Dayton Most Metro

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Giovanni's

Family Owned Eatery to Release House-Made Marinara

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Giovanni’s Italian Restaurante will be holding a special one-night event, Will You Marinara Me? Giovanni’s Marinara Release and Dinner, on February 11th beginning at 5:30 PM. This marinara filled event will feature several dishes all using Giovianni’s House-Made Marinara, which will also be for sale in 32oz jars for the first time.

 

This family-friendly event will also include activities celebrating Valentine’s Day and a door-prize raffle.  A portion of proceeds for the event and marinara sales will be donated to the American Heart Association in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and the season of love.

 

Manager, Cassaundra Spaziani shares how excited Giovanni’s is for this new product and fundraising event. “Offering our signature marinara sauce to the public is something we wanted to do for a while now. Here at Giovanni’s, we are all about community and family, and sharing a meal is a great way to bring members of a community and families together.” Spaziani continues with her passion for helping others, “Being part of a community is lending a helping hand to those around you. It’s important to us to help others whenever we can. That’s why we are donating a portion of proceeds to the American Heart Association.”

 

This is the perfect night to come out and sample a wide variety of marinara inspired dishes, eat with friends or a loved one, and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Entry and dinner is only $10 per person with a cash bar available to those 21 and over. You must RSVP by February 10th to ensure entry.

Make sure to reserve your placeby calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Giovanni’s Fairborn
215 W Main St
Fairborn, Ohio
(937) 878-1611
Hours
Monday – Closed
Tue. – Thur.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. and Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Giovanni’s Presents Feast of Seven Fishes

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Celebrating an Italian tradition usually observed on Christmas Eve, Giovanni’s will present the Feast of Seven Fishes on Monday, December 18th at 6:30pm.

According to Eataly.com the ancient tradition dates from the Roman Catholic custom of abstinence from meat and dairy products on the eve of certain holidays, including Christmas.  The number seven is rooted back in ancient times and it can be connected to multiple Catholic symbols: in fact, the seven seems repeated more than 700 times in the Bible. Also, according to the Roman Catholic Church, seven are the sacraments, the days of the Creation, as well as the deadly sins. Hence seven courses!

The seven course meal will  include favorites like Crab Bisque, Linguini with Clams and Lobster Risotto. Not only this, but dinner will also include 3 glasses of wine, an after dinner drink, as well as a dessert from Cake, Hope, and Love.  The feast is  just $65.99 per person.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Giovanni’s Fairborn is located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Join Us For A Giovanni’s Food Adventure!

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Pizza will be part of the 5 Courses !

Pizza! Wine! Pasta! Tiramisu!  That’s what is promised at the first ever, one-night-only, Food Adventure dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant!

FIVE DINNER COURSES, 2 WINES TO SAMPLE,
1 NIGHT ONLY !

YES ! We are opening the restaurant just for our group only – a true private party!

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE  – They are only available online through Dayton Most Metro

The one-of-a-kind event will happen at 6:30pm on September 19th. Take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy at this legendary Miami Valley eatery.

Mon. Sept 19th – 1 night only Food Adventure

Every week, all year,  the Food Adventures crew shares articles here on Dayton Most Metro.  This week’s article is especially exciting for us as we unleash an extravaganza.  Please get your tickets now, because there is limited seating.

This is a PERFECT chance to get a good sample of the Giovanni’s menu.  The price includes the tip, so sit back, relax and enjoy.  Want the full scoop on the event?  Here ya go !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHERE: GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE ITALIANO, an iconic, respected Dayton area restaurant located at 215 W Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324

WHEN: MONDAY NIGHT , SEPTEMBER 19th at 6:30 PM – We have the entire restaurant to ourselves!

COST: $35 per person, includes tip.   Guests for this dinner must be 21 and over, please. (Tickets are pre pay only — click HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Giovanni’s food always pleases

WHAT: A FIVE COURSE DINNER and TWO WINE pairings of the GIOVANNI’s MENU and ITALIAN WINERIES.

COURSE 1: STUFFED VIDALIA ONION APPETIZER: An Italian style appetizer, so unique and so good

COURSE 2: TWO SLICES OF PIZZA: PEPPERONI and MARGHERITA STYLE.  the legendary pizza that made Giovanni’s a Dayton icon

COURSE 3: CAESAR SALAD – Fresh, crunchy and creamy

COURSE 4: TRIO OF:

     a) FETTUCINI ALFREDO – Flat pasta noodles and creamy, house alfredo sauce

     b) LASAGNA – Homemade like “the old country”

     c) PASTA WITH SAUSAGE:  Ziti with fresh, creamy tomato sauce and sausage

2 wine pairings – Salut ! Vino !!

COURSE 5: TIRAMISU – The classic, creamy Italian dessert that will leave you speechless.

Mama Mia White and Mama Mia Red Wine will be served during the second and fourth courses.

 

We cant wait for the vino and pasta.  This will be a Food Adventure for the ages!  Door prizes, trivia and personal stories with the owners, the Spaziani family will fill the night.  Learn about their family tradition and philosophy about Italian food.

Whether you live in Fairborn, or not, this is a great locally owned spot that you have to try.  Please join us for this personal night out with Giovanni’s staff and the Food Adventures Crew !

TICKETS  ARE PRE-PAY ONLY and are ONLY AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK – so click here

 

Pizzas galore

A pasta trio rendition

 

Sausage and Pasta

Fettuccine Alfredo

Lasagna

Pasta and Sausage

Gnocchi dish with Red Pepper flakes added

5 topping pizza

Wine dinner !

Pizza with proscuitto

Giovanni’s is a delightful experience every time…

Back Entrance

Chicken and Pasta

Front Glass

A Dayton Legend

Iconic dishes – like this gnocchi

a Slice of life

Lobster Ravioli

 

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

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Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans.   Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

Are you a foodie?  Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers.  Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..

Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC 

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM

— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

— WHAT ELSE:  FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS  – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS

— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room

1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures  

2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures  and HouseMade Sriracha

3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine

— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???

— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS  5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun  – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.

 

GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:

1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.

2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties.  Meats! Meats! Meats!

Garlic Boneless Wings

3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats.  Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.

4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD.  This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.

5) SCRATCH CATERING:  Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year.  What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?

6) GYRO PALACE:  Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

tzatziki sauce.  Get some !

7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top.  A religious experience in taste!

8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs !  STAY TUNED !

9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD:  Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces.  If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.

11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:  Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more!  More than a mouthful and so juicy.  Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!

12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE:  Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys?  We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.

14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.

15) KOWALSKI HOTS:  In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs.  This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.

Fresh Popsicles

GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:

1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC:  Garlic for sale..  health benefits galore
3) COSTCO:  Your favorite spot for warehouse deals.  If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes.  Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY:  Unique crafts and puzzle lamps.  Defintely worth a visit.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers.  Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART:  Face painting.  Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces.  A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Chicken

 

 

 

 

Monday Night Wine, Appetizer & Pasta Buffet at Giovanni’s

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appetizerWine lovers and foodies, this Monday night Giovanni’s, located at 215 W. Main Street in Fairborn, are opening their doors for a special night of food and wine.  Tickets are $35 (plus tax and gratuity) and guests will have the opportunity to sample many  wines. They will have over 75 wines to choose from and many will be offered for purchase at a discount.

There will be  two pasta stations for you to create your own pasta dish along with  appetizers like Mussels, Brushetta, Baked Caprese, Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, Marsala Chicken Wings, Prime Rib Skewers and Crab Cakes.

Some of the wines being  offered are from owner Tony Spaziani’s private collection from his trips to Italy include:

Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino 1997 11034405_819351851447813_5012994542280531838_o

Cantine Aurora Piemonte Moscato 2006

Fontanafredda Serralunga d’Alba Barolo 2007

Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 937-878-1611.

Here Comes the FLEURS ET VIN Festival!

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“Fleurs et Vin” Festival will feature over 400 wines for tasting !

Get ready to raise your wine glass this Sunday at Carillon Park , because Dayton’s premier wine and gourmet food festival arrives!!

That’s right, the one and only shindig known as “FLEURS ET VIN” (flowers and wine in French) takes place this weekend!

This is a Food Adventure and Wine extravaganza that you don’t want to miss.  The Big Ragu will be there in full force!

 

WHAT:  FLEURS ET VIN FESTIVAL

WHERE: At Historic Carillon Park,  1000 Carillon Blvd.  Dayton, Ohio 45409

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 18th from 1pm – 4pm

WHY: To benefit AIDS Resoruce Center of Dayton Ohio

MUST DRINKS:  Over 400 wines available for tasting and a Beer Garden !

MUST EATS:  Local restaurants providing samples of menu specialties.

Restaurants Include: Amar India, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Central Perc European Cafe, Chappys Tap Room and Grille, Coco’s Bistro, El Meson, Figlio, Giovanni’s, Jay’s Seafood, Kohler’s Catering,  Lock 27 Brewing,  Mamma DiSalvo’s,  Neil’s Heritage House,  The Oakwood Club, Salar Restaurant and Lounge The Dock, The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market and Thai 9.

WHAT ELSE: Live Music during the festival by J.t. Fedrick and the Sax Groove, a silent auction that ends at 3pma and a Live Auction that starts  at 4pm 

COST: $70 in advance, $75 at the door  click HERE for more ticket info

Just in Case: Don’t drink and drive- Divine Services will be on hand if you and your car need a ride home.

Fleurs Et Vin is something you must experience as a true Daytonian.  Experience the best wines in the world, paired with Dayton’s Best Restaurant offerings.  It is for charity, which makes getting a ticket a no brainer.  Support Dayton, support the AIDS Resource Center, and join the fun at Carillon Park.  Treat yourself to a Food Adventure !

We raise our wine glasses high and say “Here’s to Fleurs Et Vin, the toast of the town this Sunday!”  See you under the big tents!

Are you a Dayton foodie?  Then join us for more fun Food Adventures by “liking”us on Facebook.

Check out our photo gallery below from last year’s event!

 

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Fleurs Et Vin: A Great Success at Carrillon Park

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Each Guest Received Souvenir Glasses

Did you miss it?  Endless wine tasting and all the food samplings you wanted were featured at the 2013 Fleurs et Vin Festival held at Carillon Park on May 19th.  The Big Ragu was on hand with Dayton Most Metro’s staff, greeting the massive crowds and sample the various offerings.  It was a Food Adventure paradise in the heart of Dayton, and a must eat on our list of events.

If you were not able to make it to this annual benefit for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, then check out our recap, below.

Here’s the Skinny:

— FLEURS ET VIN is Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival, typically held each year on a Sunday in May from 1-4pm under the tents at Carrillon Historical Park.  It is an all-you-want tasting event with a loyal following.

— ALL of the food and wine was donated by locally owned restaurants, allowing 100% of the proceeds to benefit AIDS Resource Center of Dayton.  A Food Adventure with a cause

— Admission price allowed you access to over 400 wines from around the world and taste menu samples from 20 local restaurants, along with a Belgian Beer Garden area !

— Live and Silent Auction areas allowed even more funds to be raised for this worthy cause that focuses of prevention and education about AIDS, along with service programs that help those in need with HIV/AIDS.

— Live music filled the air and added to the warm ambiance.

With so many good wines and so much good food, below are our picks for the best of the best from this spectacular event!

Crab Rangoon from Thai 9.  Our Favorite Rangoon in Dayton.

OUR FAVORITES  (THE FOOD):

Thai 9’s Crab Rangoon and Chicken with Rice:  In our opinion, the best crab rangoon in the Dayton area were these incredible samples from Thai9.  Stuffed full and deep, and served with a sweet side of Thai sauce, we found ourselves returning to this line often.  The Thai chicken dish was also incredible at this station.  It was a Thai pepper chicken, served in a brown, curry house sauce over a bed of white rice.  We told them we loved it, but our mouths were so full that they couldn’t understand us.

The Dock’s Crab Cakes:  Slowly seared on their portable flat top grill, these were flavorful, hand-packed circles of love.  The sauce that topped the crab cakes was the secret ingredient that kept us coming back for more.  The staff of The Dock probably wanted to file a restraining order against us for hanging out by their grill as much as we did.  We could not resist seconds of these scrumptious bites of crab heaven.

Hawthorn Grill’s  Sorbet and Strawberry ShortCake: All of the desserts at Hawthorn Grill are homemade by Chef Candace and her staff.   Her sorbet was a perfect, refreshing break during this hot event.  The bite size piece of cake, topped with a strawberry sauce also hit the spot.

Scratch Catering’s Beef Brisket and Carmelized Onion Bruschetta:  When doesn’t Chef Matt Hayden please the hungry crowds?  This delicious, slow-cooked sampling was just as pleasing to the eye, as it was to our taste buds.  The hits from Scratch Catering just keep on coming ….

OUR FAVORITES (THE WINES):

Canella Blood Orange Mimosa:  Talk about refreshing!   This tasty, bottled mimosa was the perfect drink, on this hot day.  The server at this booth had to be tired of us by the end of the event.   Probably our favorite offering from the Vintage Wine Distributor.  This Italian wine cocktail is made from grape wine and the juice and pulp of blood oranges from Sicily.

Heron Chardonnay:  A crisp, white wine made from 22 year old grape vines.  The winery is a female owned, family vineyard run by Laely Heron.   One of the few American women who made wine in France, Heron’s products are also produced in California.

Spreitzer Riesling 101:  This German Riesling comes from a winery owned by two brothers who have been honing their craft since 1997.  It was a cold, refreshing sip of sparkling goodness in the warm weather.

The Belgian Beer Garden: Although this was a wine festival, Heidelberg Distributing distracted us with some great beer selections.  Food Adventures enjoyed a couple of  Stella Artois beers in a souvenir pint.  The Big Ragu went for some Hoegaarden beer and an Ommegang Witte Beer.

All in all, this is Dayton’s “Wine me and dine me” Festival.  We loved being a part of a wonderful event, that supported a locally based AIDS charity.  Good local food and world class wines, what more could one ask for?   So let us end this Food Adventure, by raising our glass with a toast.. “Whether you love Merlot or Chardonnay, here’s to seeing you at Fleurs et Vin, next May!!”

For more wine, and no whine, visit Food Adventures on Facebook and “like” them by clicking HERE !

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Giovanni’s: The Fairborn Legend

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With Halloween approaching, many people are stopping at the costume shops in Fairborn.  But The Big Ragu suggests you make another stop, Giovanni’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant.  Located at 215 W. Main Street, this place has been a Fairborn icon for decades.   Since 1953, this local favorite has been serving up pizzas and pasta dishes that will make your mouth water.  Originally owned by Giovanni DiPasquale, the restaurant was purchased by Tony Spaziani in 1994.  Soon after the menu and dining rooms were expanded and they even started a full in-house bakery.  This bakery allows for fresh bread, pasta and dough to be made on premises.  It also allows for homemade desserts that are nothing short of amazing.  Many things at Giovanni’s are made from scratch, the way they ought to be, to guarantee fresh tasting food.

The restaurant is always bustling and the servers are friendly and caring.  In fact, our waiter was the pastry chef, who waits tables on Sunday to stay in tune with customer feedback while making some extra dough .. pun intended.

During our Food Adventures, we have tried the sandwiches and the pastas.   We especially liked the Chicken Parmesan and the Gnocchi.   You can really tell the sandwich bread and pasta is made on site, the taste is amazing and homemade.  The same can be said about their homemade cheesecakes, cannoli, and tiramisu, all produced at the in-house bakery.

However, all the locals know that the main attraction at Giovanni’s is their pizza.  A semi-thin crust pizza with a unique tasting sauce makes each pie simply scrumptious.  The fresh, delicious toppings offered are plentiful on each pizza.  They even have anchovies for the true Italian style Food Adventurer in you.  Of course, all the dough for the pizzas are made on site, which is noticed on each bite into the crunchy crust.  The prices are reasonable and the product is good.  They even offer 7 inch personal pizzas with up to 3 toppings for less than 6 bucks during lunch time.

The food speaks for itself so check out the photos and click on them to get a larger, tastier view.  Visit this mom and pop restaurant in Fairborn, and find out for yourself what the legend is all about.

Please “like” Food Adventures and follow The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House on Facebook by clicking  HERE ! 

 

 

Italiano Vino Dinner

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Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Ristoranto Italiano will be hosting a an Italian Fall Food  & Wine Dinner on Tuesday, Nov 9th at 6:30pm.  This 5 course dinner will be paired with 6 wines for the just $32.50 per person.  Reservations are required and due by Nov 7th. You can reach the Fairborn restaurant at 878-1611 and tell them DaytonMostMetro sent you!

WELCOMING DRINK
Lamarcu Prosecco

APPETIZER
Bruschetta with fresh made Rigotta and Tomato
Wine: Marchese Montefusco Syrah

PASTA
Cheese and Ham filled Ravioli with Sage Butter
Wine: Masi Masianco

SALAD
Asparagus and Mushroom Salad with Egg
Wine: Savuto Odoardi

MAIN ENTRE
Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde & Sauted Broccoli Rabe
Wine: Marchese Montefusco Nero d`Avola

DESSERT
Abruzzese Chocolate Cake
Wine: Rosa Regale

Fairborn’s Best Italian Eatery

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Giovanni’s Pizzeria é Ristorante Italiano has been serving up authentic Italian food and pizza at 215 W. Main Street  in Fairborn since 1984.

Giovanni’s was revitalized in 1994, when Tony Spaziani purchased the restaurant, doubled its dining space, added a party/banquet room and opened an in-house bakery. Spaziani, who grew up in a family of restaurateurs, continues to  include many of his own family specialties, including the traditional Italian bread made from his grandfather’s recipe.  Having won numerous awards for Best Pizza, and most recently adding glutten free pizza and pasta to his menu’s, Giovanni’s continues to serve up some of the best Italian food found in the Miami Valley.

Enjoy Giovanni’s June Specials:

Vadalia Onion Stuffed with Homemade Italian Sausage.$5.75

Spinach Salad with our Homemade Raspberry Dressing with Strawberries & Red Onions.
Large-$4.55 Small-$2.45

Grilled Chicken with Linguine Tossed in a Lemon Cream Sauce $12.85

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Spinach over Angel Hair Pasta $12.25

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce over a bed of Fresh Arugula $13.45

Giovanni’s
215 W. Main Street
Fairborn OH 45324
(937)878-1611