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Food Adventures

Food Adventures Air Fryer Recipe: Chicken Parm Balls

November 26, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew

A Finished Parm Chicken Ball

Hey all you Miami Valley foodies!!  The Food Adventure Crew is back at it with a last minute recipe for Thanksgiving.  This time it is an Italian classic for all “youse guys”out there with air fryers!

Jackie recently got an air fryer and absolutely loves it.  She felt compelled to share this easy and delicious recipe which is a perfect option for a unique Thanksgiving side, or a feature in an upcoming pasta meal you are planning.

This hungry Italian mom knows her parm, and now you will too!

 

Without further delay we present to you one of our favorites …

JACKIE’S CHICKEN PARM BALLS (The Air Fryer Edition)

INGREDIENTS: (makes about 10 Parm Balls)

Placing the cheese inside

1lb ground chicken
1 egg
1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parm/Romano
1 tsp of dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of red pepper flakes

2 cups Panko bread crumbs (for rolling)
1 tbs Olive oil
2 mozzarella sticks cup up into chunks (5 each) and frozen

DIRECTIONS:
—Mix the first nine  ingredients together and let sit for 10 minutes. It’s a wet mixture so the breadcrumbs need a few minutes to help give it more structure.

 

—Take a large spoonful of mixture and place a chunk of cheese in the middle. Roll the meat around it to form a ball.

Ready for the Air Fryer !

 

—Toss the Panko bread crumbs with olive oil and roll the balls in it. This will also be when you can better shape the balls as they won’t be as sticky.

 

—Air fry for 12 minutes (turning once half way) at 400 degrees.

 

There you have it. A cutting edge recipe for the new air fryer.  If you are considering getting an air fryer, Jackie definitely recommends it.  She uses hers often and has been experimenting with various foods and recipes.  So far so good!

 

Read our Food Adventures articles each and every week, right here,  EXCLUSIVELY on DaytonMostMetro.com.

 

Until then have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING from our Food Adventure Crew: Jackie, The Big Ragu and Jessie!

Rolling the balls in bread crumbs

Formed and ready to fry

Fried to a golden brown

Serve as an appetizer or with pasta !

One of Jackie’s first experiments with chicken parm balls was this batch..

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: air fryer, Dayton, Food Adventures, recipe chicken parm balls

Thanksgiving Recipe – Easy Peazy Peanut Butter Pie !

November 21, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew

Easy to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Hey fellow foodies !

Looking for a quick dessert to bring to family Thanksgiving that will please the masses?

It is really easy, too!  The old favorite “Peanut Butter Pie”  is simple, fun to make, and fairly inexpensive.

Let’s dive into this Food Adventure head first, and waste no time getting into this scrumptious recipe.

 

PEANUT BUTTER PIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

—1/4 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and peanut butter together until smooth.
  2. Fold in 1 of the whipped topping containers.
  3. Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  4. Place the remaining whipped topping inside the 2nd container over the top of the peanut butter mixture
  5. Garnish with the peanut butter cups.
  6. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Voila ! There you have it …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from The Food Adventure Crew: JESSIE, THE BIG RAGU and JACKIE !

Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE, 8,000 followers can’t be wrong !

Enjoy Food Adventure EXCLUSIVE articles right here at Dayton Most Metro each week !

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Food Adventures, peanut butter pie, pie, recipe, Thanksgiving

Flavors of Dayton

October 15, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

Join Welcome Dayton and the Human Relations Council for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser! “Flavors of Dayton” is a series of 3 food events highlighting the talents, cuisines, and stories of foreign-born chefs. Each event will feature a different chef representing a different geographic region and immigrant community. Each chef will conduct a cooking demonstration showcasing several food items from their native country. Attendees will then enjoy food prepared by these amazing chefs!

Featured chefs are:

Tuesday, October 15th: Rafael Santillan, Nelly’s: A Taste of Bolivia
Tuesday, October 22nd: Theresa Barnes, Eden Spice Restaurant
Tuesday, October 29th: George Daoud, CedarLand Bakery & Restaurant

Funds raised will support Welcome Dayton and help us ensure that we can continue to provide vital and effective services to our area’s immigrants and refugees. Our top funding priorities are Program Evaluation, Immigration Legal Assistance, and Immigrant Resource Specialists. We hope you will consider joining us at one of these events, so that Dayton can continue to demonstrate that it is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of its newest residents!

NOTE: There are THREE different events. When purchasing tickets, please make sure that you select the date for the event that you are interested in from the dropdown menu.

Tagged With: cultural diversity, Food Adventures, foodies, Welcoming City

35 Years of Penn Station *** $35 Gift Card Giveaway ***

September 26, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew 11 Comments

Penn Station enters 35th year & you can win a $35 gift card

Penn Station is going into their 35th year of serving up East Coast style submarine sandwiches. To celebrate, we at Food Adventures are giving away a $35 Gift Card to this regional chain, whose roots are right here in Dayton.

For your chance to win, just comment below and tell us something you love about Penn Station.  Here is a great opportunity for you to win some of those freshly grilled subs, freshly cut fries and freshly squeezed lemonade!

The Sandwich that made it all happen – Penn Station’s Philly Cheesesteak

Are you a sub lover?  Than odds are, over the last 34 years, you have made it into a Penn Station restaurant in the Miami Valley for our own Food Adventure.  Known for their flying spatulas, dicing up meat while grilling submarine sandwiches, the ordering process has evolved over the years.  One thing that has not changed, is that they serve some of the most delicious subs in town.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on PENN STATION EAST COAST SUBS:

Turkey Dagwood

 

 


Owner Jeff Osterfeld’s first started “Jeffrey’s Delicatessen” in the Dayton Mall in Dayton, Ohio.

— Jeff opened his first Penn Station in 1985 in Downtown Cincinnati.  Today there are 313 Penn Station restaurants in 15 states.

— The sub bread is cooked in-house with a signature soft inside, and crunchy outside texture.  This is perfect for holding up the sub structure with all of the hot ingredients. The bread is also delicious.

— Customers who walk in, order  in a cafeteria type line, then watch their sandwiches get cooked and/or assembled and most get a ride to get toasted in a conveyor pizza oven.  As you move down the line you are asked if you want some freshly cut fries, cookies, or drinks.

Fresh Cut Fries

— Most stores feature call ahead, drive-thru pickup windows.

 

Now you know what Penn Station is all about, let’s explore the best of the best on their menu…. our patented “Must Eats” section is below.

 

MUST EATS AT PENN STATION EAST COAST SUBS:

Chicken Teriyaki

 

 

— DAGWOOD WITH TURKEY ONLY AS THE MEAT ADD TERIYAKI SAUCE:
This first one is a super secret sandwich, not on the menu as is, but a discovery of the Big Ragu.  You order a “Dagwood with Turkey only as the meat.”  Ask them to add extra meat – it is worth the 1 to 2 bucks,  Ask then to grill it in Teriyaki sauce and ask them to the grill onions, mushrooms, and banana peppers and add provolone cheese.  After it is grilled tell them to add mayo, lettuce and tomato.  The result is an amazing “Turkey Teriyaki Cheesesteak.”  It is a Food Adventure original and the workers always compliment us on how good that sandwich looks.  Try it, it will change your life…

 

— THE CHEESESTEAK:

We loaded up this Philly cheesesteak


The sandwich that anchors the establishment, the Philly cheesesteak.  Get extra meat, always with this option.  May we suggest asking them to grill the onions, mushrooms and banana peppers.  Then add provolone, oregano and mayo. 

Our pal and Penn Station Regional Manager Randy suggests getting the Cheesesteak with “extra meat, extra cheese, with honey mustard, Parmesan cheese and oregano.”

 

Artichoke Sub

 

 

 

— CHICKEN TERIYAKI SUB:
For those who love chicken, this sub is for you.  The chicken is cubed and not shredded like the Turkey, which is why we prefer the turkey, but this sandwich is excellent as well.  May we suggest trying it this way: Get extra meat, then ask them to the grill onions, mushrooms, and banana peppers and add provolone cheese to the teriyaki chicken “well done”.  After it is grilled tell them to add mayo, lettuce and tomato.

 

 

— THE GRILLED ARTICHOKE SUB:

Fries made to order


We had heard from many friends that this sub was great, but it took us years to try it.  Guess what?  It was shockingly good!  Artichoke Hearts mixed with grilled onions, grilled banana peppers and grilled mushrooms, covered in cheese.  It was a velvety bite in each sandwich, and tasted very close to a chicken sub. That’s the part we couldn’t figure out… why?

 

Lemonade – freshly made

 

 

 

— FRESH CUT FRIES:
It is very hard to resist the freshly cooked “cups” of fries.  Not a fan on how they serve them in cups, but hey they taste so good we soon forget.  They slice them using this wall contraption and take trays full of raw. sliced fries over to the fryer.  Served with a bit of salt, vinegar or ketchup and you are home free.  Always cooked perfectly and some of the best fries in town.

 

— FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE:
Hand squeezed daily.  For some reason, the combo of the lemonade deadening the grilled onion breath is a perfect combo.  The lemonade so cold and flavorful and free refills on a hot day is a bonus.  Heck the refills are great no matter what the weather is like outside.

Cheesesteak Extra Meat and Extra Cheese

**** NOW – who wants to win a $35 Gift Card to Penn Station and try some great East Coast Subs ? ****
To enter, just type in a comment below on one of your favorite things at Penn Station or why you should win.  The winner will be drawn at random next week.  ONE COMMENT PER PERSON or you will be disqualified.

Food Adventures is a Dayton food blog with weekly articles EXCLUSIVELY on Dayton Most Metro.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then join the 8,000 Dayton Foodies on Food Adventure’s Facebook page and like them by clicking HERE.

 

 

 

Turkey Teriyaki Dagwood

Turkey Teriyaki Dagwood

Turkey Dagwood

Turkey Dagwood

Chicken Teriyaki

Cheesesteal

Cheesesteak add lettuce and tomato and pickles!

Our pal Randy makes his Cheesesteaks with extra meat, extra cheese and oregano with honey mustard sauce

Chocolate Chunk Cookies at Penn Station

Philly Cheesesteak

10 inch Tuna Sub

Inside the Cheesesteak Sandwich, the grilled onions are amazing

Turkey Sub

The bread is crunchy on the outside and soft inside

Cheesesteak

Those fries

Cheesesteak Extra meat and Extra cheese

Cheesesteak extra meat and extra cheese

Outside Penn Station

Turkey Dagwood and fries

Chicken Teriyaki and Fries

Philly Cheese steak with extra toppings

Chicken Teriyaki

Turkey Teriyaki

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Dagwood, Food Adventures, Jeff Osterfeld, Penn Station, philly cheesesteak

Fishes & Big Dishes at NEW Tokyo Grill & Hibachi

September 12, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Do you love seafood of all sorts?  How about Japanese Hibachi Dishes?  Even Sushi?

If you said yes to any of those three questions, you may be thrilled about Centerville’s newest buffet and hibachi hybrid called Tokyo Grill Sushi and Hibachi Buffet.  This restaurant has recently opened in the old Rue Dumaine location near Sams Club on 725 near Lyons Rd.

Part of the Buffet Bar

The Food Adventures Crew was impressed with the all you can eat sushi roll choices made constantly and replaced on the bar.  We also loved the service of their hibachi grill.  You pick the ingredients, they cook it and bring it to your table.  This place is a cross between Mongolian Grill and a Chinese Buffet with good sushi.  To us the best part was the Sashimi (raw sushi with no rice).

Let’s give you the scoop – you gotta try this place….

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on TOKYO GRILL SUSHI and HIBACHI BUFFET:

Vanilla Pudding (left) and Tuna and Salmon Sashimi (right)

—Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet is located at 1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Washington Twp.

— They are open seven days a week from 11am to 10pm.

— This is considered an upscale,  “high end buffet.”  Lunch is around $12.99 and Dinner is around $18.99.  Drinks are not included.

—This is one of the few times we suggest you go for dinner instead of lunch and here is why:  a) more sashimi offerings on the bar b) Shrimp and more seafood included in the raw meat section of the hibachi grill. These 2 reasons alone are worth the price difference.  You eat 2 pieces of sashimi and you have made up the difference price wise.

Nigiri section

— The restaurant seats 90 and they pack them in, sometimes tightly.   If you go on “off hours” it is not as busy.

—The owner has a couple of other locations in different states and decided to invest in a Dayton location because he was told it is a “friendly market.”

— The restaurant consists of 4 bars –
Bar 1 is desserts and raw sashimi (sushi with no rice)
Bar 2 is cooked and raw sushi rolls and nigiri (sliced sushi on top of rice).
Bar 3 is Chinese Food, Appetizers and soup
Bar 4 is the Hibachi Grill with meat and vegetable choices.

Sushi Roll Section – they have about 20 kinds of rolls

There are so many dishes here – but we are going to tell you the best of the best …

 

THE MUST EATS at TOKYO GRILL SUSHI and HIBACHI BUFFET:

—THE SASHIMI (Raw sushi with no rice):
The raw Salmon is amazing.
The raw Tuna is a treat, this is a rare chance to load up.  There are White Tuna, Octopus and sometimes Mackrel and Yellowtail slices in the sashimi section as well.

Typical sushi

—THE SUSHI ROLL BAR:
There are dozens rolls with crab, salmon, tuna, eel and more in them with avocado, cream cheese and other ingredients.  Some are even deep fried sushi rolls.
The Salmon and Tuna Nigiri
(slices of raw meat on top of rice) are incredible.

—THE HIBACHI BAR:
Choices of meat include salmon, scallops, steak, chicken, shrimp, calamari, imitation crab meat and tofu. 
The vegetable selection is huge!  You can choose to have your ingredients stir fried and served with brown rice, white rice, thin noodles, or thick noodles (udon).

Hibachi Meats

 

—THE VANILLA PUDDING CUPS:
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the vanilla pudding cups on the dessert bar with a vanilla wafer on top.  A  perfect end to a night of indulgence.

 

 

If you are a hibachi or sushi fan at all, or if you love seafood, this place is worth a visit.  Heavily

Hibachi Veggies

stacked with seafood from calamari, to cooked and raw fish, there are a lot of high quality items on this buffet not usually found in an “all you can eat environment.”  In other words, if you are one of those people who spends $20 on two sushi rolls and walks out of the restaurant hungry, this could be your new favorite place.  Take advantage of the hibachi grill, soup area and all the amenities.

Tokyo Grill Sushi and Hibachi Buffet is a fun treat when your hungry for a seafood feast!  If you do not like seafood you can load up on steak and chicken at the hibachi buffet and a couple of chicken dishes at the Chinese bar.

Hibachi Bowl

Please share your comments of your Food Adventures to Tokyo Grill below !

This place is a great chance to sample delicacies like Octopus, Squid, and other seafoods you might not ever try. Give it a shot!

For more Food Adventures, like us on Facebook and join 8,000 foodies in Dayton in the discussion.

Browse our gallery below of more Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet photos.

 

 

 

One of our plates

All you can eat sushi !!

Miso Soup All Day Long

This hibachi bowl was spicy with salmon, tofu and fake crabmeat

 

Seared Ahi Tuna and Mango

BUSY BUSY

About 1/4 of the bar

Hibachi Bowl is cooked for you !!!

So many sushi rolls

Seared White tuna and sauce

Cooked Octopus Sashimi

OHHH That Salmon !

Veggies at Hibachi

Dining Room

SUSHI !

Freshly prepared- all you want

Kani – imitation crab

Here is your bowl for hibachi raw ingredients to be placed into

Tuna and Salmon

Deep fried rolls , salmon and tuna -its like paradise

Spicy Crab Roll and salmon Nigiri for days ….

Tuna and Squid

dessert bar

We went overboard …AGAIN

Jalapeno Sushi

Chinese and Japanese Appetizers

More Veggies at the Hibachi

Vanilla Pudding

The sushi is terrific

Hibachi Stir Fry ! – Shrimp Scallops, Squid and more

Do you have bigger plates? How about a cookie sheet ?

View of a bar

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: buffet, Dayton, Food Adventures, japanese, sushi

Boozy Milkshake Recipe for End of Summer

August 15, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Ingredients for Uncle Jims Milkshake

The Food Adventure Crew has a treat for you.  A long standing family secret, tweeked to a boozy delight.

The Big Ragu has been making his “Uncle Jim’s Famous Milkshake Recipe” since his early teens.  It is time to pass along the legend with an adult twist.  This recipe is perfect for end of summer sipping on the patio, or a dessert for a special homemade meal.

Here is the recipe.  This will change your life.

UNCLE JIM’S BOOZY MILKSHAKES: (Serves 4)

Pouring Boozy Milkshakes

Ingredients:
2/3 Gallon of Chocolate Ice Cream (You may substitute a Vanilla or Butter Pecan)
1/3 Gallon of milk
3 TBS of Peanut Butter
1 Banana
1 to 1.5 cups of Baileys Irish Cream (You may substitute Kahlua or any rum)
2 TBS Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

—In a blender put a half to 2/3rds a gallon of chocolate ice cream, or until it almost reaches the top of the blender

—Fill the blender halfway up with milk

—Add the Banana, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Syrup

—Add the Alcohol.

—Start mixing slow pressing the low powered buttons first, and build to the maximum.  Then slow speed down again to lowest setting.

—Mixing should take about 60 seconds.

—Serve immediately in a medium sized glass.

There you have our suggestion for a delicious summer delight.  Uncle Jim’s famous milkshakes are sure to make you smile.  Enjoy and let us know how you liked them — with or without alcohol, they are great !

Food Adventures is Dayton’s Food Blog since 2008.   Like us on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.
Find our new articles each and every week, exclusively on Dayton Most Metro.

Feel free to browse the gallery below.

 

 

Try one of these tonight

Happiness is a Boozy Milkshake

Let’s get this party started

Using Vanilla Ice Cream

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: boozy milk shake, Food Adventures

The Oregon District – 19 “MUST EATS”

August 6, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew 1 Comment

Manicotti from Francos

In wake of the events this week, there are no words.  Food Adventures suggests we all take some time and show continued support and love for the Oregon District, by eating at some of the places in and around the area on Fifth Street.  We humbly suggest some of our favorites.  Here’s to keeping Dayton strong.

 

OREGON DISTRICT “MUST EATS”

Pickle Soup at Blind Bobs

CHEESE MANICOTTI at FRANCO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO:
The pasta filled with ricotta cheese and blanketed with sauce and mozzarella.  Franco’s wonderful marinara, makes the dish and use that bread to sponge up the goodness.
824 E. Fifth St.

 

PICKLE SOUP at BLIND BOB’S:
Sounds crazy, tastes incredible.  If you like cream of broccoli soup. you will love this.  It is kicked up a notch with a hint of pickle flavor.  Not overpowering, just perfect and creamy.  A couple of shakes of pepper and you are in the drivers seat, ready to roll.
430 E. Fifth St.

The Hearse Burger from Lucky’s Taproom

THE HEARSE BURGER at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:
Keener Beef
starts the burger out and it is topped with BBQ pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon and red cabbage slaw.   It is a 1/3 pound burger and more than a mouthful.  Did we mention they have incredible fish dinners where you pick the beer to batter your fish?  Now you know, visit there soon.
520 E. Fifth St.

Lilys Bistro has Fried Chicken on Sundays

FRIED CHICKEN at LILYS BISTRO:
On Sundays they have a treat for you!  Get a choice of a 2 piece dinner, half a chicken dinner, or a whole chicken, cut up into pieces and deep fried.  The golden brown Free-Range Fried Chicken is from a local farm.  The result is a delicious taste in every bite.  Get a bread basket and mashed potatoes to fill the table !
329 E. Fifth St.

 

MUSSELS AND FRIES at THE CORNER KITCHEN:
These delicious shellfish are steamed and served in a buttery wine sauce with tomatoes.  The mussels are cooked perfectly  and these bites will melt in your mouth. Served with a side or fries for dipping away and sopping up the sauce.
613 E. Fifth St.

Mussels and Fries from the Corner Kitchen

 

THE HERITAGE PORK CHOP at ROOST MODERN ITALIAN:
A huge grilled pork chop served alongside creamy goat cheese polenta, charred scallions and candied applewood bacon.  Chef Dana Downs has a fantastic gourmet menu, and this is just one of many hits.
524 E Fifth St

The Heritage Pork Chop at Roost Modern Italian

 

PEPPERONI ROLLS at 416 DINER:
You normally don’t see these unless you are in a big city or upstate New York.  This Italian delight is so good here because of the taste of the homemade bread.  Try a pepperoni roll today !
416 E. Fifth St.

 

PECAN AND SAGE ENCRUSTED SALMON at SALAR:
So delicate and tasty, this baked dream is the perfect dinner.  Excellent flavors and a generous serving of salmon.  Salar knocked it out of the park with this one.  If you don’t like fish, go for the filet mignon, it is remarkable.
400 E. Fifth St.

Salar’s Pecan and Sage Encrusted Salmon

FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI 9:
With such an extensive menu, they have terrific food from pad thai to sushi.  We are addicted to the huge fish with chili sauce.  A giant fish filet, deep fried and topped with chili sauce.  The spices in the fish and the sauce toppings are mouth watering.  This dish is so good, it is hard for us to order anything else.
11 Brown St 

 

LOADED POTATO SOUP at THE DUBLIN PUB:

Loaded Potato Soup at the Dublin Pub


A creamy, cheesey bowl of  potato soup topped with bacon crumbles and scallions will have you jumping for joy.  This is warm comfort food at its best.  The pub is also a great place to pair the soup with a brew.  Get lost in the flavor and stay for a second pint.
300 Wayne Ave.

 

THE SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS at SMOKIN BBQ:
Perfectly cooked, perfectly crispy wings are found here.  The smokey taste is great and the spices are good.  But they have some sauces you need to put on the side for dipping.  They got BBQ sauce and a hot sauce.  Use them individually or mix them, but whatever you do use them every other bite for a true BBQ experience.
200 E. Fifth St

Smoked Wings from Smokin Bar-B-Que

EGGPLANT FRIES at WHEAT PENNY OVEN and BAR:
Served with a yogurt dipping sauce, these are absolutely addicting.  Did we mention they have incredible pizza and pasta dishes?  Yeah, get in here….
515 Wayne Ave.

 

CHICKEN, BACON, FETA and CILANTRO PIZZA from OREGON EXPRESS:
It is like the 4th of July for your taste buds. You gotta try this.  In a place with fantastic pizza, this one stands out.  Good bar selection too, but the pizzas are off the chart good.  Fun atmosphere and sometimes there are live bands.
336 E. Fifth St.

Oregon Express – Great Pizza

 

FARM FRESH CHILI from THE TROLLEY STOP:
Made with Keener Farm grass fed beef, fresh onions, peppers & red beans, and topped with your choice of cheese or onions; or both.  A nice, hearty bowl of chili made with local beef.  Slap a squirt of hot sauce on top and you are in business.
530 E. Fifth St.

 

THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:
A Dayton icon and family tradition.  Imagine the creamiest broth in the world, riddled with potatoes and plump clam meat.  Just a dash of black pepper and maybe some crackers to seal this deal.  We are talking childhood memories here or great tastes for the first time.  Either way, this appetizer is the tip of the iceberg of good eats here.
225 E. 6th St.

 

TOXIC BLONDE at TOXIC BREW CO.:

Beers at Toxic Brew Co.


Take a break from the heat with a cold one at Toxic Brew.  They are pushing the envelope on uniqueness and brewing here.  Like hops? This is a place for you.  We prefer the light ale, Toxic Blonde for an easy drink on a hot summer day.  The atmosphere is fun and the bartenders have a lot of personality.
431 E.Fifth St.

 

DRUNKEN CHEESECAKE at THE TROLL PUB:
Time for dessert? How about some cheesecake?  Rich and drizzled with caramel is the way to go.  Thank goodness that is how they serve it.  Big menu with lots of big tastes, but this item is special.  Indulge yourself and let your troubles slip away.
216 Wayne Ave.

Drunken Cheesecake from the Troll Pub

 

RAW OYSTERS at DISTRICT PROVISIONS /GLASZ BLEU OVEN/ JACK LUKEYS OYSTER SALOON and CAVIAR BAR:
Slurp!  Enjoy a taste of fresh raw oysters, just shucked.  Sprinkle a little lemon and or hot sauce on the top and your experience is all that and more.  Three business share a home in this spot.  Wander and browse them all.  Don’t forget a nice craft beer to wash it down.
521 Wayne Ave

Oysters at Jack Lukey’s Oyster Saloon

 

ONE OF 60 BEERS at CRAFTED AND CURED:
They have 60 crafted alcoholic drinks on tap, yes that’s right.  At the posting time of this article two beers stuck out for us to choose today: Witbier from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. in Springfield and Stay Golden Blonde Ale from Steetside Brewery in Cincinnati.  Check out the list of beers currently on tap by clicking HERE.
531 Wayne Ave.

 

Make sure you continue to support these places and more in their time of need.  Remember all of these

Special “CROWLER Cup” at Crafted and Cured

eateries are locally owned by families just like yours.  Best of all, they have great meals to offer.  Take this time to plan your own Food Adventure at the Oregon District.  See you there !

About Food Adventures: We are three Dayton foodies with a local blog and a weekly column exclusively here on Dayton Most Metro.  Since 2008, we have been highlighting the Miami Valley’s best restaurants, hosting dinner events, cooking classes, and partnering with festivals.  We have a ton of content and you can get more info by liking us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

Feel free to browse the gallery of photos below…

Comment on any other Oregon District foods that are spectacular.

Farm Fresh Chili from The Trolley Stop

Eggplant Fries from Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

Pepperoni Rolls from 416 Diner

The Big Ragu bites into Thai 9’s fish with chili sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Food Adventures, Oregon District

Food Adventures Have Noticed Changes at Taco Bell

July 10, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew 6 Comments

They don’t stuff tacos like they used to …

Okay, so 95 out of 100 articles we feature locally owned eateries.  Also, very rarely will we publish a negative slant in our stories on the Food Adventures Blog.  Today, however, we have taken notice of a situation, that has caused the Big Ragu some frustration.

In  the land of fast food, there was a fave that set itself apart.  But now it seems after a slow slide over the past 10 years, this old standby, is now a new spot of pitfalls and disappointments.  Has anyone else notice this change or is it us?

So we ask ….

Familiar site – you could listen to a Beatles album by the time you get to the pay window.

What has happened to Taco Bell ?

Back in the 80’s and the 90’s the successful chain was using the 59, 79 and 99 cent menus to the delight of fans.  There was the “Yoquero Taco Bell” Bell Dog, and the “Run for the border” campaign highlighting the late hours.  There was decent food and decent service late into the night, sometimes 4am !

They changed the burrito wrapper for the better, making it thicker and less breakable.  They came up with new menu ideas, maybe this is where the downfall started.  Maybe they offer too many menu items to crank things out like they used to….

Don’t get us wrong, Taco Bell still shows some magic.  The Big Ragu still absolutely loves the Mexican Pizza (although they stopped adding black olives on top), and we love the Nacho Bell Grande.  We applaud them for bringing back the nacho cheese fries.  But there are lot of changes that we have noticed locally over the past 10 years.  Is it just us?  Do other fast foodies in Dayton notice this around town?

This was the actual filling in our burrito supreme -mostly tortilla

— Smaller fillings:  Have you noticed they don’t stuff a taco or a burrito like they used to?  Every once in a while you will get an employee in the back that will be making some nice sized burritos and tacos, but for the most part they are partially stuffed and lots of times weighed.

— Slower Drive Thru Service: They used to be great on this, but now we have noticed you can watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory while waiting on your drive thru order.

— Poor Service:  No friendly greet, no thank you’s and lots of times

The Mexican PIzza is still a winner

the order is wrong. But the worst. and we mean ABSOLUTE WORST thing they do is close 15 minutes early and the employees hide inside and won’t come to the window because they know they are in the wrong.  They also close much earlier now than they have in years past, especially during winter months.

Is it just us, or have you noticed the change as well??  And if you ask for hot sauce they now give you 2 packets.  If you ask for 8 sauces they will give you 4.  We don’t know when this started but it seems they purposely short us now on sauces.

Can you spare a sauce?

Yeah we know, we took a weekly article to write about a chain.  Some of you may care, some may not, we just felt it worth mentioning since we think the decline is noticeable.

Suggestion:

One thing we suggest they do is bring back a simple menu item – BRING BACK THE BELLBEEFER.. This was Taco Bell’s version of a burger.  It was pretty much a sloppy joe with taco meat on a bun.  No frills, easy and quick to serve.

 

WE ASKED LOCAL EMPLOYEES:

Bring Back the Bellburger

Since this isn’t our first rodeo at the drive thru window – over the past 5 years, we have asked the employees at the window what the problem has been. Of the various local Taco Bells they all say the same thing. “We are greatly understaffed and it is hard to find good workers.”  

It sounds like they are short on workers, but trying to address the problem with no success do to the work force,

At any rate, until they fix it , we will be in that long drive thru line on occasion for a Mexican Pizza or Nacho Bell Grande.

Kudos for adding Nacho Fries to the menu

But we are in line there much less these days.. cutting our visits by about 75%.  Until then, here is hoping they make a change in size of servings, customer service, and drive thru times.  Is it too much to ask for that and some hot sauce?

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK….

Food Adventures is a local food blog with a weekly article here on Dayton Most Metro.  We also have a great presence on Facebook.

 

 

 

Wow..this bean burrito is lacking the goods

Look at this taco stuffing – are you kidding me ?

Here is a bean burrito – you can see that it is mostly tortilla

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Dayton, Food Adventures, service, taco, Taco Bell, tacos

11 Years of Dayton Food Adventures

May 3, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Happy 11th Birthday Food Adventures

Dear Local Foodies … THANK YOU !!
Our resident Food Adventures blog hit the 11 year milestone recently.  We also just recently surpassed our 500th feature article for  Dayton Most Metro .com  and are surpassing 8,000 Facebook fans.  We have been lucky to partner with Dayton Dining and help bring some incredible foodie events to the Dayton area.

The blog started as two people.  The lineup has changed a couple of times over the years. Each change brought expansion in activities and growth in community involvement.

Today our three Food Adventure Crew members, The Big Ragu, Jackie and Jessie promise even greater things in the future.  We promise to continue or traditions and add fun events as well.   Our presence locally is so much more than our social media of  Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  We are more that just our website www.DaytonFoodies.com.  We are Dayton’s food blog since 2008.  You don’t have to belong to a club or pay to read our articles.  Our photos are always ours.  We don’t copy, we set the trends.  We enjoy sharing our favorite places to eat with the people of the Miami Valley. We have no rules, and leave no plate unturned.  From charity events, to festival partners, cooking classes, whole 30

Chinatown Duck in Chicago

guidance, hosting restaurant events, recipes, TV spots, and so much more.  Here is a look back at Food Adventures over the last eleven years..


2008 VISIT TO CHINATOWN CHICAGO:

It all started in April 2008 with a visit to Chinatown in Chicago.  Big Ragu ate weird foods he couldn’t pronounce and went out of his way to try things out of his comfort zone. As the photos were published with some smart ass captions, calling it the “Food Adventure to Chinatown” The feedback was staggering.  Friends asked: “why don’t you do this for places in the Dayton area?”   A page on Facebook was created, before we knew it there were 500 likes on our page..  Not long after, DaytonMostMetro .com approached Food Adventures about writing a column, and the rest evolved from there.  Today we even have shirts, aprons and more for sale.  Now, 8,000 fans later on Facebook and 500 articles on Dayton Most Metro, we just

Our First Food Adventure “The Bash at Brixx”

hit our 11th year of Food Adventures.

“BASH AT BRIXX” MEETING OF THE FOODIE MINDS:
Our first ever Food Adventure event was held in the private room upstairs at Brixx Ice Co. across from the Dayton Dragons stadium.  Owner Chris Bhai let us host a group and we all ordered off the menu.  He had a couple of drink specials and we gave away a $25 gift card to Brixx.  We went around the room with about 40 foodies sharing their favorite restaurant stories and menu items.  Jax and Big Ragu were both there.

Jackie bar tending at the Fifth Street Brewpub for charity

 

 

GUEST BARTENDERS at the FIFTH STREET BREWPUB:
We have been lucky enough to do this 3 times over the years for various charities from food banks to local dog shelters.  The great staff at the brewpub, the great beer and the fantastic food make every event a breeze.  The patio is wonderful and this bar is a great place to relax and enjoy some local flavor all around.  What”ll it be? Can we serve you up a pint for charity?  Thanks to the literally hundreds of people who helped make these nights a success by attending.  Because of you, we surpassed $1000 in charitable donations from those 3 nights.

 

50 Shades of Grape

50 SHADES OF GRAPE FOOD ADVENTURE at ARCHERS CENTERVILLE:
Each attendee had to sign a contract of behavior, like the book.  The wine dinner featured dishes from the book and door prizes were epic.  One surprised guest got a pair of edible underwear.  Well that was a Food Adventure first.  The 60 foodies in attendance were served incredible courses and even got to keep the wine glass as a souvenir … It was etched “50 Shades of Grape…”

 

ALE FEST and ALE FEASTS:
We have attended Ale Fests in the street, at Wright Patt and at the Masonic Temple.  We have sampled dozens of beer in a day.  This event puts your palate to the test and the beer world is your oyster.  We love it and look forward for more Ale Fests and Feasts in the future.

 

Ale Fest Wright Patt

DEALING BLACKJACK at ALTER FEST and INCARNATION FISH FRY:
For years the Big Ragu has helped these charities close to his heart. Dealing blackjack usually a day or two, at Alterfest, Alters Fish Fry and Incarnations fish fry has been the standard in the past.  We look forward to continued support in the future.  The fish frys and the AlterFest food is fantastic.

Jessie and Sallie Taylor on Living Dayton TV

LIVING DAYTON TV APPEARANCES:
Food Adventures
is thrilled to have a recurring spot on the Living Dayton TV Show.  Whether we are highlighting a local restaurant or a festival, the hosts could not be more gracious.  Sometimes we cook one of our family recipes on the air that is perfect for parties.  Most recently Jessie has cooked some Whole 30 compliant meals and the Big Ragu has even taken a pie in the face on live tv, It is all in fun and food and we appreciate the producers and staff for letting share our adventures on their show.

 

Jackie and her hubs with Alton Brown Food TV star

CELEBRITY FOOD ADVENTURES:
We have been lucky enough to have a Cassano’s pizza with Pete Rose, and meet Alton Brown from The Food Network.  From comedian Kevin Farley, to wrestlers Mick Foley and Jake the Snake Roberts, they all were Food Adventure fans.  Even American Idol star Alexis Gomez and Fox n Friends Brian Kilmeade wore our t-shirts.  We have met some really fun and famous foodies along the way !  They all love talking good eats.  Even Bengals stars Pete Johnson and Ickey Woods ate some burgers and cold cuts with us .  Everyday we’re shuff-a-lin.

 

AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF FOR CHARITY:
Each year we have been lucky enough to be celeb judges at Dayton’s biggest chili cookoff.  If you have not been to this

Jackie tried every single chili in the house !

amazing event, you need to go.  for about $18 you get all the chili you want from usually about 20 restaurants.  They have hotdogs, beer, wine and soft drinks too.  All is included with entry.  They have gambling also and The Big Ragu has been known to deal some blackjack in a pinch.  This is one of those events where you can’t believe you ate the whole thing.  Amazing chili and cold beer, with gambling.  What more could you ask for?  Oh a DJ and dancing?  They have that too.  www.bestchili.org for info on this stellar event, that we are proud to partner with annually.

 

ARIAKE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI FOOD ADVENTURE:

Ariake All you Can Eat Sushi Event


We had an incredible event a couple of years ago when the owners of Ariake Sushi Bar and Grill let it all hang out.  They gave us a deal on a one night only “all you can eat” extravaganza.  The result was boats of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and wasabi everywhere.  The soy sauce and sake were flowing and everyone left stuffed and happy.  We appreciate the sushi chef and owners of this fantastic restaurant with Dayton’s only truly authentic Japanese menu in town.  If you have not been here – you are missing out.

AMERICANA FESTIVAL:

Americana Pretzel Time !

We visit the Amish Pretzel Women, Kowalski’s Hots, and Zombie Dogz among others. Walking the streets with 100,000 foodies makes the lines a little long, but we get there early and eat right after the parade.  We don’t mind fast walking some teeney boppers to get a gyro or pork chop.  Every man and women are for themselves in this patriotic day of food and fun.  We have been contemplating being in the parade but we cant figure out how to eat and walk at the same time.

 

ARCHER’S ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF:
We get asked each year to help judge the chili entered into the Archers chili cookoff .  What’s at stake?  MONEY to the winner and their chili is featured in the menu Archer’s Tavern in Centerville and Kettering for an entire year.  Last year featured an intriguing chili, when David Klass made a chili using REIGELE beer, made in Germany’s sister city to Dayton.  The result was a balance of flavor that took the

Archers Chili Judges

contest.  It was close, but the vigorous selection process showed one clear winner.  Try the chili next time you are at Archer’s.

 

BENGALS vs BROWNS BASH at BENNETTS PUBLICAL:
The battle of Ohio begins each year.
This time the Bengals were at the Browns and Bennett’s provided specials on Platform Beer out of Cleveland and reduced prices on their Gorgonzola topped Steaks.   Have you been to this restaurant in Miamisburg? It is a helluva place to watch sports and eat good food.  We passed out t-shirts and the crowd enjoyed the game.

 

GUEST PIZZA SERVERS at BEAVERCREEK PIZZA DIVE:

Pizza Buffet at the Beavercreek Pizza Dive

The owners at the Beavercreek Pizza Dive were so generous and friendly. We marketed our appearances and a portion went to charity.  We served hungry kids from the Monday night pizza buffet which included a Ceasars Salad Pizza, BLT Pizza, and a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. We also served old favorites like pepperoni or veggie pies.  Get in there on Monday nights and check out this deal for yourself.  It is all you can eat and less than 10 buck a person.  Drinks are extra, and the even sere bread stick bites.

BEERS AND STEERS at KENNEDY VINEYARD:

John Kennedy of Big Rack Brewery


Farm raised beef and the new Big Rack Brewery
debuted their beers on a Food Adventure.  The brewery was part of the now defunct Kennedy Vineyard in New Madison Ohio in Darke County.  It has since gone out of business due to a fire and legal complications with a former partner.  It is sad to see such a tremendous family suffer the hardship of losing their winery, brewery and livelihood.

 

BIG BEER AND BARLEY WINES EVENT:
Normally taking place at the fairgrounds, it is a plethora of weird beers and rare barley wine drinks.  The bottles are strong and the alcohol is flowing.   This is a fun event and usually features lots of beers we have never seen before.  We are grateful to pour beers at the Dayton Most Metro Booth.

 

BIG BREWS AND BLUES EVENT:
For Diabetes Dayton’s benefit, this event has been held in Riverscape and Carillon Park.  The last year saw a hiatus.  We hope this beer bash is back soon, not only for a great cause, but because it is great fun!  They always feature great music and food vendors, along with dozens of beers to sample.

 

BIG RAGU’s HOMEMADE COOKING:
The Big Ragu
gets to show his culinary skills in posts on social media or sharing recipes online. His cooking mostly concerns seafood, grilling out and Italian food.  Here is a Bleu Cheese Burger he made for a dinner party a few years ago.  It is a

Ragu’s Bleu Cheese Burger

on a bun.

CASSANO’s DOUGH PLANT TOUR:
Who could forget getting a personal tour of the Cassano dough plant from Vic Cassano’s grandson Chip?  Chip sowed us the enormous flour silos all the way through the process down to the packaging.  Cassano’s produced dough and thin crust dough for companies and restaurants nationwide. The facility is immaculate and a state of the art, one of a kind operation on Stroop Rd.  Sixty five years ago Mom Donisi invented her thin crust pizza and Cassano’s has been serving them ever since.

 

Inside Cassano’s Dough Plant

CELTIC FESTIVAL:
The annual street fair where you can get a Guinness, listen to Celtic Storm and eat local food vendors til you plop.  That’s what we do.  Our official mission is to hit as many new food vendors as we can each year.  A wee bit too much of food and drink, but we dance it off in the end.  This hugely popular festival is one you want to allow a few hours to take in.  Lots of great dressed up people at this one, channeling their inner Irishman.

 

RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS HAUNTED DINNERS at THE AMBER ROSE:

Rhinegeists and Poltergeists


Our hugely popular ghost dinners at the Amber Rose. We have a local Paranormal investigation team, reveal their findings from hundreds of hours of surveillance at the Amber Rose.  Spirits surround you.  Unexplained photos, and sound recordings dominate the night.  The food is an incredible 4 course meal and we pair the dishes with 4 Rhinegeist Beers. Learn bout the history of the building and the ghosts thought to haunt the place including a playful woman named “Chickie.”

 

A night of Ghost Hunting – Creeps and Creaks at The Amber Rose

NIGHT OF GHOST HUNTING at THE AMBER ROSE (Creeks and Creeps):
The other dinner we have in October annually is a dinner that puts ghost hunters to the test.  Can you find some paranormal evidence given unfettered access to all parts of the Amber Rose building?  We will feed you and give you some alcohol, but bring your own ghost hunting equipment.  From 9pm -2am attendees get to search attics, basements, and crawl spaces.  In the past we called this Food Adventure “Creeps and Creaks,” because we debuted Creepshow Beer from Warped Wing at the event.  One of the spookiest nights of the year.

“RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS” at CARILLON PARK – DAYTON’S DELIGHTFUL DESSERT CONTEST GUEST JUDGES:

One of our classes at Dorothy Lane


One of our early Food Adventures at Historic Carillon Park.  Cocktails, and a dessert party in the middle of this Dayton history museum is cause for great conversation.  We brushed elbows with some of Dayton’s finest philanthropists and chefs.  We were lucky enough to judge the dessert contest and dare we say ride a merry-go-round ?

 

DOROTHY LANE MARKET SCHOOL OF COOKING:
We have been fortunate enough to host a few classes at the school of cooking.  From our “Party on the Patio” or Food Adventure Holiday favorites, we brought the party the DLM Culinary Center.  We have grilled salmon and clams, made tomato pie and boozy milkshakes.  Even pineapple pizzas, homemade cheese wontons and penne pasta dishes that would make anyone proud.  We are grateful for the opportunity to have cooked for over 100 people during our 3 events.

Evening Under the Stars

EVENING UNDER THE STARS:
The Big Ragu was asked to emcee this event hosted by AIMIA, that benefited Feeding America‘s Good-To-Go Backpack Program.   There were amazing desserts, champagne, wine and live music.  A silent auction included cruise trips.  The fun-filled night was held at Dayton’s Masonic Temple.

 

GARLIC FEST:

Jackies Garlic Fest Cooking Demo


Whether it is help organizing events and food vendors, or our cooking demos the day of the event.  We are proud to be a partner in Dayton’s Garlic Fest.  Always a “stinkin’ good time,”  this is one of most fun festivals we have ever attended.  June 29th 2019 will be at Carroll High School !  Jackie and Jessie will be doing free cooking demos during the day and live music, food and craft vendors go on until 10pm!

 

 

Big Ragu with his favorite Roller Derby Athlete Racey Rocker !

GEM CITY ROLLER DERBY:
We attended a derby in Huber Heights and watched the bumps and bruises while eating all of the concession food.  From popcorn to hot dogs, and from nachos to soft pretzels. We walked out a stuffed mess.  The action was as good as the food.  Don’t miss a match!

 

GEM CITY PODCAST:
We have a recurring role on the Gem City Podcast, giving an updated Food Adventure “state of the city” in food, each year.  The hosts are friendly and they are as big of foodies as we are.  We love talking new, old and closed restaurants, food trucks, festival food and more.  We slobber on the microphones every time and get lost in a food coma the minute we put on the headphones.

Jackie Rocking the Gem City Podcast

 

GERMAN FEST PICNIC:
Every year we hit them up for beer and pretzels. One year an Asian woman, stretched out the Big Ragu with a rigorous massage.  It actually helped him digest the festival food because she twisted him like a pretzel. Only in Dayton can you get an Asian massage for an Italian, at a German Fest.

 

GET WARPED at JIMMIES LADDER 11 DINNER:
Warped Wing
featured their beers for each course of the meal served by Ladder 11.  We gave away shirts and Warped Wing  items.  It was a packed house upstairs and another successful dinner.

 

 

Big Ragu gets a brutal stretchout at German Fest

GIOVANNI’s FOOD ADVENTURE WINE DINNER:
An incredible Italian meal featuring the best items on the menu.  From pizza to salad , and pasta to the tiramisu to end the meal.  There was even a garlic cheese onion appetizer that knocked our socks off.  Each course was served with a glass of vino.  It was unbelievable and we need to do another one SOON!

 

GOOSE vs GRAPES DINNER at ARCHER’S TAVERN:
It was Goose Island Beer vs Wine
and wine won. The five course tasting was a vote for which you liked better the beer or the wine with the pairing.  The packed dining room preferred the wines this time.  A night of deliciousness.

Tiramisu at Giovannis

 

 

DAYTON’S OKTOBERFEST:
Whether we volunteer to pour beer, or we jut come on preview night for a lot of drink and food, we love this event.  Big Ragu has an annual stogey on site and the vendors  from Strudel to Cream Puffs get our attention every time!  We also love choosing from Hamburger Wagon or Crab Rangoon for a late night snack.  The Art Institute never envisioned this when it was built, we are guessing.

 

Hungry Jax at Oktoberfest

TV SPOTS on FOX 45 :
Whether we are promoting food truck rallies, festivals or cooking on live morning TV, we have had some memorable Fox 45 TV spots.  Who can forget us eating raw garlic at 7am on live TV?  How about the time the Big Ragu took a pie in the face from the Fox 45 reporter while dressed as Elvis?  We even had a down to the wire cooking demo that went off like a charm.  Usually on early morning , there is nothing like Food Adventures Crew on live television.

 

DAYTON’S GREEK FESTIVAL:
Early Saturday and Early Sunday of this weekend fest, we get classic gyros and bask in the glory of an uncrowded fest.  Part of the reason is we typically work the Italian Fest later that day.  We love George Karras’ band and the pastries too.  Oh and those Trigonas are delicious.

Eating Raw Garlic on FOX 45 LIVE at 7am

 

GREENE COUNTY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY and DARKE COUNTY FAIRS:
We go ape at the fairs every year.  We always knock down 3 of them, looting every food booth we can.  The best funnel cakes are in Greene County, the best wings are in Montgomery County, The best sandwiches and pies are in Darke County. Eat, visit, discover new stuff.  We usually bring pockets of food to the horse races and enjoy the crowd. No rules. Just fun.

 

Company 7 BBQ and Hairless Hare Brewery hosted a Food Adventure

HOPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY – FOOD ADVENTURE at COMPANY 7 BBQ with HAIRLESS HARE BREWERY.
Vandalia’s brewery the Hairless Hare knocked it out of the park with some delicious pairings to BBQ at Company 7 in Englewood.  There was brisket, pulled pork and desserts.  This HUGE Food Adventure saw 60 foodies attend.  All 7 BBQ sauces were out and flowing and we even ordered some appetizers of onion rings that were terrific. The people who own the Hairless Hare and Company 7 BBQ are class acts, and the kind of local business owners that make Daytonians proud.

Grillmasters at the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament

 

JENNIFER SCHMIDT MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT:
For 3 years we helped man the grill at sold burgers and hot dogs at the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament.  Our Food Adventure Crew would fire up the grill at 10am and the hungry tennis fans and players would come running.  The event was held at Cloud Park in Huber Heights and was hosted by Carroll High School’s tennis team.  The tournament was in memory of Jennifer Schmidt, a former Carroll Graduate and Tennis Player in the mid 1980’s.  Sadly, after going to college, she was feared abducted and went missing on the campus of Purdue University her Freshman year.  The case was never solved, and no trace of her was found.  Each year the high school would help raise funds for the girls tennis team. Each year they paid tribute to her family and honored her name.  We gladly helped this worthy cause.

Big Ragu gives Twisted Sister’s Dee Sniders ome Mikesells Chips !

 

HORROR HOUND CONVENTION IN CINCINNATI:
This convention allowed us to meet 80’s actors, Walking Dead stars, and even 80’s rocker Dee Snider.  We had lunch with former Bengals star Domato Peko, sharing some LaRosa’s Pizza. We had a Zombie Dog with a Reservoir Dog Michael Madsen. We gave French Bread and “Peru” to Better Off Dead Actress Diane Franklin. We met so many other obscure celebs with horror movie roles.  This was one hell of an all day Food Adventure.  We got to bring Candyman start Tony Todd some Esther Price too.

 

The Mount Rushmore of Dayton Beer

IPA HOLI-DAZE at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
We got 8 local breweries to come to Stone House Tavern for an IPA showcase.  Dan Apolito helped organize the beer tasting and had appetizers available as well.  To see the owners and head brew masters of the regions greatest beer companies, all in one place was epic.  It was like being at the Mount Rushmore of Dayton beer history.  Stone House Tavern is in Waynesville and the bar and patio are perfect spots to enjoy their great beer and menu selection.

 

DAYTON’S ITALIAN FALL FESTA :

Cannoli from Italian Fall Festa

We first started working the kids area in 2008 at Italian Fest.  Then in 2009 we got traded to the beer truck at the festa.  Our volunteering has seen us grilling and serving wine, serving bottle water and soft drinks, and now we are back again at the beer truck where we belong, under the guidance of Kevin Sorice.  One of our favorite moments is Saturdays stuffed shell dinner, and smoking stogeys Sunday watching the Bengals play by the beer booth.  Big Ragu also makes cavatelli, tiramisu, and cannoli excursions.

 

 

Pizza Baking at the World A Fair Italian Booth

ITALIAN BOOTH at WORLD A’FAIR:
At the World A Fair, We have been tossed around from the pizza maker station, to the pizza baker station.  We have grilled sausages, and served meatball subs. Working in the booth was blast for a few years and we hope to again work the booth if the Sons of Italy Bella Villa Hall get involved again.  The best part of the weekend is when our shift at the Italian booth is over and we get to scour the other booths for worldly food … Greek Gyros, Bavarian CreamPuffs, Empanadas, Cannoli and Egg Rolls .. YES!

 

Jackie’s Tomato Pie

JACKIE’s KITCHEN – HOMEMADE :
Our Food Adventure Crew member Jackie is also known as Hungry Jax, because she is usually pretty hungry.  Her upbringing in an Italian family in Utica, NY meant a lot of time in the kitchen.  She also has volunteered at Dorothy Lane Market’s cooking school for years.  Her homelife is full of cooking as well.  She tests recipes in her kitchen using her hubs and 2 kiddos as taste testers.  The result is her passing down the traditions to the next generation of foodies in her family.  From Chicken Riggies to Tomato Pie, from Turkey to side item comfort food that is off the hook, Jackie loves to entertain and is great at it .  We often share these kitchen posts and recipes on Food Adventures.

 

Jessie has some celery juice for ya !

JESSIE’S KITCHEN:
The healthy influence in our blog comes from our in-house wellness coach Jessie Whitesell.  She is our Whole 30 guru who has her own company for life and nutrition planning.  She has helped dozens of people utilize foods to help improve their lives.  Her expertise in juicing and recognizing the power or performance in foods for athletics are helpful.  She also informs people with certain ailments, how to incorporate natural foods to help combat the illness.  Her kitchen can be found full of wholesome, natural and organic foods.  She has kids active in sports and a husband at home, so many of her nutritional tips for busy families on the go are priceless. Stay tuned as we will feature Jessie’s recipes, food photos, and whole 30 seminars.  Jessie’s ‘Health and Wellness” business page is HERE.

 

GUEST JUDGES AT DAYTON’s CHEF SHOWDOWN:

Chef Maria Walusis at the Chef Showdown


How about this Food Adventure? We get to judge the best food creations is a “chopped” inspired showdown from Dayton’s best chefs.  What a gig!  The best of the best in the area , battling it out with limited ingredients to come up with their tastiest appetizer offering.  Planned 2Give, is responsible for this event at the Convention Center in the middle of the Dayton Home and Garden Show.  It is an incredible honor to be affiliated with this contest for the last few years.

 

Voltzys Burgers are #1

LIST OF TOP DAYTON FOODS:
Most recently we brought you a list IN ORDER of the Top 35 Burgers of Dayton and The Best 30 Soups of Dayton.  No one comes close to compiling a more comprehensive list than us .  We also have the guts to rank them in order and not just a list.  Having no agenda, or ties to groups makes us special in that category.  Like Howard Cosell, we tell it like it is.  We also had the top 30 foods of Dayton, you gotta try before you die.

 

WHO’D YOU RATHER?
Over the years we faced off  restaurants with the moniker “Who’d you rather get it on with?” Who could forget these classic showdowns?  Chains or not, we have not rules,  we eat it all.
Frickers vs Roosters,

Thrilla in Waynesvilla !


Five Guys vs Smashburger
El Rancho Grande vs El Toro
Chipotle vs Qdoba,
Cracker Barrel vs Bob Evans

 

THE THRILLA IN WAYNESVILLA at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
One of our craziest and most fun event was the showdown between Rivertown Brewery of Cincinnati and Mount Carmel Brewery in Cincinnati.  The Food Adventure was setup like a boxing match with 5 rounds beer vs beer and the voting came to a squeaked out decision for Rivertown.  The highlight of the event was the owner of Rivertown Brewery, Jason Roeper, standing on the bar at Stone House Tavern giving a heartfelt plea on why his beers should win the contest.

 

DAYTON TRIVIA AND FORGOTTEN RESTAURANTS:
Who could forget our articles on Dayton Food Trivia ?  What about the Forgotten Restaurants of Dayton?  We lead the way with the most comprehensive breakdown of these topics.

 

THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY DINNER at NORTH CHINA:
Twice we hosted 10 course Chinese new year’s dinners at North China.  From pot stickers and egg rolls, to mu shu pork and 7 other menu items, this was a feast for the ages.  The service is always impeccable.  The food is served hot every time.  This is one of our favorite foodie dinners that we host.

 

 

Jimmies in July Ladder 11 Cajun Dinner

 

JIMMIES LADDER 11 “JIMMIES IN JULY MARDI GRAS DINNER”:
A foodie paradise from gumbo to cajun specialties.  The decor was amazing and Jimmies Ladder 11 went all out on the party room.  The dinner was served in courses and the pastino chips were incredible too.  it was a hot time in the old firehouse.  Each course was paired with a beer from Abita Brewing company out of New Orleans.  Jimmy, Sue and the whole staff really went above and beyond.

 

CRAWFISH BOIL at STONE HOUSE TAVERN and ARCHER’S:

Crawfish Boil at Archers or Stone House Tavern

During Mardi Gras depending on the year, Archers or Stone House Tavern will host a crawfish boil.  Some years they had gumbo, crawfish etoufee and Jambalaya.  You never know what to expect, but the crawfish is usually boiled then laid on the table with onions, cajun spices, potatoes and sausage.  Attendees go nuts for this stuff!

 

 

Jimmys Italian Kitchen Food Adventure

JIMMIES ITALIAN KITCHEN FOOD ADVENTURE:
This dinner featured a 4 course menu highlighting a Pasta trio entrée, their homemade chicken rice soup, and fresh pizzas.  The event finale was homemade bakalava.  Owner Mo shared the story of his experience at the restaurant and the crowd cheered a great meal.  Maria and the staff led an impeccable service.  Everyone left stuffed!

 

GUEST PIZZA MAKERS at JOHNNY’S SLICE of NY PIZZA:
Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizzeria
was one of our faves.  It is now called Kings NY Pizzeria.  We had the fun opportunity of selling extra large 1 topping pizzas for $10.  It was amazing.  The response was incredible and we served dozens of friends!  Lots of photos, smiles and pizzas to go were served.  We even served pies to people who ate in the dining room.  One time Big Ragu dressed up in a huge mascot head and held up signs outside to draw in business.  The 2 times we did this was a riot.  We miss Johnny and Michelle at the store, but live visiting Kings when we can !  Big Ragu says their Sicilian is a secret menu item that you have to try !

Guest Pizza Makers at Johnnys Slice of NY

 

KIDS MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA at PISANELLO’S PIZZERIA:
Our first kids related Food Adventure.  This was incredible since the kids made their own pizzas and got to see them baked.  When served they were treated to an incredible show of a local pizza dough tosses who did tricks.  It was amazing to see him juggle various doughs and his special moves.  Kids got door prizes for trivia questions and the pizzeria in Franklin was so generous to us.  We are lifelong fans of this place, check it out.

 

 

Kids Make Your Pizza Food Adventure at Pisanellos in Franklin

LITTLE SAIGON FOOD ADVENTURE and STORY of SURVIVAL:
This was an amazing dinner and amazing story of how a family escaped to America from Vietnam.  After the war, many South Vietnamese found themselves persecuted. The owners of this restaurant waited 2 years to sneak away in the middle of the night on a boat set adrift in the ocean with 40 others.  Some died on the way after 14 days with no food and water.  Finally the landed in Guam and were able to get to the USA in the mid 70’s.  Today they run the restaurant and have a happy existence.  The food is incredible and we are lucky to have this courageous family in our city.

Little Saigon Food Adventure Dinner

 

MUNCH MADNESS at VINNYS:
Every year during the University of Dayton mens basketball season, Vinny features a buffet he calls the “indoor tailgate party.”  He does this every home game.  People show up and eat, then go to the game.  We love these days and have had times where his food on the buffet were incredible creations like sloppy joes, rib tips, pork chops, fish, and his staples of sausages and chicken wings always remain.  If you want a special tailgate party, hit them up during basketball season.  This place has great food and is a little known gem.

 

Vinnys Munch Madness – Tailgate Buffet Food Adventure

 

THE MOOSE and THE GOOSE at BULLWINKLES:
An incredible 5 course meal featuring pairings with Goose Island brewery.  Highlights were the ribs and the end of the night chef John Sizemore made bananas foster by hand for everyone.  It was delicious!  The upstairs party room and the service were exceptional.  We came hungry and left stuffed like the moose by the bar .  Hats off to John Forman and his staff.

 

NEW BEERS RESOLUTION or NEW BEERS EVE at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:

The Moose and the Goose Food Adventure at Bullwinkles


Another beer event at Stone House Tavern featuring 8 local brewing companies.  Each were showcasing a “new beer.”  an exciting chance for brewers to mingle with the locals and get feedback and also fill them in on philosophy etc, of their brewery.

 

WINE and SWINE PIG ROAST & LIVE MUSIC at KENNEDY VINEYARD:
Acoustic music on the patio, and wine slushies inside.  We enjoyed Big Rack Beers and Kennedy Vineyard wines.   The winery is now sadly closed.  We miss the wines and beer, but most of all we miss the friendly family that ran the Vineyard.  They are great people who had to deal with a crippling fire and a former business associate.  We wish them well in the future.

 

Mamma DiSalvos Meatball Eating Contest

MAMMA DISALVO’S MEATBALL EATING CONTEST:
We were lucky enough to be guest judges at this hilarious contest.  With no hands, contestants have a limited time to finish the wonderful meatballs from Mamma Disalvos Restaurant.  Thank you to Lisa Grigsby  of Dayton Dining and Dayton Most Metro for the invite.

 

MARCH OF DIMES WALK FOR BABIES:
The late, great Bob Medlin took this event and made huge birthday cakes for the crowds.  We will never forget his warmth or the special people in our lives we met those days.

March of Dimes – with Longhorn Steakhouses Bob Medlin =we miss him

 

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE MORAINE and the CENTERVILLE ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFASTS:
Whether at Longhorn Steak House in Moraine or the Centerville High School, we have supported the pancake breakfasts for charity almost every time. The generosity of the people who hold these events , never cease to amaze us.

 

MIKESELLS POTATO CHIP PLANT TOUR:
Incredible access to the hometown chip company.  We loved every second and love being used as taste test dummies for new flavors.  We support this company and it is still family owned to this day.  It is fascinating to see the process from potato to packaging.  Please remember to support this local company by always having their snacks at your parties.

Mikesells chip plant

 

NELLYS FOOD ADVENTURE “TOUR OF BOLIVIA:”
Literally the best chicken we have ever tasted in our lives is here.  If you have not been, you are missing rotisserie chicken cooked over hot charcoal coals.  The flavor and freshness is unparalleled.  From salads to flan and chicken wings the sausage on toast and beef entrees were hits too.  So much food, so little time …

Nellys Chorizo Bites

NIGHT MARKET:
The party at the old Yellow Cab building each month celebrates food and craft vendors. food trucks and local goods.  We love filling up on Dayton made stuff. Oh yea, there is beer here too !

NITE AT THE RACES:
The Rent Foundation of the Greater Dayton Apartment Association
has been running this charity night for 11 years.  Food Adventures has supported them every step of the way.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY and OTHER FISH FRYS:
Every year we go to about 15 – 20 local fish frys during the Lenten season.  It is a yearly quest to visit new and revisit old fish frys.  The result is us being in a Friday and Saturday deep-fried coma until Easter.

 

FLEURS DE FETE at CARILLON PARK:
It was a chance for us to get lost in a thousand wines and end up in a beer garten at the end.  Various restaurants passed out appetizers and one guest passed our near the port a lets.  So you could say it was a successful festival.

 

Fleur de Fete

GRAND OPENING OF GODFATHERS PIZZA with THE GODFATHER:
We met the godfather from Godfathers Pizza.  He wanted us to come out for the opening of the Miamisburg store and ribbon cutting ceremony.  He made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.  The mayor of Miamisburg was there too.  We all at pizza and talked a little business.  He signed some autographs and before we knew it he was on his way.  If you want the Godfather Pizza you knew in the 1970’s,  Go to Miamisburg and order the “SUPER COMBO DELUXE.” This loads the pizza up like they did back in the day and it is the ONLY way to order your pie and get that old-time taste.

 

TASTE OF OREGON DISTRICT:

With The Godfather


When Hungry Jax and her pal Katie Gast, Oregon District guru, took a spin at the Taste of Oregon District, forks were flying. The best food of the event was a waffle cone filled with chicken tenders from Lily’s Bistro. 

 

RECIPES FOR FOREMOST SEAFOOD:
Big Ragu
was honored to write recipes for Foremost Seafood’s newsletter  for a year.  It was an amazing experience using the best and freshest seafood in Dayton to make dishes to his heart’s content.  The company and the family are class acts.  Recipes featured were from swordfish to deep-fried cod, and garlic mussels, scallops, clams and perch were featured as well, depending on the special of the month.  If you have not visited this store off of Woodman Dr, you are missing Dayton’s #1 seafood secret.

 

Recipes for Foremost Seafood

THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:
This is Miamisburg’s festival where Food Adventures crew is deeply involved.  From food and craft vendors to planning meetings for months, we even help set up the band lineup!  The finale of the fest is the Elvis tribute band the Comeback Special featuring Ryan Roth.  Don’t forget the dozen food trucks, and Hamburger Wagon burger eating contest !  Also the Food Adventures Crew hosts the Green Tomato Pie baking contest and judges the winners.  From fried green tomatoes, to burgers with green tomatoes, this   a blast from the hula hoop contest to the rock n roll and bouncy houses.  Did we mention a $250 Cornhole Tournament ??????

Rock N Green Tomato Festival

 

 

FAREWELL PIZZA PARTY at ROCKY’S PIZZA RING:
All good things must come to an end.  When we heard Rocky’s Pizza Ring was closing we decided to have one more pizza bash Food Adventure at the site, before they closed.  It was an evening of story telling and great pizza.  Lots of trivia and memories were shared that night.  We miss it very much.

 

Rockys Pizza Farewell Food Adventure

 

GORDON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:
In the past we have sponsored holes and attended this fantastic outing that celebrates the life of a man who struggled with Multiple Sclerosis.  His daughter Nicole puts on the event that finishes with a steak dinner at Soft Rock Cafe.

SUZY PENDER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:
We have sponsored a hole at this outing in memory of our friend who passed in 2001.  Good times and a great dinner afterwards at Jamaica Run Golf Club catered by Scratch Foods.

Roger Gordon Memorial After Party

 

SHAKIN FLAVOR:
Shaking up fries with new flavor packets and chicken nuggets too!  This was a promotion by McDonald’s that the kids absolutely loved.  We took surveys, talked to foodies and passed out McDonald’s Bling. We ate more fries and chicken nuggets than man mountain Dean.  From BBQ to Parm flavor, the event was a blast.

 

DUNKIN DONUTS PROMOS:

Shakin flavor

We have been asked a couple of times to events at new Dunkin Donut stores. Jackie is familiar with their coffee back from her days in New York, so she is in tune with this one.  From their new fountain coffee machines to the mobile order drive thru, they’re hitting the digital age and going for a quick convenient cup of coffee in the morning.

 

SNOWHILL GOLF COURSE HAUNTED DINNER:
Our first haunted experience was this dinner in Wilmington Ohio.We had some great food and great creepy scares when they played sound bites of ghosts talking.  The decor and tone was scary and if you have the guts to spend the night in one of a few rooms you can.

 

“THIRD SHIFT” INTRODUCTION EVENT:
This event showcased the intro of  new beer by Coors.  This was their attempt at  craft beer.  It was delicious and the party was held at Webster street markets party area.  Foods were served using the beer in the recipe. Epic food Adventure and all the “Third Shift” beer you wanted.

 

COOKING CLASSES at THE SPICY OLIVE:
This is one of our favorite Food Adventures.  We come to the Spicy Olive in Austin Landing or West Chester and cook using balsamics and flavor infused olive oils.  The results are amazing.  Fresh olive oils make all the difference. Please visit this locally owned gem.

 

Spicy Olive Cooking Class

STANDING ROOM ONLY at STONE HOUSE TAVERN:
We packed as many brewery owners and appetizers into the bar area at Stone House Tavern in Waynesville.  Each owner talked about how they were started in the business, and what their philosophy is on brewing.  Attendees got to rub elbows with the areas finest and ask them questions, give feedback and learn about the process.  Appetizers were delicious and served hot from the staff at Stone House Tavern.

 

SUBMARINE HOUSE’s SUPER DUPER CHEESESTEAK CHALLENGE:

Super Duper Cheesesteak Qualifier at Submarine House


This one is twofold.  Food Adventures hosts a pre-qualifying event where a dozen local celebs try to get on the leadership board.  Local celebs with the biggest appetites in town battle it out in April.  Then in June the championships for the contest happen. Each store champion faces off with each other in a bid to see who can eat 16 inches of heaven the quickest.  The Super Duper Cheesesteak sub is 3 times the meat and 3 times the cheese with the works toppings… we are grateful to be annual judges for the event!

 

SWEET TREATS FESTIVAL:
A festival where the local chocolatiers. confectioners, bakers, cupcake makers and more joined up for a day and featured samples of their best stuff.  To see all of these vendors and their good put Willy Wonkas factory to shame.  We hope to see this one back soon!

 

ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ADVENTURE at the SUSHI CLUB (now closed):
We loved the now closed “Sushi Club” in West Carrollton. It was a made to order, all you could eat buffet of sushi. The result was a frenzy of sashimi, nigiri and all the rolls you wanted.  We never understood the lack of customers, because the food was so good.  Our Food Adventure event here was a great success with about 50 hungry foodies getting their fill of sushi!  It was amazing to see the plates of hundreds of pieces of sushi rolls come out to the tables.  We miss this place dearly.

Sushi Club Food Adventure

 

BUCK WILD BRUNCH at BUCKIN DONKEY:
This is our latest Food Adventure and will take place SATURDAY MAY 18th, 11am at the BUCKIN DONKEY in Moraine. It will feature 4 of the wackiest food creations we have ever showcased. The fun will also involve a mimosa and bloody mary bar.  Please join us .  Tickets are pre-pay only and are available online only by clicking HERE for more info.

A Burger From BUCKIN DONKEY !

 

 

There you have it – 11 years worth of Food Adventure events, stuffed into a weekly article.  We can’t begin to scratch the surface of the all of the fun, door prizes, charity money, Dinners, lunches and friendships gained.  We also have been to tastes of various city events, Urban nights, the Dayton musical festival.  So many Food Adventures and so many more to come!

We are so grateful for the participation of literally thousands of people at our events.  Thank you Dayton. There will always be a plate at our dinner table for each and every one of you.

Feel free to browse the photos below of Food Adventures past !

Alter Fish Fry Blackjack – Big Ragu deals

Big Ragu and Pete Rose

Food Adventure at Bennetts Publical

Big Beers and Barleywines

Celtic Festival

Ringing in the Holidays

One fo the courses at Get Warped Food Adventure at Jimmies Ladder 11

Goose vs Grapes at Archers

Greek Fest

Greene County Fair Funnelcakes !

Shish Bob Food vendor at the Dayton Music Revival

Wine and Swine Food Adventure at Kennedy Vineyard

New Beers Eve

Night Market

Nite at the Races

Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry shirts pay homage to us !

Taste of Oregon District

Snow Hill Food

Rotary Pancake Breakfasts

Standing Room Only at Stone House Tavern

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Food Adventures, hungry jax, The Big Ragu

Recipe of the Month: Spaghetti & Breadcrumbs

April 14, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Time for an Italian tradition

Welcome to our Food Adventure recipe of the month.  This month we feature a secret, closely guarded family recipe that is dear to our hearts.

Jackie Scanlan from our Food Adventure Crew is an Italian mom.  Today she shares not only an Italian Family secret, but a favorite you would typically find in New York and Jersey in Italian households.

Today’s recipe feature : SPAGHETTI with BREAD CRUMBS

Jackie aka “Hungry Jax” explains the origins and importance of this dish in her life.

Hello fellow Dayton area foodies !!

Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs

It’s finally warm out! Don’t get me wrong, I am a winter child. I love snow, hoodies and warm boots. But when the sun starts shining, and the weather warms up, I can’t help but feel more energized and ready to be outside with the kids anytime that we can! And with the change in the season, my appetite changes as well!

Pasta is truly my soul food. If I was only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of my life, spaghetti would be the choice. It is so versatile and fun to eat! The recipe I am sharing today is a lightened up spaghetti dish that is fresh and lighter for these warmer days but still fulfills as a comfort food.

Spaghetti with breadcrumbs was a go-to easy dish that my mother would make when I was a child. I loved it. Quick, simple, and satisfying! My version is pretty close to my mothers, but a few tweaks that enhance this dish to the next level.  This dish makes a

It all starts with GARLIC !

great main dish or can be a light side. Grill up some chicken and you’ve got a complete meal.  I added broccoli to brighten it up even more. My trick is to toss the broccoli florets in with the pasta during the last minute to cook them. This produces a crisp and brilliant colored broccoli without it being mushy. And it makes for one less pan to clean!

Give it a shot! It’s so easy and very tasty! Not that I am biased or anything…

Mangia!

  • Jax

 

SPAGHETTI WITH BREADCRUMBS

You’ll need:

  • ¼ cup olive oil

    Monthly Recipe

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tbls dried parsley
  • 1 tbls crushed red pepper
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 2 cups broccoli chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • zest from one lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • **reserve ½ cup pasta water**
  • Breath mints/gum for after if you’re on a date. This is a garlicky one!

 

Warning – this recipe makes kids happy

DIRECTIONS:

Boil water and cook pasta as instructed. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat the olive oil and red crushed pepper till warm on medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).  Add in bread crumbs and cook until lightly browned. Remove from heat and add parsley.

During the last minute of your pasta cooking, add in broccoli. Once done, drain but reserve ½ cup pasta water. Return pasta and broccoli to the pot. Add ¼ cup of  the reserved water and cook on low heat. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Pasta should be moist but not swimming in pasta water. So only add more if you feel it’s too dry.

Remove from heat, dish out and top with the breadcrumbs and romano and/or parmesan cheese.  Mangia!

 

Check back each and every week for an exclusive Food Adventure article right here on Dayton Most Metro

About Jackie :

Jackie’s Top 5 Favorite Local Places
1) Lock 27
2) Partial to Pie
3) The Cakery
4) Sweeney’s Seafood
5) Zombie Dogz and Dorothy Lane Market (tie)

Jackie moved to the Dayton area in 2006. This Italian mom from Upstate New York, found herself in a very different culinary atmosphere that what she was used to in Utica, NY. However, different proved to be good and she fell in love with not only this “gem” of a city, but also the food and foodies within it. Cooking is a passion of Jackie’s.

Cook breadcrumbs until lightly browned

She loves to use her husband John, and 2 daughters Coraline and Ashlyn as her lab rats to test recipes out. Some of her recipes have been published in National Food Magazines! She has also won food competitions including best “Chicken Riggies.”

As much as she loves to cook, she loves to take a night off from her kitchen and enjoy eating out and letting someone else do all the work (and the cleanup)! Other foodie interests include years of volunteering at the Dorothy Lane Market School of Cooking, and recently has hosted her own Food Adventure classes with the crew at the culinary center.  She has been re-tweeted a few times by Food Network’s Alton Brown, whom she has been a fan of his since way back when he wore bowling shirts.

Jackie takes the lead at the Food Adventure cooking classes at Spicy Olive. She hosts cooking demos at Dayton’s Garlic Fest and has appeared for Food Adventures on Living Dayton TV.  Jackie is always excited to be a part of the Food Adventure team and this “always hungry girl” is looking forward to experiencing some new eats.  Her positive attitude and passion for food ads fun to all of our events.

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Than join us and 8,000 Dayton foodies on our FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.

The finished product !

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Food Adventures, HungryJax, spaghetti

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