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Thanksgiving Recipe – Easy Peazy Peanut Butter Pie !

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Easy to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Hey fellow foodies !

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

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

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

 

PEANUT BUTTER PIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

—1/4 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

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

Voila ! There you have it …

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

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Chicken Louies Making a Comeback

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That famous taste you know is coming baaaccck !

Food Adventures has some secret scoop.  It is so secret in fact that we can’t release all the details of the deal, but we can tell you . absolutely that an iconic chicken stop is about to be reborn in Dayton.

Chicken Louie’s, a favorite for decades in the Dayton area, had a shop on N. Main St. and a store on the west side called “Lou’s Broaster Hut.”  Known for their broasted whole wings served plain or spun in one of 3 sauces, this “carryout only” spot became legendary in status.  Known for soulful sides, and late hours, people would travel miles or just walk up to the window to get a taste of Lou’s famous chicken.

Lou’s Broaster Hut was on 3rd Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE DEAL:

— In 1958, Chicken Louie’s began slinging wings in Dayton, and locals went berserk over the broasted style of cooked wings.  Marinated overnight, then deep-fried in a pressure cooker, the chicken had a distinct taste and the sauces complimented the chicken perfectly.  The menu featured wings, legs, thighs and breasts, and literally showed the price of each from 1 to 100 pieces.

Broasted Chicken and more

— Chicken Louie’s hit hard times in the turn of the century, as Lou had to take care of his ill mother.  He ended up closing for a while and selling to  his managing partner who ran the restaurant a little past Lou’s death in 2012.

— Chicken Louie’s was resurrected in 2014 in an unlikely place.  The same managing partner opened a side shop in the Super Subby’s restaurant in Miamisburg on Main St.  The shop served a limited Chicken Louie’s menu of wings, pies and broasted potatoes.  The location had spurts of greatness but never took hold in the Miamisburg community as expected.  As business dwindled, the Subby’s closed in December, 2018.

Coming in 2019

— Two private investors have stepped forward and bought all of the original equipment and recipes from the Chicken Louie’s establishment.  They will not only offer the famous broasted chicken wings, but they plan to offer the full original menu.  This means legs, thighs, broasted potatoes in butter, peanut butter pies, sweet potato pie, fish dinners, shrimp dinner, dinner rolls, cornbread and all the sides you remember.  Also available will be the 4 famous sauces: BBQ, mild, medium and hot.

— The plan is to open the first Chicken Louie’s in the city of Dayton proper, sometime before fall.  A site has been bought, signed and sealed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the exact location.  We can tell you that remodeling is about to begin.  The site layout will be similar to the popular carryout location on N. Main Street, that served up good food for decades.

Sweet Potato Pie

— The strategy is also to open a 2nd store eventually in the north or west Dayton area.  Again, we are not at liberty to disclose exact location plans, which would be premature of the 2nd location at this point.

Rarely is a Dayton iconic restaurant reborn from the ashes.  But, this will happen, and Miami Valley foodies will once again be able to enjoy Lou’s chicken.  Until the site opens, we will be licking our lips and deciding how many wings, pieces of shrimp and fish we are gonna order with our broasted potatoes.

See you at the window of Chicken Louie’s… real soon !

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow our weekly articles exclusively here on DaytonMostMetro .com.  We also have a Facebook page with nearly 8,000 followers.  Click here to like our page.

Feel free to browse our gallery below of Chicken Louie favorites.

Sauces

Famous dinner rolls

Hot Wing

Medium Wing

A mild whole wing

Broasted Potatoes

Peanut Butter Pie

BBQ Wings

Chicken Louie’s was on N Main for decades

 

 

OMP – Oh My Pie !

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One of our Food Adventures to Partial to Pie Bakery

Pie season began around Halloween and in Dayton, it is still flying high into 2019, partly due to a new bakery on Shroyer Ave.

If you’re one to follow the news about the places to eat in our area, by now you’ve probably heard of a local bakery that has been named “Best Pie Shop in Ohio” by USA today only five month’s after it’s opening last summer. Partial to Pie Bakery has taken Dayton pie lovers by storm!  The Food Adventures Crew went to check them out and it was clear as to why this place is loved so much by Dayton’s foodies.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on PARTIAL TO PIE BAKERY:

—Local father-daughter team, Mike and Marie Clark have been keeping family recipes alive for their whole lives. What started out as baking for friends and family, eventually grew into baking for festivals and events. It was clear that they were onto something special.

The menu of pie offerings

—The Clarks opened up their brick and mortar location on July 31, 2018. Since the article in USA today ran, Partial to Pie Bakery has been selling out on a daily basis and has been working hard to keep up with the demands of Miami Valley’s appetites!

—Marie stated that they get to the bakery at about 5am every day to prep and then continue to prepare pies for the next day after they close.

Comfortable and casual dining

—When you walk into their shop (located at 200 Shroyer Rd), you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.  The tables and chairs are like those from our grandmother’s kitchens. And we were smitten with the old dishes and mugs that the pies are served on!

— Our biggest tip is GET THERE EARLY !
Hours are:
Tuesday-Friday 7am – 5:30pm
Saturday 7am – pm
CLOSED Sunday and Monday

And then, there are the pies. Oooooo my.

Partial to Pie prides themselves on using local ingredients whenever possible. Their creations range from fruit pies to cream/custard pies and even savory quiches!  You have the option of buying a whole pie, slice, mini pie, or a pie pocket (which is like a handheld pie you can eat on the go!).

 

MUST EATS at PARTIAL TO PIE BAKERY:

 

BLT Quiche –  The Star of the Show

—THE BLT QUICHE:
This quiche is so light and tasty! Filled with bacon, leaks and tomatoes, it’s the perfect meal for any time of day!  We had a slice, but we could see ourselves getting an entire pie for a family dinner.  This was one of Jackie’s favorites and arguably their best menu item.  It was cooked perfectly leaving a nice flaky crust and a slightly crunchy top.  We had to have a moment to take this one all in.

 

—THE APPLE CRUMB PIE:
This pie took us back to our grandmother’s kitchen! The crumb topping was fantastic and crispy! It melted in your mouth. A Food Adventure time warp for sure.  OMP !  That’s OH MY PIE !

She’s my Cherry PIe

—CHERRY PIE:
Slightly tart, slightly sweet, this one surprised us a bit. Packed with cherries, was extremely flavorful and perfect with a glass of milk. It didn’t last long on the Big Ragu’s plate! A rare treat and a must eat.  It will have you singing in your chair that 80’s tune Cherry Pie by Warrant.

 

 

Banana Cream Pie

—BLUEBERRY PIE POCKETS:
Jax’s kids devoured these mini treats! You can’t beat the flaky crust on these!  They are not only perfect for  little ones (not so messy), but they are great on the go.  Take one with you on the drive to work when you are in a hurry.  Soft, flavorful goodness that will have you making yum yum noises.

 

Blueberry Pie Pocket

—THE BANANA CREAM PIE:
This was the Big Ragu’s favorite. It has it all, creamy pudding, bananas, a wonderful crust and that layer of whipped cream. Each forkful is a dream. Served chilled the cold pie hits your mouth with a refreshing burst of silkiness. Get a whole pie, like now … before they run out.

 

—THE BLACKBERRY PIE:
We got this to go for another Food Adventure, because even though we tried the whole menu, you cant eat 14 pieces of pie in a sitting (although we came close). This was the best of the ones from our next trip. The blackberry pie is surprisingly one of the last remaining pies and we cannot figure out why. It is absolutely delicious with the berry taste, slightly exotic and a small bit of seed crunch. Again the balance of tart and sweetness is perfect and the crust is cooked perfectly. They have the formula down for fruit pies.

Blackberry Pie

Honorable Mention:
Sweet Chorizo Quiche – this is a limited time special! The savory chorizo is balanced out with sweet potatoes and onions. Fantastic for brinner (That’s Brunch and Dinner). If you ask us to share we will tell you to Quiche our azz.

 

They offer so many options from Peach Mango to Special pies you can request for a future pickup.  Tell you what, it’s better if you just trust us and head on down there asap!

We came, we saw, we conquered

One important thing to note. Planning on ordering a pie for a special occasion? You’ll need to do so 2 business days out.

 

Partial to Pie has been selling out so fast, there is no guarantee that whole pies will be available when you visit. It’s best to order ahead of time if you know you are wanting one for a certain day. Think of the time you’ll save for the holidays!

 

Finally, two things we can assure you of: we are partial to pie, and we will be back!

Thank you for reading this week’s Food Adventure feature article.  Check back for our column, each and every week, exclusively, right here on DaytonMostMetro.   Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Feel free to browse more photos below from our trips to Partial to Pie Bakery.

 

 

 

 

Display Case

Logo

Mugs and plates borrowed from grandmas houses

This little girl picked out her pies and walked out like a boss

We came, we saw, we conquered

Have a slice

WOWSA

Blackberry

Peach PIe

 

 

MCL Cafeteria: Not Just for Granny Anymore

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MCL Cafeteria, Not just for Grandma Anymore

“Hey you wanna join us for dinner?”

–Yeah sure…

“Ok meet us over at MCL Cafeteria..”

–MCL???? What ??

Yes it’s true.  There is a young movement underway.  Slowly, but surely, the nation’s seniors are sharing their well kept secret.  What secret?  They know that the

From Coconut Cream Pie to Pumpkin Pie, the desserts are where it’s at

food at MCL Cafeteria is actually pretty decent !  Sure it is a chain and we at Food Adventures conquer the local local local… but damn, Sam, take a lookie here.  Yes, there are walkers, people with dentures and mostly soft food.  But the comfort food is reminiscent of home made, family get-together dinners.

So, it is basically a senior place, and it is pretty cool .. think of it as “a Grandpa who uses SnapChat.”  You wanna hang out with that guy.  So is the case here.  This is no metamucil Food Adventure.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on MCL CAFETERIA:

See the colors of the rainbow on the assembly line of MCL Cafeteria

—In 1950, in Indianapolis, Charles McGaughey and George Laughner founded the first MCL Cafeteria. They took the first letters of their last names, hence the name MCL.

—The Dayton area MCL Cafeteria is located at 4485 Far Hills Ave, Kettering

—With 16 locations in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, their website says they maintain a family owned and operated company.

Roast Beef ready to be Carved

—They use local produce when in season, and offer catering, and have a special section for “to-go” orders, which is really busy.

—Their hours are shorter, because Granny needs her beauty sleep.  They close at 8:30pm. They open everyday at 11am, except Sundays which is 10:30am.

—You walk in and in assembly line fashion, get a tray, and pick your food “a la carte.”

—The daily deal is the “Blue Plate Special” is $8.95 and includes an entree and 2 sides, typically.  That’s blue plate, not blue hair special…

Salads and Fruits offered

 

With an empty tray and so many choices, what are you gonna do?  What are you going to get? Grandpa is nudging you in the ribs with his cane, to keep you moving along….  From our numerous trips over the past year to MCL, we got you covered with our patented “MUST EATS!”

 

She’s My Cherry Pie !

MUST EATS at MCL CAFETERIA:

—THE PIES:
 These are the highlight of the assembly line and placed at the end for good reason.  From Cherry Pie made with Michigan cherries to Chocolate Cream Pie.  Even the Peach Pie and Pecan Pie with fresh Georgia Pecans make outstanding choices.  Even better than that, they are delicious.  When in doubt, grab a piece of pie to guarantee a happy ending at MCL Cafeteria.

 

—THE FRIED WHOLE CATFISH:  
These babies are dipped in milk and covered with

Fried Catfish – one of our faves at MCL

seasoned cornmeal.  After frying, these crispy Louisiana fish give you a crunch, then melt in your mouth feeling.  The tartar sauce for dipping is the perfect finishing touch. Big Ragu’s Favorite !

 

—SWISS VEAL:  
When they say “try the veal,” they really mean it this time.  A fried veal cutlet, covered with Swiss cheese, then covered with a white

Swiss Veal – a cult favorite at MCL

gravy.  Probably one of the better choices, like many of these plates, it has that homemade, family feel, close to that of Thanksgiving.

 

—SALISBURY STEAK:
A good looking chopped steak, grilled up nice and juicy, then covered in gravy.  May we suggest mashed potatoes to take you back to your childhood?  Corn for the closer?  Sometimes the sides make all the difference in the entree.

 

—ACORN SQUASH SIDE:

The best side at MCL Cafeteria is the Acorn Squash

If you see this side, stop the line abruptly and grab one.  What a great deal this deliciously baked veggie is, with a buttery syrup juice in the cavity inside.   This is heaven on earth and a definite MUST EAT !

 

—FRIED CHICKEN:
One of the kings of comfort food, MCL serves it up golden brown with all the fixings. This is possibly their most popular item. Again the comfort food and southern feel of this entree with the sides, will have you dreaming of old family dinner days.

 

Chicken Parm

—CHICKEN PARMESAN:
A fresh chicken breast, hand-breaded with seasoned crumbs from their bakery, fried to the perfect shade of golden brown. They top it with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Served with pasta and topped with more marinara sauce (optional).

 

HONORABLE MENTION:
The Salads are very good, and nice and fresh.  Also, the dinner rolls are amazing, with a dab of butter.  They have a variety of side breads to choose from, all made in their on-site bakery.

Fresh Salads

So now you know about the food, he on-site bakery and the glowing clientele, you may see MCL Cafeteria in a different light.  Give it a visit for your own family Food Adventure.  Kids love the assembly line and the looks and smells.  MCL is also a great place if you are alone and want a quick in and out dinner or lunch.  It is not cheap dining, and by the time you get a drink and dessert or bread side, you’re looking at $15-$17 per person, so be fair warned.  But the food is worth it.

The long walk to the cafeteria assembly line

This place isn’t just for grandparents anymore.  You cannot deny that they have some great home made items on the menu.  It is homestyle cooking the whole group can enjoy.  We are starting to notice more and more young people at the cafeteria.

What time do the 90 year olds go, typically?  Depends…

Want more fun spin on local eateries?  Visit Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here.  The Food Adventure Crew consists of the Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax.  Bringing you perspectives of local food from a foodie bachelor’s, a locally obsessed professional chef and an Italian mom’s point of view.  Original events, photos, website and classes are just some of what we offer.

Please browse the food porn gallery below from our various visits to MCL Cafeteria.

Fried Chicken and more for the plucking

EARLY HOURS !

Fish and more

Dinner rolls

Peach friggin Pie

Sugar Pie and puddings

Stewed tomatoes

Roast Beef

Twice baked potato and Swiss Veal

More Salads

Chopped Steak, mashed potatoes/Gravy, Mac n Cheese

Closing the place down at 8:30pm

There’s always room for jello

Serving up Baked fish and Chicken Parm

Baked Chicken

Sausages and Kraut

We got the Beets

Fried chicken

Foccacia Rolls

Dont they know the damage Hungry Jax would do ??

Outside

Toss my salad

More salads

Chicken Croquette and baked fish

Getting the scoop

Pecan Pie

Hey Grandpa! Take us to MCL !!

Carved Turkey

Chocolate Creme Pie

Corn Bread

Salsbury steak

Chicken Parmesan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio’s Biggest Fair Ends Saturday in Darke County

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Huge Pieces of Fried Dough or as we call it “Pizza Frite”

The Great Darke County Fair ends a week long array of festivities this Saturday, so there is still time to get your fair groove up near the Greenville / Arcanum area.  It is about a 40 minute trip to the Darke County fairgrounds, but oh is it worth the drive.

Rides and and more rides, food and more food, and of course livestock to make your experience farm filled fun.

We have literally been having Food Adventures at this fair since the early 1970’s.  The Big Ragu has memories of his grandfather John Miller, who was born in Arcanum, taking the whole family from Centerville to Greenville.  So you could say we have 40+ years of expertise on this subject.

Cheese Curds from a Wisconsin Vendor

First of all, a NON-FOOD TIP

  1. Hit the Horse Races Friday night 5:30pm – 9pm.  The environment is a throwback like you wont experience at other racetracks.
  2. Hit the Demolition Derby on Saturday 6:30pm.  It’s like a Wal-Mart parking lot out there and maybe someone will give somebody the “Malachi Crunch” like in Happy Days.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Address of the Great Darke County Fair is 800 Sweitzer St, Greenville, OH 45331

So many food vendors, so little room in our stomachs

— OPEN 7pm – MIDNIGHT both Friday and Saturday – enough time to get your grit on… but the FAIR ENDS SATURDAY!

— Admission is $7.00,  people watching is free

 

So here we go with our often imitated never duplicated trademark…  “Must Eats.”

Here is the result of decades of studies…..

MUST EATS at THE GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR:

— THE FOOTLONG HOT DOG & ROOT BEER from the THE DOG N SUDS TRAILER:  The pride of Champagne, Illinois, you NEVER get to eat this stuff.  You may see their root beer plastic

Lots of rides

bottles in stores, but “aint nothing like the real thing baby.”

— THE CHEESE CURDS from MIKE’S CHEESE SHACK:  These cheeseheads are from Eau Claire, Wisconsin and every year they kill it at the fair.  And every year we load up and chow down.

— THE “LOADED RIBBON FRIES” or “TORNADO POTATOES”:  Ribbon cut potato chips, deep fried and topped with cheese, chives and bacon.  We love this stuff.  Eat them and devour them one string at a time.  People will stare as you lower the pinwheels of potatoes into your mouth.  That’s just jealousy.

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild

— THE TROLLEY BURGER WITH CANDIED BACON from KC CONCESSION’S TROLLEY CART: We eat it all, we know our stuff.  This burger is perfect for a browsing Food Adventure.  It is not too big and the candied bacon is definitely a nice attraction.  Chew on friends….

— DEEP FRIED ALLIGATOR MEAT ON A STICK from CRACKERBILLIES: Exotic, yet familiar, these nuggets on a stick had a great taste.  All the way from Cape Coral, Florida to your mouth!  We went back for seconds.

— BEEF BRISKET from GRUMPY’S BBQ: Cooked low and slow by Grumpy himself, this old farmer not only has a badass disposition but his brisket is just a s bad.  Actually , Grumpy is a pretty nice guy, we got him to smile  … once….

Ohio’s Largest County Fair

— THE HOT BROWN from FARMER BROWN’S FOOD STAND:  The restaurant that is a legend in Arcanum, is a hot spot at the fair with their food stand.  Farmer Brown’s serves up not a Hot Carl.. but the Hot Brown – which is a shaved top round sandwich, with provolone, lettuce, special sauce and mushrooms.  If that isnt enough they slap it on a grilled buttered bun.  You might call it a Hot Brown, we love to refer to it as an “Arcanum Cheesesteak.”

— PULLED PORK SANDWICH from HOG WILD SMOKE HOUSE:  Homemade sauce in huge squirt jars meant we loaded it up for a finger lickin, lip smackin helluva good ‘sammich’ (when its so good you can’t talk).  We went hog wild for sure.  These

— DEEP FRIED PECAN PIE from the PIE ON THE FLY:  This is frickin’ sinful.  The pies are “Wicks Pies” from Winchester, Indiana.  It makes the deep

Deep Fried Pecan Pie

fried snickers look like child’s play.  This is a piece of frickin pie deep fried in batter.  The pecan pie is the one to get, and it is AMAZING.  We actually had to sit down afterwards to take in the whole experience.  INSANE yet so logical….

— FRIED DOUGH from FISKE CONCESSIONS:  One of the deep fried candy bar booths has a treat we have enjoyed as kids.  It is called “pizza frite” or fried dough.  But this is the biggest slab of dough we have ever seen.  Our moms and grandmas never made it that large.  It is fried dough, with powdered sugar and it is the tick tick tick .. bomb!  This vendor is from Brookville, Florida.

Ribbon Fries or Potato Tornados

Honorable Mention:  The Deep Fried Mushrooms from Chuck’s Foods and the Deep Fried Twinkies from Fiske Concessions.

 

TWO MORE FOOD ADVENTURE TIPS:
— Use this chance to hit MAID-RITE HAMBURGERS down the street, on the way home… a loose meat sandwich that has a secret recipe that will keep you guessing and eating.  We will grab a sack and love the snack.
— Stop at KENNEDY VINEYARDS on the way home in New Madison.  Wine off the vine and we love the sweet, to the blush to the dry.  15 Minutes from the fair, you will fall in love with this place.

Alligator Meat on a Stick

Open til 10pm this Saturday, and we will see you there!

 

That’s it – the FULL BLOWN story on the biggest county fair in Ohio….  See you next week with another foodie filled story!

Check out Food Adventures on Facebook and see the difference.  This is not our job, it is our passion…..

 

Suds n Dogs !

Farmer Browns portable patio

The Farmer Brown “Hot Brown” sandwich or what we like to call the “Arcanum Cheesesteak”

Deep fried friggin pies

Grillin and we walkin

Lawwwd look at dem Baby Backs !

Sweating more than Ludlow Falls

Yo we got a tip in the third race for youse

Crackerbillies

Grilled Turkey Legs

Oreo Sundae Funnel Cake

Trolley Burger with Candied Bacon

More Darke Meat

The infamous bottle game

Cheese Curds from Wisconsin

kids whippin pigs butts

Fried and more fried

Favorite Treat as a kid

Dusk and Darke

Hog Wild Squirt a sauce

This cheese head

The Grumpy owner of Grumpys BBQ

Light up the sky

Best fried mushrooms in town

Son of a brisket

Deep fried twinkie

Coils of sausage

Big Ragu versus a footlong dog

Love the alligator chunks on a stick

Brisket from Grumpys BBQ

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild Smokehouse

Stringing them up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secrets of Cassano’s and The Dough Plant

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Chip Cassano inspects the hi-tech equipment in the dough plant

***** WIN A FREE PIZZA WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW ***** JUST COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN – winner will be chosen at random on Monday
For decades Daytonians have taken pizza for granted.  We don’t realize that Dayton, Ohio is one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the history of pizza.  And it is all because of Vic Cassano and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi.

Now, 63 years later, The Cassano’s franchise is going strong, and not just in the pizza restaurants.  Cassano’s headquarters on Stroop Road in Kettering is also a facility for dough production.

Vic Cassano Sr. in his early Pizza Days during the 1950’s

— SECRET 1: What most Daytonians don’t know is their dough is produced here, and sold nationwide.  Whether balls of dough or sheeted pizza crusts, hundreds of restaurants serve products made with Cassano’s dough.  We are not allowed to name the companies, but let’s just say they are some big wig, national restaurants, that you definitely would recognize.  There are also hundreds of small restaurants that use Cassano’s, dough as a shortcut for great pizzas, calzones, breads and more.

After a year of preparation, Food Adventures is ready to tell you a story, much of which is unknown to Miami Valley residents.  It is the untold insight into the dough plant, the history and personal triumphs of the Cassano family.

Hand cutting hundreds of pounds of dough from the mixer

Before we get to secrets inside the dough plant lets get the scoop on Cassano’s history:

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON CASSANO’S

— JUNE 4th, 1953 – At the urging of a friend in New York, Vic Cassano decides to sell pizza at the Kettering grocery store of his in laws, Mom and Pop Donisi.  Using a thin crust recipe developed by Mom Donisi from her days in Italy, they make pizza available for the public.  It is a huge hit, and they sell 400 pies the first day on Schantz Avenue.  It is Dayton’s first introduction to pizza.  Needless to say the grocery store, soon became a

The Cutter presses 6 inch to 18 inch crusts for freezing

pizza shop.

— SECRET 2: THIS SUMMER DATE in 1953 ALSO MARKS THE INVENTION of THIN CRUST PIZZA in THE UNITED STATES.  Don’t let anyone tell you different, Dayton, Ohio is the center of that storm.  That would have been a hell of a day for a Food Adventure.   

Dough Balls are produced through a mostly automated system

— SECRET 3: Vic Cassano decides to cut the pieces in tiny squares.  WHY?  Because in 1953 it wasn’t “lady like” to be holding and handling big slices of pizza in your palm.  Cassano’s square slices were the polite and dainty way to enjoy the Italian treat.
— SECRET 4: Vic Cassano was not only a pizza genius, he was a mechanical genius.  He patented the first self cleaning oven.  To this day, his family  still finds dozens of papers in the office, detailing patented inventions from cooling and refrigeration systems to appliances.

Vic Cassano Jr. streamlined operations efficiently

 — SECRET 5:  Cassano’s was the first franchised restaurant in Ohio and possibly the United States.  The early 50’s were a time of business and law challenges, as many scenarios were never seen before.  Cassano’s was instrumental in the development of what we know today as franchising laws.  This allowed Cassano’s to steadily grow in the 50’s and 60’s.

Heart Shaped Pizza option in February

— SECRET 6:  Vic Cassano’s company was the first to ever freeze dough on a large scale.  He experimented with recipes and developed a full Italian menu.

— Owners of the local iconic pizza places like Marion’s Pizza and Ron’s Pizza, originally had affiliations with Cassano’s.

— In the 60’s and 70’s,  Cassano’s added affiliated restaurants like Sandy’s Hamburgers and London Bobby’s Fish and Chips.  They now had over 100 stores in total.  They served pizza on a cardboard slate, and “to go” orders were slid into bags and crumpled at one end, while leaving a”puff” in the bag, so not to damage the pizza or its toppings.

Unforgettable Tour of the Dough Plant – and Dough Samples !!

 — Here comes THE BIG CHEESE: In the early 80’s Cassano’s introduced their masterpiece pizza, the Big Cheese Pizza.  This was their deluxe pizza with double the cheese on top.  This became a menu staple and you can still order the Big Cheese “Vic’s Way” (with black olives) or “Mom’s Way” (with green olives).   During this time, Cassano’s started serving their “to go” and delivery pizzas in boxes.

—  In 1986, Vic Cassano sold the business.  A year later Mom Donisi passed away.  As the family saw their former business struggle in other people’s hands, so Vic Jr. decided to buy it back in 1989.  It was a short hiatus and the pizza business atmosphere was saturated with saturated with national and local companies.  To say it was extremely competitive is an understatement.

Side view of a legendary Cassano’s Pizza in the making

— With Vic Cassano Jr. at the helm, the 90’s were the start of a new, efficient direction of cutting waste and streamlining the business.  It worked.

— Vic Cassano Sr passed away in 2002, at the time his son kept rebuilding the brand and would expand operations at the dough plant.

Sheeted Pizza Crusts, stacked and ready to be packaged

— The amazing strides and improvements in efficiency, allowed more investment in equipment.  A centralized call center was finished in 2003.  Vic Cassano Jr. had turned the corner and was working on bringing back some nostalgia back to Cassano’s like the Pizza King logo, the London Bobby Fish and Chips and more.  In, 2010, Vic Jr. unexpectedly passed away.  To his credit, he had prepared his children Lora, Chip (aka Vic the 3rd), and Chris over the past decades to take on the new leadership role.  They did just that, carrying on the vision of their father and adding even more to the legendary name.

An up close look at the one and only BIG CHEESE PIZZA !

— Today, under the management of the third generation Lora Cassano-Hammons, Vic Cassano III, and Chris Cassano, there are almost 40 pizza shops and over 600 employees.

— Product developments included bringing back “Pizza Packs to go” and a new “Home Edition” Frozen Pizza line found in stores and available to be shipped nationwide.   The Stroop Rd. location has gone back to carry the “London Bobby Fish and Chips” meals again.

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips available at the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s

— About 3 years ago, The Cassano’s Cares Foundation  was set up.  It is the charitable arm of Cassano’s set up in memory of Vic Cassano Jr.  Their purpose is to give back to local charities and organizations.  Memorable events included an evening with Pete Rose and a Corvette giveaway.  There is also an annual golf outing to support the foundation as well.  There is even a Vic Cassano Health Center on Edwin C Moses Blvd.

— In June 2016, almost 63 years to the day after the first pizza was sold, the Ohio Historical Connection declared the Cassano’s Stroop Rd. office a historical site.  Now your Food Adventures on Stroop Rd, can be truly historical !

 

Now, let’s go from modern history to secrets inside the Dough Plant …..

These two flour silos hold 75,000 pounds of flour… EACH !

INSIDE THE DOUGH PLANT:

— SECRET 7:  The dough plant, located at 1700 East Stroop Rd.  produces approximately 50,000 – 70,0000 pounds of dough daily.  Only about 20 percent of that is for Cassano’s restaurants.  The remaining 80 percent is sold to other food establishments.

— SECRET 8:  The plant uses 30,000 pounds of flour each day.  The facility is equipped with 2 huge flour silos that each hold 75,000 pounds of flour.  WOW,  this place would make Willy Wonka proud.

Caroline “Mom” Donisi. Her recipe from Italy was the spark

— SECRET 9:  The plant has a capacity to produce about 8,000 pounds of dough in an hour.  Depending on the size, that can equate to 100-200 dough balls per minute during the morning shift.  In the afternoon shift, the plant switches gears to produce pizza crusts from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.  The crusts are shrink wrapped to prevent breakage and boxed and loaded into a freezer or  refrigerated delivery trucks.

The Chopped Steak Sub

— SECRET 10: The dough recipe has been tweaked slightly over the past 20 years.  When making pizzas these days they even “tack” the dough with a docker to control bubbling of the dough.  Remember those bubbles in the 70’s and 80’s on Cassano’s pies ?  You don’t see those anymore.

All this talk about dough has us a bit hungry.. may Food Adventures suggest some “Must Eats” from our decades of devouring Dayton’s original thin crust pizza?  CASSANOS !

Cassano’s Headquarters is named a Historical Site, June 3rd 2016

MUST EATS:

— THE BIG CHEESE “VIC’S WAY”:  Mounds of cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives and more cheese!  This is it.  This is the Cadillac of the Cassano’s menu.  So good, it will make you sleepy afterwards.  A flavorful, filling, and unforgettable pie.  As Vic used to say.. “It’s one heck of a pizza!”

— THE CLUB CASSINI: Ham, Pepperoni, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone Cheese and Italian dressing on a Mediterranean flat bread bun.  This was a great

Packaged Dough, ready for the freezer

surprise and has such a meaty and creamy, delicious flavor.  This is an unknown menu gem.

— PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH EXTRA SAUCE:  The Big Ragu has been using this trick since 1986.  He suggests you always order your Cassano’s pepperoni pizzas with extra sauce. They take their time and spend a little more time on your pizza.

— THE CHOPPED STEAK SUB:  Get your messy groove on with this Steak patty, topped Provolone Cheese, Pizza Sauce,  dripping with Mushroom Gravy, sprinkled with Onions and Banana Peppers.

Dough off the conveyor belt

— THE 30 INCH PARTY PIZZA:  Get it, you only live once.  Perfect for parties – birthday or super bowl.  $100 gets you a deluxe and 80 bucks gets you a one topping pizza pie.   This humongous pizza is a party in a box…. a pretty big box.

We are honored to be able to take a behind the scenes view at the Cassano’s pizza and dough plant.   The factory employees and management are always friendly and

Top it with sauce and you got something going….

accommodating.  Thank you for letting us see the legendary Dayton magic firsthand.  Congratulations to the Cassano family on all of their accomplishments.  They are a great family and we are lucky to consider them friends.  We are excited to see what the future holds for this Dayton original.

Honorable Mention: The Spaghetti Dinner:  Sometimes we just crave the simple pasta and sauce combo.  So pure, so peasant, so good….

Don’t forget to check out our weekly Food Adventure feature articles on MostMetro. com

For daily Food Adventure updates, hit us up on Facebook and LIKE US HERE….

Pizza Kings and the Hit King – Pete Rose

1970’s pic of Mario Andretti with the famous pizza pie in a bag – old school

Now available frozen – cooked 80% for you to finish cooking at home

Frozen Dough ready to go

Chip has given us a few tours of the plant,.

Stroop Rd Headquarters

Part of the Cassanos Call Center

Chicken Parm

Trimmed dough gets recylced

Sheet Pizza Dough

Dough cutters

Sauce it up

Compressing the Dough to crust thickness

Look at those pallets

True dat

Hungry Jax’s kids were Cassano kids for a day !

THE BIG CHEESE – VICS STYLE

Dough balls

Pepperoni pie

Chip, PIzza King and Chris Cassano

Pizza with Pete Rose

London Bobby Fish and Chips Dinner

Did you know Cassanos has hand tossed pizza ?

Our friend Mike explaining the dough process

sealed !

Shrunk wrapped to prevent breakage

All those pizza crusts …..

The Big Cheese is the way to go …

Cassanos ships these all over the USA

Into the freezer

The Pizza King, Lora Cassano and Big Ragu !

Chip talking about the automated processes of the plant

Ravioli app

Dough coming through

Cassanos – always testing the dough

A pepperoni Cassini – Ragu loves them….

Elvis in Miamisburg?

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How you doin little lady ?

Elvis!  It’s Elvis, I say.. as the 60 something year old woman reached for his chest and and tore a piece of his clothing off.

Yes, people will be doing a double take Saturday July 23rd at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg.  The feature afternoon act, after a day of music is a 14 piece Elvis Tribute Band.  They sound great.

“Elvis,” played by Ryan Roth is a throwback to the era when Elvis played Las Vegas.

Sequin capes, bawdy gyrations, and that signature hairdo is what you can expect to see.  What you will hear is a complicated back up band called “The Comeback Special.”  

“The King” is coming to Miamisburg?

Come out and hear tunes like “Suspicious Minds,”  ” Hunka Hunka Burning Love.”  Don’t forget classics like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

This concert is just one of the sights and sounds at Rock N Green Tomato Festival at Riverfront Park in downtown Miamisburg.  So bring a lawnchair, grab some food and drink at the vendors, then sit and enjoy the live bands!

We wanted to dress Hungry Jax up like Priscilla Presley, but she would have none of it.

Fixins for a Green Tomato Pie – or Green Mater Pi

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the LIVE MUSIC RUNDOWN.

Noon – 2 pm: “NIGHT MAGIC” – Harmony vocals with Oldies, Rock & Roll, Pop, Blue Grass & Country tunes.

3 – 5 pm: “JOHNNY JAP and THE KNEES” – Classic and Party Rock

6 – 8:00 pm: “B-CAGED” – Classic Rock, Classic Country

8:30 pm: “THE COMEBACK SPECIAL” Elvis Tribute Band – All Elvis, all the time…. dont step on his Blue Suede Shoes.. aahh thank you very much

Entering in his pink cadillac, plush velvet seats, Its awwwlrigh mama, its allright by me ….

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

7:30 am: 5K Run~Walk Registration

8:30 am: 5K Run~Walk Begins – Dress up as Elvis and run !

11:00am: Food and Craft Vendors open til 10pm

11:30am: Cornhole Registration $250 to the winner

Bring a lawnchair and and enjoy the concerts

Noon: Cornhole Tournament Begins

2 – 2:30 pm: Hamburger Wagon Burger Eating Contest

2:30 – 3 pm: Hula Hoop Contest

5:00 – 6 pm: Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest (Judges: Food Adventures Crew: Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax)

Burger Eating Contest too! Elvis would have been proud

In addition Ron’s Pizza Tavern will be open with Green Draft Beer to celebrate the Rock N Green Tomato festival.

Don’t miss Saturday July 23rd festival where you can have a Food Adventure of your own, with fried green tomatoes, burgers, pizza, ice cream, noodles, BBQ and more.

Want more, original food info?  Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Elvis was a foodie!  Watch this movie scene, a true story of Elvis hitting up a donut shop in Washington DC at 2am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlEv-BKleB8

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

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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

Rock n Green Tomato Festival to Feature Pie Baking Contest !

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Delicious pie

Green Tomato Pie – Can you make the best one?

Calling all bakers!!  Miamisburg needs you.  Saturday June 14th is the 4th Annual Rock N Green Tomato Festival.  One of the features is a “GREEN TOMATO PIE CONTEST.”  

Can you bake the best pie?  Do you have what it takes?  Can you be the champ?  Prizes will include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies.  Register and prove you have the skills to make the most delicious pie of them all!

The judges for this contest are the only locals with mouths big enough to fit the bill, Chef House, Hungry Jax and Big Ragu from Food Adventures !

 

***TO ENTER THE BAKING CONTEST, Fill out and send in this form by June 11th !  —> click here for form

You have to register by June 11th, then bring your pie to Ron’s Pizza house at 5:30pm on June 14th.  The contest begins at 6pm.  Ron’s will keep your pie warm or cold for you at your direction.  The Food Adventures Crew are serious eaters, and are sure to have their taste buds tuned up and ready for the test …  Are you kitchen savvy enough to win?  Then get your oven mitts, pie crusts, and baking pans ready for this Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest.  But most of all, you have to sign up !

Green Tomato Pizza

Green Tomato Pizza? It was Delicious !

 

This event promises to be a festive Food Adventure at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park!

The Rock N Green Tomato Festival is relatively new, but has picked up a loyal following in 4 short years.

This cozy festival is a blast and a MUST EAT on your summer list of festivities.  It is a friendly, fun atmosphere with plenty of food and drink.  Speaking of which..

We also have a side contest***  WANT TO WIN DINNER with THE FOOD ADVENTURE CREW at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival for you and a friend?  Then comment on the story below and tell us why you deserve it!  One winner will be chosen at random, and they may bring a guest and meet us at the festival at 4pm.   It looks like Hamburger Wagon Burgers and Ron’s Pizzas are on the menu !  You cant beat a free dinner for you and a pal with 2 original Dayton Food Adventurers!

Fried Green Tomatoes

We love the Fried Green Tomatoes at the festival

 

*******FESTIVAL INFO*******

WHAT: ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL

WHEN: SATURDAY JUNE 14th from Noon – 11pm

WHERE:  Downtown Miamisburg, next to Ron’s Pizza At Riverfront Park

WHAT ELSE:  

— CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT $250 to winner – click here to enter –

— LIVE MUSIC from Noon – 11pm   – schedule of bands here –

Hamburge Wagon Burger

This Hamburger Wagon Burger didn’t last long on our plate

 

— 5k RUN/WALK at 10am – click here to register –

— FOOD AND MERCHANDISE VENDORS – -want to be a vendor? CLICK HERE –

— HAMBURGER EATING CONTEST

— KIDS GAMES and BOUNCY CASTLE

— HULA HOOP CONTEST

— JITTERBUG CONTEST

 

*****For all the event info visit: www.rockngreentomato.com/   *****

The Food Adventures Crew will see you there !  Don’t forget to comment on this article for a chance to win dinner with them  the night of the festival !

Browse through our Food Adventure photo gallery below from past 3 years of “Rock n Green Tomato Festivals.”    Also, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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Corleone’s: A Menu You Can’t Refuse

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The Manicotti Dinner at Corleone’s is a “Must Eat” (click to enlarge)

“Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. ” – Don Corleone “The Godfather”

Well,  The Big Ragu & Crew are here to do a service for you.  Today, we share with you a place you may not know about.  A kitchen that produces some great pizza, pasta and more.  In other words, let the Food Adventure peeps be your consigliere on this one.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Corleone’s has two Locations, one at 725 Lyons Rd. and the original at 966 Patterson Rd.

— Homemade dough everyday.  This ensures not only fresh pizzas, but tasty pasta dinners.

 

— Amazing Specialty Pizzas.  These are mafia boss of the menu.  Deluxe toppings, and themed pizzas like the Taco Pie, Greek Pie, Steak Pie will make your day.  There are many more unique creations with white or red pizza sauces. 

— Calzones and Hoagie Sandwiches are the dark horse on the menu, and will “whack” your tastebuds.

— Unique menu items that only New Yorkers typically see, like Pepperoni Rolls and Sausage Rolls. 

Great specialty pizzas like”Buffalo Chicken Pizza” at Corleone’s

— Carryout is available, and they have Delivery Service as well.

 

MUST EATS:

 — MANICOTTI:  Served piping hot , this meal is liberal on cheese and sauce.  It is absolutely delicious, and it is the Big Ragu’s favorite choice on the menu.

— TACO PIE:  Corleone’s serves a great version of taco pizza.  The fresh lettuce, olives and tomatoes make all the difference.  Send your hitmen in for one of these babies.

— BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA:  Tasty, tangy and even a kid pleaser.  Again a good version of a unique pizza spin.

— WINGS:  We were super surprised at how good the breaded wings were.  They are crunchy, crispy and ready for dipping in your favorite sauce.  Best of all, they are cooked all the way through !

— SPINACH CALZONE:  Served with marinara, the key is again in the fresh dough.  Filled with ricotta cheese (like a real calzone should be), it is a flavorful, filling meal.

Honorable Mention: 

The Eggplant Hoagie is a good sub, capesh?  Did we mention it is a monster?  So split one with your favorite wiseguy and see what all the fuss is about.

The Wedgie: Want a Food Adventure in a plate?  Try a Wedgie!  No it is not the “grundy” you used to give your classmates.  It is a calzone with no ricotta cheese or tomato sauce.  It is cooked and then topped with lettuce and onions.  Call it an Italian version of the mini-super burrito and fagheddaboutit.

 

Surprisingly Good Wings at Corleone’s !

One warning, if you have a large group coming to Corleone’s, you definitely want to call ahead so they are properly prepared for your group of friends or paisans.  Also, the wine and beer selections are limited, so beware if you are looking for something special to drink.

Now “youse guys got” some good direction from The Big Ragu on a little known secret.   What’s not a secret is that practically all of the pizzas we have tried, during our numerous visits have been great.  From the top your own, to the seafood pizza, it is up to you to find your own favorite.   All we can do is lead you to the good stuff.   Trust us, it’s the best pizza and pasta spot that you’ve never heard of.   It is definitely a menu you can’t refuse…

 

Want more Food Adventure fun from these 2 goombahs?  Then join other Dayton foodies and “like” The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Make sure you check out our photo gallery from our Food Adventures to Corleone’s !

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