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ice cream

Top 33 Dayton Treats to Beat the Heat

July 2, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Jet Freeze’s Peanut Butter Sundae

The sweltering days, the sun beating down on the Miami Valley.  When you can’t plunge into a swimming pool, don’t worry.  Relief is a taste away.  Whether a mom and pop locally owned store, or a national chain, Daytonians have some delicious options to “beat the heat.”

The Food Adventures Crew breaks it all down for you right here:

 

The Top 20 Dayton Treats to Beat the Heat:

 

1) PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAE at JET FREEZE:

Homemade peanut butter sauce, and incredible prices make this choice #1.  They also have fantastic soft serve ice cream, unlike another place.  For example, also try the Kings Island inspired Smurf Blueberry Blue Ice cream.  Located in Beavercreek near the Grange Hall and Patterson intersection.

 

2) RITTER’S PEANUT BUTTER MOUNTAIN:

The Peanut Butter Mountain from Ritters

Whether the Kettering location or Beavercreek location, the toppings are generous for these sundaes.  Get one of the richest, most sinful things you have eaten all for around 5 bucks.

 

3) ICE CREAM PINTS at YOUNG’S DAIRY:

Great flavors like Sea Salty Caramel Crunch, Cookie Dough, Cow Patty and Tiramisu Gelato are our favorite flavors by far.  Hell, at this place even the butter pecan and chocolate ice cream is to die for.  Pack up the car and head to Yellow Springs today !

 

Pints from Youngs Dairy4) CHOCOLATE SHAKE at “K &W DRIVE-IN” in Springboro:

Shake it at K & W.   Nothing is as good as a shake or malt from here in the summer.  Make sure you try the burgers and footlong hot dogs too ! Located on 741 in Downtown Springboro, this place is a longtime favorite.

 

5) STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SUNDAE from FREDDYS FROZEN CUSTARD:

Full blown strawberry heaven here.  Located on Wilmington Pike, they also serve other terrific sundaes.  Seriously one of the most delicious sundaes we have tried.

 

6) BAD JUANS at ELSA’S:

K & W Drive in in Springboro

 

Our only alcoholic item in the bunch, but it has to be on here.  How many drunk Bad Juan experiences have started with that first refreshing sip !

 

7) ROOT BEER FLOATS at the ROOT BEER STANDE:

A Dayton classic. No better place to people watch and car watch than Woodman Dr. at The Root Beer Stande.  It’s like a special portal in the universe.  Order a footlong hot dog and deep fried mushrooms too !

Strawberry Shortcake from Freddys Custard

 

 

 

8) CONE WITH SPRINKLES at the DAIRY SHED in BELLBROOK:

People come from all around like a beacon of hope to this place called the Dairy Shed.  The best sprinkle cones around, they really give it a dip and a whirl.  Sometimes it is like, “would you like some ice cream with your sprinkles?”

 

9) EXTRA LARGE CHOCOLATE MALT with  PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM and a BANANA at UDF:

Here is a “fat kid trick.”  We ask for the biggest shake at United Dairy Farmers and make it a malt.  Use Peanut butter ice cream, and ask them to add chocolate sauce and a banana.  Get some sunglasses, sit in the shade and go to a world of your own happiness.  UDF’s can be found in Kettering, Springboro and near University of Dayton.

The Bad Juan – Frozen

 

10) FRISCH’S HOT FUDGE CAKE:

Oh boy, the classic.  The perfect balance of fudge, cake and ice cream.  And who could forget the whipped cream?  Order one and you will find yourself making the “mmmm” good noises you see on commercials.  Lots of locations in town to order this one.

 

11) A WAFFLE CONE OF COOKIE DOUGH CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM at GRAETER’S ICE CREAM:

Get in line and get yourself a waffle cone of cookie dough. Their butter pecan here is sinful too.  Also we recommend the Buckeye Blitz Ice Cream.  The Centerville location on 48 and 725 is a perfect spot to try the flavors.

 

Root Beer Float from the Root Beer Stande

12) MOOSE TRACKS ICE CREAM at VILLAGE ICE CREAM PARLOR in LEBANON:

This ice cream has the perfect array of chocolate, fudge, nuts and caramel to make anyone happy.  This is a fantastic ice cream, and those who love “Rocky Road” will love this too !  Get to Lebanon soon!

 

13) PUMPKIN ROLL TOPPED WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM at THE DIXIE DAIRY DREEM:

A special homemade treat that is available more in the  fall.  In the meantime , just get the vanilla ice cream soft serve and the mini Dreem Burgers and you summer is complete.

Dairy Shed in Bellbrook

 

14) THE DREAMSICLE PIE from BUCKIN DONKEY:

An orange flavored pie that tastes like a push up pop.  Only At the Buckin Donkey would they dream this up.  Try the blackberry pie and peanut butter pie too.  All amazing in their own right.

 

Frischs Hot Fudge Cake

15) THE PEANUT BUSTER PARFAIT from DAIRY QUEEN:

The old classic with Spanish peanuts, hot fudge and vanilla soft serve ice cream.  Yeah, yeah we know it is a chain … Moraine, Miamisburg, and Centerville are a few of the locations.

 

16) A COLD GLASS of APPLE CIDER  from HIDDEN VALLEY ORCHARDS:

Nothing says AHHHH like a cold glass of cider in the summer.  Sip it outdoors and swirl it in your mouth.  Your tastebuds are now alive, and you are refreshed.  Just head south of Centerville on 48, and it is before you reach Lebanon on the left hand side.

Graeters !

 

 

 

 

17) PEANUT BUTTER BANANA SHAKES at STEAK N SHAKE:

This national chain makes some killer hand dipped shakes.   We have found one of the most delicious is the peanut butter and banana shake.  Refreshing as you can get, yet creamy and smooth as well.  Wilmington Pike in Kettering and in Miamisburg near Lyons and 741 are just two locations.

 

“Moose Tracks” at Village Ice Cream

18) PEANUT BUTTER n CHOCOLATE WAFFLE CONE at BASKIN ROBBINS on 741 near the Dayton Mall:

On  741 by the Dayton mall, this place has thrived since the 1970’s. Why?  One reason is the Peanut Butter n chocolate ice cream.  It is an amazing ice cream and butter pecan is a close second.  Get a Waffle cone today !

 

19) FRIED ICE CREAM AT EL TORO:

At the end of a spicy meal, lighten up with some fried ice cream.  Not as good as the stuff that Chi chi’s served, but this version is pretty good.  We love it at many locations in the Dayton area from Beavercreek, to Miamisburg and Centerville.

 

20) $1 VANILLA CONE FROM MCDONALDS:

Pumpkin Roll A La Mode at the Dixie Dairy Dreem

We had to include this monster on the list.  The best refreshment bang for your buck in the food industry.  One dolla and the vanilla makes you holla.

 

21) COOKIE BATTER ICE CREAM at COLD STONE CREAMERY:

Incredible flavor, and a unique one too.  Like licking the batter spoon?  You will love this stuff.  Again, a chain, but undeniable in goodness.

 

Buckin Donkeys Dreamsicle Pie

 

 

 

 

22) BANANA MILK SHAKE from SONIC:

This chain makes a refreshing banana shake.  It tastes like fresh banana and circus peanuts.  A nic sip on a summers ever while cruising in the car.  Sonic on Wilmington Pike is waiting for you to place your order !

 

23) CHUNKY MONKEY ICE CREAM from BEN AND JERRYS:

Whether you are at the actual store on Brown Street near University of Dayton’s campus, or in a local grocery, get some chunky monkey ice cream and cool off.  So many other flavors, just feel your way …. Cookie Dough is amazing and so is chocolate chip cookie dough.  Vermont’s finest ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s !

Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen

 

24) BANANA SPLITS At WHITTS FROZEN CUSTARD in LEBANON:

Get the signature dish that will have you dripping all over downtown Lebanon.  Three topping syrups and the typical setup with sliced bananas.  Treat yourself, you only live once.

 

25) CULVERS TURTLE SUNDAE:

This is a sinful sundae and one of the most delicious things we have ever tasted.  Culver’s is a chain with locations in Troy, and Mason.The also specialize in fried fish and butter burgers.

 

Inside Hidden Valley Orchard – Fresh, Cold Apple Cider!

26) THE BANANA CREAM PIE SHAKE from GOLD STAR CHILI:

Yes, this chili parlor has shakes,  Yes the banana cream pie shake is awesome.  Cool down at the end of a spicy lunch with one of those large shakes.  You won’t regret it.

 

27) BLUE RASPBERRY ITALIAN ICE at RITA’S ITALIAN ICE:

Little spot on Indian Ripple Rd and Dorothy Lane with Italian Ice and Gelato.  Fruit flavors abide and a nice patio.  Try the blue raspberry and let it set our world on fire, then cool it off .

Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter N Chocolate Cone

 

 

28) BROWNIE BATTER YOGURT from ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT:

Doctor this up with some chocolate chip toppings and you have an epic Food Adventure on your hands.

 

29) WENDY’S FROSTY:

The classic. It had to make the list.  A spoon, no straw, just you and tons of chocolate flavor.

 

30) THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER A LA MODE at THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR:

The only reason this is lower on the list is that it isn’t readily available like many others. You can only get this at a limited time at the Montgomery County Fair

 

Our pal “the King” and some fried Ice Cream at El Toro !

31) THE CHOCOLATE CUSTARD SHAKE from E.O BURGERS:

After that massive burger, you need a cool washdown.  How about a chocolate custard shake from EO Burgers?  So cold and creamy, it is a perfect end to a burger meal !

 

32) THE COOKIES n CREAM POPSICLE at SWEET P’s HANDCRAFTED ICE POPS:

Become a kid again and enjoy this Popsicle or try a strawberry one as well.  The tons of flavors offered give you a chance to get lost in a world of ice pops.  From kiwi to banana cream pops, there is something for everyone in this food cart.

 

33) NEW YORK CHEESECAKE SOYO YOGURT:

McDonalds $1 Cone

Also try the salted caramel yogurt.  The toppings you add make them taste like a real cheesecake.  Store is located on 48 in Centerville near Spring Valley.

 

Are you cooled down yet?  Did that do the trick ?  Did we get some of your favorites?  Who did we leave out?

Feel free to comment below.  Also, Food Adventures has a weekly feature article right here exclusively on DaytonMostMetro .com.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK for more Dayton Foodie scoop!

 

Chunky Monkey from Ben and Jerrys

Blackberry cobble a la mode from the Montgomery County Fair

Orange Leaf Yogurt

SOYO YOGURT

Banana Cream Pie Shake at Gold Star Chili

Peanut Butter and Banana Shake

EO Burger custard machine

Jet Freeze

Sweet P’s Ice Pops

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Dayton, dessert, ice cream, jet freeze, Sweet Treats, Young's Dairy

Stock Up On Young’s Ice Cream During Annual Pint Sale!

March 21, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

It’s time for Young’s Jersey Dairy’s annual homemade ice cream sale.  Stock up on $2.39 pints this Thursday – Sunday!

All you care to buy, while supplies last. They start with several thousand pints of ice cream. This is a once a year sale, so don’t miss out! Stock up on Young’s homemade ice cream!  The Dairy store is open Sun-Thur 7am-10pm and stays open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Flavors that will be ready for pick-up:

  • Vanilla
  • French Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Cookie Dough
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • P-Nut Butter Cup
  • Strawberry
  • Lemon Sorbetto
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Black Raspberry
  • Butter Pecan
  • Cow Patty
  • Black Walnut
  • Cotton Candy
  • Orange Sherbet
  • No Sugar Added Vanilla
  • Sea Salty Caramel
  • Bubble Gum
  • Coffee
  • Cherry Vanilla
  • Peaches & Cream
  • Kooky Creamy Line
  • Lemon Custard
  • Salty Caramel Pretzel Crunch
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie
  • Tiramisu Gelato
  • Cappuccino Latte Gelato
  • Caramel Chocolate Toffee
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: ice cream, Pint sale, Young's Jersey Dairy

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day With These Deals!

July 15, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

You know how the old saying goes: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. And it’s even better if  it’s free!

National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 15, and some of the country’s best ice cream joints are celebrating by doling out free or discounted scoops of icy desserts. You just need to know where to look.

Here are some places where you can get free ice cream.

The Root Beer Stande:

Chocolate, vanilla and swirl cones are $.99 and for just one buck more you can dip the cone
in either chocolate, butterscotch or cherry dip.

 

Dairy Queen
If you download the DQ mobile app, you’ll automatically be given a coupon for a free small Blizzard.

 

Baskin-Robbins
For National Ice Cream Day, you can get buy-one-get-one-free ice cream cones, buy-one-get-one $0.99 sundaes, and $2 off medium milkshakes if you download the Baskin-Robbins mobile app.

Dippin’ Dots
Participating locations are offering a free mini cup. No purchase necessary. You just have to figure out what time your local shop is doing the promo. Then you’ll be enjoying the ice cream of the future.

Arby’s
The meat mountain is offering $1 Coke floats all month long.

 

Whole Foods
Every Whole Foods Market is offering a deal on Ben & Jerry’s and Talentiice cream pints. You can get any two of either brand for $6. Plus, Amazon Prime Members get an additional 10% off.  Plus f you spend $10 at Whole Foods as a Prime member by July 17, Amazon will give you $10 in credit to use on Prime Day.

Sam’s Club

Free samples of the ICEE float are available at Sam’s Club from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday AND Monday. Don’t worry — no membership is needed to sample the float, which is available at the Sam’s Club Cafe

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Free Ice Cream, ice cream

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with These Freebies

July 12, 2017 By Lisa Grigsby

Thousands of years ago, people in the Persian Empire would put snow in a bowl, pour grape-juice concentrate over it and eat it as a treat.  They did this when the weather was hot and used the snow saved in the cool-keeping underground chambers known as “yakhchal”, or taken from the snowfall that remained at the stop of mountains by the summer capital.

Luckily today, there are many more flavors and it’s a little easier to get ice cream year round.  In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month of July.

Here’s a roundup of places you can get free ice cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, today July 16th:

Baskin Robbins-Get a free samples of its popular Polar Pizza from Noon – 5:00 p.m. at participating Baskin-Robbins locations on 7/14. In addition to the Polar Pizza Sampling on July 14, Baskin-Robbins is giving its guests several ways to enjoy National Ice Cream Month. For starters, guests who download the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App will receive exclusive offers on National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 16) and throughout the month.

Dippin’ Dots: Get one free mini cup at  Dippin’ Dots at The Mall at Fairfield Commons today from 12-2pm.  This store recently moved from the first floor to the 2nd, across from the food court

McDonald’s: Use the McDonald’s mobile app to redeem the offer for a free vanilla soft serve cone. If you participate in the promotion from 2 to 5 p.m., you’ll have the possibility of being the one lucky winner of a lifetime supply of McDonald’s soft serve.

Not free, but still a deal:

Graeter’s– Wants to thank their loyal fans, for keeping them in business for over 147 years with $1.47 single dip sugar cones on Sunday, July 16th!

Wendy’s – Get a classic Wendy’s Vanilla or Chocolate Frosty for only 50 cents through Aug. 25

Whole Foods: Get all Ben & Jerry’s pints for two for $6. There will also be in-store “Sundae Fundae” sampling events and make-your-own sweet treats in select stores nationwide, so check your location for details.

And even dogs get to celebrate National Ice Cream Day:

PetSmart:  This pet store is handing out free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes — dog-safe vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit sprinkle — at its PetSmart PetsHotel locations nationwide.

Filed Under: Dayton Dining Tagged With: free cone, free scoop, ice cream

Rock N Green Tomato Festival Set for Sat. July 23rd

May 24, 2016 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

A 14 piece Elvis Tribute band will play a FREE concert

Green Tomatoes, Elvis Impersonators, Cornhole Contests and Food Vendors are just some of the sights to be seen at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival.  Due to park construction, the normally June event will be held on  Saturday, July 23rd this year, in Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza.   This will mark the 5th year of this popular, annual celebration.

Get ready Dayton, there is so much in store at this festival we have compiled a list for it.  And the best part, ADMISSION IS FREE !!

 

Green Tomatoes

HERE’S THE SKINNY: 

WHAT: The 5th Annual Rock n Green Tomato Festival

WHEN: Saturday July 23rd, Noon – 11pm

WHERE: Riverfront Park in Downtown Miamisburg, 3 North Miami Ave.

Ron’s Pizza will be selling Green Beer

MUST DO’S:

TIMELINE OF EVENTS:

— 5 K WALK/RUN – 8:30AM  Register online at www.keysports.net

— CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT:  11:30am Check In – $250 First Place Cash Prize – CLICK HERE to sign up

— FOOD AND CRAFT VENDORS:  Fried Green Tomatoes, Green Tomato Salsa, Burgers, BBQ Pork, Ice Cream, Green Tomato Pizza and much more! 

                    IMPORTANT NOTE *** We are still signing up vendors, CLICK HERE to register ***

— KIDS PLAY AREA WITH BOUNCE CASTLE !  Noon – 10pm

— HAMBURGER EATING CONTEST : Time to be determined

$250 First Prize Cornhole Tournament !!

— HULA HOOP CONTEST: Time to be determined

— GREEN TOMATO PIE CONTEST, 5 pm– CLICK HERE to enter your pie here win a big trophy !
Contest judged by lovable food bloggers from FOOD ADVENTURES !
Big Ragu, Hungry Jax, and Chef House will be on site judging!

— LIVE MUSIC FEATURES:

          B-CAGED: Middletown Band singing Classic Rock and Classic Country

          NIGHT MAGIC: Miamisburg band with good harmonies, and a mix of Oldies, Rock & Roll, Pop, Blue Grass & Country.

         

Live Music All Day — FOR FREE !

COMEBACK SPECIAL:  
— Vegas era, 14 piece, Elvis Tribute Band with Ryan Roth as Elvis.
— A dynamic horn section, back up singers (just like his Sweet Inspirations).
— Take a trip back in time and enjoy this taste of nostalgia.  Don’t miss Comeback Special!

The concerts are FREE !  What more could you ask for?  Don’t forget, Ron’s Pizza Patio will be open with Green Beer and a full menu !

Fried Green Tomatoes

Also, special event host and emcee is Jim Bucher, Dayton’s funny TV guy.  Join “Buch” for laughs and fun at the festival!

We are also expecting appearances from ABC 22 / Fox 45 On-Air Personalities.  Look for a Celebrity Dunk Tank as well.

This is definitely a family event and there will be some seating, but concert listeners, you should plan on bringing your own lawn chair for a more comfortable experience.  Mark your calendar now for the one and only, Rock N Green Tomato Festival!

Do you like local area food, restaurants, festivals and fun?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  You can also follow us on Twitter, where we keep the fun conversations going !

There is a Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest – ANYONE can enter !!

LOGO

Green Tomato Pie with Bacon

Walt’s Green Tomato Salsa

Ice Cream

Miamisburgs Favorite

Ron’s Deluxe

103 Year tradition – get a double !

Ron’s Mascot, a friend, Ron Holp, a friend

Coney Dog

Cheers Green Beers

Sticky Buns?

Deluxe Gyros

Friendly Service !

Green Tomato Pizza

Hamburger Eating Contest

In the building

Green Tomato Sliders

Jack from Burger Wagon with burger eating winner

Judging the tomato pie

French Fries

One of the top 3 Pie winners

Deluxe Gyro

Pepperoni and Anchovies from Rons

Face painting

Fried Green Tomatoes

All day live music

Cheese Fries

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: annual, band, Big Ragu, bouncy, Burger, chef house, contest, cornhole, Dayton, eating, Elvis, elvis impersonator, Food Adventure, Food Adventures, fried, green, green tomato, hamburger wagon, hula hoop, hungry jax, ice cream, live music, miamisburg, pie, pizza, rons pizza, tomoatoes, tournament

Young’s Jersey Dairy Annual Pint Sale Starts Thursday

March 21, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Every spring Young’s Jersey Dairy’s hosts a sale of their fabulous homemade ice cream made right there on the farm. This year’s sale starts Thursday March 24th and runs through MondayMarch 28th.

Young’s ice cream is made from a 15% butterfat mix (pasteurized milk, cream, and sugar mixture) which gives it a very rich  taste. They make their ice cream with machines called batch freezers, which make 5 or 10 gallons of ice cream per batch. Each batch takes about 12-15 minutes to make. They add the flavorings at different stages of the process depending on how we want the ingredients mixed in.

ice-cream-pint-sale-1200x400

The ice cream comes out of the machine at about 23-25 degrees and is immediately put into a specially built walk-in freezer that has a high wind velocity and an average temperature of 30 degrees below zero. Freezing ice cream quickly is one secret of making excellent ice cream. If you allow the ice cream to freeze slowly, large ice crystals will form and a rough texture will result (this is why when you try to freeze homemade ice cream it sometimes doesn’t taste very good the next day).

So pick up a prepacked pint for just $2.09, while supplies last.  They start with several thousand pints of ice cream. This is a once a year sale, so don’t miss out! Stock up on Young’s homemade ice cream!

Flavors that will be ready for pick-up:

Vanilla Strawberry
French Vanilla Lemon Custard
Chocolate Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Mint Chocolate Chip Peaches & Cream
Cookie Dough Black Raspberry
Chocolate P-Nut Butter No Added Sugar Vanilla
P-Nut Butter Cup Orange Sherbet
Cookies & Cream Tiramisu Gelato
Butter Pecan Cappuccino Latte Gelato
Black Walnut Lemon Sorbetto
Cotton Candy Caramel Chocolate Toffee
Cow Patty Coffee
Sea Salty Caramel Key Lime Crunch
Banana Salty Caramel Pretzel
Bubble Gum Chocolate Chip

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: ice cream, Pint sale, Young's Jersey Dairy

30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

September 4, 2014 By The Food Adventures Crew 68 Comments

The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

[flagallery gid=104]

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: #daytonfood, #daytonfoodies, 10 egg omelet, apricot chutney, Big Ragu, black bean burger, black n bleu, blt, bohemee, bourbon burger, Brixx, Burger, Butter Cafe, calamari, caroline, Central Perc, cheese, chef house, chicago gyros, chili sauce, Christophers, cow patty, crepe, dairy, Dayton, del mar trio, deluxe, dock, dogs, Dublin Pub, El Meson, El Rancho Grande, Enon, filet, fish, Flavors, Food Adventure, Food Adventures, Franco's, Goat Cheese, grilled cheese, grilled peaches, gyro, harvest, huevo rancheros, hungry jax, ice cream, K & R, k&r, Kabuki, Kettering, land, lillys, lilys, Little Saigon, lox, Meadowlark, monterey chicken, newburg, Olive, onion, Paella, paragon, paris omelet, pizza, playboy roll, Pretzel, Pretzel Bakery, raw oysters, ruck, salad, sandwich, scallop, sea, seafood, seafood house, seajax, shrimp, soft, Soft Rock Cafe, Spinoza, Spinoza's, spinozian, spring rolls, steak, summer in a bowl, Sunrise Cafe, Sweeneys, Taco Loco, Tanks, Thai 9, Thai9, The Big Ragu, The Caroline, Tilapia, vermicelli, white cheddar, whole, youngs

100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

June 27, 2013 By The Food Adventures Crew 3 Comments

Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville.  Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years.   We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors.  With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure.   From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand.  The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park.   French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list.  We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot.  Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

********************************************************

Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint.  Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am.  We took advantage of this one year.  We also should have taken a tums.  Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches.  Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one.  If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl.  It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside.  Everyone should try these just once.  Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St.  They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio.  This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge.  Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes.  So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton.  Are you a veteran of the event?  Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July.  Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday.  This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker !  “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

[flagallery gid=45 name=Gallery]

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures, The Featured Articles Tagged With: 48, 4th, 725, activity center, Americana Festival, benham's, benhams grove, Big Ragu, BIll's Donuts, cakes, Centerville, chicken, Chinese Food, city bbq, corn, Dayton, deep fried, event, fest, festival, Fireworks, food, Food Adventure, Food Adventures, fourth, franklin, funnel cake, graeters, grilled, grilled chicken, gyro, ice cream, independence, July, Macdiggers, Marions, Marions pizza, pork chops, pretzel donut, roasted, salad, snickers, street, Street Fair, street food, twinkie, vendors, wrap, wraps

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