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By Ron Rollins
| Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 08:32 AM
Ahoy, Brother Ron here… Recently, I’ve had the chance to dip into a nice little pizzeria south of Dayton in West Chester Twp. that I really like — it’s called Raymond’s, and it’s quite good.
They offer a nice, tasty array of pasta (try the spaghetti with meat sauce for a good lunch), an excellently zingy Italian sub — and their pizza combines two things you don’t normally see around here: a thicker (not TOO thick) crust and square-cut pieces.
It works, all in all. The one I visited was in the shopping center at 129 and 75, at Yankee and Cin-Day roads, right next to the big Kroger there. Stop by if you’re on the way back from IKEA, which is just a couple of exits south.
Yummy stuff. Have you been to Raymond’s?
Munch munch munch…
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By Ron Rollins
| Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 04:31 PM
Hey! Here’s the Leadbelly holiday question of the week: What are your family’s holiday food traditions?
You know what I mean — holidays are all about food! So, what do you do foodwise to celebrate this special time?
Our family dines at Jay’s in Dayton’s Oregon District every Christmas Eve either before or after church (I prefer before, actually — let’s just say that church is more fun after a couple of glasses of wine, though you didn’t hear that from me). It’s a tradition that goes back about a dozen years or more for us, and the place rocks on Christmas Eve. One year, I forgot to make the reservation, and we nearly didn’t get in … I begged and we got a 4 pm table, as I recall… The wife and kids had my lump of coal at the ready.
So, on Christmas Day, it’s turkey! We cook shrimp on New Year’s Eve if we’re home, though I don’t know why…
And what about you?
Share, share, share — and happy holidays to you!
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By Ron Rollins
| Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 01:04 PM
So, a co-worker friend stopped by the other day and told the following story:
“I knew you would appreciate this: I was looking for a White Castle the other night and I set my GPS to find the one in Kettering on Wilmington Pike. Well, GPS is apparently behind on their updates, because when I got there….”
Yes, yes, yes, those of us who live in the south Dayton ‘burbs already know the sad, pathetic end to her tale: Namely, that the White Castle on Wilmington Pike in Kettering IS NO LONGER THERE.
It was demolished a few months back to make room for a Sonic.
Sob! Sniff…
Now, I like Sonic just fine — in fact, I recently had my first late-night Sonic experience about a month ago, and it was mouth-wateringly delicious, thankyouverymuch.
But I still miss my White Castle — yes, the one that was in my town, near my neighborhood, easily accessible from my house! I need it! I miss it! I deserve it! I want to find the faceless corporate lackey who removed it and make them eat a Big Mac!
Anyway, I can still drive to Warren County if I need to…
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By Ron Rollins
| Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 10:59 AM
I had a chance to stop by a favorite old haunt a few days ago, and was very pleased to see they’ve updated the decor at the place and brightened everything up!
Of course, I’m talking about the good ol’ Moraine Embassy on Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton. I don’t get there as much as I used to when our paper’s offices were right next door, but I do miss the place and happen back when I’m able… Till think their cheeseburger is one of the best in town, and the daily specials are always good. It’s a fun joint, and they’re always good to their customers and happy to see you.
The old decor has been replaced with a bright new paint scheme that really livens the place up, courtesy of new building ownership which is improving the entire tower in which the Embassy takes up the ground floor. There are photos on the walls of Greek islands and scenes, recalling the background of the restaurant’s owners, and the whole place looks swell.
I was glad I stopped back to see the old crew.
And for all you Starbucks junkies out there, I was reminded yet again by my visit that the best coffee you can buy comes served in a shallow white cup on an actual saucer, refilled as quickly as you put it down by a waitress that calls you “Hon.”
See ya downtown…
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By Ron Rollins
| Friday, December 4, 2009, 04:31 PM
Hey, kids, we’ve been away for a while but are back online. Sorry ‘bout that…
Now that we’re here, though, it seems as though the winter weather has blown its chilly way into our dining rooms, and it seems as though it’s time to warm up with some good soup.
Anyplace in town that serves up a bowl that you really like and want to tell us about?
Share! Share! (The advice, not the soup… we can get our own.)
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By Ron Rollins
| Monday, November 9, 2009, 08:26 AM
Wow, this is a great list… One of the food bloggers for the Times posted 100 things a good server should/should not do, and it’s a terrific look at the things good wait staff do for you, often without you realizing it.
It’s also a good reminder, for the diner, just how complicated and difficult these jobs are — and why you should show your appreciation, when they’re done well.
Be sure to follow the link back to the previous 50.
Got any thoughts on any of these? I’ll admit that the items near the bottom about music in the restaurant got my attention… I think most restaurants, fine or funky, usually blow it on the atmosphere by playing everyday pop hits that you can hear anywhere… Why not play Indian music in an Indian restaurant, or Asian in an Asian restaurant? I can hear Rihanna in my car…
Anyway, comments?
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By Ron Rollins
| Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:32 PM
You know, Leadbellies like a glass of wine now and then, provided it’s really cheap and has a kangaroo on the label, or something like that.
So, imagine our delight when we read the following piece from The Daily Beast! Pretty much, most wine is no different from a bag of Doritos! And you didn’t even know it!
Take that, you pinkie-extending sippers, you…
Thoughts, anyone?
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Can’t get to West Chester much but homemade pizza beats all of the restaurant stuff hands down.