholly Grounds

825 Wayne Ave
Latte: 16 oz $3.00
The newest show on Wayne Avenue. Just a scone’s throw north from Ghostlight. Wholly Grounds is the most economical. Just $3.00 for the latte and the baked goods equally priced. My barista was one of the friendliest and the room the quietest on a weekday morning at 8. Plenty of room for a small meeting, friends enjoying cards or grabbing a chair in by the window and enjoying a good book alone.

Press

257 Wayne Avenue
732 Watervliet Avenue

Latte: 16 oz $4+
I stopped into the Watervliet location right after they opened. The latte was perfect. Perfect. Almost a bit too perfect. The room is minimalist in design. Not really cozy and the drink is made away from the counter. One the most expensive lattes, but the most technically correct of them all. Baked goods were few and limited to croissants and few scones.

Epic

22 West Stroop Rd. Kettering
Latte: 16oz $4+
Coffee, ice cream, sodas and the most expansive menu that included toast and bagels with a variety of toppings. This place is super comfy and I like being there. I always see someone from Kettering when I am there and it has real local feel. Uniquely Kettering somehow.  The one draw back is the unsolicited advice and history of your drink. I don’t need to know that you don’t offer a specific size of latte. Or why my latte is not a cappuccino or a variety of other tidbits you get when you order. I watched 5 customers in a row order and receive this chat about the drink they asked for. However, their latte was among my favorite. It tasted as if they used a ristretto shot, or a short shot of espresso and let the steamed milk carry that flavor. Currently my favorite for flavor, texture and beauty.

Boston Stoker

34 W Second St.,Downtown Dayton
Since 1973 Boston Stoker has been elevating Dayton’s coffee scene. Originally roasters, Boston Stoker has locations throughout the region for a great latte. Perhaps best known for the Highlander Grogg with its sweet syrup, bourbon flavor and whipped topping, these guys know how to pull a shot of espresso and will leave you dazzled with their latte art. The Downtown location features plenty of room for a meeting and quiet corners for taking a break with a book or podcast.
Side note: I really miss their old Centerville location and have been visiting their downtown 2nd St. location more often.

St. Anne the Tart

1500 E 5th St Dayton

16 oz $4+
Two words. Get there. Delightful unpretentious service. A great shot of espresso and a near perfect latte. Which was a surprise in a location billed as a bakery. Did I mention the service? My visit was disrupted only by some kids unattended and making a ruckus. That didn’t even turn me off to this quaint addition to the St. Anne’s neighborhood. Besides the coffee, service, and humble vibe, they have biscuits and jam, tarts and a list of baked goods I will go back for.
Visit the tag wall. Folks buy a treat or drink and leave it for a specific person. What a great way to share a smile with a stranger.

Gem City CatCafe

1513 E 5th S. Dayton
16 oz $4+
I am allergic to cats. My wife doesn’t really love coffee shops. We loved CatCafe. I get a great latte and time with a book, and for a few dollars more my wife enjoyed some cat therapy in the adjoining room. She had an iced tea and we shared a sweet treat. Don’t let the cats fool you, this is a legit coffee stop with baristas that can pull a shot and brew great tea.

3rd Perk

46 W. 5th St. Dayton,
16 oz $3.50
3rd Perk is oddly enough found on 5th Street and joins Wholly Grounds as the most warm and welcoming of coffee shops. This location is a great spot for early meetings and parking is easy to find on 5th or Ludlow. Pretty sure I saw the owner/barista delivery a drink curbside to a regular who just pulled up outside. This kind of service catches my attention every time.

Quest For Dayton’s Best: Chicken Wings

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The Buffalo Wing was an economical snack created in response to late-night bar patrons looking for a quick snack. In the now famed Anchor Bar in Buffalo , over 50 years ago, the Buffalo Chicken Wing was invented. Dayton has no shortage of places to get wings. Everyone is getting in on the wing business but a few in the area do it right.
Quick disclaimer, I can’t in good faith review a wing produced by any chain that specializes in pizza. Wings that are 40 minutes old and delivered in a cardboard box is just wrong. Secondly, I left out two locally famous wing joints. For the record, I love having a tall beer and a plate of wings from Roosters or Frickers. I enjoy both equally.
Today I am talking Dayton’s best wings. The best. Here’s where I land in my quest for the best of Dayton chicken wings.
1035 South Main Street
Centerville, Ohio 45458
Dayton Dragons Plaza
329 E. First St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Lock 27 is making magic one wing at a time. These are smoked. Deep fried and full of flavor unmatched in Dayton. These aren’t the 10 cent wings of your college days. Crispy, but insanely tender and makes you wish you got two orders. The hot option comes in habanero peach and the mild option is a dry rub full of flavor without the heat. Lock 27 doesn’t stop there. They are making the bleu cheese dressing by hand with a little sriracha for an extra kick.
Choose the Lock Tender Ale. Nothing better to wash down an order of these wings.
1001 S. Main St.
Englewood, OH 45322
These guys are more than brisket and pulled pork. Two reasons to make the drive north. Company 7 is smoking these wings in a wet marinade and then deep frying to perfection when you order. These guys look like a standard naked wing until you take a bite. It’s the crispy fried wing you depend on with a smokey back-end you normally only get from a good slice of brisket or smoked pulled pork. The wing is one of a kind and is fall of the bone perfection so nothing is wasted.
Like Lock 27 you have options for beer to pair. Lock keeps 25 tabs of craft beers all the time. These wings are bold in flavor and will stand up to your favorite IPA or Dark Ale.
1443 N. Detroit
Xenia, OH
I like options. Nicks is a joint older than the chicken wing for which they’ve become famous for. When I say options I mean options. Nicks offers their wings breaded or naked (no breading and my preference) and you can enjoy 14 different sauces.
Fire in ya Hole | Nick’s Secret Sweet Hot Damn | Original Hot | Spicy Garlic | Asian Cajun | General Zen’s | On The Fence | Sissy Sauce | Sweet Bourbon BBQ | Sweet BBQ | Sweet-n-Sour | Honey Mustard | Mild | Nick’s Dry Rub
I split my order between Original Hot and Sweet Bourbon BBQ. The BBQ is sticky and sweet with a hint of bourbon to keep it exciting. I like the hot with Bleu Cheese dressing. It’s the way the Anchor Bar intended.
Bonus…order your favorite wings with a waffle. Just try it. Something crazy good about a hot wing and a syrup covered waffle and Nick’s does it right.
9496 Dayton-Lebanon Pike,
Centerville, OH 45458
2030 East Dorothy Lane,
Kettering, OH 45420
The World’s 2nd Best Wings. That’s how Archers bills them. These wings are huge and tasty. This is my go-to here in Kettering for a quick lunch. Available in Mild, Hot, Archer’s Style, Destroyer, Sweet BBQ, Hickory BBQ, and Chipotle BBQ. You guessed it, I get mine with the hot and always get the celery and bleu cheese. These are lightly breaded and deep fried. No tricks. Just good chicken with great flavor.
Keeping up with the theme of great wings and beer, Archer’s is no slouch in the beer area. They have 20 rotating taps but I stick with the Archer’s Ale. I’m a creature of habit and a good hoppy ale seems to work with the oil carried spice of a deep fried wing.
Here are a few more spots to get great wings in Dayton:
Bunkers Sports Bar
A very traditional wing that never leaves you disappointed. Cooked perfectly.
Hard to beat the prices here. If you are wanting 10, order 15. Thank me later.
This is a great pub that happens to have fantastic wings, and gyros, Reubens, burgers and a bevy of deep fried bar goodness. Try the wings first. Then go back again and again.
Go ahead. Tell me. Where should I be getting great wings here in Dayton that didn’t make the list? 
ps.
Occasionally I make my own wings at home. I’m gonna share a secret with you. I have found the best recipe for getting my wings to restaurant quality. Alton Brown makes it easy for anyone to make at home, no deep fryer needed.

Quest for the Best Pho

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Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup for McCormick Kitchen Basics 2013

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a slow simmered broth and noodles. The noodles are rice noodles and the dish is usually served with slices of beef or chicken that cook in the hot broth, leaving the proteins tender and full of flavor from steeping in the broth.

I love Pho. Pho is pronounced Fuh by the way. Making possible a ton of puns. What the Pho? Pho me? Pho you! It is also a fun food to eat. To me eating a bowl of Pho is akin to eating good barbecue. There are plenty of parallels here.
First, it’s a soup with chopsticks. This is automatically fun. Second, Pho is served with a side plate of herbs, lime, and sprouts. Pho like BBQ is unique to each chef/cook. Broth recipes vary from region, family and here in Dayton restaurant to restaurant. Also like BBQ, the broth is a labor of love and the recipe usually protected. The food is tactile, it requires getting your hands involved.
Part of the Pho experience is determining how you like your bowl. Tearing the leaves of cilantro and basil, adding sprouts, choosing two or three or more slivers of pepper to the bowl. Deciding to add Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Hoisin or Siracha?
I like mine with a fair amount of cilantro and basil. I add hoisin if available and as many of the sprouts and peppers as possible. A dash of soy finishes my bowl. I like to eat broth first, letting the noodles soak up the herbs and peppers. I usually finish my bowl with chopsticks picking the noodles and sprouts from the shallow broth that remains. Everyone has their way.
When I want Pho I have two standbys that are the best of the best. There are other options if you are on the upper northeast side of town or south of town for good Pho. Here’s where my Quest for the Best took me:
Address: 5532 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Hours: 11AM – 9PM
Phone: (937) 252-1857
This was my first Pho in Dayton. It opened back in 2007 and quickly grew as a favorite in the East Dayton/Riverside/WPAFB area. This is where I learned to team chopsticks with the deep soup spoon. Where you crowded in tight and stood between tables waiting on your table. The broth here is full of flavor, not spicy, but deep in aromas.  The bowl is huge and plenty for lunch or dinner. The plate with sprouts, cilantro and peppers are generous as well. The “new” location is huge in comparison and the wait time is nearly non-existent these days. I find myself adding a fair amount of Siracha and Hoison to my bowl here. Linh’s also has a wide selection of Chinese dishes as well. Perfect for any companion who is less than adventurous, the chicken fried rice is a filling dish for your +1.
For the PHO. I get the beef, but the chicken is great too.
Address: 1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Hours:11AM –  2PM ⋅ 4:30PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (937) 258-8010

No secret here, this is my favorite. The broth has a slight kick to it. If you ask, there is a spicier Pho offered. I usually go that route. No additional sauces are necessary. They soft shrimp rolls are top notch and come two to an order, no matter what the menu might suggest. This is a small shop but you’ll feel welcome. The menu isn’t easy to under
stand, so tell your server what you want and they’ll guide you.
Bonus points here for Vegetarian friends: Tofu is made fresh every day and is available in the Pho, stir-fried noodle dishes and fried rice entrees. It takes less than 2 visits to feel like a regular who is dining in a friend’s home. Little Saigon is a family run operation and has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for more than 30 years.
Address: 8990 Kingsridge Dr, Dayton, OH 45458
Hours: 11:00AM –  9PM
Phone: (937) 433-7388
I had to try this spot. As a kid, this building was a little Mexican food joint (late 1970’s and early 80’s) and my mom loved going there. The Pho here is the mildest of the four in this article. Took a fair amount of Siracha and Fish sauce to kick up the flavor. Plenty of beef, soft noodles cooked perfect and the addition of Thai Basil on the plate next to sprouts and cilantro was a nice touch.
The Shrimp Spring rolls here are among my favorite, rivaling that of Little Saigon. Pho Mi had plenty of seating, a menu that includes a Bánh mì lunch special. I’ll have to return and try the famous sandwich next time. The menu sticks to its Vietnamese roots and are full of noodle dishes beyond Pho and the Banh mi sandwiches.
Address: 3464 Pentagon Blvd C, Beavercreek, OH 45431
Hours:11:00AM – 8:30PM
Phone: (937) 956-6060
I was most skeptical about this spot. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the newest spot here in Dayton out by the Fairfield Mall. I was surprised. First note, the Pho comes in a smaller lunch portion. It was still plenty when paired with the Shrimp Spring Rolls but cost the same as their competitors bigger bowls.
The decor was modern and new as you might expect in a strip near a big mall, lacking the old world charm and character of Little Saigon but the service was fast, the Pho tasty and rolls adequate. I found the roll rice wrappers a bit chewy, perhaps from not being as fresh. I arrived for a later than normal lunch after the crowd had thinned a bit.
Prices here are the highest of all 4 spots. Linh’s, Little Saigon and Pho Mi you can have Pho, Shrimp Roll, and a tea for $10-$12 total. What Da Pho was up over the $14.00 range before gratuity which was well deserved.
My “to visit” list:
Xuan Vietnamese Cuisine, 4770 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Where do you go for Pho in Dayton? If your spot isn’t here, tell us in the comments. You can’t go wrong at these spots, but if you make it to Little Saigon, tell them Bryan and Most Metro sent you.

Learn How To Tell A Great 5 Minute Story

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Dayton’s open mic storytelling group, Story Slam Dayton, kicks off their 3rd season at Wiley’s Comedy club with a workshop on August 21. The regular season kicks off on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District.
Aspiring storytellers and experienced veterans alike are invited to take part in this workshop. Story Slam Dayton producers Shelly Hulce and Bryan Suddith will share their experience from both sides of the stage with the workshop attendees.
Bryan and Shelly will cover the basics of crafting a story for the stage, basic storytelling structure, editing for time and will allow storytellers a chance to try out the stage in front of a small audience.
Bryan will share his method for shaping stories for the Story Slam stage. Stories in this format are 5 minutes in length, are told in the first person and have to relate to each month’s theme.
Shelly will lead the group on stage, overcoming the bright lights and how to command the stage at the mic.
Shelly has been leading the local Story Slam community for more than 10 years. Bryan is two-time Moth Storytelling GrandSlam participant and can be found telling stories on and off stage frequently.
Interested Storytellers can RSVP via Facebook.
The workshop is $5.00 and every participant will receive one (1) free admission to a future story slam. To learn more about Story Slam Dayton, visit us at Facebook.com/StorySlamDayton

Dayton’s best burger. I found it.

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It is hard to get a bad burger in Dayton. Immediately I can list almost 10 great spots for a good burger. Tanks. Meadowlark. Pine Club. Oakwood Club (that black and bleu is to die for). Slyder’s Tavern. Abners on East 3rd. Foys in Fairborn. Zink’s. Voltzy’s. Burger Master (my go-to for soul food).

Back in 2009 I began my search for the best burger in Dayton and  I have found it:

There is one spot that stands above the rest. Disalvo’s Deli. Rinaldo “Ron” Disalvo is grinding his own blends of choice cuts of beef. Filet. Sirloin. Trimmings from brisket. Chuck. Whatever he has on hand he is mixing to perfection.

One day a week. These custom creations are only available on Thursdays at his spot on Stroop Road in Kettering. The flavor and the makeup of the burgers fluctuate weekly with the cuts he uses and the toppings he piles on.

Here’s what you will notice. It’s cooked perfectly on the flat-top. Smashed with a sear, cooked just under medium and juicy throughout. It’s a loosely packed patty. The crispy edges give it a nice texture to offset the tender bite of a freshly made patty.

I have had the burger with onion, tomato and lettuce under a buttery brioche bun with nothing else. Rinaldo has a custom spice blend that flavors the beef perfectly while negating the need for ketchup or mayo. One time, I swore I could taste a hint of A-1. When I asked Rinaldo, he laughed and went back to the kitchen. Whatever it is, it’s delightful and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the top shelf beef.

Recently his burger came dressed with crispy Neuske’s bacon, provolone, sauteed onions and mushrooms with a dollop of his homemade bbq sauce. (Ron is pretty adept at the smoker and his bbq is equally as famous.)

The deli case at Disalvo’s is full of deli salads. Coleslaw, potato salad, greek and Mediterranian dishes with olives and artichokes, skip them all on Thursdays. Your burger is always accompanied by a basket of crispy fries tossed in Truffle Oil and Parmesan cheese. Finish the burger and the fries and you may have the willpower to skip the cannoli by the register. Probably not.

Since my days blogging at Dayton’s Diners and Dives, I’ve always enjoyed my burger and fries with a Coke. These days I have a diet Coke, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a beer over lunch.  Crooked Handle has created a special Italian brew for Disalvo’s or grab a can of Warped Wing’s Ermal’s.

This isn’t your typical burger. Depending on the week and the toppings this burger and fries range from $9.95 to $12.95 for the recent bacon/provolone/mushroom/onion and bbq burger. Worth every cent. Grab an extra napkin. Make it two. You are gonna need it. Remember. Thursday’s only, Disalvo’s Deli, tell them Bryan sent you.
Visit them online at http://www.disalvosdeli.com/menu/daily-deli-1/ for their daily specials.

DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store 

1383 E Stroop Rd
Kettering, Ohio
 (937) 298-5053
Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm

closed Sunday

Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits at DAI

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The Dayton Art Institute opens the Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits exhibit Saturday. 48 black and white portraits comprise the exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian’s American Portrait Gallery.
Yousuf Karsh is perhaps the most prolific portrait photographer of the 20th century. Coming to age following the Armenian Genocide he landed in Ottowa Canada as a refugee from the Ottoman Empire, now modern-day Turkey.
From Canada, he built his career and legacy after his 1941 photograph of Winston Churchill made the cover of Time Magazine. Yousuf’s portraits would grace the cover of Time Magazine 19 more times over his career.
Like many photographers of that period, Yousuf was involved in every aspect of the portrait session, including the development of the film and printing of the images. The images feel personal and that comes the relationships and rapport Yousuf built with each subject he photographed.
Visitors to the exhibit will be struck by the absolute clarity of each photo. These are not digitally retouched images, but photographs made 40, 50, 60 and even 70 years ago. Painstakenly lit, posed, developed and printed by hand. Most all of the images feel personal as well. His photos of Hemingway and Martin Luther King are iconic and easily recognizable, but the intimate photo of Helen Keller and her assistant give you a glimpse into her life.

This exhibit is focused on American portraits. Innovators, personalities, celebrities, and artists, but also includes the whimsical with Colonel Sanders and Andy Warhol finishing the walk of portraits. Look for Grace Kelley, Edward Murrow, Muhammad Ali, Niel Amstrong, Walt Disney and dozens of others that shaped America in the 20th century.
The exhibit opens June 23 and will return to the American Portrait Gallery in September.
Keep an eye out for the one portrait in the collection that is not of an American icon.

A number of related events and programs are planned in conjunction with the special exhibition, including a Trivia Night at The DAI hosted by Dana Sintell of The Rubi Girls! Scheduled programs include:

  • Trivia Night, July 13, 6:30–9 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Clay Portraiture, July 14, 1–3 p.m.
  • Curatorial Conversations: Exhibition Tour, July 19, 6–7 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Celebrating Celebrities, July 28, 1–3 p.m.
  • Teen/Adult Studio: Charcoal Portraiture, July 29, 1–2 p.m.
  • Talk: What’s in a Portrait? The Art of Photography and Portraiture, August 4, 1–2 p.m.
  • The Language of Art, August 8 & August 11, noon–2 p.m.
  • ARTventures: Creative Collages, August 25, 1–3 p.m.
  • Behind the Scenes Talk: Yousuf Karsh and Jane Reece, September 6, 4–5 p.m.

For more about Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits and Jane Reece Photographs, as well as related programs, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org/americanportraits. 

Admission to Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits is free for museum members. Non-member admission is $14 adults; $11 seniors (60+), students (18+ w/ID), active military and groups (10 or more); $6 youth (ages 7-17); and free for children (ages 6 & under). Prices include admission to Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits and Jane Reece Photographs, as well as the museum’s collection galleries. As a special thank you to the community, admission to the exhibition will be free to all on the first four Sundays in July: July 1, 8, 15 & 22.

Dayton’s Best Storytellers Compete for GrandSlam Title

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Jackie Andrews

Dayton’s Story Slam will host their second annual Grand Slam storytelling event on Tuesday, June 19th at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District. For more than 10 years Dayton Story Slam has hosted these “Moth” inspired evenings, attracting a wide variety of storytellers and stories.

The open mic story nights welcome all tellers to the stage. The rules are simple. Stories told from the Story Slam stage must be true, told in the first person, given without notes and must be centered on the theme of the night. Stories are limited to five minutes and the night is hosted by Shelly Hulce and Bryan Suddith.

Bryan Suddith with 2017 Grand Slam Winner Bridget Flaherty,

The June 19 Grand Slam event welcomes back 6 winners from the last year as well as two of our most popular runners-up. Each of the storytellers are coming prepared with a personal true story on the theme of Finished.
Bridget Flaherty returns to defend her title from last year alongside a few other familiar names in Dayton storytelling. Sandra Combs, Nathan Collier, Jackie Andrews, Becky Koop, Melissa Muncie, Faith Robertson and Jude Walsh will all take the stage with their story.
Doors open on the 19th at Wiley’s at 6:30. Stories start at 7:00. Tickets are only $5, payable online or at the door.  Drinks and a menu of appetizers and desserts are available for purchase. For more information check out the Story Slam Dayton Facebook page.

MostMetro.com Ticket Giveaway:
For your chance to win a 4 pack of tickets for Tuesday’s show, leave a comment below on why you should get the tickets and we’ll pick a deserving commenter.   We’ll announce our winner Sunday night and leave the tickets at will call for you, to be claimed by showing a valid ID.

Quest For The Best BBQ

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BBQ is personal. BBQ is communal. BBQ at its core is primal. Meat slowed cooked over smoke. Simple. But not easy to do correctly.

 

BBQ is the only food that has a definition codified in Federal Law. Title 9 of The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) defines it this way in Chapter III, Subchapter A, Part 319, Subpart C, Section 319.80

 

“Barbecued meats, such as product labeled “Beef Barbecue” or “Barbecued Pork,” shall be cooked by the direct action of dry heat resulting from the burning of hard wood or the hot coals therefrom for a sufficient period to assume the usual characteristics of a barbecued article, which include the formation of a brown crust on the surface and the rendering of surface fat. The product may be basted with a sauce during the cooking process. The weight of barbecued meat shall not exceed 70 percent of the weight of the fresh uncooked meat.”

 

I love BBQ and have traveled thousands of miles eating the best of Memphis, Alabama, St. Louis and Kansas City. I have learned a few things about BBQ. It is intensely personal. Whenever a chef or pitmaster spends 8, 10 or even 15 hours preparing a cut of pork or beef, you are eating the real fruit of labor. The rub, the mop, the sauce, all come from family recipes tested and tasted and tweaked over time.

 

BBQ is best enjoyed with family. Splitting plates. Telling stories. Savoring time around the table. Slow. Just like the preparation.
I’ve done some research and found that you don’t have to drive far for authentic BBQ. We have some great ‘cue right here in Dayton Ohio. Let me tell you about them. These are my favorites and if you like slow cooked smoky meat, they will be yours too. There are another 1/2 dozen places to get bbq in Dayton (that doesn’t count some remarkable food trucks). These folks are smoking ribs, brisket, pork, chicken and sausage over a real fire with real smoke. That’s the standard.

 

Hickory River BBQ (Regional Chain 6 locations Illinois and Ohio)
135 S Garber Dr, Tipp City, OH 45371
Hickory River in Tipp is worth the drive. Its a big family place and reminded me of the bigger Kansas City joints I have visited in recent years. By far the friendliest of my visits. My son and I split 4 ribs, brisket, a pulled pork sandwich and a 1/4 pound of the smoked sausage with two sides and drinks for under $30 dollars. My favorites here were the ribs and sausage. The pulled pork had a good amount of bark full of smokey flavor. My son says the mac and cheese was as good as he ever had. The slaw was fresh and made in-house.
Did I mention the prices and friendliness? I can’t wait to get back there. Tuesday’s are buck a bone rib nights.
Gotta Try: Smoked Sausage

 

1101 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402
Texas Brisket and Texas attitude. By far the best brisket I have had in Ohio. Peppery, slow cooked, sliced right. Smoke ring and it had a good pull to it. Tender, but not pot roast falling apart. The sauce is kept behind the counter, ask for samples of both offerings. The sausage was great and the pulled pork sandwich was full of smoke and tender. Careful ordering the menu here. It get’s pricey fast. Pulled pork, sausage and a portion of brisket with two sides set me back almost $40 bucks. Ribs are sold by the slab and 1/2 slab only so we didn’t get to try them. Wings need to be ordered ahead by 20-30 minutes. Drink offerings are limited but beer is an option.
Gotta Try: Brisket

 

1334 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Fatbacks is my go-to. It’s set up like the smaller joints in Memphis, which I love. His brisket is always tender and the best pulled pork is found here. His ribs have a sweet finish which I prefer. He also has a thing he calls a pig pop. It is the lower shank smoked slow and covered in a sweet sauce that almost candies on the rendered skin. Get one. No. Get two. Sides here are always great, from greens to slaw to beans.
PS. This guy is building smokers like the pros use when he isn’t feeding lunch to locals on Linden Ave.
Gotta Try: Pig Pop

 

OinkADoodleMoo (4 locations and WPAFB)
912 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45419
I’d put Oink’s ribs against anyone in Dayton. I wish I could figure out the rub he uses there. The founders of Oink studied BBQ in Kansas City brought their newfangled smoking technology back home to Dayton and we benefit from that. Their ribs are never overcooked and always have a great smoke. I find their brisket to be a bit overdone and falling apart. Still tasty on a bun though! Wings. Get the wings. Smoked tender and soft and full of flavor. Not like your normal bar wings. The corn pudding should be a mandatory side. Brisket, wings, pulled pork and a few ribs and sides under $30 again. Perfect for a date or father/kid outing. Oink is also making burnt ends. A Kansas City invention.
Gotta Try: Ribs and get a side of the smoke potatoes

 

 

Combs BBQ Central
2223 Central Ave, Middletown, OH 45044
I really can’t say enough about this place. It’s out of range for lunch during the week but it quickly becoming my favorite on Saturday’s.
This laid-back spot is part of Downtown Middletown’s rebirth. These ribs are legit, always cooked perfect and the pulled pork has texture, great flavor and that spicy bark you want in every bite. Brisket doesn’t happen every day. Recently I was there when they had smoked an entire pot roast. Delicious on a bun with a touch of sauce. Prices are good and the service is tops and fast.
Gotta Try: Pulled Pork and Ribs
1001 S Main St, Englewood, OH 45322
Brisket. Check. Ribs. Check. Pulled pork. Check. The best wings in Dayton? Yes. You’ve got my word on it. They smoke wings in a marinade (a wet smoke) then cool them and deep fry them when you order. If you’ve never had them, get up there today. Crunchy outside with a soft smoky interior the wing is in a class all its own. The team of Company 7 is pushing the envelope with lunch specials and a drive-thru. That’s right. A bbq sandwich from a drive-thru. I’ve not timed it from Kettering, but I am considering it.
Bonus at Company 7…beer. More than 20 craft beers in cans and bottles and always a few Company 7 Brews on tap.
Gotta Try: Smoked Wings
I’m always looking for a new spot for great BBQ!  Tell us where yourgo-too place is for great ribs, brisket, pulled pork or barbecued chicken.
Speaking of BBQ- MostMetro.com and Bryan Suddith, a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society Judge are teaming up for a Dayton BBQ Tour! 
Join us this coming Saturday, Aug 4th at 1pm as we board the 937 Party Bus and we’ll visit OinkADoodle Moo, Fat Backs and Texas Beef and Cattle Company for this mobile meat feast.  We’ll make sure you get plenty to eat and  in between spots we’ll share a few brews on the bus and talk BBQ.  This tour  will be limited to just 12 people. $60 covers the bus transportation, beers and BBQ. Get your ticket here.

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

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When I worked on the West Side of Dayton 15 years ago there was a place in Drexel, an old-fashioned Root Beer stand that had the best fried Pork Tenderloin. It came on an undersized bun with pickles, onions, and mustard. For a few bucks, this slice of fried breaded pork could keep you satisfied until way past dinner. It was reminiscent of the Fried Tenderloin you could only get at the county fair when I was a kid.
Locally I could guess that the Fried Pork Tenderloin is some kind of adaptation of a  traditional German-Austrian schnitzel but didn’t have much of the traditional veal. Here in the Midwest, they had pork and that works for me.
I began to search for the best Fried Pork Tenderloin in Dayton and this is what I found:

 

Hasty Tasty
Address: 3509 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Hours: Open today · 5AM–10PM
Phone: (937) 254-8431
The Pork Tenderloin is thicker and not as wide as I am used to. A light breading that is crisp and still juicy on the inside. Hasty Tasty, known to most as a great breakfast diner, is also the defacto standard for the meat plus two dinner plate. I get the Tenderloin for lunch and they serve it with tomato, lettuce, onion, and mayo. It was a departure from my normal mustard, pickle, and onion but it worked. It really worked. I almost didn’t finish my fries, or the chili I had alongside it.
$4.50 and for $2.50 you can add two sides like I did. Skip the salad, get the fries and a cup of the chili.

 

Address: 836 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 258-1222
I know, I know. Go to Slyder’s get the burger they said. I did that. Then I got the Reuben, and then I had the Pork Tenderloin. I am glad I did. At this rate, I’ll never get to their famous wings and that is okay with sandwiches and chips for under $7.00. This tenderloin is thinner, the way I like, served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. I left the pickle and onion, added mustard and we were headed down memory lane. Hot, crispy, then, hanging way over the bun like old times. Used three napkins and I am not even ashamed to say I wore some back to the office on my shirt.

 

Address: 936 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
Hours: Open today · 11AM–2:30AM
Phone: (937) 424-1784
I will freely admit that Jimmies is my go-to for a Shrimp Po-Boy. They make it like I remember from my days living in Baton Rouge. Man can not live on Fried Shrimp alone and for those days there is a huge slice of deep fried pork at Jimmies. It true Ladder 11 style, this thing is huge, like all their other sandwiches and comes with Dayton’s famous Mike Sells chips. They serve it with mayo as well and I always ask for mustard. Deep fried and crispy, thin and more meat than bun it’s a great spot for lunch. Too many beers on tap to name, you can get this lunch for $8.00.

 

Rootbeer Stand 

photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Address: 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420
Hours: Open today · 11AM–8PM
Phone: (937) 640-1114
This is my secret spot I am sharing with you. For only $4.29 you get the nostalgia of eating in the car, curbside one of the best sandwiches in town. Get a frosty mug of Rootbeer and thank me later.

 

Here’s my list to visit for this delightful sandwich in the coming weeks:
Their Tenderloin is a meal. Breaded, deep fried, topped with cheese, poppins bbq and slaw on a bun. What more do you need than a cold beer over lunch with this?
Who would you add to this list?