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Stacked Pickle Officially Opens Monday in Miamisburg

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In it’s first Ohio location, the Stacked Pickle chain softly opened its doors this weekend on Springboro Pike, in a spot that formerly hosted Roosters.  This is the 10th location for owner Gary Brackett,  by former Indianapolis Colts football player and Super Bowl Champion, who’s a hands on operator that started the chain in 2010.  Upon our arrival we realized the interior was pretty much exactly the same, but freshly painted and much cleaner. Sports team flags and tv’s decorate the dining room, with an assortment of booths, tables and high-top tables surrounding the bar.

Once seated we were greeted by a delightful server, Kia (like the car-she shared).  Her enthusiasm for making sure we had a great experience was refreshing and she steered us to the sampler platter to start our meal.  This gave us a taste of the wings (we choose boneless with a spicy asian sauce) , fried pickles, onion rings and mac and cheese bites, served with ranch, bleu cheese and horseradish sauce.

The menu offers a pretty wide variety of stacked burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, salads,  rice bowls, tacos, fish and chips and a chicken pasta dish.  All sandwiches are served with fries and you have the option to make your sandwich gluten free by requesting a Udi’s gluten free bun.  You can add wings to any meal for $2.99. Sauce options for wings include Hot, Hot BBQ, Spicy Asian, Spicy Honey Garlic, Sweet Habanero, Medium, Kentucky Bourbon, Teriyaki, BBQ Sauce.  They serve coke products, had a decent beer list- both bottles and on tap.  Liquor was not available yet, but should be very soon.

I chose the gluten-free grilled shrimp bowl with jasmine rice, veggies and a spicy honey garlic sauce.

 

My dining companion ordered the Firecracker Shrimp Wedge- an iceberg wedge, fried shrimp tossed in spicy aioli, ranch, bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes, bacon, red onion, scallions, hold the onions.

Dessert options available are monster cookie pie, cheesecake, peanut butter silk pie and the brownie sundae which we choose with 2 spoons to share.

Overall we felt the food was good, there was a great energy and buzz in the dining room and our service was excellent. We spent $50 for 2 and walked away stuffed! We predict the Indianapolis based chain will have a big success with their first Ohio location.

Stacked Pickle

103 North Springboro Pike
Miamisburg, OH 45449

Sunday- Thursday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 am

Cornhole Tournament With $250 Grand Prize!

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** CALLING ALL CORNHOLE PLAYERS ***

One of Dayton’s largest Cornhole Tournaments will begin at NOON,  June 8th at the Rock N Green Tomato Festival. Sign in starts at 11:30am at RIVERFRONT PARK in Downtown Miamisburg, near the stage.  The park is located behind Ron’s Pizza Tavern 

The grand prize is $250 in cold, hard,  cash.

The festival is looking for 2 person teams.

Cost to enter is $20 per team in advance (payment and form must be received by May 31st)

Entry cost is $30 the day of the tournament and everyone has a shot at the money.

Think you have the bean bag throwing skills it takes?

CLICK HERE FOR THE CORNHOLE SIGNUP FORM

CORNHOLE QUESTIONS??? Call 937-847-2442 or email [email protected]

Players can enjoy live music during the tournament and Food, and Craft Vendors will be on hand

Fun for the whole family as the itinerary will include

-Kids Bouncy House
-Pony rides
-Green Draft Beer at Ron’s Pizza Tavern
-Hamburger Wagon’s Burger Eating Contest
-Hula Hoop Contest
-Pie Baking Contest

The Rock N Green Tomato Festival hopes to see all you cornholers at the tourney on June 8th, 2019.   They will bring the bean bags and boards, you bring the talent !!

Meaty in Miamisburg: Rivertown Chili

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Owner Brian Walusis (right) with one of his sons

We have found our first 2019 hidden food gem, Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.   This restaurant is a true family run organization, with a dad and his 2 sons on staff, and recipes passed down from a 3rd generation.

Owner Brian Walusis may sound familiar.  His brother Eric id married to  Chef Maria and they runWatermark Restaurant nearby.  He has another family member who owns the critically acclaimed chocolate shop in Oakwood called Madame Delluc Artisan Chocolatier.  But Brian’s bread and butter is a chili place, that also specializes in comfort breakfast foods.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on RIVERTOWN CHILI:

John’s Dayton Style Chili

— Located at 105 S. Second Street, parking is available in the front and the back of the establishment.  It can be slightly tricky if crowded.

— Hours are limited to Breakfast and Lunch:
Tue – Thu, 11am – 2pm 
Fri – Sun, 8am – 2pm

— The quaint dining area seats about 30 in a cozy, split dining room.  The service is personal, friendly

Clashmore Mike’s Chili – Texas Style

— There is a small bar with beer choices including Star City Brews.

— The prices are VERY reasonable with entrees averaging about 7 or 8 bucks.

 

After visiting the restaurant numerous times, and trying nearly every item on the menu, we have formulated our patented “MUST EATS for Rivertown Chili.”  We have been using this bullet point format for 11 years, now setting the trends …

Let’s start with the meat of the menu — THE CHILI !

 

THE “MUST EATS” of RIVERTOWN CHILI:

— They offer 3 delicious and distinctive chili types everyday.

The Vegan Chili offering is amazing

ALL OF THEM ARE “MUST EATS”…

1) JOHN’S DAYTON STYLE CHILI-
This is the kind of chili that we are used to in Dayton, Ohio.  It has beans, meat, and some tomato influence.  When they serve it get the option of adding onions, cheese and sour cream.  This was the best thing we have had on their menu to date.  The chili is so reminiscent of what we grew up with our mom and grandmothers making that it brought a tear to our eye.  The recipe is passed down from John Walusis and is a shout out to the city’s namesake, Jonathan Dayton, a captain in the American Revolutionary War who signed the U.S. Constitution.

 

KIm’s Street Tacos

2) CLASHMORE MIKE’S CHILI-
This is a Texas style chili which has no beans, and has slices of steak like beef as the meat.  More reddish in color, this chili has a bit more of a spicy kick than the other chilis served. We came across this chili at the AMBUCS chili contest in 2017.  Named after the original mascot of Notre Dame College (Clashmore Mike), Owner Brian has fulfilled a life long dream of using that name in his restaurant.


3) KOKO’s FAVORITE VEGAN CHILI-
This is a fantastic choice, even meat lovers like.  You don’t miss any of the flavor, and this vegetarian option is as delicious as any chili as you will have.  We were very surprised how much we loved it and suggest you try it sometime for a change.  It has a nice little kick.

 

Cannoli Stuffed French Toast

— KIM’S STREET TACO’S:
Possibly the best soft taco we have had in years.  This is a special, but lately they have been offering it every day.  It is a chili soft taco with your choice of chili.  A raw jalapeno slice and onions and tomatoes round out the tacos.  Please try one of these.

 

—CANNOLI STUFFED FRENCH TOAST:
This sinful entree is often available during normal business hours.  Cannoli filling is stuffed between 2 warm pieces of French Toast.  The powdered sugar topping is the finishing touch.  Drizzle the maple syrup and you are in heaven.  Definitely a creamy must eat, and our favorite breakfast offering on the menu.

Chili Cheese Coney with Everything

— THE CHILI CHEESE CONEY:
Ok they have 2 versions, one with a brat sausage, or one with a weiner.  We prefer the hot dog version.  You get your choice of chili on a bun with onions and cheese.  It is topped with a raw jalapeno slice that gets us every time with the heat.  It’s a little messy, but sooooo worth it for the taste.  We love this little chili parlor !!

 

There are other good menu items, from the BLT to the Pancakes and Bacon, but the above items are our MUST EATS.. the best of the best …

BLT

 

 

In summary, this chili parlor is one of our new favorite “go to” spots.  Great, affordable casual food with personal service.  We love the menu and we love the family story behind the restaurant.  We think you will enjoy this little eatery as well.  Tell the Food Adventures sent you !!!

Feel free to browse more photos below from our visits to Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.

Thanks for visiting our food blog articles here each and every week.  Please remember, we aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.  We are Food Adventurers.  It’s the difference between hanging out and eating with Roger Ebert or Indiana Jones.

Are you a Dayton Foodies like us ?  Then come where you belong and “like” us on Facebook by clicking here.  Join the 8,000 foodies who are discussing and loving Dayton’s food scene with us.

Pancakes

Sausage Gravy

Bacon and sausage

Street Taco

Breakfast bowl without the eggs

Rock N Green Tomato Fest June 8th, Vendors needed !

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Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special Return

The green tomatoes will be frying again this summer in Miamisburg and the Elvis tribute band is tuning up.  Saturday, June 8th will be the 9th Annual Rock n Green Tomato Festival. 

There will be live music, food, kids activities, cornhole, hamburgers, and even a hula hoop and pie contest!

Free admission as always,  this family oriented fest will take place at Riverfront Park in downtown Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza.

The event’s main sponsor is Mid USA Credit Union.

Expecting a big crowd this year

CRAFT AND BUSINESS VENDORS NEEDED !!
– Deadline to signup is June 1st, 2019

The festival is in need for craft and local vendors!  Booth spaces are 12 x 12 and only cost $50 for the day.  You are not allowed to sell food or drinks.  Food vendor booths are different and are available at $150.  You are expected to be there from 10am until 10pm unless sever weather persists.  For vendor info, or to sign up and register, for a booth please download the form and send it in per the instructions HERE.

 

Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest returns

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

— THE FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY, JUNE 8th FROM NOON- 11PM

— Live Music all day with the final band at 7:30pm being Elvis tribute band Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special.

— 10 Food Trucks /Food Vendors will include The Hamburger Wagon who for the first time in 106 years, will offer an option of green tomato on their burger !!   Also, Ron’s Pizza will have a booth selling Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Green Tomato Pizza.

Kids Bouncy House and Pony rides in 2019

— At 11:30am Check in begins for the Cornhole Tournament with $250 Cash Grand Prize – SIGN UP HERE

— Kids games –  Bouncy House, Pony Rides, etc..

— There will be a Dunk Tank where you can soak it to Miamisburg Coaches and Athletes – proceeds go to Miamisburg Athletics

— At 2pm you have to sign-up or watch the Hamburger Eating Contest hosted by the Hamburger Wagon.

— At 2:30 pm is the Hula Hoop contest !  Trophy to the winner !

$250 will be paid to the cornhole winners

— Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest –5pm – judging by The Food Adventure Crew at the stage at 5pm..  Local restaurants and amateur chefs battle it out for the top 3 trophies.  Leftover pieces of pie will be sold to benefit the Miamisburg Athletic Boosters.

— Ron’s Pizza Tavern will be celebrating by selling Green Draft Beer in the dining room, bar area and on the patio

That is a full list of activities expected at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival.

All the rock, fun, food and Green Tomatoes you can take in a day !

FREE admission and family friendly as always – mark your calendars and tell your vendor friends to sign-up and pay by JUNE 1st .

Fried Green Tomatoes

Dunk Tank

Hamburger Eating Contest

hula hooper

The famous Hamburger wagon

Burger eating Champ 2016

Expecting 2000-4000 people

A double from the Hamburger Wagon

Mrs Pickles Green Tomato Pie Entry

Lots of eating for listening and eating

Ryan Roth leads the best Elvis Tribute ever ..

The Ice Cream Trolley is expected to attend

Good Eats at the Rock’n’Green Tomato Fest

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This Friday June 8th and Saturday June 9th, Miamisburg will be rocking.

The annual Rock N Green Tomato Festival is celebrating its 8th year in a big way.

The festival kicks off Friday at 5pm, and the live music will go throughout the weekend.

Festival hours are FRIDAY 5pm -11pm  and SATURDAY 11am- 11pm

Oh and there will be plenty of food and drink.

We have the EXCLUSIVE list of the food vendors that will be there… here they are … in alphabetical order

Hamburger Wagon will be there

COLORFUL CREATIONS:
Nachos and Cotton Candy

GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY FOOD BUS
Chicken Salad, Burgers, Mac n Cheese, Pies, and Dumplings

GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK (Friday Only):
Street Gyros, Baklava, Greek Specialties

THE HAMBURGER WAGON
Famous Mini Hamburgers, Potato Chips

HUNGER PAYNES FOOD TRUCK (Saturday Only)
Croquettes of different flavors

THE ICE CREAM TROLLEY
Premium, Hand dipped ice cream

KONA ICE
Sno-cones of all flavors

RONS PIZZA
Fried Green Tomatoes, Green Tomato & Bacon Sliders

SALTY DOG FOOD TRUCK
Hot Dogs, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads

SCHIAVONES
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, Italian Sandwiches, Italian Specialties.

THE SHORT ASS FOOD BUS
Sloppy Joes, Chicken Sandwich, Meatloaf, Deviled Egg Salad, Pork Chop Sandwich, Shredded Beef, Mac n Cheese

SINSATIONAL SANDWICHES:
Gourmet Burgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Fresh Cut Fries and Jumbo Tenderloin Sandwiches

TOTALLY AWESOME KETTLECORN
Lemonade, Kettle Cooked Popcorn, Gourmet Popcorn

WINKS TREATS
Warm Cookies, Caramel Apple Bowls, Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, Soft Pretzels, Walking tacos, desserts

 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

CRAFT BOOTHS
Local businesses

PONY RIDES
Fun for young kids

DUNK TANK
Dunk a Miamisburg citizen

KIDS BOUNCY HOUSE
Every kids favorite

FRIDAY PIE-DAY – GREEN TOMATO PIE BAKING CONTEST:
Mz Pickles, Ron’s Pizza, Bennetts Publical and Ms Hartman local baker face-off !

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT SATURDAY:
$250 to the winner

HAMBURGER WAGON EATING CONTEST:
Who can eat the most in 2 minutes

HULA HOOP CONTEST:
Whole lotta shakin goin on

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY:
5pm – THE REVELATORS
730pm – BLAIR CARMAN and the BELLVIEW BOYS (Rockabilly like Jerry Lee Lewis)

BLAIR CARMAN – A Jerry Lee Lewis Style band

 

SATURDAY:
Noon – 2pm – NIGHT MAGIC BAND

3pm-5pm – The DRUNK UNCLES
730pm – RYAN ROTH and the COMEBACK SPECIAL – 14 piece Vegas Style Elvis Tribute band

Come out for a family friendly, fun Food Adventure, filled with Rock Music and so much more….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beers on Ron’s Pizza Patio

Crowded Park

Ice Cream Trolley

Cornhole Tournament

Maters

Mozzarella stuffed meatballs from Schiavones

Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest

Kona Ice

 

Hula Hoop champ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start Your Summer at Block Party in the ‘Burg

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If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the warm weather this weekend, may I recommend the first Block Party in the ‘Burg on Saturday, May 19th from 9am to 8pm at Star City Brewing Company in Miamisburg. There you’ll find great beer, live music, local vendors, food trucks and fun!

This event dovetails with Miamisburg’s Spring Fling, which kicks off with a parade at 9:45am. Starting at 9am, you can get a great parking spot to watch the festivities at Star City Brewing. They will have Ohio Hunger Force One and Shantz Express food trucks set up and running bright and early!

At noon, they’re kicking off live music in the field adjacent to the brewery. The music will continue throughout the day till 8pm. That’s right – 8 hours of non stop local original music! These are really cool bands too (see schedule below). Lucky Star Brewery and Star City Brewing Company will have beer for sale in the field, along a great selection of local vendors selling one-of-a-kind items and treats (see vendor list below)

Entry is free! So bring your lawn chair or a blanket, and plan on spending the whole day! A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated towards the Miamisburg Viking Boosters.

Music Schedule

12-2pm Rich Reuter & Friends (featuring members of Great Northern String Band)
2-4pm Slippery Creek
4-6pm Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds
6-8pm The New Old-Fashioned

The New Old-Fashioned is among the bands performing at the first annual Block Party in the ‘Burg on May 19, 2018. PHOTO BY JENNIFER TAYLOR.


On-site Vendors:

Tina’s Sweet Treats (A Gluten Free Bakery)
Barefoot Girl Soap Company LLC
JoshuaRed Design
The WoodenSchu, LLC
Heather’s Goodies
Twisted River Coffee Roaster LLC
Hidden Gemstones
Damsel In Defense
Color Street
Kreations by Debby
Pure Haven’s Live Toxic-Free with Liz Engel
BurgApparel
Perfectly Posh
Statements by Alex
…and more to be announced! If interested, please submit online athttps://daytonfun.wufoo.com/forms/m2dhjet0g8hnd4/

 

Green Tomato Fest Looking for Vendors & Cornhole Teams

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Winks treats will be there

Attention Food Trucks and Craft Vendors….

Miamisburg’s Rock n Green Tomato Festival is looking for you.  Same goes for you bag tossing, cornhole lovers.  There is money to be made for all involved !

The Festival takes place two days this year: JUNE 8th 5pm – 11pm and JUNE 9th  from Noon – 11pm

All the forms you need can be downloaded, filled out and sent in from www.RockNGreenTomato.com

FOOD TRUCKS and FOOD VENDORS WANTED:
Vendor Cost for one day : $125
Vendor Cost for two days : $150
So far the Food Vendors include Winks Treats, Kona Ice, The Hamburger Wagon, Rons Pizza’s Fried Green Tomato and Sliders Booth, The Ice Cream Trolley, and more !

 

Vendor Setups

CRAFT VENDORS / COMPANY VENDORS WANTED:
10 foot x 10 foot Booth Cost for one day : $50
10 foot x 10 foot Booth Cost for two days : $75
(No food or drink sales at Craft Booths)
So far Craft Booths include MidUSACredit Union, ABC FOX 45, Rock n Green T-shirt Booth, Avon, LeafFilter North LLC, and Color Street

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
11:30am check in on SATURDAY JUNE 8th
Cost: $20 per 2 person team in advance, $30 if you pay the day of the festival
Prize Money: Winning Team gets $250

 

Checks and forms should be mailed in to
ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FEST
PO BOX 322
MIAMISBURG, OH 45343

Questions?

That’s not all – the Festival features Rock n Roll Bands Friday and Saturday night with feature acts closing down the festival respective nights. Friday the Rockabilly, lightning fast piano talents of Blair Carman. His style is much like Jerry Lee Lewis. Saturday concludes with feature act Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special. They are a 14 piece Elvis tribute band, Vegas Style. You do not want to miss these free rock shows.

A Hula Hoop Contest, a Hamburger eating contest and a Pie Baking Contest fill in the festivities on Saturday. The festival sponsor is MiduSA Credit Union and the emceee is Jim Bucher.

This will be the 8th Annual Rock N Green Tomato Fest.

The festival takes place in the newly rennovated River View Park.  We suggest you bring a folding chair if you are going to stay and listen to the band.

Ron’s Pizza will have the beer garden patio open both days and will be serving green beer and food.

There is even a Donut run 5K  Saturday Morning June 9th.

For all the information on all of the events, please visit www.RocknGreenTomato.com

Thank you for reading our Food Adventure feature.  Look for our articles exclusively,  every week on Dayton Most Metro.  Follow us on Facebook HERE

Fest in full force

Fried Green Tomatoes !

Green tomato Pizza

Ron’s Patio

Former Food Trucks

Fest in full force

CRAFTS ! FOODS !

Burger Eating contest

Legendary Burger Wagon

Bands All Day

The Ice Cream Trolley will be there

Lemonade

Food lineup

Hamburger Wagon burgers

win $250

KONA Ice

Green tomato slider

Scuavines MEatballs

KONA ICE

 

 

 

Rock n Green Tomato Fest Expands

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There is going to be an Elvis sighting in Miamisburg again this summer…and maybe Jerry Lee Lewis as well…

The Rock N Green Tomato Fest is expanding and will now be held over 2 days in June.  Previously the festival was one day.

Organizers have announced that the “Rocking” will take place on the following days & nights:

Friday Night June 8th 5pm-11pm
Saturday June 9th 11am-11pm. 

Green Tomato based foods and old time Rock n roll will be the features once again for this popular event held in the park behind Ron’s Pizza , downtown Miamisburg. 

This is a great family event with kids bouncy house, food trucks. craft vendors, cornhole, hula hoop contests, hamburger eating contests and even a pie baking contest.  DO NOT MISS this annual extravaganza highlighting the green tomato !

 

There will be Food Truck Vendors

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the 8th ANNUAL ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

— The event is at RIVERFRONT PARK IN MIAMISBURG (behind Ron’s Pizza)

—Festival Sponsor is MID USA CREDIT UNION and the emcee is local celeb JIM BUCHER from BuchTVGuy.com

— FESTIVAL HOURS:
FRIDAY June 8th, 5pm – 11pm
     SATURDAY June 9th, NOON – 11pm

Friday, June 8 Lineup of Activities:(subject to change)

Fried Green Tomatoes

—5pm FOOD TRUCKS and CRAFT VENDORS

—5pm Live Music with “THE REVELATORS” rock band.

—8pm BLAIR CARMAN and the BELLVIEW BOYS (Honkytonk, Rockabilly, Memphis style piano rock n roll)

**We suggest you bring lawnchairs !!!**

Saturday, June 9 Lineup of Activities:

— 9AM – ROCK N DONUT RUN 5K

—11:00AM CORNHOLE TOURNMENT SIGNUP, STARTS NOON

—NOON – FOOD TRUCKS and CRAFT VENDORS

Blair Carman is rocking the piano like no other

— NOON – Live Music “NIGHT MAGIC” Rock Band

—NOON – 9pm – KIDS BOUNCY HOUSE

— 2:30PM – HAMBURGER WAGON‘s BURGER EATING CONTEST

—3PM – Live Music – “THE DRUNK UNCLES” Rock Band

— 4:30PM – HULA HOOP CONTEST

— 5:30PM – GREEN TOMATO PIE BAKING CONTEST, with the FOOD ADVENTURES CREW

—7:30 PM “RYAN ROTH and THE COMEBACK SPECIAL” (14 Piece, Vegas Style Elvis Tribute Band)

 

Green Tomato Pizza

The Eighth Annual Rock ‘n’ Green Tomato Festival, sponsored by MidUSA Credit Union, is sure to be a hit for the entire family. Events and entertainment performed live outside in Riverfront Park next to Ron’s Pizza in Downtown Miamisburg! Come join us for a day filled with Great Food, Vendors, Contests, Cornhole Tournament and some great FREE, Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Music throughout the entire day.

THE ROCKING GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL IS TAKING VENDOR APPLICATIONS – CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT A FORM AND PAY

For information regarding the Event, Vendor Space, Sign up for Cornhole Tournament, or to be a Sponsor call us today at:

Welcome

Hamburer Wagon

Fun Family Festival

Pie Contest Winner

Hula Hoop warm ups

green tomato slider

Green Tomato Pie

Green Tomato Pie

Ryan Roth

Ready to Rock n Roll ?

Blair Carman is coming to town

Pie Baking Contest

Hamburger Eating Champs with Bucher !

Hamburger Wagon Rolls into 105th Year + WIN FREE BURGERS !!

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The Hamburger Wagon is approaching its 105th anniversary.  Some love them, some don’t. If you have not tried them yet, what are you waiting for ??  **

** NOW IS YOUR CHANCE, COMMENT BELOW and YOU WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN 10 Burgers or 5 Doubles!**

Sherman “Cocky” Porter in the soaked streets from the 1913 Great Flood

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the BEGINNING OF THE HAMBURGER WAGON:

The year was 1913. Daytonians know this as the year of the Great Flood of 1913.   The city was decimated by flood waters and finding fresh food that had not been contaminated was tough.  Miamisburg was no exception as floodwaters from the Great Miami River wreaked havoc in the village.  Miamisburg was virtually under water.  In emergency response, the Red Cross set up tents for displaced residents and workers at the top of the Mound Hill.

One of volunteers, made a decision that day, that would change history in Miamisburg.  His name was Sherman “Cocky” Porter. He knew with the cold weather, people needed a warm food which was easy to produce in mass quantities.   He decided on an old favorite family recipe of hamburgers.  The tasty burgers were a huge hit and grew in popularity across the city.

The Book that put The Hamburger Wagon in the top 100 in the USA”

As the floodwaters receded, the tent city closed and life in Miamisburg returned to normal.  But by then an addiction had been started.  Miamisburg residents loved the little “Porter Burgers” so much that he kept up with the demand and served customers everyday.  After the flood, Sherman Porter kept his hamburger wagon open, selling burgers on Saturdays. They were so popular it soon became a full-time operation and the rest is history.  Fast forward to 2018 – One Hundred and Five Years Later, and not much has changed.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on TODAY‘S HAMBURGER WAGON:

—The wagon you see today is not the original on, it is a refurbished , close replica.

 

— in 2018 The Hamburger Wagon menu has 5 items:
Hamburger $1.25
Chips $1.25
Can of Pop $1.25
Double Burger $2.50 

—The burgers are smashed cooked/flash fried in a deep, iron pan in an inch of oil.  They are topped with a round white  onion slice, a pickle sliced long ways.   The burgers are given a shake of salt and pepper.  The result is a one of a kind taste and a signature crunch.

The Legendary Burger from Hamburger Wagon

— On very busy days, the wagon sells around 1,500 burgers

—Super Secret Hamburer Wagon Meat Recipe:  For over 100 years the recipe has been a guarded and secured in a vault of secrecy.  Rumors abound of a little bit of sausage being in the meat, but Food Adventures cannot confirm or deny this.

—The Hamburger Wagon’s mantra is “We don’t need no stinking condiments, no cheeses or sloppy sauces.”

 

Six people have owned the Hamburger Wagon over the century, the latest being Dayton native, Jack Sperry.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE OWNER, JACK SPERRY:

— In 2008 Jack bought the Hamburger Wagon, and has since launched 2 more mobile wagons for private events, parties

Wagon Owner, Jack Sperry

and festivals.

— Jack is a former All State Football player at Centerville High School for the class of 1980.  He is also an Ohio state graduate.

— Mr. Sperry has 2 daughters and is very involved with Miamisburg happenings.  For example, he is instrumental in organizing the Rock N Green tomato festival each year in Miamisburg.

 

 

NATIONAL RECOGNITION:
The Book “Hamburger America” gave The Hamburger Wagon a national shout out in their book.  The book highlights their opinion of the best 150 hamburgers in the USA.

 

Smashing and splashing – frying up burgers

MUST EATS at the HAMBURGR WAGON:

—THE HAMBURGERS:
You have to try the legend. Take a bite out of the icon with the crisp onion and pickle. Devour the crunchy patty, and take a step back in time. The burger bun also adds to the goodness.

—THE DOUBLE:
The Big Ragu says this is the best thing on the menu. Why? Because the onion can be a little powerful, and the double deadens some of that. Breathe less fire, get the double burger.

 

The bottom line is that if you are bit of a Food Adventurer, you will have already tried these  or will be trying them soon.  Go for the single and double – tell us which one you like better.

*****WANT TO WIN 10 BURGERS or 5 DOUBLES?  You can have lunch with the Big Ragu and Food Adventure Crew on a bench or get them to go .  TO ENTER THE CONTEST COMMENT BELOW AT THE END OF THE PHOTOS *****

Feel free to browse the gallery of photos below.

For more of Dayton’s iconic foods, follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking here.  Don’t forget to check back each and every week for our feature article right here on Dayton Most Metro !

 

The Double Burger !

Eat this !

Damn strong onion

Line em up !

Fry daddy

Big Ragu thanks you

A Triple Double – Ragu stacked 3 double burgers up

squish, spin, fry and repeat

tucked away like puppies

A Hamburger from the wagon awaits you

Drink choices are water and pops

its a wagon

Ragu says bring in MIKESELLS !

View from downtown

Big Ragu chomps a burger

oooh that onion

No stinkin condiments

Lay em out serve it up

Hurry up – weeze hungry

America at its best

Big or little orders

Pickles and buns

since 1913

We loves dem burgers

Slide a burger on

Big Ragu says try the doubles

Miamisburgs gift to the world

Big Ragu and You – eating burgers on a bench

12 Must Eats At The Rock N Green Tomato Festival

By

Fried Green Tomato Pizza at Ron’s

We have exclusive scoop right here ! Yes, Food Adventures  has insider info on what food vendors are coming to Miamisburg on June 10th, and, a 14 piece Elvis tribute band is joining them at this Satuday’s Rock N Green Tomato Festival.  Come get your eat on from 11am until 10pm.

A dozen unique Food Vendors and 25 craft/business booths will be on hand for the event held at Riverfront Park, behind Ron’s Pizza Tavern.   Did we mention Green Beer, a Cornhole tourney,  a Donut 5k, a Green Tomato Pie contest and a kids’ bouncy house and pony area?  There is even a hula hoop contest, face painting at and a dunk tank all day.

But this is Food Adventures, and we are here to talk festival eats –

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Legs from “Q for Everyone”

So here, without a doubt are our patented “MUST EATS” at the Rock N Green Tomato Festival

—GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY FOOD BUS:
Homemade Sandwiches featuring green tomatoes, Burgers, Chicken Salad on Pretzel Bun, Cobbler, Potato Salad, Peanut Butter Pie, Sundaes.  We can’t wait to dive into this menu!

—GREEK STREET FOOD TRUCK:
Street Style Gyros, Baklava  See why this is one of Dayton’s most popular food trucks.  A delicious menu that won’t dissapoint.

—THE HAMBURGER WAGON:
Single and Double Burgers.  For over 100 years, these babies have been a poular street attraction to the ciy of Miamisburg.

—THE ICE CREAM TROLLEY:
Butter Pecan Ice Cream and More. This sinful little trolley will be serving up flavors of cold, creamy ice cream. A cult favorite, get your trolley treats here…

Ice Cream !!

—KONA ICE: 
Blueberry Snow cones and more. Dozens of flavor combinations to keep you cool.

—MG KONCESSIONS:
Funnel Cakes, Deep Fried Oreos, Elephant Ears, Lemon Shakeups.   Carnie food at its best. Get some chin dripping goodness.

—Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE:
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs and some of Dayton’s best BBQ. Check out their smoker, made with 3 beer kegs.

Hamburger Wagon Burgers

—RAJUN CAJUN GRILL:
Bourbon Chicken Louisiana Flavors from the owner who is from Louisiana. Time for some Bayou grub !

—RON’S PIZZA: 
Fried Green Tomatoes, Bacon and Green Tomato Sliders. Proceeds from this booth go to the Miamisburg High School Athletic Boosters.  Ron’s will also have Green Tomatoes as an option as pizza toppings inside the Tavern. Green Beer will be served all day inside the tavern, too.

—SCHIAVONE’S
Italian Beef Sandwiches, Meatballs  The legendary Italian name from Middletown is back! We can’t wait to rediscover the familiar tastes of one of the Miami Valley’s favorite restaurant families.

—SHORT ASS FOOD BUS:
Homemade Sandwiches. We cannot wait to try this food truck with the great reputation.

—TOTALLY AWESOME BRANDS:
Kettle Corn, Caramel Corn, Lemonade, Cheese Popcorn, Cookies n Creme Popcorn, Fudge puppies. Some great festival snacks await you at this booth!

—WINK’S TREATS:
Cotton Candy, Cookies, Nachos, Caramel Apple Bowls Some foods that need to be at every festival, made fresh and ready to eat. Snack time !

 

Well there you have it  – the COMPLETE rundown of who will be there.  Expect about 25 craft and business booths as well.

We suggest bringing a folding chair.  With limited seating it comes in handy while listening to the live bands.

FOR A FULL TIMELINE OF THE DAYS EVENTS CLICK HERE

See you at the ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY JUNE 10th from 11am -1opm.

For more Food Adventures – hit us up on Facebook with over 7,000 Dayton area foodies discussing Daytons best eats…

Fried Green Tomatoes

Kettle Corn

Street Style Gyro from Greek Street