First Look: Lily's Bistro and Boston Stoker's tasty new menu

Pictured: The Chicken Salad Sandwich and Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap, new items by Lily's Bistro available at Boston Stoker, 34 W. Second St. VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

Pictured: The Chicken Salad Sandwich and Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap, new items by Lily's Bistro available at Boston Stoker, 34 W. Second St. VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF


MORE INFO

Boston Stoker Coffee Company, downtown Dayton

34 W. Second St. | (937) 223-1224 | bostonstoker.com | Facebook | Twitter

Lily's Bistro

329 E. Fifth St. | (937) 723-7367 | lilysbistro.com | Facebook | Twitter

Now you can have your Lily's sandwich with your Boston Stoker coffee.

Since we first found out that Oregon District eatery Lily's Bistro was partnering up with regional coffee powerhouse Boston Stoker to offer breakfast and lunch items in the downtown Dayton location, we've been waiting eagerly to get it in our bellies.

Boston Stoker, which first started brewing quality coffee in 1973 in Englewood, has sold breakfast and lunch items in many of its regional stores, but one of the benefits of selling Lily's menu items in its downtown store is knowing all of the food is fresh, never frozen, prepared just a few blocks away in Lily's kitchen in the Oregon District.

"I learned about Boston Stoker when I moved back to Dayton from Louisiana, and I felt that it would be a good fit for Lily's because they share the same commitment to quality ingredients and quality products, but still being very welcoming and accessible to people," said Emily Mendenhall, co-owner of Lily's Bistro. 

After a soft tasting on Tuesday, we stopped by the coffeehouse at 34 W. Second St. on Wednesday at a media event to give their lunch items a try.

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH, $7.75

Lily's Bistro Chicken Salad Sandwich at Boston Stoker

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The Chicken Salad Sandwich paired with Kettle Chips and spicy club sauce at Boston Stoker.
VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

Simple, refreshing, and hitting the spot: Who doesn't love a fresh and homemade chicken salad sandwich on an Ashley's Pastry Shop croissant? This salad features local, free-range chicken mixed with broccoli and other veggies with a maple vinaigrette for a sweet, tangy bite. The difference in biting into a fresh, pillowy croissant versus the flash-frozen variety is monumental. Tack on a side of crunchy, salty Kettle Chips paired with Lily's "spicy club sauce" ($3). Pro tip: That club sauce, a house blend of creamy tomato and horseradish, makes a delicious spread on top of the chicken salad sandwich.

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WRAP, $7

Lily's Bistro Buffalo Cauliflour Wrap at Boston Stoker

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The Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap at Boston Stoker in downtown Dayton. VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

For the vegetarians, you're in for a unique treat. This wrap is crunchy, filling, and downright nutritious! The Buffalo-roasted cauliflower gives some flavor but doesn't pack the heat, and we enjoyed the shaved crisp carrots and celery, especially with a creamy blue cheese dressing, perfect for dipping the wrap in. Nice to try something a little out of the box. If you're not feeling the chips as a side, you can also try a pasta salad (seasonal options will vary) for $3, or a bowl of the soup of the day for $4.50.

WHAT WE STILL NEED TO TRY

Boston Stoker's new breakfast menu from Lily's Bistro

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Downtown Dayton's Boston Stoker's new breakfast items from Lily's Bistro. Photo source: Facebook

While the event Wednesday only had lunch on the menu, rest assured, it won't be long before we taste-test the seasonal quiche (veggie and meat options both available for $4.50), the bacon and melted havarti cheese sandwich on ciabatta ($6) or the droolworthy waffle sandwich, featuring Lily's waffles with sausage patties, cheddar cheese, and a side of maple syrup from Yellow Springs-based Flying Mouse Farms ($6.50). Each of these items will pair perfectly with your Boston Stoker coffee, whether you get it served up Chemex-style, in a French Press, or via a Hario V60.

Breakfast will be served from Boston Stoker's opening at 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Customers can call ahead for pick up.

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