3 of the most unique things we tried at Restaurant Week preview
By Michelle Fong, Staff Writer
Dayton Summer Restaurant Week is almost here.
What’s not to love about a week full of special menus, promotions and dining deals at so many of the Dayton area’s best restaurants, from casual and family friendly to upscale?
The Dayton.com crew stopped by the Miami Valley Restaurant Association’s Sneak Peek to Restaurant Week event Wednesday at White Allen European Auto Group to sample food from some of the many restaurants that will be participating in the special promotion from July 26-Aug. 2.
My partners-in-eating-crimes Amelia Robinson and Allegra Czerwinski helped me sample many delicious dishes the restaurants either serve regularly or will have on their special menus during Restaurant Week. Restaurants will offer three-course meals for $20.15, $25.15 or $30.15 throughout the promotion.
Here are three of the most unique, surprising and downright scrumptious things we tried:
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1. Salar's Parmesan Saffron Risotto
Photos by Michelle Fong/StaffÂ
Sometimes you try something so amazing, you simply can’t find the words. One bite of this decadent Parmesan Saffron Risotto, served with smoked cauliflower garnished with arugula walnut pesto rendered us nearly speechless. The risotto was certainly the star of this dish. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish is a staple on the restaurant’s regular menu ($17). During Summer Restaurant Week, you can get it paired with filet mignon.
Restaurant Week deal: Filet mignon grilled and topped with Gorgonzola bleu cheese sauce, bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes and parmesan saffron risotto ($30.15). This is one of many Restaurant Week special offerings.
Salar Restaurant Lounge, 400 E. 5th St. Dayton; 937.203.3999;Website; Facebook; @salarrestaurant on Twitter, Instagram
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2. Basils on Market's Polenta Cakes
Photos by Allegra Czerwinski/StaffÂ
One of the most unexpected combinations of flavor we tried was from Basils on Market in Troy. During Sneak Peek, the restaurant served up chicken scaloppine over a sundried tomato polenta square topped with an amazing creamy Cajun sauce. Simply to die for. Sundried Tomato & Goat Cheese Polenta Cakes are a regular item on the dinner menu ($12.50).
Restaurant Week deal: Get the polenta cakes served up just a little differently. It will be part of a summer trio featuring a filet resting on a summer mushroom ragout, polenta circles with shrimp and a Cajun cream sauce and a basil pesto pasta with sauteed chicken breast and a Parmesan onion cream ($22.15).
Basils on Market, 18 N. Market St., Troy; 937.875.2068; basilsonmarket.com; Facebook; @basilsonmarket on Twitter, Instagram
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3. Wheat Penny’s Spicy Cantaloupe with Minced Beef
Photos by Amelia Robinson/StaffÂ
Wheat Penny is perhaps best known for its California-style pizzas. But during the Sneak Peek to Restaurant Week event, the restaurant was serving up sample cups of cantaloupe topped with minced beef spring roll meat, cucumbers and toasted peanuts. For those who like it hot, the chef offered special charred habanero oil as an extra topping. Unexpectedly delightful and creative combination of flavor!
Restaurant Week deal: While Wheat Penny is still finalizing its Restaurant Week menu offerings, we certainly hope this unique dish will be part of it!
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar, 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410; 937.496.5268; Website; Facebook; @wheat_penny on Instagram
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