Mayhem & Mystery presents their latest interactive mystery production, Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater. Join Sherry “Louisiana” Sugar at her speakeasy, the Warehouse, where she makes sure that all of her guests have a wonderful time and that the drinks are in abundance. Jack Rose, a supposed gangster with an interest in the Warehouse, likes to hang around, much to the annoyance of Louisiana. Are his interests just in the drinks? “Gin” Rickey Roscoe, a local hooch runner, supplies alcohol to the Warehouse and other clubs in the area. Gin is easily distracted by beautiful women, especially the singers and dancers at the Warehouse, including Brandy Belle Bearcat. Brandy is a former vaudeville performer who is just waiting for her big break on Broadway. Brandy always has a “sugar daddy” to keep her in expensive jewels and furs and the like. When one of the foursome dies mysteriously, all are at a loss. Can you solve the crime? Prizes are awarded at the end.
Cost is only $29.95 for dinner of salad, bread, select entrees, and beverage, and show (tax and gratuity not included). Shows are 7:00 PM weekly on Monday evenings plus one Friday each month at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. 5th Street, Dayton, 45402. Reservations are required. Call 937.461.3913 to reserve your seat now. Show runs approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Dayton Dining
Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater presented by Mayhem & Mystery
Mayhem & Mystery presents their latest interactive mystery production, Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater. Join Sherry “Louisiana” Sugar at her speakeasy, the Warehouse, where she makes sure that all of her guests have a wonderful time and that the drinks are in abundance. Jack Rose, a supposed gangster with an interest in the Warehouse, likes to hang around, much to the annoyance of Louisiana. Are his interests just in the drinks? “Gin” Rickey Roscoe, a local hooch runner, supplies alcohol to the Warehouse and other clubs in the area. Gin is easily distracted by beautiful women, especially the singers and dancers at the Warehouse, including Brandy Belle Bearcat. Brandy is a former vaudeville performer who is just waiting for her big break on Broadway. Brandy always has a “sugar daddy” to keep her in expensive jewels and furs and the like. When one of the foursome dies mysteriously, all are at a loss. Can you solve the crime? Prizes are awarded at the end.
Cost is only $29.95 for dinner of salad, bread, select entrees, and beverage, and show (tax and gratuity not included). Shows are 7:00 PM weekly on Monday evenings plus one Friday each month at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. 5th Street, Dayton, 45402. Reservations are required. Call 937.461.3913 to reserve your seat now. Show runs approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater presented by Mayhem & Mystery
Mayhem & Mystery presents their latest interactive mystery production, Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater. Join Sherry “Louisiana” Sugar at her speakeasy, the Warehouse, where she makes sure that all of her guests have a wonderful time and that the drinks are in abundance. Jack Rose, a supposed gangster with an interest in the Warehouse, likes to hang around, much to the annoyance of Louisiana. Are his interests just in the drinks? “Gin” Rickey Roscoe, a local hooch runner, supplies alcohol to the Warehouse and other clubs in the area. Gin is easily distracted by beautiful women, especially the singers and dancers at the Warehouse, including Brandy Belle Bearcat. Brandy is a former vaudeville performer who is just waiting for her big break on Broadway. Brandy always has a “sugar daddy” to keep her in expensive jewels and furs and the like. When one of the foursome dies mysteriously, all are at a loss. Can you solve the crime? Prizes are awarded at the end.
Cost is only $29.95 for dinner of salad, bread, select entrees, and beverage, and show (tax and gratuity not included). Shows are 7:00 PM weekly on Monday evenings plus one Friday each month at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. 5th Street, Dayton, 45402. Reservations are required. Call 937.461.3913 to reserve your seat now. Show runs approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater presented by Mayhem & Mystery
Mayhem & Mystery presents their latest interactive mystery production, Gams, Gangsters, & Gigglewater. Join Sherry “Louisiana” Sugar at her speakeasy, the Warehouse, where she makes sure that all of her guests have a wonderful time and that the drinks are in abundance. Jack Rose, a supposed gangster with an interest in the Warehouse, likes to hang around, much to the annoyance of Louisiana. Are his interests just in the drinks? “Gin” Rickey Roscoe, a local hooch runner, supplies alcohol to the Warehouse and other clubs in the area. Gin is easily distracted by beautiful women, especially the singers and dancers at the Warehouse, including Brandy Belle Bearcat. Brandy is a former vaudeville performer who is just waiting for her big break on Broadway. Brandy always has a “sugar daddy” to keep her in expensive jewels and furs and the like. When one of the foursome dies mysteriously, all are at a loss. Can you solve the crime? Prizes are awarded at the end.
Cost is only $29.95 for dinner of salad, bread, select entrees, and beverage, and show (tax and gratuity not included). Shows are 7:00 PM weekly on Monday evenings plus one Friday each month at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. 5th Street, Dayton, 45402. Reservations are required. Call 937.461.3913 to reserve your seat now. Show runs approximately 2 1/2 hours.
New England Bake Tasting 101
Join us at Jags for a summer seafood bake. A laid back picnic of fresh New England seafood. Our chefs will entertain you with a variety of mixed cocktails, wine and New England beers, along with all the New England staple cuisines.
Shamrock Shakes & Other March Treats We Can’t Live Without! (Made Over)
March sure rolled in quick this year! Most of us are ready for Spring and seasonal sweet treats remind is it’s finally on the way! Okay so the Shamrock Shakes actually arrived in February but I’ve been trying to ignore that fact because the mere idea of them adds a few inches to my waistline. With more than 6o million served yearly, those tasty shakes draw more buzz than the McRib – that’s whole other article. At close to 400 calories, 14 grams of fat, 63 of the carbs I try to avoid and 11 grams of protein I wondered if there were a healthier makeover option for the Shamrock Shake. Watching my macros, not eating anything with preservatives and staying away from dairy has made life a little sad at times especially when a favorite like this rolls into town. But don’t fret, there’s hope! I dug up some yummy lighter alternatives.
Clean & Green Shamrock Shake – Recipe from Hungry Girl
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 oz. (about 6 tbsp.) vanilla protein powder with about 100 calories per serving
1/3 cup spinach leaves
1/8 tsp. peppermint extract
1 1/4 cups crushed ice or 6 – 10 ice cubes
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth, stopping and stirring if needed.
Or this version from Cooking Light Magazine!
Or just have the damn thing and hit the treadmill after, whatever works for you!
Another March favorite……Girl Scout Cookies! But I’m partial to Samoas & big surprise Thin Mints. Who isn’t? Not gonna lie, there a few boxes of each in my kitchen right now. I tried to justify the purchase as a way of supporting future female leaders and entrepreneurs which is partly it, but really, COOKIES. Anyway I did happen to dig up a few make over recipes for those too.
Best Low Carb Thin Mints (Gluten Free!) – Recipe by AllDayIDreamAboutFood.com
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 3/4 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup cocao powder
- 1/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp liquid stevia extract OR another 1/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
Coating
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil, or 1/2 ounce cocoa butter* (see cook’s notes)
- 7 oz sugar-free dark chocolate such as Lily’s OR 90% Lindt chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Low Carb Samoa Recipe by Your Lighter Side
And if you’re feeling really ambitious, here’s 9 other Girl Scout Cookie makeover recipes you may love!
Making healthier choices has been a huge adjustment in my life, but the more I research and try new things the closer I get to feeling like making those choices doesn’t have to be such a burden. There is a lot of trial and error and there are days where I just throw in the towel and eat whatever I want. You have to have those moments I think but I always come back to how I feel when I am eating cleaner – and no cookie beats that!
Enjoy these makeovers. More coming soon + summer Grilling season is just around the corner.
Stay happy & healthy!
Shana
10 Health(ish) Snacks for Your Super Bowl Party!
I know nothing about football, or the Super Bowl but snacks? Well, I know a great deal about those. I recently asked my Happy Platers group what snacks they love to munch on at parties to help find healthier options. It seems as though anything you can dip a chip into and those tasty little meatballs are a hit. So I scoured the internet and my favorite health blogs for some options to keep the menu light but tasty. These ideas and recipes will you help you avoid munching away mindlessly and having regrets on Monday! (aside from being it Monday)
10 Super Snacks Made Healthier
Photo Credit Cooking Light
Glazed Cocktail Meatballs – RECIPE
By skipping high sodium ingredients like ketchup and chili sauce and swapping bread crumbs with whole grain bulgur this recipe stills packs taste without bloat.
Cauliflower Pizza Bites – RECIPE
Because who the heck doesn’t love a pizza muffin? The two words together are just magical. This is one recipe I can’t wait to make. Just like your regular pizza, you can alter the ingredients the match toppings you typically love!
No Bake Brownies – RECIPE
FACT. If it’s made with ganache, I will NOSH. The Minimalist Baker is one of my favorite blogs changing the way I view dessert and how many options I really have, despite making so many dietary changes! After anything salty, I need something sweet. And what’s a party without brownies anyway? This recipe has FIVE ingredients and is super easy to make! Walnuts, Almonds, Dates, Cacao (or cocoa) Powder + Nibs, Sea Salt
Photo Credit The Minimalist Baker
Really, that’s it!
Here’s 5 UH-MAZING DIPS that well won’t stop that scale from dipping.
Goat Cheese Queso Dip With Vegetable Chips
Guilt Free Artichoke & Kale Dip
Moving along to a fan favorite, CHICKEN WINGS!
Try this sweet but SAVORY recipe from Domestic Fit for Baked
Photo Credit Jessica in The Kitchen
Brown Sugar Chicken Wings.
And last, but certainly not least – potato skins. Only this recipe uses sweet potatoes and lighter ingredients!
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
Let’s face it, sometimes we just want to use the recipe we always have and that’s fine too. Be mindful of high sodium and when an option, choose low salt ingredients. When it comes to sour cream – you can swap with Greek Yogurt to make it light. If you’re going to have chips – choose baked but an even better option for your dips is veggies! And last but not least – always remember one golden rule – everything in moderation. If your Super Bowl Party is your one cheat day, have the snack you want but watch your portions and drink lots of water 😉
Have a happy healthy weekend and I hope whatever team you’re cheering for wins!
That’s all for now.
Shana
Dive Bar Tuesday: McGillicutty’s Pub
Welcome to McGillicutty’s!
When the biggest bar holiday of the year comes knocking, you sit down with your team and have a serious conversation about the bar where you are going to celebrate. A lively discussion commenced and the finalists were chosen. The finalists all had certain merits in the dive bar designation. The Final Four bars we decided on were Flannigan’s Pub, Harrigan’s Tavern, Mack’s Tavern, and McGillicutty’s Pub. We look forward to visiting all of them in good time, but the one we went for this week just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day was McGillicutty’s Pub. It has been a staple in the community for over twenty-two years, and ready to go for a celebration of all things Irish.
What struck me first about McGillicutty’s Pub (1980 E Whipp Rd, Dayton, OH 45440) was their lack of pool tables. It is officially the first dive bar we went to that did not have one. But they did have one of the biggest virtual golf games I have seen, and plenty of electronic dart boards to spend some time with. There are plenty of televisions as well, perfect for coming in over the weekend and watching your bracket either slowly rise to the top or crumble into a thousand pieces as the Cinderella teams start to emerge. It is off the beaten path enough you should be able to find a seat with your twenty-two ounce beer without a problem.
So. Good.
The food menu is extensive. There is something for everyone, and it is all made to order in the kitchen. There is a wide variety of specialty pizzas, small appetizers, sandwiches, and wings. We did not get a chance to sample everything, but we know some people who did. The pizza was delightful, but I do not want to take anything away from the wings. The wings were delicious. The award winning Carolina BBQ Hot Damn Sauce was amazing. On Monday nights, the wings are $0.50 each, and we could not get enough of them. They were good enough to get one of our party that will not eat meat off the bone to dissect a wing so she could enjoy it. The sauce is on the spicy side, but not so spicy they will make you miserable. Even if they were, there is enough to drink to cool off your mouth.
The beer and cocktail menu…well, does not really exist. The beers they have on tap lean as far as this bar goes to the craft side of the spectrum: Blue Moon, Fat Tire, and some seasonals. They also have some classics on tap like Yuengling, which they were offering for $3.50 for thirty-four ounces on Mondays. They have tried offering more craft beers, but as we found out from our server and co-owner, the regulars like to stick to the basics. They have quite a few bottle offerings as well, including twenty-two ounce bottles of Bud Light for Sundays. Cocktails are more bespoke than anything else. They have their own unique specials, including a punch that sounds like a throwback to punches of yore: a variety of rums and available fruit juices, served so the whole table can enjoy such delights at a fair price. If you are there on Sunday, ask for their award winning Bloody Mary to get you through the morning.
Just getting started…
Is this an Irish pub that will be doing Kegs and Eggs? No. If you really want one you can start off your day there on Thursday (10 A.M.) with an Irish Breakfast. Then you will be ready for green beer and specials on some of their more Irish fare. The Reuben sandwich and pizza will be discounted, and there will be an Irish stew added as a special for the day. The staff will also be working hard on their specialty cocktails like the Shamrock and Lucky Charm for those that may need to switch it up from beer for a drink or two. It will be busy on Thursday, and with some luck, their large patio will be available for all the revelers clad in green.
McGillicutty’s Pub is decked out in green and ready for St. Patrick’s Day, but it is a place to come and enjoy some camaraderie any time of the year. Everyone we spoke with was very friendly and willing to answer any question. Their Facebook page is the place to go to find all of their specials and to keep up with the events going on at the pub, like their drop in dart leagues (Saturday night) and karaoke (Sunday night). And if you are looking for a challenge, there is a record for drinking their thirty-four ounce mugs. One bold patron was able to consume eighteen in a day, with help from a friend to get him home after the feat was accomplished. While we will definitely be back for the wings and the light atmosphere, we will leave that record for someone else to break. Sláinte!
44 Years of Flying Pizzas ** Win a Large Pizza **
The Sicilian Square and a Hand Tossed slice in the back
Dough can be seen flying in the air through the windows at 223 N Main Street in downtown Dayton. The familiar window sign, hustle and bustle is all part of “The Original Flying Pizza.”
The owners, the Graci family have been tossing pizzas downtown for 44 years, and they are still going strong. One slice at a time, they have stolen the hearts and stomachs of many Daytonians by serving their special New York Style Pizza recipe.
** YOU CAN WIN ONE OF THESE LARGE, 1 topping PIZZAS BY COMMENTING BELOW (winner chosen at random).**
How did a mom and pop from Sicily, make their American dream come true? Only Food Adventures has the scoop!
HERE’S THE SKINNY ON HOW FLYING PIZZA BECAME A DAYTON ICON:
Brothers Tony and Frank Graci share a laugh at the pizza shop
FROM SICILY to THE USA :
In 1958, long before becoming icons in Dayton, John Graci and his wife Frances left Sicily for the United States. They settled in New York City. After getting a job at “Sam’s Pizza,” John honed his pizza making skills. In a twist of fate, that building would soon be torn down to build the World Trade Center.
FROM NEW YORK CITY to DAYTON, OHIO:
John and Frances decided to drive and visit John’s brother and his girlfriend who were in Middletown Ohio. As fate would have it, they got a flat tire in Dayton. John and Frances thought Dayton was a vibrant, fun city and full of life, with a lot going on. They thought it would be a great place to raise a family. The Graci family left the Big Apple for the Gem City. Before you know it, in 1971 they had their own pizza shop downtown. They had two sons, Tony and Frank. John and his pizza were becoming a favorite, and he was even appearing on TV on Clubhouse 22 with Duffy the Dog and Malcom, showing his pizza tossing skills.
That was the early 70’s and the pizza business continued to grow in the 80’s and 90’s with cousins opening stores in Columbus, Mason, Fairborn and Centerville.
The Original Flying Pizza Downtown
PRESENT DAY – THE ORIGINAL FLYING PIZZA DOWNTOWN, 2015
Now, the next generation runs day to day operations downtown. Tony and Frank Graci can be found greeting customers and slicing pies daily. They still use that patented “Graci dough toss” every day.
— The Orginal Flying Pizza is located at 223 North Main Street in Downtown Dayton
— NY style pizza by the slice, or whole pies.
— Two types of pizza: (You can win a large one topping pizza free by commenting below)
1) Hand tossed NY style huge slices
2) Sicilian Squares – a thick, more bread like crust topped with special tomato sauce (old school)
— They have calzones and desserts too
— Hours are Mon – Sat 10:30am -7pm, closed Sundays
— They serve beer, as well as host private parties
— There is a parking garage and you get the first 30 minutes free if you ask the cashier for a parking validation
Now you know the story, so let’s dive into the food….
A Slice of Cheese Hand Tossed on the right, a Sicilian Slice of Cheese on the left
Ladies and gentlemen, we now present The Original Flying Pizza’s “Must Eats.”
MUST EATS:
— HAND TOSSED CHEESE PIZZA (SLICE or WHOLE PIE): This is it, the mainstay, the staple, the foundation of a Dayton icon. The mozzarella cheese is perfect, the sauce is perfect, the dough is perfect… every time. They call it “Neapolitan Pizza” which is the name for the style of pizza made in Naples, Italy.
WHEN YOU BUY A SLICE: The slices are big. If you order one, they turn around and heat it up in the oven for a couple of minutes. It will be hot as hell when you get it. We burn our mouth every time. You have been warned.
WHEN YOU BUY A PIE: It doesn’t matter if you fold it and eat it or let it hang and get under it. This stuff is the best. They tape the box closed to piss off those of you who want to steal a slice on the way home.
Frank Graci lets some dough fly at Flying Pizza, Downtown Dayton
— THE SICILIAN SQUARE CHEESE PIZZA: A thicker, more bread like crust, rubbed with olive oil and dusted with garlic and a special marinara sauce. The ending finish is the thick sprinkles of melted mozzarella cheese. It is the cap, on a piece of perfection.
WHEN YOU BUY A SLICE: The slices are Big Squares. Every piece has crust, some have one side of crust, corner pieces have 2 sides,. Very filling, very good.
WHEN YOU BUY A PIE: A big square pizza either 6 or 9 pieces. This stuff is so simple and delicious, yet different than any pizza you have ever tried.
— THE CALZONE: The secret here is they use ricotta cheese in the calzones. The fresh dough seals the deal, literally. The only drawback is that every calzone is Pepperoni and Sausage, so deal with it. Yes, they have one type of calzone.
— SIDE OF 3 MEATBALLS SAUCE and CHEESE: All beef meatballs, marinara and mozzarella, they heat it up, you eat it down. It is like a bowl of cereal for Italian people.
Honorable Mention: The BREADSTICKS at the Centerville location are the closest things to the old Noble Romans that we have ever eaten.
So there is your guide to another epic Food Adventure.
Now take a chance at winning a FREE LARGE PIZZA with ONE TOPPING by leaving a COMMENT BELOW!
A winner will be chosen at random on SATURDAY…
And don’t forget to”like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here!
Pepperoni and Sausage Calzone
Meatballs in sauce with cheese
A peek inside the breadstick bag from the Centerville location
Centerville location bread sticks
Bite into a Square
We buy Pizzas from Flying Pizza and steal slices on the way home
Sicilian Square
The Big Ragu and Tony Graci from Flying Pizza
Deluxe Slice
Slices of heaven
a view to a crust
Frank is able to take phone orders and spin pies at the same time
Sausage slice
2 Dayton Icons
Mikesells and Flying Pizza – matched perfectly
Top that
Special stuff
Door to the famous Original Flying Pizza !
Deluxe love
Clubhouse 22 – Duffy the dog, Malcolm McCloud and John Graci
Meatballs, sauce and cheese
Fork a piece of meatball
Calzones and dipping sauces
The Top 25 Soups of Dayton
Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco – Click to Enlarge
As the weather turns colder, nothing warms the soul like a good bowl of soup. Our DaytonMostMetro Food Adventures crew, Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list of Dayton’s Best Soups. From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer. So, all you serious foodies sit back, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.
In no particular order, here they are…
DAYTON’S TOP 25 SOUPS
1) THE JUMBALAYA at BUCKIN’ DONKEY GRILLE: For 15 years, owner Sean McKown has perfected his Jumbalaya recipe. He tested it on friends and family, and the end product is a culmination of those efforts. The result is a masterpiece in a cup. Filled with sausage and seafood, it has just the right amount of tangy flavor and heat. We squirt some hot sauce on this bad boy and go to town..
2) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO: Homemade chicken broth from scratch. Fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream on top. This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss. This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten, made by the best chef in Dayton, Jenn DiSanto. This soup is Chef House’s favorite !
“The Shrimp and Pork Soup” at Linh’s Bistro is Pho-nomenal !
3) SALMON BISQUE at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: Creamy, with fresh salmon chunks, this rich soup is a crowd pleaser. We can’t think of a better soup on a crisp cold day. The fresh thyme, dill and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites. We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers, now we have another gem added to the list.
4) THE LOBSTER BISQUE from DELI at WEBSTER ST. & TOP OF THE MARKET: Served piping hot in a generous bowl, we were blown away by the lobster flavor balance with the creaminess of the bisque. The soup is absolutely delicious, and very filling. Congrats to the Deli on Webster & Top of the Market for staying true to the elegance of this soup,yet putting a hearty, delicious spin on it. This is one of The Big Ragu’s favorites !
5) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO: Welcome to the enormous bowl world of the “Pho Soups” offered at Linh’s Bistro. This meal sized soup contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp. Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer this Vietnamese soup with the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all. The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime. Hand pull some cilantro and dump the rest of the side items into the bowl. This soup defines the words Food Adventure.
The Woodhouse Chili at Archer’s Tavern: A good story behind it
6) THE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP from VOLTZY’s ROOT BEER STAND: The best soup in a root beer stand in the United States. Voltzy homemakes this stuff with cabbage, tomatoes, rice and his signature burger meat. In his words, it is so delicious, it will make you sing “Touch me in the Morning.” Cabbage rolls not your style? Then try his almost equally delicious “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.” Yes, Vandalia like the city.. Voltzy is nuts.
7) THE POTATO SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one shines. This soup has wowed Dayton crowds for decades, and has somewhat of a cult following. Doubleday’s large menu makes this a perfect starter to a great meal. The rich, creamy flavor is a great warm up, for a snowy day.
8) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11: Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite. Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having cooked at one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years. He hones his craft, and has hit the mark on this one. Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds. Goes perfect with their craft beer selections !
The Warm Goodness of North China’s “Sizzling Rice Soup”
9) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN: Now here is a good story. Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff, and the winning chili goes on the menu for a year. All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program! The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation! The current “Woodhouse Chili” is made with fire roasted tomatoes and jalapenos. It is topped with cheese and Fritos. Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups on our list. That’s why it is “The King’s” favorite on the list.
10) THE CLAM CHOWDER AT BULLWINKLE’S: Clam Chowder at a rib place? The answer is yes, young Jedi. This soup is homemade and downright addicting. Chunks of clams in a mix of potatoes and cream sauce make this one of our “Must Eats.” Not many people know about this soup, but now you do. We are not responsible for any addictions. Make sure you start your meal here with this savory favorite.
11) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP at NORTH CHINA: This masterpiece is actually a meal sized bowl for 2 as listed on the menu. But sometimes, we get a wild hair, and order this as a meal. Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer, but who wants to share something this good? The flavor is a perfect balance of vegetables and rice in a broth flavored with a hint of salt. In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one can’t be ignored. They have another mega soup that almost made our list, the “House Noodle Soup” is a must eat too!
The Lobster Bisque at the Deli at Webster Street is delicious
12) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI: Another homemade soup from scratch. Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth. The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor. Chef Ronnie DiSalvo takes pride in his food, and this is another example of his incredible creations. It is made with love from the heart, straight to your mouth!
13) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: Vegetarians rejoice! This Dayton soup is for you. A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful. The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible. Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star. Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.
14) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE: This soup is exotic, thick and hearty. We absolutely love Amber Rose’s spin on this old school favorite. We aren’t sure how traditional it is, but it is beyond good. This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more. Try it for yourself as an appetizer to an Eastern European meal.
15) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL: It is pure comfort in a bowl. The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful. Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on. This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.
“The Pickle Soup” at Blind Bob’s is a Dayton Original
16) THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, this is one of the best soups in Dayton. The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly level. If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it. We congratulate Blind Bob’s for not only the uniqueness, but for the amazing taste. This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!
17) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”: It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible. It is rich, filling and sinful. We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it. We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it. This soup is Hungry Jax’s top pick!
18) CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP at CHINA COTTAGE: This is a house specialty, and we have never seen a creamy chicken soup offered at a Chinese restaurant other than here. There is good reason. No one else’s chicken soup could compare. It is a deliciously light cream soup that cleanses the pallet and readies your taste buds for those spicy dishes made from Chef Tiger Wang. This soup is definitely a Dayton Original.
19) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT: Always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.” This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons. But what hit us most is the rich flavor. Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the gooey cheese. Take a spoonful and you will see why this restaurant is the pride of Xenia.
“The Chicken Gumbo” at DiSalvo’s Deli. You wont see this online anywhere else, we got the scoop !
20) THE HOT AND SOUR SOUP at YOUNG CHOW: Yes , it made the list because it is that good. And guess what else, the price is right. We scald ourselves every time, because we cant wait to get into this soup’s shredded goodness. A perfect balance of tofu, pepper and pork, this hot and sour soup is fantastic. We looked at your fortune cookie, it says you need to go to Young Chow.
21) HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP from ALL SOUPED UP: The 2nd Street market has some tremendous food shops. In the middle of the market, “All Souped Up” is impressing the masses with creations like their Chicken Noodle Soup. Homemade noodles, pieces of delicate chicken, and a small balance of vegetables make this soup. It tastes like something your mom or grandmother would make. It is fun to take a seat at the market and enjoy this soup and get lost in the goodness.
22) THE COCONUT SOUP at SIAM PAD THAI: Another exotic choice on this list. Cherry tomatoes, lime juice and mushrooms highlight the ingredients in this soup. The tangy, light flavor make this soup the most refreshing on our list. If you have not been to Siam Pad Thai, we suggest you pair it with one of their pad thai dishes, or specialty sushi rolls. We promise you will be craving this soup in no time.
23) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE: This is a no brainer. Hello, the owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Netwoork superstar, Emeril Lagasse. Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing. This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton. We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.
The Guinness Onion Soup at Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia is sinfully gooey
24) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD: When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list. Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it. The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup. Cracker sor not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.
25) TEQUILA CHILI at LUCKY’S TAPROOM: Unique blast of flavor from the kitchen at Lucky’s. Owner Andrew Trick has developed an underground mass following of his terrific food, and this chili is a highlight on the menu. They offer a regular or vegetarian option. Recommendation: There is no better pairing on this list than the Tequila Chili and one of Lucky’s numerous craft beers. So go to Lucky’s, thumb through the beer booklet, pick one out, and thank us later.
That’s it, that’s our list ! What did we miss? Do you agree or disagree with our choices ?? Please comment below and tell us your thoughts.
Meanwhile, check out our incredible photo gallery of Dayton’s best soups, below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE !
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