restaurant

Dayton’s 2019 Fish Frys by Date!

January 9, 2019 By The Food Adventures Crew 1 Comment

Holy Angels Fish Fry

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE to make finding fish frys easy this year. This year we list the 2019 fish frys in order by date. We even separate them out by month! The Food Adventure Crew has been to more fish frys than any other Dayton food blog. Each year we hit a couple dozen and each year we seem to add a new site. Whether just eating or also volunteering dealing blackjack, we enjoy every Lenten season. So this year, join us at as many events that you can – we will save some tartar sauce for ya ! Must be 21 to attend, except for the fish frys that are family events.

Without baiting you further, here are the 2019 FISH FRY’s BY DATE… Let this be your “go to” guide! At the end we put our favorite restaurant fish frys.

We even have scoop on a “Do it yourself Fish Fry”at home ! Read this article and be the smartest fish in your school.

JANUARY 2019

FRIDAY JAN 11th – 5:30pm – 10:30pm

Our Lady of the Rosary will have Sausages Pre-Lent

—OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY:
22 Notre Dame Ave. Dayton
Arguably the best fish fry in Dayton history. $17 gets you endless food and beer, they don’t nickel and dime you here. This is a fun, laid back party. All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage (hot and regular), French fries, salad, cole slaw, cabbage and noodles, chocolate cake, apple crisp, popcorn, beer and soft drinks, and Chef Joseph, you get us with that peanut butter sheet cake every year. Talk about religious experience… but the secret is out – get there early or the line will be around the cafeteria. The fish here is different than other fish fry, they are big fish stick cubes.

SATURDAY JAN 12th – 6pm-11pm
—HOLY ANGELS FISH FRY:
1322 Brown Street, Dayton
Near the campus of U.D., the workers here are welcoming. A nice hot batch of fish hits the pan every few minutes. The line is not bad, if you get there EARLY and the cafeteria area is where you dine and look at raffle prizes. Check out the goods and the beer is CHEAP. Around the corner are come casino table games.If prices stay the same, $15 bucks for a delicious fish fry cooked by the “Corpus Christi Fryers” will be had by all.

St Albert the Great Volunteers

SATURDAY JAN 12th – 6pm-9pm
AMERICAN LEGION POST 675
31 Chambers St, Dayton
$12 for Endless Fish and Sausage. The beer runs endless too! Whats this? They have door prizes and games like their famous “Whiskey Wheel ! We have ye to try this one, but our friends love it. See you there this weekend ! You’ve got some Tartar Sauce on your face …

FRIDAY JAN 18th – 7pm – midnight
—ST ALBERT THE GREAT FISH FRY:
3033 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
$20 at the door gets you a full, endless fish dinner. In the past the Hecht family has run this fish fry. Nice, big pieces of fish, breaded and cooked perfectly. You should get a couple of beer tickets with admission as well. Extra beers you must purchase on your own.

FRIDAY JAN 18th – 6pm -9pm all ages

Hushpuppy action at Knights of Columbus

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY:
4293 Powell Road, Huber Heights
The menu includes beverages, both fried and baked fish, sausage, chicken nuggets, beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and all the fixings. The price is $14 for adults. Kids price is much cheaper. Families are welcome. There is no alcohol at this event.

SATURDAY JAN 19th – Noon- 4pm (ALL AGES)
—THE MENS MINISTRY OF BELIEVERS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:
3010 McCall Street, Dayton
The family friendly event features $10 per dinner. You get endless fish and 2 sides. Beverages and dessert will be available for purchase.

FRIDAY JAN 25th – 6pm – 10pm
—EMMANUEL ST VINCENT DEPAUL CONFERENCE FISH DINNER / MONTE CARLO
Bainbridge Hall – 267 Bainbridge St, Dayton
$15 per person for this event. Features are Silent Auction-50/50 – Horse Race – $1000 Raffle – Showdown – Poker – Bingo. Proceeds Benefit the Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Please bring a food item for the pantry. Price includes fish dinner, adult beverages and pastries.

Beer at St Christophers flowing

SATURDAY JAN 26TH – 6-11pm
—ST CHRISTOPHERS FISH FRY:
435 East National Road, Vandalia
$15 cost to enter and it is being run by the Corpus Christi Fryers, so you know it is gonna be great. Free refills on everything including beer, short lines and great food make this one of our favorite fish frys. It is in the top 3 easily.

SATURDAY JANUARY 26th – 6pm – 11pm
—ST HELENS FISH FRY:
605 Granville Pl, Dayton
Riverside’s best fish fry. $20 at the door includes pop, beer tickets and full fish dinner. Menu will include: fish, french fries, slaw, and homemade hush puppies, snacks and beverages. Since it is on a Saturday, they are also having sausages and chicken ! This is a comfortable crowd, not too busy, and not too empty. It is just right. Lots of chances for casino games as well. Try your luck at Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, or 7 Card Stud, Beat the Dealer, Showdown, Instants, 50/50, LRC or Raffles. Door prizes too!

FEB 2019

Cutting up fish in the St Marys kitchen

FRIDAY FEB 1st – 6PM
—ST MARY’S FISH FRY:
310 Allen St, Dayton
All you can eat dinner in the basement of the church. Historically it is always the first Fri in Feb and the first Friday in November. There is a fun circus atmosphere for the raffle prizes and of course the casino games. This is one of the best bangs for your buck. The cost is $15 and you get fish dinner with all the trimmings. You can buy beers on draft for about 50 cents. And a dessert table for extra $1 per item will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off. Get there early, it has gotten more popular and sold out last year. Nice volunteers and a comfortable atmosphere.

FRIDAY FEB 8th 6pm-11pm
—ST. HENRY’S FISH FRY:
6696 Springboro Pike, Dayton
They have a live auction and Texas hold em too ! Price is about 16 bucks for the all you can eat typical fish dinner with fries and slaw. Have fun and gamble. The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial at this fun fish fry. They are the only fish fry in town that has a fish eating contest during the event. Stuffing your face has never been so much fun.

Our plate at St Henrys

FRIDAY FEB 8th – 5:30pm – 10:30pm
—OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY:
22 Notre Dame Ave. Dayton
The second fish fry of the season for this church. And one of the best … $17 gets you endless food and beer – Don’t miss this one . Best bang for your buck, but word is out -now there is a long line.

SATURDAY FEB 9th
—HUBER HEIGHTS ROTARY FISH FRY:
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
$15 tickets include food and drink. There will be raffles, door prizes, cards, instants and Monte Carlo games. All funds raised benefit “Needy Family Christmas Program.”

Brick City Tickets to the Fish Fry !

SATURDAY FEB 16th – 6pm-11pm
—9th ANNUAL —BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Held at the Huber Heights Activities Center, presale is $12 with $15 tickets at the door. Price includes beer/pop and all you can eat Fish, Chicken, Polish Sausage, French Fries, Baked Beans and Coleslaw. Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more! Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

SUNDAY FEB 17th – 8am -5pm
—9th ANNUAL BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Held at the Huber Heights Activities Center, presale is $12 with $15 tickets at the door. Price includes beer/pop and all you can eat Fish, Chicken, Polish Sausage, French Fries, Baked Beans and Coleslaw. Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more! Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm – 11pm
—ST PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH FISH FRY:
1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood
A delicious fish fry that’s not too crowded. So many of these events are spent standing in line, this one is an exception. You have a nice choice of fish, sides and desserts.. Of course you get beer and pop included as well. The crowd is older and the laid back atmosphere is a nice change from the hustle and bustle at some of the busier fish frys. Cost is around $15 for fish dinner and a couple of drink tickets. If you want a relaxing fish fry, this one will leave you full, happy and you wont feel corralled into a long line.

St Pauls is serving up sausages

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 5:45pm-10pm
DAYTON COUNCIL 500-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRY
Bainbridge Hall -267 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Dinner will include fried cod, french fries, cole slaw, baked beans, rolls and butter. Cost is $15 and includes the meal, adult beverages and pastries. Food serving will commence at 6PM and conclude at 8PM. Doors open at 545PM. They ask as part of the admission to bring a can/box of food for the food pantry. Guest wishing to make an additional donation of a pastry is a welcome gesture. Games of chance will commence at approximately 6PM with showdown, a horse race game and 50/50. Raffles will be also be available thru the event. Contact Dayton Council 500 Grand Knight at 937-558-9311, leave a message, for tickets or email [email protected] requesting a rsvp and purchase of tickets. All are welcome

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm – 11pm

Alter HS Fish Fry Prep

—ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’S FISH FRY:
940 E David Rd, Kettering
The Dayton area’s largest fish fry, it is a sight to behold. Located at Alter High School gym and cafeteria, it is a huge display of casino games and a gigantic amount of silent auction prizes. $15 gets you all you want fish, sides and pop. Beer and wine, is extra. This event always promises to draw a big crowd. If you want the big, Grandaddy of them all fish fry .. this is it … Say hi to the Big Ragu who will be dealing blackjack.

FRIDAY FEB 22nd 6pm -11pm
—ST ANTHONY’s FISH FRY:
830 Bowen St., Dayton
Great atmosphere, great fish. Plenty of blackjack tables for afterwards fun. Cost is $15 and includes fish dinner, sides and a couple of beer tickets. The lines can get long, so get there early for this one. Good Food, fun crowd, and nice big pieces of Alaskan pollack. We love to see this classic church get some love, so please consider supporting this event. It means a lot to the school and church.

Friendly volunteers at St Anthony

SATURDAY FEB 23rd 6pm-11pm
WARRIOR FISH FRY and MONTE CARLO
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton, OH
The Food Adventure Crew have not tried this fish fry yet, but it looks promising and is on our hit list for 2019. $20 at the door gets Sausages, Fish and Chicken Nuggets. This Fish Fry & Monte Carlo Fundraiser benefits Roadwarriors Fastpitch Softball Club. Games will be 7 card stud, Showdown, pull tabs, Chuck O Luck, door prizes, great food and more!! Food will be from 6-9PM Being held on a Saturday, they are able to feature chicken during Lent. Venue is the Huber Heights Athletic Center, with plenty of room for good seating and gambling..

MARCH 2019

FRIDAY MAR 1st 6pm – 11pm

Dayton Rugby Fish Fry features the only Panko Bread Crumbs

—DAYTON RUGBY CLUB FISH FRY:
IUE @ 1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45432
This ranking is because the fish is so good. Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers. Big lines, but the fish is worth it. It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish crumbs for breading. Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do. A fun boisterous crowd. Lots of food, laughs and fun. They will be serving Warped Wing beer exclusively on tap.

SATURDAY MAR 2nd 6pm -11pm
JIMMY STRONG FISH FRY
1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton
$20 at the door. There are Food-Beer-Raffles-Games-Pull Tabs-Jello Shots -Music and MUCH MORE!
100% of all proceeds to go to Jimmy Miller and his family to help during his battle with Leukemia. This fish fry is different from the others because it is helping one family in crisis. Please consider supporting this cause at the ABS enter on Woodman Drive, formerly the IUE CWA hall.

Incarnation in the Casino area

SATURDAY MAR 2nd (TENTATIVE) 6pm
—OUR LADY of GRACE/OUR LADY of MERCY/CORPUS CHRISTI FISH FRY:
249 Squirrel Rd, Dayton
Just $15 gets you into this fantastic party and fish fry. The lines are not long and the food is good. Fish Fries Sausage, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, and Beer included! The Corpus Christi Fryers will be serving up some lovin’ spoonfuls. This is one of the best deals of the season.

SATURDAY MAR 2nd 6pm -11pm
HUBER HEIGHTS YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB FISH FRY
5367 Fishburg Rd, Dayton
Obviously supporting local youth athletics is important. This will be another fry held in the Huber Heights Athletics Center. We will try and attend this one to get more information for next years preview.

FRIDAY MAR 8th 6pm – 11pm
—INCARNATION PARISH FISH FRY:
55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville
Known simply as “The Fry,” This event has tents, and it has the biggest craft beer selection of all the fish frys. Also a BIG casino after party, with lots of folks. Big Ragu deals blackjack here from time to time, so please come, eat, drink and be merry. This event gets extra points for decor and silent auction. Typically the cost is about $18 and includes all you can eat fish, sides and soda pop. Craft beer for sale too, the biggest selection of the fish frys.

FRIDAY MAR 8th 6pm – 11pm

Carroll HS typically has baked options

—CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL’S ST PAT’S FEST FISH FRY:
4524 Linden Ave. Dayton
Everyone is Irish for this fish fry celebration. $18 is admission gets you fish, sides and some draft beers. Held in the cafeteria and gymnasium, they have a baked fish option and lots of desserts. A friendly staff, with tons of silent auction items, raffle prizes and of course some games of chance. Will you hit the luck of the Irish at this party?(March 11th is a free family event).

SATURDAY MAR 9th 6pm -11pm
—HOLY TRINITY FISH FRY:
272 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Points for the friendliest staff of volunteers and parishioners. They treat you like family. At a cost of about $15 you get 3 beer tickets and food. The lines are not long, and the casino games in the adjacent room are a blast. This is a real fun event that captures the essence of a fish fry.

Monte Carlo Games at Holy Trinity

SATURDAY MAR 9th – 6pm – 11pm
—ST PETER’S FISH FRY:
6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
Since it is on a Saturday, they offer fish, sausages, wings and much more. There is enough food to line the length of a basketball court. The entire gym is decked out from horse races to blackjack. The price is about $15 and includes a couple of drink tickets. The line is a big one so get there EARLY. They usually surprise with one craft beer at the coolers. Big crowd, good times.

FRIDAY MAR 15th 430pm -11pm
—ST CHARLES FISH FRY:
4500 Ackerman Blvd. Kettering
Kid friendly until 6pm. This fish fry gives you a chance to bring the whole family from 4:30pm -6pm. After that it goes to over 21. Great fish, short lines and a lot of fun. We suggest getting there about 5-530pm to get a good seat. Tickets are about $16 and include a couple of beer tickets, as well as fish, slaw and fries.

The Crowd at St Peters

FRIDAY MAR 22nd 6pm
—.ST. BRIDGID FISH FRY:
312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Sounds like besides a great fish fry, they will have lots of casino games like Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Horse Races, Beat the Dealer, Instant Bingo. Tickets are $15 for this one.

SATURDAY MAR 23rd 6pm
CHAMINADE JULIENNE’S FISH FRY:
505 South Ludlow Street, Dayton
Cost is $20 at the door includes all the beer and food you want. We love this all-inclusive approach and the fish is good so this one is the best up and coming fish fry. Held in the school they get a great crowd, get there early as lines are a tradition! We can’t think of a better way to help this Dayton iconic school than a fun fish fry on the school grounds. They have amazing desserts on display here. Some of the best desserts in all the fish frys.

Fresh Fries at St Charles !

FRIDAY MAR 29th 6pm
—ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI‘s FISH FRY:
6245 Wilmington Pike, Bellbrook
If you get there early, you will be having round 2 of food before most people have even gotten into line. This is a big fish fry held in the cafeteria and the seating gets full. The fish is filling and they offer some other sides besides just slaw and fries.

APRIL 2019

FRIDAY APR 5th
—PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING FISH and CHIP FRY:
5367 Fishburg Rd, Huber Heights
Highly acclaimed fish fry. Tickets are $20 at the door, and the buzz is nothing but good about this event. We can’t wait to sink our teeth into their fish!

FRIDAY April 5th 5pm – 11pm

Dayton Rugby Fish Fry features the only Panko Bread Crumbs

—DAYTON RUGBY CLUB FISH FRY:
Advanced Business Properties Hall @ 1675 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45432
This ranking is because the fish is so good. Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers. Big lines, but the fish is worth it. It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish crumbs for breading. Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do. A fun boisterous crowd. Lots of food, laughs and fun. They will be serving Warped Wing beer exclusively on tap.

Oh those desserts at Chaminade Juliennes fish fry!

DATE TO BE DETERMINED
—ST LUKES FISH FRY:
1440 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
This one is run by the school and is a delicious dinner, not all you can eat. You are offered baked and fried fish, slaw and fries. They have one of the biggest dessert selections we had run into. Plenty of soda available. This is a FAMILY fish fry, so no beer or alcohol is served. Cost is about $10 for adults, $5 children 4-12, 3 and under free.

What about …

* RESTAURANT FISH FRYS *

HERE ARE THE BEST 8 FISH FRYS at DAYTON AREA RESTAURANTS EVERY FRIDAY – some Lent only

Georges Pollack all you can eat $9.99

1) GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.00 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays all day. A great deal! The fish is amazing and the servers are very attentive on refills. Diner atmosphere with oldies music.

2) HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$9.00 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal! The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch. Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.

3) YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:

Hsty Tasy’s Fish is 9 bucks all you can eat on Fridays year round

10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Endless fish, cole slaw and fries for $15 per person. This goes every Friday through April 14th. Delicious, filling, and ooohh is that fish good and crunchy!

4) K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised ocean catfish, swai, 2 sides, for $9.99. What a price! The catfish is rumored to be nice and flaky and not “fishy.” We can’t wait to check this one out !

5) GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville. Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). It is not all you can eat. The price is $12.95 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each. These guys know how to cook good food. Try it for some of the best around.

Yankee Trace Fish Fry $15 all you can eat

6) SLYDER’S FISH FRY:
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw. This is the only time you will not get a burger here.

7) CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99. Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger. They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish. We’re HOOKED ~

8) WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
1050 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville
Fish dinner by the pound.Beer Battered Cod, every Friday in the hot plate area sold with french fries at $8.99 a pound.

Freshest fish in town- Foremost Seafoods outlet store

DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY AT HOME

One last thing to consider….an option of having your very own fish fry….

— FOREMOST SEAFOOD‘S “DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY AT HOME”: Here is an option you wont see anywhere else. How about hosting your own fish fry party? Foremost Seafood, off of Woodman Drive, sells everything you need to make sure you have the perfect party. And you can pick which type of fish you want. From Catfish, Walleye, Haddock, Perch, Pollack, to Tilapia and much more. Call (937) 298-1986, ask for Tom to talk about your fish fry. It will be the freshest fish fry you will ever taste, with the fish usually being about 3 days out of the water !

WHEWWWWWW ! That’s it ! Hook, line and sinker….

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Chaminade

Knights of Columbus offered baked fish

Foremost

GAMEDAY GRILLE !

Hasty Tasty with Big Ragu

Holy Trinity

Our Lady of Rosary

Dayton Rugby Club

SLYDERS !

St Francis Fish Fry

St Helens Fish Fry had chicken !

St Anthonys Fish Plate

St Charles Fish Fry

St Helens Pouring gold

St Henrys about to open

Date to be determined

One of the best fish frys ever

St Pauls Plate

St Peter Fish Fry plate

Yankee Trace

Alter

Carroll

Cracker Barrell

Holy Trinity Plate

St Albert- made a fish sandwich

St Christophers is one of the best around

St Francis had baked fish too !

Iconic Dayton Bartender to Retire after 50+ years

February 6, 2017 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Rick Busch, legendary Dayton Bartender at Franco’s

Some Daytonians are unforgettable characters. Such is the case with lifelong barkeep, Rick Busch. He is set to retire from Franco’s Ristorante Italiano on Tuesday February 7th, after over 50 years in the business, the last 15 years at Franco’s.

If you have seen or met Rick, you would never forget him. He has a quick wit, and is well known for his sarcastic jokes. His trademark mustache and beard are throwback style. His deep, rich voice and laugh are unmistakable. Rick is sharp, and is a treasure trove of information about the Miami Valley restaurant scene. He is a lifelong Dayton foodie, and always up for a Food Adventure.

Rick says “Franco’s World Famous spaghetti” is a Must Eat !

Whether talking about a past or present local eatery, he usually has a great story or insight on the place. We chatted with Rick about old restaurants like the “Cork n Cleaver” and shared recent memories from this past year’s Italian Festival. His infectious smile is a testament to his craft as a bartender. He is knowledgeable, and makes you feel at home. No wonder he has had a successful career spanning five decades.

Moretti Beer at the bar served by Rick

The long days of standing on your feet for several hours in a row, and the toll it takes, caused Rick to decide it was time to retire at this point in his life. He also works for clients through a Dayton senior service care company. We assume he may continue that part time.

So how did he become this legendary bartender?? Let’s find out!

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ICONIC DAYTON BARTENDER, RICK BUSCH:

—He grew up in West Carrollton and regularly meets with a group of classmates from his high

Tuesday Feb 7th, 2007 ends 50 years of bartending

school class of ’64. With his wisdom, he explains the importance of time with good friends, because life is way too short.

—Rick started bar tending at the 400 Club in the mid 1960’s, which was Dayton’s first gay bar on 400 Warren St. He said “if people knew some of the stories that went on in that place, oh boy…”

—He also worked bar at the legendary Stockyards Inn on Springfield Street in Dayton and a stint at Frigidaire in 1976.

Steve and Rick at Dayton’s Italian Fall Festa

—His next move was the Bar Manager at the Daytonian Hotel at Third and Ludlow Streets from 1980-1984. During that time, first lady Nancy Reagan paid a visit and dined.

—Over the next 17 years, Rick would work at the TWA Ambassadors club at the Dayton Airport, tending bar. Oh, the stories he must have heard and shared over the years.

—In 2001, he started working at Franco’s Italian restaurant, on Fifth Street, where he was an immediate fixture. This is where the Food Adventure Crew first met him. The food and drink are always good, but Rick puts his special touch on service that you can’t describe. You

Rick running the Cash Register at Franco’s on Fifth Street

have to experience it yourself. An era is truly coming to an end (insert one of Rick’s jokes here).
We decided to put some stats together based on averages, to estimate of the number of people Rick has served over the last 50 years. We figured out that Rick has served approximately 780,000 customers. We figured 234,000 which would have been served at Franco’s alone. That is an amazing feat.

We estimate Rick has served 234,000 people in his 15 years at Franco’s

—On a personal level Rick loves good food & wine. He loves to explore local eateries, & loves to travel. He loves to dine in locally owned & operated, small town restaurants. He is also known for hosting some epic parties at his Beavercreek home.

Food Adventures has our favorite “Must Eats” at Franco’s, but today, we thought, “who better to seek that expertise from, than Rick Busch?” He has 2 favorites from his 15 years working with the menu.

Rick serving up calamari and garlic bread

RICK BUSCH’S “MUST EATS” at FRANCO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO:

—FETAGO di MANZO (CALVES LIVER AND ONIONS):
Liver sliced and sautéed to perfection in Franco’s kitchen. Served either Italian-style with sauce or American-style with onions. Rick says this dish is fantastic.

—FRANCO’S WORLD FAMOUS SPAGHETTI:
Spaghetti noodles tossed is a combination of Romano cheese, fresh roasted garlic and olive oil.

Peroni Italian Beer

We love to add mushrooms, but Rick says, instead, add Franco’s homemade, special Italian sausage (insert one of Rick’s joke here).

Are you hungry? Want to try some of these dishes yourself? Well, come out to Franco’s Ristorante Italiano at 5pm this Tuesday, Feb 7th for Rick’s retirement party. Whether you knew him or not, it is a perfect chance to try some authentic Italian recipes and visit with Rick at Franco’s one last time.

Last time we dined at the bar, Big Ragu got a Moretti Italian Beer with his appetizer, which is his tradition. When he told Rick he was ordering Lambrusco with his meal, Rick said he

Lasagna at Franco’s

would have to get rubber gloves out to protect himself from serving that crap. Ragu ordered another Moretti Beer instead. This Tuesday, Big Ragu promises to toast him with a glass of Lambrusco.

Congratulations on your your retirement, Rick! It is well deserved. Thank you for all of your hard work and service over the years. The ole’ Italian place won’t be the same without you.

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Feel free to browse the photos below from our visits to Franco’s Restaurant.

A view from a beer

Lasagna

Bar Seating

Hand breaded mozzarella cheese balls from Franco’s

Chocolate Cake at Franco’s

Manicotti

Ravioli with Marinara

Entrance to Franco’s

Congratulations on your retirement, Rick Busch !

Full Scoop on the 2017 Dayton Area Fish Frys

January 14, 2017 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Alter HS Fish Fry is a huge event

Dayton Most Metro has the full list of the areas fish fry’s for 2017 listed RIGHT HERE. Food Adventures has been visiting all of these fish frys each year, for years and we have the scoop on each one.

How do we know? Because we actually go to each one and support the causes! Most fish frys serve Alaskan Pollok or Cod. A couple serve Haddock, and catfish !

NO ONE else breaks down 35 Dayton area fish frys like The Food Adventures Crew … join us…

So, cast your nets, throw your bait i, n the water and see what you can catch this fish fry season !!

We knock .em down below and list them from the MOST EXTRAVAGANT ones, to the TOP FISH FRYS, and BEST RESTAURANT FISH FRYS. We will list

A serving from Incarnation’s Fish Fry

some fish frys we are putting on our hit list to visit for the first time this year. Also we have scoop on a “Do it yourself Fish Fry” at home ! Start reading and be the smartest fish in your school.

First, Food Adventures starts with the big shows, the huge events, the largest production and biggest number of activities and selections.

Here’s the list of the MOST EXTRAVAGANT fish frys .. in order

St Peter’s in Huber Heights – huge selection of food & casino games

THE 4 MOST EXTRAVAGANT FISH FRYS:

—1. ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 24 at 7pm
940 E David Rd, Kettering
The Dayton area’s largest fish fry, it is a sight to behold. Located at Alter High School gym and cafeteria, it is a huge display of casino games and a gigantic amount of silent auction prizes. $15 gets you all you want fish, sides and pop. Beer and wine, is extra. Promises to draw a big crowd. If you want the big, Grandaddy of them all event .. this is it … Say hi to the Big Ragu who will be dealing blackjack.

—2. ST PETER’S FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 25 at 5:30pm

Carroll HS like most fish fry’s serve draft beer

6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
Since it is on a Saturday, they offer fish, sausages, wings and much more. There is enough food to line the length of a basketball court. The entire gym is decked out from horse races to blackjack. The price is about $15 and includes a couple drink tickets. The line is a big one so get there EARLY. They usually surprise with one craft beer at the coolers. Big crowd, good times.

—3. INCARNATION PARISH FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 7pm
55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville
Known simply as “The Fry,” This event has tents, and it has the biggest craft beer selection of all the fish frys. Also a BIG casino after party, with lots of folks.

Like St Mary’s some serve Sausages on Saturdays or Fridays before lent

Big Ragu deals blackjack here from time to time, so please come, eat, drink and be merry. This event gets extra points for decor and silent auction. Typically the cost is about $18 and includes all you can eat fish, sides and soda pop. Craft beer for sale too, the biggest selection of the fish frys.

—4. CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL’S ST PAT’S FEST FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 6pm
4524 Linden Ave. Dayton
Everyone is Irish for this fish fry celebration. $18 is admission gets you fish, sides and some draft beers. Held in the cafeteria and gymnasium, they have a baked fish option and lots of desserts. A friendly staff, with tons of silent auction items, raffle prizes and of course some games of chance. Will you hit the luck of the Irish at this party?(March 11th is a free family event).

Desserts are often a part of admission like this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake from Our Lady of the Rosary

Now Food Adventures turns to the best fish frys. The ones who give you best bang for your buck and maybe not the long lines of other fish frys. Must be 21 to attend, except for the fish frys that are family events.

THE BEST 15 CHARITY FISH FRYS:

—1. ST MARY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 6pm
310 Allen St, Dayton
All you can eat dinner in the basement of the church. There is a fun circus atmosphere for the raffle prizes and of course the casino games. This is one of the best bangs for your buck. The cost is $15 and you get fish dinner with all the trimmings. You can buy beers on draft for about 50 cents. And a dessert table for extra $1 per item will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off. Short lines, nice volunteers and a comfortable atmosphere.

Games of chance like this dice game at Holy Trinity are common

—2. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY: FRI. Feb 10 at 6pm
22 Notre Dame Ave. Dayton
This is our old #1 fish fry. It is still the best, but the secret is out and the lines are long. Take advantage of their multiple dates and get there early. $17 gets you endless food and beer, they don’t nickel and dime you here. This is a fun, laid back party. All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage (hot and regular), French fries, salad, cole slaw, cabbage and noodles, chocolate cake, apple crisp, popcorn, beer and soft drinks, and Chef Joseph, you get us with that peanut butter sheet cake every year. Talk about religious experience… but the cat is out of the bag on this secret, so get there early or the line will be around the cafeteria, but the fish here is different than any other.

Dayton Rugby Clubs fish fry is delicious – Chef David Glynn makes sure of it

—3. HOLY TRINITY FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6:30pm
272 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Points for the friendliest staff of volunteers and parishioners. They treat you like family. At a cost of about $15 you get 3 beer tickets and food. The lines are not long, and the casino games in the adjacent room are a blast. This is a real fun event that captures the essence of a fish fry.

—4. DAYTON RUGBY CLUB: FRI. MAR 31 at 7pm.
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
This ranking is because the fish is so good. Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers. Big lines, but the fish is worth it. It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish breading. Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do. A fun boisterous crowd. Lots of food, laughs and fun.

Lots of pop – like this table at Holy Angels Fish Fry

—5. HOLY ANGELS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 13 at6pm
1322 Brown Street, Dayton
Near the campus of U.D., this is one of the friendliest crews you can hang out with. A nice hot batch of fish hits the pan every few minutes. The line is not bad and the cafeteria area holds the eats and raffle prizes. Check out the goods and the beer is CHEAP. $15 bucks for a delicious fish fry cooked by the “Corpus Christi Fryers.”

—6. ST HELENS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28th at 6:30pm
605 Granville Pl, Dayton
Riverside’s best fish fry. $20 at the door includes pop, beer tickets and full fish dinner. They are also

St Helens and other fish frys are on Saturdays and offer chicken too

having sausages and chicken ! This is a comfortable crowd, not too busy, and not too empty. It is just right. Lots of chances for casino games as well.

—7. ST PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH FISH FRY: NOT UNTIL DEC. 2017
1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood
(They already held their fish fry in December, catch them later this year, it is worthwhile).

The Fish from St Paul’s fish fry in Englewood

—8. OUR LADY of GRACE/OUR LADY of MERCY/CORPUS CHRISTI FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6pm
249 Squirrel Rd, Dayton
Just $15 gets you into this fantastic party and fish fry. The lines are not long and the food is good. Fish Fries Sausage, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, and Beer included! The Corpus Christi Fryers will be serving up some lovin spoonfuls.

—9. ST ANTHONY’s FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 24 at 6pm
830 Bowen St., Dayton
Great atmosphere, great fish. Plenty of blackjack tables for afterwards fun. Cost is $15 and includes fish dinner, sides and a couple beer tickets. The lines can get long, so get there early for this one. Good Food, fun

The Corpus Christi Fryers are a great volunteer group

crowd, nice big pieces of Alaskan pollok.

—10. ST ALBERT THE GREAT FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20, 6pm
3033 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
$20 at the door gets you a full, endless fish dinner. In the past the Hecht family has run this fish fry. Nice, big pieces of fish, breaded and cooked perfectly. You should get a couple of beer tickets with admission as well. this fish fry also has

St Anthony Fish Fry Volunteers

a lot of raffle prizes to win.

—11. ST CHARLES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 17, 4:30pm
4500 Ackerman Blvd. Kettering
Kid friendly until 6pm. This fish fry gives you a chance to bring the whole family from 4:30pm -6pm. After that it goes to over 21. Great fish, short lines and a lot of fun. We suggest getting there about 5-530pm to get a good seat. Tickets are about $16 and include a couple of beer tickets, as well as fish, slaw and fries.

Lots of fish frys serve bread and tartar so you can make a sandwich – like this one from St Albert

—12. CHAMINADE JULIENNE’S FISH FRY: SAT. MAR. 18th at 6pm.
505 South Ludlow Street, Dayton
Cost is $20 at the door includes all the beer and food you want. We love this all inclusive approach and the fish is good so this one is the best up and coming fish fry. Held in the school they get a great crowd, get there early as lines form !

—13. ST LUKES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3rd and FRI. MAR 17th at 5:15-6:45pm
1440 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
This one is run by the school and is a delicious dinner, not all you can eat. You are offered baked and fried fish, slaw and fries. They have one of the biggest dessert selections we had run into. Plenty of soda available. This is a FAMILY fish fry, so no beer or alcohol is served. Cost is about $10 for adults, $5 children 4-12, 3 and under free.

Fish from St Charles Fish Fry

—14. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20th, 6pm
4293 Powell Road, Huber Heights
The menu includes beverages, both fried and baked fish, sausage, chicken nuggets, beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and all the fixings. The price is $14 for adults.

—15. ST. HENRY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 7pm
6696 Springboro Pike, Dayton
They have a live auction and Texas hold em too ! Price is about 16 bucks for the all you can eat typical fish dinner with fries and slaw. Have fun and gamble. The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial at this fun fish fry.

Desserts from Chaminade Fish Fry

—16. ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI‘s FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3, 6pm
6245 Wilmington Pike, Bellbrook
If you get there early, you will be having round 2 of food before most people have even gotten into line. This is a big fish fry held in the cafeteria and the seating gets full. The fish is filling and they offer some other sides besides just slaw and fries.

Many events have baked fish option like this one from St Luke’s Church

Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are all about the restaurant scene too. Take it from us, here are the fish frys you want to experience. Some are year round, some are limited times. All are worth it !

Here they are…

THE TOP 8 DAYTON AREA RESTAURANT FISH FRYS:

—1. HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$8.75 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal! The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect and crunch. Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.

St Henry’s Fish Fry

—2. YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:
10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Endless fish, cole slaw and fries for $15 per person. This goes every Friday through April 14th. Delicious, filling, and ooohh is that fish good and crunchy!

—3. TIPP O’ THE TOWN:
1150 W. Main St, Tipp City
All you can eat on Fridays and Wednesdays every week all year, all day long. For $9.79 it comes with fries and slaw. A great place, that gets overlooked up north.

St Francis fish fry in Bellbrook is a busy one

—4. K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised catfish, 2 sides, for $8.99. What a price! The catfish is nice and flaky and not “fishy.” We think you’re gonna enjoy this one!

—5. GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville. Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). It is not all you can eat. The price is $12.25 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each. These guys know how to cook good food. Try it for some of the best around.

Hasty Tasty Fish Fridays are year round and the best deal

—6. SLYDER’S FISH FRY:
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw. This is the only time you will not get a burger here.

—7. WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
1050 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville
Fish dinner by the pound. Beer Battered Cod, every Friday in the hot plate area sold with french fries at $8.99 a pound.

Yankee Trace has an excellent fish fry for $15

—8. CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99. Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger. They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish. We’re HOOKED ~

SIX FISH FRYS ON OUR HIT LIST IN 2017 (They should be on yours too !):

—1. BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL FISH FRY: SAT JAN 21, 6pm

Gameday Grill in Waynesville has a Fish dinner on Fridays

6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
$12 in advance gets you fried fish, Swedish Meatballs, Hot Dogs, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw and more!! Unlimited beverages (Beer, Pop and more) also included. Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more! Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

—2. EINTRACHT SINGING SOCIETY FISH FRY: APR 7 at 6pm and MAY 5 at 6pm
2707 Old Troy Pike, Dayton
Baked & Fried Cod, French Fries, Baked Beans, Sausage, Pasta Salad, and Cole Slaw. Soda & draft beer included in the price so, for $14 a person, it is all you can eat night !

Alter’s silent auction area

—3. HUBER HEIGHTS ROTARY FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 11 at 6pm
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
$15 tickets include food and drink. There will be raffles, door prizes, cards, instants and Monte Carlo games. All funds raised benefit “Needy Family Christmas Program.”

—4. PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING FISH and CHIP FRY: FRI. MAR 3 at 6pm
5367 Fishburg Rd, Huber Heights
Highly acclaimed fish fry. Tickets are $20 at the door, and the buzz is nothing but good about this event. We can’t wait to sink our teeth into their fish!

The dessert table at Carrolls Fish fry

—5. ST. BRIDGID FISH FRY:FRI. MAR 24 at 6pm
312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Sounds like besides a great fish fry, they will have lots of casino games like Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Horse Races, Beat the Dealer, Instant Bingo. Tickets are $15 for this one.

—6. ST CHRISTOPHERS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28 at 6pm
435 East National Road, Vandalia
$15 cost to enter and it is being run by the Corpus Christi Fryers, so you know it is gonna be great.

One last thing to consider….an option of having your very own fish fry….

Foremost Seafood can help you with your own fish fry (fresh tilapia here)

*** DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY OPTION ***:

— FOREMOST SEAFOOD‘S “DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY”: Here is an option you wont see anywhere else. How about hosting your own fish fry party? Foremost Seafood, off of Woodman Drive, sells everything you need to make sure you have the perfect party. And you can pick which type of fish you want. From Catfish, Walleye, Haddock, Perch, pollack, to tilapia and much more. Call (937) 298-1986, ask for Tom to talk about your fish fry.t’s it

WHEWWWWWW ! That’s it ! Hook, line and sinker….

Always the most thorough scoop on Dayton eats, Food Adventures can be found on Facebook by clicking HERE. Please “like” our page.

Carroll HS baked fish option

A pile of fish at Chaminade

Hasty Tasty Pancake House – a fish refill looks like this

Pull tabs at Our Lady of the Rosary Fish fry

Holy Angels Fish Fry

A Labatts in a Yeungling cup at Holy Angels Fish Fry

Holy Trinity – our first plate

Incarnation Fish fry casino area

Desserts at Our Lady of the Rosary in the kitchen

Dayton Rugby Club fish Fry crowd

Bread for St Alberta Fish fry

St Anthony has the typical condiments

St Charles Fish Fry

St Francis offers baked fish too

Hush puppies at St Helens

Pabst at St Helens

St Mary’s fish fry prep

St Marys desserts

St Paul’s dessert table

Wings, dogs, and more at St Peters

Yankee Trace Fish Fry

The New Archer’s Tavern in Kettering

May 3, 2016 By The Food Adventures Crew 1 Comment

Inside the cleared out dining room

EXCLUSIVE! Drywall is being demolished. New equipment is being installed. Things are just beginning to take shape at Archer’s Tavern’s second location, soon to be opened in Kettering. The new restaurant will be where the old Tumbleweed restaurant was located on Dorothy Lane. Food Adventures has the first peek inside the renovations, you won’t see anywhere else. And one thing is for sure… this restaurant is gonna be big, both in size and excitement.

The ownership team of Dan Apolito, Mike Fullenkamp and Scott Dorsten are bringing their winning formula across town, but for now, they have been putting some sweat equity into the project. Most of the work so far has been done in the kitchen area. Hammering and tossing of scrap material can be heard on any given day, and the owners aren’t shy on grabbing tools themselves, and diving in on the teardown.

It isn’t hard to imagine the new location being packed with new fans of their burgers, pizza, wings, beer selection and so much more. Being across from Delco Park, “Archers’s 2” is a perfect place for that “after softball game” dinner and drinks. Archer’s Tavern’s reputation is good food and reasonable prices, from their salads to their chili, the menu is delicious.

Want the scoop on the new location? ONLY FOOD ADVENTURES HAS THIS EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!

Dan Apolito & Mike Fullenkamp taking Archers to a new level

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— ARCHER’S KETTERING will be located at 2030 E Dorothy Lane

— The new location will bring that same signature menu that the crowds in Centerville have grown to love over the past 5 years.

— The restaurant will feature 24 draft beer taps, and an eclectic selection of local, familiar and rare beers.

— Archer’s will continue to feature Buckeye Vodka in many of its cocktails and special events.

— The seating area will be much larger than the Centerville restaurant

— The owners plan to open the eatery in July, given that the permits and construction finish on schedule.

MUST EATS:

—SWEET and SEXY WINGS: You wont hear about these on any other food site, because they aren’t on the menu… it is a special request. Sweet and Sexy Wings are wings with Dry Rub spice, drizzled with Spicy Garlic sauce, then tossed in Sweet BBQ sauce. The result is tangy and slightly hot taste of joy. Probably the best wing sauce we have ever tasted.

The assembled Sticky Burger

— THE STICKY BURGER: A burger with peanut butter on it? YES! The result is a unique taste, reminiscent of a Thai Peanut Sauce. This burger is the Big Ragu’s Favorite. It also comes with bacon and smoked pepper jack cheese. This is a curiously good burger that you won’t soon forget.

— THE CHILI – They have a chili cookoff each year, and the winner gets their chili on the menu. In other words, it is the best of the best. You gotta get a cup of this chili, great flavor and zing guaranteed !

— THE TACO PIZZA: Muey Bueno ...They use enchilada sauce for the pizza sauce. They add taco beef, cheddar and Monterey cheeses, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro. Hot, spicy and ooh so nicey!

— THE MARGHERITA PIZZA: Fresh Mozzarella and a smooth tomato sauce is the key to this pizza. Fresh basil leaves and Roma tomatoes top off this vegetarian pie nicely. We cant believe we ate the whole thing!

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A massive, heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese. You can also request cheese whiz on this monster. We say, go for it. This is how they do it in Philadelphia. Your choice of shaved ribeye steak or sliced chicken breast for the meat.

— ARCHER’S BREAD PUDDING: Made with Bill’s Donuts… need we say more?

Honorable Mention: The Gourmet Grilled Cheese – omg… the dijon mustard is brilliant and makes the sandwich, as does the buttery bread and chewy cheese combo.

Food Adventures is excited for this next chapter in the lives of Archer’s ownership. They give a lot back to the community, and we wish them continued success.

SPEAKING OF HELPING THE COMMUNITY, TOMORROW WE FOLLOW UP THIS STORY WITH A CHARITY EVENT THAT ARCHER’S HAS HELPED ORGANIZE THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP !!

Do you know the Food Adventures Crew? The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax would like to take a minute and invite you to “like” them on Facebook by clicking HERE. From food photos, to restaurant events around Dayton, our blog is a foodie’s paradise.

Sweet & Sexy Wings – special order them – they arent on the menu

Opening in July 2016, Archer’s Kettering !

Clearing out the old Tumbleweed decor

Kitchen prep/ Office area

Transformation

Taco Pizza , Senorita !

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Redecorating

“Sexy Wings” – Dry rub with Spicy Garlic Sauce !

Chili – always a winner here

Sticky Burger – see the peanut butter ??

Boarding up the kitchen areas

Big Ragu and a Sticky burger

A Philly done right !!!

The Margherita Pizza

Taco Pizza – Archers does it hot and good

More Cheesey than a Soap Opera !

Dayton Food Trivia, Rumors & Secrets You Don’t Know

October 2, 2014 By The Food Adventures Crew 1 Comment

“Read my lips, I want a damn steak from the Pine Club !”

Today we release some secrets, and Dayton Dining will never be the same again. Call it “Dayton Babylon: Little known trivia relating to Dayton Food and Restaurants.”

Sit back and enjoy, as Food Adventures gives you our favorite foodie trivia of the Miami Valley:

1) THE INVENTOR OF MARION’S PIZZA USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OF CASSANO’S:
Yes it is true. Marion Glass was once an employee of Cassanos. After leaving, he opened up a sandwich shop, then later his own pizza place.

2) IN 1988, THE PINE CLUB MADE VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR. WAIT 45 MINUTES FOR A TABLE:
Oh, this happened alright. As the story goes, the Vice Prez was forced to wait in his limo until the table was ready. That’s one popular steakhouse !

3) HOUDINI ESCAPES FROM A BARREL OF DAYTON BEER:
The date was December 11th, 1916. The place was at Keith’s Theater downtown, near E. Ludlow Street. Harry Houdini performed the Chinese Water Torture trick with a Dayton twist. He escaped from a 60 gallon barrel filled with Olt’s Beer, a Dayton brewed lager. Maybe Dayton Most Metro can do something similar with Big Ragu on their Brew Tours

Houdini Escaped From Inside a Barrel of Dayton Brewed Beer in 3 minutes

4) TOTENKO SERVES ROACHES TO FOOD CRITIC:
In the late 1970’s, Dayton Daily News Food Critic Ann Heller was writing one of her first articles on the Asian restaurant near the Dayton Mall called “Totenko.” When they served her meal, she noticed there were dead roaches in the food on her plate. The restaurant closed for a few days with the intent to re-open, but it never did. The business would later become Chi Chi’s on State Route 725.

5) THE WRIGHT BROTHERS WERE FOODIES WHO HOSTED HOLIDAY DINNER PARTIES:
The Wright Brothers were known for hosting extravagant dinners at their homes each holiday. They would invite friends and family for these tremendous feasts. Nothing like the food served by today’s airlines…

6) IN 1842, FAMOUS ENGLISH AUTHOR, CHARLES DICKENS, VISITED THE GOLDEN LAMB WEARING A BEAVER HAT AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE THE HOTEL DID NOT SERVE ALCOHOL.
Evidently, he asked for some brandy and was refused due to it being a “temperance hotel” (no alcohol). He even wrote a pissed off passage in his American memoirs about the experience. Sorry Charlie …

7) MIKESELLS IS THE OLDEST POTATO CHIP FACTORY IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE WRIGHT BROTHERS HELPED:
Dayton is home to the oldest potato chip company in the USA, 104 years old and still counting! The kettle cooked Mikesells are pretty much the same chips DW Mikesell peddled in 1910. Speaking of which, when he first starting delivering chips by bicycle, his bike needed repair. The Wright Brother’s bicycle company came to the rescue and DW Mikesell was back delivering chips in no time !

8) THAI 9 USED TO BE A PEANUT FACTORY:
Love the spacious dining room with the wooden floors and upstairs area? That’s because the place used to be a peanut factory. That’s what we were told by management when the restaurant first opened.

Charles Dickens Normally Doesnt ask to Drink Brandy in a Beaver Hat, But When He Does, it is at The Golden Lamb

9) ESTHER PRICE CANDIES USES LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK AND BUTTER IN ALL OF THEIR CANDIES:
How about that, Esther Price was being organic and eating local, before it was cool. You go girl. No wonder we love these chocolates so much! Get on with your bad, creamy self.

10) THE BAR AT JAY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE WAS MADE IN 1882 for JAMES RITTY’S PONY EXPRESS RESTAURANT IN DAYTON:
If you have had a beer or cocktail at the Jay’s Seafood bar, then you have experienced a piece of Dayton history. This huge mahogany bar was made from 5400 pounds of wood. That makes it the coolest bar in town … bar none.

11) IN 1970, PONDEROSA APPOINTED DAYTONIAN JERRY OFFICE to CEO. HE GREW COMPANY REVENUE FROM $42 MILLION to $490 MILLION in the 1980’s:
Oh yes, wide ties, and aerobics with leg warmers couldn’t stop Jerry from bringing the supreme salad buffet to America! Check him out in this 1984 Ponderosa Commerical.

El Meson used to be Pizza Queen International. Click to Enlarge.

12) THE BAR AT SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE IS THE OLD BAR FROM TEQUILA WILLIES BY THE DAYTON MALL:
A little known fact is that this decorative bar, now at Sweeney’s, was the bar at the Tequila Willies Restaurant near the Dayton Mall. The story goes, the previous tenant at Sweeney’s got it at auction and had it installed.

13) THE OWNERS OF PIZZA QUEEN CLOSED THEIR STORE TO OPEN THEIR DREAM RESTAURANT, EL MESON:
Yes, The Castro family decided to dump pizza toppings for tapas. Some Daytonians might have been disappointed at first, but now El Meson is a staple for bringing exotic South American eats to the Miami Valley.

14) THE HOT HEAD BURRITO FRANCHISES STARTED IN DAYTON:
Cynthia Wiley and Raymond Wiley from Kettering came up with the concept, and opened their first store in 2007. It has been a hot commodity since, and they haven’t let it go to their “heads.”

15) THE OLDEST ACTIVE CHINESE RESTAURANT IN DAYTON is CHOP SUEY CARRYOUT:
Since 1973, this oldest active Chinese Restaurant in the Dayton area has been slinging New York style stir fry and Cantonese cuisine. Try the Chop Suey, it will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off.

16) THE PULL TAB CAN and POP TOP CAN WERE INVENTED BY DAYTON INVENTOR, ERMAL FRAZE:
Ermal’s company, Dayton Reliable Tool Company started making his invention in 1959. When people worried about the sharp edges of the pull tab, he then invented the pop top on today’s cans in 1977. Think of all the beer buzzes and caffeine fixes he made possible. He is obviously the namesake for Fraze Pavillion and the tribute in Warped Wing’s Ermal Beer.

The pull tab was invented by Ermal Fraze of Dayton

17) DAYTON WAS THE 2nd U.S. CITY TO IMPLEMENT THE FOOD STAMPS PROGRAM:
Dayton takes care of it’s impoverished residents.

18) INVENTOR OF THE ICE CREAM SCOOP WITH ANTIFREEZE INSIDE WAS THE OWNER OF THE RED WING ICE CREAM COMPANY IN DAYTON:
Ever use one of those ice cream scoops with antifreeze in it, so the hard ice cream is easy to scoop? According to the owner’s daughter, that scoop was invented in Dayton. Red Wing Ice Cream used to be located near the arcade. Now you know the “scoop.”

19) FOOD NETWORK CHEF MING TSAI’S FAMILY USED TO RUN A RESTAURANT IN THE 1970’s CALLED “THE MANDARIN KITCHEN”:
This restaurant was a pioneer in bringing gourmet Asian Food to Dayton. The Mandarin Kitchen had a cult following. Our memories include the restaurant having this amazing aroma throughout the dining room.

20) THE HAMBURGER WAGON IN MIAMISBURG STARTED BECAUSE OF THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913:
Sherman “Cocky” Porter served his own recipe of hamburgers to the victims of the flood out of a wagon. They were served with no condiments, just pickle, onion, salt and pepper. 101 years later, the wagon is still a Miamisburg and Dayton icon, and the recipe is still the same.

“Ain’t No Party Like a Wright Brothers Party, cuz a Wright Brother’s Party Don’t Stop “

21) CULP’S CAFE IN THE ARCADE WAS THE FIRST DAYTON RESTAURANT TO HAVE AIR CONDITIONING:
People like the sweaty Big Ragu appreciated this. The restaurants hayday was in the 1940’s when they served 5,000 customers a day. Yes, we said each day. The “new” Culp’s Cafe is in Historic Carrillon Park. It is also a ‘cool’ place to hang out ..

22) ORVILLE WRIGHT USED TO TEACH HIS NIECES AND NEPHEWS HOW TO MAKE FUDGE AND HARD CANDY:
Nothing like keeping the kids occupied with a little foodie fun. If things had went differently, he could have been Dayton’s version of Willy Wonka !

23) BRIXX ICE COMPANY IS NAMED BECAUSE THE BUILDING WAS ACTUALLY AN ICE COMPANY THAT SUPPLIED DAYTON IN THE LATE 1800’s:
The restaurant across from the Dayton Dragon’s stadium, used to be an ice company that supplied most of Dayton with ice. They were singing “Ice, Ice, Baby” back in the day!

24) ICE CUBE TRAYS AND FREON REFRIGERANT WERE BOTH DAYTON INVENTIONS.
Ice cube trays were invented in 1959 by Arthur Frei, while Freon Refrigerant was invented by Thomas Midgley Jr. in 1928.

Bet Ya Didnt Know That the Ice Cube Tray Was Invented in Dayton…

25) THE TROPICS, AN ICONIC RESTAURANT ON NORTH MAIN STREET, BROUGHT IN CHEFS FROM CHICAGO.
Now we know how they made their one of a kind cuisine. Luring “windy city chefs” in with lucrative deals. This restaurant seated 700 people at it’s peak during the 60’s and 70’s. At that time it was one of America’s top rated restaurants.

That’s it, thats the list .. hope you found some fun facts ,a and interesting conversation pieces you may not have known. Dayton has a great history of food, and now you know a little more about it!

Did you like our story on Dayton Food Trivia? Then make sure you “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !!

Check out the gallery below of funny photos relating to Dayton food trivia !

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Who’d You Rather: EL TORO or El RANCHO GRANDE ? +Win Free Dinner

June 29, 2014 By The Food Adventures Crew 26 Comments

Chicken Fajitas from El Toro

Again, Food Adventures asks who’d you rather get it on with. This time a plate from El Toro or a plate from El Rancho Grande?

In this battle for the border, we know Daytonians are picking sides and drawing their line in the margarita salt. Comment below on which of these two Mexican Restaurants you like better and why ! One winner will be chosen at random and will win dinner with The Food Adventures Crew at their favorite, either El Toro or El Rancho. You will act as a referee for us as we also invite our biggest critic, the witty Michael R Hawk ! Let the insults fly !

Now, before you Dayton foodie purists jump all over our white cheese sauce… We love Mexican Restaurants Taqueria Mixteca (feature article) and Taco Loco (feature article) as our personal faves. Since we have featured those more obscure restaurants that most people have not been to, we decided for a more familiar fight…

Sound the bell, it’s time to rock the pinata !

First off, margaritas are chick drinks, so we will let the girls sound off and fight it out over who has the best margaritas of the two places.

Both places have fantastic service and tie in that category. The tacos, and chimichangas are impossible to tell apart. Also, the desserts like flan and fried ice cream are pretty much the same at both locations.

Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande features Lobster, Shrimp and Fish

As for everything else.. Here is how the Food Adventures judges saw it.

JAX’S VOTE: EL TORO

— Jax says “The Salsa at El Toro is Better.” The taste and chunkiness is second to none. This gives El Toro an early knockout in my book.

— Hungry Jax says “El Toro’s Fajitas Reign Supreme.” The fajitas at El Toro are the best. I love fajitas. Whether you get, steak, chicken or pollo (fish) fajitas, they are very filling and huge portions.

— Jax says “El Toro Gets the Slight Edge in Carnitas Tacos and Enchiladas. To put it bluntly, these two restaurants have a bunch of dishes, that under the cheese sauce, none of us can tell apart from each other. I like pork tacos and enchiladas, and El Toro is better by the slightest of margins, and the consistency is good across the 9 locations. So, El Toro gets my vote by low blow.”

THE BIG RAGU’S VOTE: EL RANCHO GRANDE

Beef Tacos from El Toro (we added their terrific salsa)

—The Big Ragu says, “The Del Mar Trio dish at El Rancho Grande is the champ of both menus. A must eat! Grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp served on a fajita plate? FIGHT OVER !

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho has Pacifico beer on tap. I have never seen that beer anywhere in my life, other than in bottles. Also, they feature Negra Modelo on tap. The other place is too punch drunk to beat that!” El Rancho Grande has similar draft beer choices at the 8 locations from North Dayton to Middletown.

— The Big Ragu says “El Rancho’s Chilles Rellenos are a deal maker.” Stuffed with cheese, these huge poblano peppers are melt in your mouth delicious. Stick a fork in them, they’re done!

Sound off and tell us which one you like, here is your chance for a free Food Adventure !

***** FREE DINNER WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW *****

LET’S HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE ! It is now your turn to comment on “Who’d you Rather : El Toro or El Rancho Grande?”

Pacifico Clara on Draft at El Rancho Grande? YES! YES! YES!

Hold onto your sombrero, muchacho! One person who comments on the story below will win dinner at their favorite, either El Rancho Grande or El Toro with Food Advntures! They will be joined by Food Adventure’s biggest critic, Michael R. Hawk, for an interesting evening of fun and food.

Want to see our WHO’D YOU RATHER stories over the past 3 years? Click on the individual links below !
Who’d You Rather? FRICKERS or ROOSTERS?

Who’d You Rather? CHIPOTLE or QDOBA?

Who’d You Rather? FIVE GUYS or SMASHBURGER?

Check out our photo gallery below for some great photos of El Toro and El Rancho Grande offerings. Dont’ forget to join the thousands on Facebook who “like” Food Adventures by clicking HERE !

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Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

September 13, 2013 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

Some say the food at Christopher’s Restaurant is like a religious experience. That would make sense because the eatery is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel. Owner/Chef Chip Pritchard and his staff have developed a cult following with the locals, and a favorite stop of foodies who are passing through town. Why? Because it is comfort food. It is not pretentious, just good solid food. We met the owners at a farmer’s market and it has been a favorite Food Adventure stop ever since.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Known for their extensive, fresh menu it is a salad, soup and sandwich lovers paradise.

— Vegetarian and Vegan friendly choices make it a favorite healthy dining spot. Many gluten free menu items to choose from as well.

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

— Breakfast menu that rivals anyplace in Dayton. Most overheard quote at Christopher’s “you gotta come back for breakfast.” Tasty indeed.

— Christopher’s employs two bakers who make the desserts from scratch twice a week. Check the revolving choices and make sure you don’t miss out on these sinful offerings.

— Thursday nights are “theme nights.” Probably our favorite time to visit Christopher’s. Guaranteed great foodstuffs in a fun, inviting atmosphere. Most recently, we went to Caribbean Theme Night on September 12th.

— Christopher’s uses local farms, local produce, naturally raised beef, organic salmon (from Foremost Seafood), local free range eggs, and organic coffee and teas.

Speaking of which, The Big Ragu and crew have to tell you about …. the MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS

Many organic items like Ice Teas served with fresh, local mint sprigs

— THE CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL: A bacon sandwich with avocado, tomato, Neufantel cream cheese and bean sprouts. We crave this and get nights sweats thinking about this specialty sandwich.

— THE MEZZA PLATE: House Hummus, falafel, feta cheese chunks, kalamata olives, tomato slices, cucumbers and carrots surrounded by pita chips. This ain’t your grandparents vegetarian menu…

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP: Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé. Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— THE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Even if you are not a vegetarian, you gotta try this delicious and filling burger.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE: One of our all time fave soups is simply divine. Creamy goodness in every spoonful.

— CARROT CAKE: The homemade icing will have you saying “dude, seriously?” Try it, your tummy will thank us.

— BUMBLEBERRY PIE: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Yes, 3 berries, one pie. Served cold or hot, you can’t lose with this fresh, local creation. Big Ragu approved !

— TWO GOOD BREAKFAST: Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage and two pancakes or French toast.

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

Honorable Mention: Bacon & Tomato Omelette, Honey BBQ Chicken and The “Decent Breakfast” which features choices of fruit or home fries, choice of meat, 2 eggs and a biscuit, toast or English muffin.

This quaint dining establishment is a great place for a date, or a visit with your grandmother. Expect great service, as the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. The eclectic menu at Christopher’s Restaurant is a great place for a serious eater. From healthy, to vegan, from ethnic to good old fashioned American comfort food, they have it all. It fits the bill for practically any occasion. Best of all, many ingredients are fresh and local. Give it a try next time you are near the corner of Woodman Dr and Dorothy Lane. They are open Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm. They use organic to make meals that are fantastic.

Browse the many dishes in our photo album below from our many meals at Christopher’s.

Love Facebook? Want some more from your favorite “foodies in their forties?” Then check out Food Adventures on Facebook —> HERE

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Tank’s Bar & Grill: An Original Dayton Food Adventure

August 8, 2013 By The Food Adventures Crew 7 Comments

Wednesday’s Special: Roast Beef Hot Shot a “Must Eat”

Some things are just Dayton born and Dayton bred. Tanks Bar & Grill on 2033 Wayne Avenue is a Dayton icon, much like The Wright Brothers, U.D. Arena and Dr. Creep. Opened in 1987 by Dan “Tank” Tankersley, the restaurant has become legendary in a short time. Although named for the owner, Tank’s name fits well because they bring out the heavy artillery in their food offerings. With a kitchen that opens very early and closes very late everyday, this is our kind of place. A place for foodies, heck it is more than that, it is a place for serious eaters. Loyalists have given Tanks a cult following, yet many suburbanites are unfamiliar with the spot & want to know, “Why all the love?” The answer is big portions of tasty food in a no frills atmosphere. This is an not a wuss place, the old house has character and if these walls could talk, there would be some good stories. You gotta love a place with 2 menus at all times.

Get your eat on, you are in the right spot.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Open 7am – 2am everyday, plenty of time for a Food Adventure

— They serve breakfast all day. Brings a tear to our eye.

— Old School Joint where you wont leave hungry. The plates are big, but the prices are decent.

If you eat one thing at Tank’s, make it a Burger !

— The Beer Selection is immense. Lots of weird beers and unfamiliar bottle labels to experiment with and a few seasonal beers on tap too.

MUST EATS:

— TANK’S BURGERS: Are you kidding? If you go to Tank’s and eat one thing, make it a burger. People drive-in from all over the place for this stuff. This is one of the finest burgers in Dayton. You gotta’ try one.

— OMELET TANK’S WAY: This is a 10 egg omelet with over a dozen choices for ingredients. A massive, tasty creation with a cheap price. Chef House goes for the 6 egg omelet called the “girly.”

— ROAD KILL CHILI: As the menu says, this isn’t normal possum, it is the Oakwood kind. All kidding aside, this hearty chili is a warm splash of happiness. Doctor it up with some hot sauce and you have yourself one of the best chili’s in the area.

— HOMEMADE CHIP DIP: This isn’t store bought dip, it is made on site. When you are sluggin’ down a lot of beer, this creamy item is a pretty good accompaniment.

Order off the menu: Get a Turkey Reuben with Slaw instead of Kraut

— WEDNESDAY SPECIAL ROAST BEEF HOT SHOT: An open face sandwich with roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. Comfort food at it’s best. It is a big portion, and again the price is right. You might want to take a nap an hour after eating this beast.

— HUSHPUPPIES: These homemade balls of deep fried love are almost as big as baseballs. Throw a few down your gullet or at your friends. They have a savory flavor with an addicting taste of sweetness.

— REUBEN: An amazing Reuben sandwich. Great bread, makes this sandwich in our humble opinion. No explanation or elegant description needed. Just eat it.

Breakfast All Day, Everyday

Here is a Food Adventure exclusive **SECRET**: This is NOT on the menu so you will have to ask for it. Try the Turkey Reuben and ask them to put cole slaw on it instead of sauerkraut. It is an incredible sandwich that you have to request. After you are addicted, you can thank us later. We are serious eaters, we know this shizzle. We don’t read the menu to tell you about things. We actually eat the food, all of it! Ask Dayton Mayor Gary Letizell who joined us for one of our Tank’s trips with his assistant Shelly. They realized this was a Food Adventure almost immediately.

Honorable Mention menu items are the fluffy Waffles, Grilled Cheese Tank’s Way, and the specialty hash browns served in heaping mounds. And all you fellow foodies, make sure you get the fresh cut fries as a side instead of chips, or we will run you over in a Sherman tank.

Tank’s Bar & Grill has earned its stellar reputation. It’s not trendy, it isn’t the flavor of the month, nor is it a swanky place where the pretty people eat. What you see is what you get, and the patrons keep coming back. If you have not visited this place, make sure you put it on your Food Adventure Hit List. Daytonians love Tank’s, and so do your humble Food Adventurers.

Like Food Adventures on Facebook HERE ! We are not food critics, we are just two guys that love to eat.

Check out more than 40 food porn pictures of various Tank’s Bar & Grill favorites in our Food Adventures Photo Album, below.

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Taco Loco: The Best Tasting Cinco de Mayo You Will Ever Have

May 2, 2013 By The Food Adventures Crew 4 Comments

Beef Shoulder Taco, Squeeze that lime on it

Food Adventures Crew knows there are only a couple of truly authentic Mexican Restaurants in the Miami Valley, and we have found a favorite. It is a humble place called Taco Loco located at 5392 Burkhardt Road. It is clean, it is cheap, it is authentic. But most of all, it has some of the most delicious Mexican food we have ever eaten. We have some close friends from Mexico, and upon their recommendation we stopped in. The experts were right, every trip to Taco Loco is a new Food Adventure.

Why the name Taco Loco? The owners, a mom and pop duo from Mexico, had to renovate before they could open. They were fixing the old vacant building, putting in many hours painting, putting down flooring etc. The long days caused them to sometimes sleep in their van in the parking lot overnight, since they lived in Cincinnati. When a neighboring resident visited the construction she told the owners, “You are working too hard, and sleeping in your van, what are you CRAZY?” Since ‘Loco’ means crazy in Spanish, they decided the name fit.

Here’s the Skinny:
1) This place is very authentic, so don’t expect the typical queso sauces, cheese and tomatoes like you see on some Tex-Mex dishes at other Mexican restaurants.
2) The prices are low, so you can explore many types of food and have your own Food Adventure.
3) The staff is friendly, the place is a hole in the wall, the dining area is small, and the environment is clean.
4) You know the food is good, when most of the patrons in the dining area are people from Mexico.
5) Not only is the food delicious, but they have a variety of rare, non-alcoholic drinks made from scratch using fresh herbs and other ingredients.
6) Locally owned by Lola and her husband Octavio. It’s a true mom and pop establishment!

The Chicken Torta – Big and Delicious

Must Eats:

Horchata: Start off your meal with one of these milky beverage specialties. It literally tastes like rice pudding in a glass. We were blown away by the taste of this unique drink.

The Beef Shoulder Taco – Tasty meat on a corn tortilla. These are authentic style tacos, like they eat in Mexico City. We will tell you it is one on the best tacos on the planet. Ingredients are cilantro, onion and meat choice. No cheese, but you may order ‘Tacos Locos’ which means add tomatoes and sour cream.

The Chicken Torta – A sandwich that would give any sub shop a run for its money. Diced grilled chicken, and the perfect complimentary toppings on homemade telera (Mexican sandwich bread). An incredibly filling sandwich for $5 and one of The Big Ragu’s favorites.

Whole Fish – Do you want to kick it authentic old school? Then try this whole, fried tilapia on for size. You have to deal with a little bit of bones and the fish staring at you, but the taste is worth it. At the price of $7.50 this is a steal.

The Food Adventures Crew have eaten so many menu items in our trips to Taco Loco, that some deserve an honorable mention:

Whole Fish – Food Adventure on a Plate

The Large Quesadilla’s are fantastic. Filled with rice, beans, cheese and your choice of meat, this giant menu item will dwarf your plate.

Carne Asada, a skirt steak dish, is a specialty here. If authentic means anything, we noticed that besides us, a lot of Latinos were eating this dish too.
Have you eaten Sopes before? Sopes are made with a circular foundation fried masa dough (ground hominy) topped with refried beans, lettuce, and crumbled cheese. We think of it as an authentic taste version of a tostada. Ragu loves this unique menu item. Taco Loco serves similar menu items called Huaraches which are bigger, oval versions of Sopes. We love them as well, especially the thick base, which almost tastes like potato dough.

The Burritos are delicious. They come wrapped in foil and are so big, we can usually only eat half of them.

Want authentic fajitas? The steak ones here are fantastic, and the flavor of the grilled green peppers make the dish.

The Tamales were good too. Filled with shredded pork and topped with crumbled cheese, they are one of the few items covered with a queso sauce.

Enchiladas Verdes – Fresh Ingredients, Freshly made

A filling meal is the Enchiladas Verdes, stuffed with green chiles and your choice of meat, and covered in lettuce and avocado.

Besides our favorite Horchata, other specialty drinks include a “Tamarindo”, which is made with tamarind fruit. When Lola brought the fruit out to show us, we made a mustache with it. Yeah, that’s us. We take our own pictures, too.
We also drank a “Jamaica” drink (pronounced hamica). This beverage was a tea made with fresh hibiscus flowers, some of which Lola showed us as well. We told you this was a great place for a Food Adventure.

For dessert, we suggest the creamy, homemade Flan. For those of you not familiar with flan, think of an upside down, firmer version of creme brulee. Lola made us proud with this dessert!

Finally, we have to mention the complimentary table salsas. Served in two squirt bottles, one is a mild Verdes Salsa made with tomatillos. The other is a red chile salsa, made with chili peppers. Careful, the red one has a kick! Both of these salsas are made in house, and kick up any menu item. Experiment to your taste with a dash or a squirt on the free basket of extra thick corn tortilla chips.

With Cinco De Mayo coming up, it is good timing for you to try some really authentic Mexican fare at Taco Loco. Not many people know about this little secret, but now you know the scoop. Celebrate with good food and cheap prices. If you do not check out Taco Loco soon, then you my friend, are CRAZY !

Give us your take on TACO LOCO by commenting below. Make sure you browse through the photo album for some AMAZING food photos from this little known secret.

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