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Local News

Courtesy of the Dayton Daily News

Staff Writers

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Cedarland Bakery & Restaurant

The basics: 4515 Linden Ave., Dayton (across from Carroll High School) [Map]. (937) 610-2888. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Why it's a gem: A no-frills place to eat delicious Lebanese food, freshly prepared. Check out the olives and homemade desserts while you're there.

Dishes to try: Creamy, addictive Hummus ($2.99); Shawarma Chicken Sandwich ($4.99); Tabouli Salad ($2.99). But don't overlook the daily specials.

Christopher's Restaurant

The basics: 2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering [Map]. (937) 299-0089. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Why it's a gem: A welcoming atmosphere, a very large menu of comfort-food dishes as well as several vegetarian options, plus daily specials.

Dishes to try: Consider the daily special first or look to the tangy and flavorful lasagna ($8.50) or the Grilled Portabella Sandwich ($6.50)

Web site: www.christophers.biz

Culp's Café

The basics: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton [Map]. (937) 299-2277. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Why it's a gem: Nestled in Carillon Historical Park, this is the perfect place to grab lunch and get a taste of history while you're at it. Culp's — named after Culp's Cafeteria, once located in Dayton's downtown Arcade Building — has a modest menu of soups, salads and sandwiches, but the desserts, retro atmosphere, summer patio and location within the park (an admission fee is not required to eat there) elevate it to new heights.

Dishes to try: Go for the comfort food with the meatloaf hot shot ($7.95) or cool down for summer with the tri-salad plate ($6.95) featuring a scoop of chicken, tuna and egg salad. For dessert try the Culp's Original Cake (3.25), a devil's food cake with caramel icing made from a recipe the original Culp's used during the 1930s. And if you're really looking to take a time-warp to the soda fountains and ice cream parlors of the past, try a phosphate ($1.95) or nectar soda ($3.95).

Web site: http://carillonpark.org/culpscafe.html

DiSalvo's Deli & Italian Store

The basics: 1383 East Stroop Road, Kettering [Map]. (937) 298-5053. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Why it's a gem: Rinaldo (Ronnie) DiSalvo and his wife, Mindy, prepare every morsel with the passion of true foodies, from the region's best submarine-style sandwiches to a wide array of daily specials that may include Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Tortellini or Fresh Made Cavatelli in a Vodka Cream Sauce. Jump-start your appetite by signing up for the "Deli Daily" to be sent to your e-mail.

Dishes to try: You can't go wrong with Ronnie's daily special, but try the Italian submarine sandwich on a soft-sub or crusty-sub roll (a generous half-sub for $5.55).

Web site: www.disalvosdeli.com

Evan's Café

The basics: 1939 N. Main St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 276-2556. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Why it's a gem: A charming bistro tucked away in the Santa Clara Arts District, Evan's is a wonderful spot to relax and grab lunch with a menu that doesn't disappoint and a small staff that's both attentive and helpful.

Dishes to try: Jamaican Chicken Salad ($5.95) made with tender rotisserie baked chicken breast, curry, grapes, raisins, mayonnaise and celery; the Turkey Reuben ($6.95), pan seared Atlantic salmon ($8.95) and the peach cobbler with ice cream ($2.95). Double check the specials board before putting your order in. The restaurant also runs a catering business — Erica's Catering. For more info on catering, call (937) 854-4359.

Jimmie's Cornerstone Bar & Grille

The basics: 1001 Brown St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 424-1784. Bar is open Monday through Sunday; the kitchen is closed on Sundays.

Why it's a gem: A great bar with a mixed bag of patrons ranging from urban hipsters to suburban line-workers, Jimmie's serves up big portions with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. And that's just the food — the drinks aren't too shabby either.

Dishes to try: Family time-tested recipes like owner Jimmie Brandell's wife's Italian grandmother's meatballs ($5.95) and the heaping helping of Paisano Pasta Chips ($6.95) from his cousin's restaurant in Buffalo, N.Y., are winners. The My Big Fat Greek Chicken Quesadilla ($6.95) is one of the most memorable adaptations on the traditional favorite in recent memory.

Web site: www.thecornerstonebar.com

Linh's Restaurant

The basics: 4770 Airway Road, Dayton [Map]. Call (937) 252-1857. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays.

Why it's a gem: Big, steaming pots of Vietnamese soups, filled with noodles (your choice of rice noodles or egg noodles) and soul-warming broth, and accompanied by plates full of the freshest produce (bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, fresh hot peppers, lime wedges) around to stir into the soups. A full Chinese menu is also available.

Dishes to try: Pho Ga (Sliced Chicken Soup) with Rice Noodles ($6.25); Mi Tom Heo Sate (spicy shrimp and pork soup) with egg noodles ($6.75); Chicken with Lemongrass ($8.20).

Nelly's Chicken

The basics: 37 Alexandersville Road in Miamisburg (Rand Plaza, visible from Ohio 725, west of I-75) [Map]. (937) 859-5555. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Why it's a gem: The Bolivian-style Rotisserie Chicken, the moistest, tastiest chicken you'll find in the Miami Valley. It's rubbed with a blend of spices, then cooked on a rotisserie over charcoal. The result is smoky, piquant and delicious.

Dishes to try: It's all about the chicken: Quarter-Chicken ($3.99 chicken only, $5.99 dinner with salad and fries or rice), Whole Chicken ($10.99, $12.99 dinner). Or try the Bolivian dishes such as Salpicon, a Bolivian Tortilla Salad, and desserts such as Tres Leches salad or Sweet Plantains.

Web site: www.nellyschicken.com

The Oregon Express Tavern and Restaurant

The basics: 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 223-9205. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open for dinner Saturday, closed Sundays.

Why it's a gem: Located in the Oregon District don't be fooled — this is much more than just a bar. With a great patio on the second floor and live music happening most nights throughout the week, there's plenty to occupy you while you dine on some of the best pizza served up in town.

Dishes to try: Although they offer a variety of menu items including soups, salads and sandwiches, the real stars on the Oregon Express menu are the specialty pizzas. The Reuben Pizza, O.E. Special (basically a supreme) and the Artichoke Pizza ($10.49 for a small 10-inch, $16.99 for a large 14-inch and $19.99 for a jumbo 16-inch pie) in particular are outstanding choices. For many this destination has been pigeon-holed as a bar, but the food proves this is much, much more — a diamond in the rough.

Taqueria Mixteca

The basics: 1609 E. Third St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 258-2654. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Why it's a gem: Authentic, tasty food at an incredible value. The guacamole is the best in town and at $2.25, it's also the best deal. The one and only downfall to this place is the lack of liquor license and therefore, lack of chilled beer. Good thing you can get your food to go if you wish.

Dishes to try: Ceviche tostada ($2.75), seafood cocktail ($7.99 for the small, $11.99 for the large), tortas (a Mexican sandwich, $5.50), enchiladas ($7.50). While everything here is good, the tacos (served up on two warmed tortillas and garnished simply with chopped cilantro, onion and a lime to squeeze on top) are standouts. The pork ($1.95), chorizo ($1.95) and Carne Asada ($2) tacos are particularly satisfying. And if we weren't clear, the guacamole ($2.25) is an absolute must. Before you commit to a menu item, be sure to ask about the daily specials.

Comments

By Chrissy

September 8, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this

The Buckhorn Tavern has the best food! They are my favoriie place to eat. The best ribs in the state. They are located on Meeker rd at Heathcliff in Vandalia.

By manuel

June 11, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Salsas Mexican Restaurant one of the best restaurants in dayton they have very good mexican food as well latin american dishes, o by the way they have latin dances on friday and saturday night we ate dinner and then dance ….wonderfull night. they are located at airway shopping center, across from the air force museum

By Ray K

May 28, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

I don’t know if you have checked out the “4200 Club on Kettering Blvd., across from the now closd G.M. Plkant. Good home cooking and a very good price. No bar

By Lisa

April 30, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

The best kept secret for lunch (M-F) is the restaurant/lounge in the New Capri Bowling Lane on South Dixie. The food is great and modestly priced; the specials are fantastic! They only serve until 1:30 or 2 PM so get there early on Fridays for the Fried Chicken special….it’s the BEST!

By NenUnioke

April 8, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

I need a driver for my phillips snn6500 wireless netcard or smc2632 wireless net card. I can`t make them run on linpus linux lite.

Please help.

Regards, abessistlap

By Knuckles

April 2, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

No, Yosef. You didn’t write that sentence, you typed it. There are some great dining options in Tipp City. There’s Tipp of the Town right off I-75. This family restaurant has great food. A definite contender for best Wings in the Miami Valley can be found at Hinder’s, a small bar and grill on the way downtown. There’s also Harrison’s, which has the best Buffalo Chicken sandwich I have ever had and a really nice menu. And decent barbecue can be had at the cafeteria setting of Hickory River.

By abessistlap

March 25, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

I need a driver for my phillips snn6500 wireless netcard or smc2632 wireless net card I can`t make them run on linpus linux lite

please help

regards abessistlap

By OccabsWossy

February 27, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

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February 16, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this

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By Yosef

January 18, 2009 4:12 AM | Link to this

Nice website. I can see why its so popular. I am from Japan and too poorly know English, tell me whether I wrote the following sentence: “The best time to lose weight is before you get pregnant and will actually help you conceive faster.”

Thank 8) Yosef.

By Larry

January 5, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

The Buckhorn Tavern is our favorite resturant!! By the way, it is located on Meeker Road.

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December 7, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

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By Chrissy

November 9, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

When my husband and I get a craving for diner food we go to The Starlite Diner on Wilmington Pike in Kettering across from Meijer. They have big portions of diner style food for reasonable prices. My husband always gets the Chicken Parmesean Sandwich and I like the Philly Cheesesteak. The coleslaw that comes with all meals is really good too.

By nupwr saowgv

October 27, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

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By nupwr saowgv

October 27, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

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By nupwr saowgv

October 27, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

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October 27, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

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By Paul

October 15, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

I think Murray’s in Kettering on S.Dixie is a great place to eat. They have great weekend breakfasts as well.

I think everyone should also consider the Buckhorn Tavern as well located on Munger rd. at Heathcliff.

If you a looking for standard fare bar food try the Sports Deck on Wilmington pike in Kettering.

I also reccomend Bunkers Bar & grill in Vandalia St route 40 at brown school rd.

There is a reason I am a fat man and it is not from eating bad food!!!!

By SARAH YOUNG

April 29, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

WE WERE AT THE DOCK IN ENON SAT. NIGHT. OH WHAT A NEAT PLACE! IT HAS GREAT FOOD,DECOR, AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE WERE EXCELLENT. AND , OF COURSE, THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! YOU HAVE GOT TO GO AND SEE THE BEAUTIFUL PONDS ,OUTSIDE SEATING , AND THEY ALSO HAVE ENTERTAINMENT,WHICH IS GREAT!!!!CHECK IT OUT!!! NOT LIKE ANY OTHER PLACE AROUND

By SARAH YOUNG

April 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

WE WERE AT THE DOCK IN ENON SAT. NIGHT. OH WHAT A NEAT PLACE! IT HAS GREAT FOOD,DECOR, AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE WERE EXCELLENT. AND , OF COURSE, THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! YOU HAVE GOT TO GO AND SEE THE BEAUTIFUL PONDS ,OUTSIDE SEATING , AND THEY ALSO HAVE ENTERTAINMENT,WHICH IS GREAT!!!!CHECK IT OUT!!! NOT LIKE ANY OTHER PLACE AROUND

By SARAH YOUNG

April 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

WE WERE AT THE DOCK IN ENON SAT. NIGHT. OH WHAT A NEAT PLACE! IT HAS GREAT FOOD,DECOR, AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE WERE EXCELLENT. AND , OF COURSE, THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! YOU HAVE GOT TO GO AND SEE THE BEAUTIFUL PONDS ,OUTSIDE SEATING , AND THEY ALSO HAVE ENTERTAINMENT,WHICH IS GREAT!!!!CHECK IT OUT!!! NOT LIKE ANY OTHER PLACE AROUND

By GERRY WELLS

April 27, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

THIS IS THE BEST EVER!! IT HAS EVERYTHING, FOOD ,DECO, OUTSIDE SEATING, PONDS AND THE BEST FFOD AND SERVERS! THE PEOPLE ARE GREAT AND THE ENTERTAINMENT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. YOU HAVE GOT TO GO THERE!!!!

By GERRY WELLS

April 27, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

HAVE YOU NOT BEEN TO THE DOCK IN ENION, OHIO ? IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR THIRTEEN YEARS AND NO BODY HAS MENTIONED THEM. THEY HAVE THE BEST DECO. AND THE BEST FOOD. IN THE SUMMER TIME THEY HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SEATING WITH THE PONDS. IT IS JUST LIKE BEING ON THE ISLANDS. WE WOULD HIGHLY RECEMMEND THIS RESTAURANT TO EVERYONE. EVERYONE THAT WORKS THERE ARE SO NICE AND THE PEOPLE THAT OWN IT ARE SO GRACIES.THE ENTERTAINMENT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! I

By Publius

April 21, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Treasure Island’s main attraction for me is the old-fashioned overbuilt salads.

By Suzanne

April 10, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

We love Troni’s, a small Italian restaurant in a small strip mall near the intersection of Wilmington/Dorothy Lane in Kettering. The prices are very reasonable and the food is great. The garlic rolls are something you don’t get at other places and the dough they use for their Stromboli’s is wonderful.

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