Quaran-dine: Dayton-area diners embracing new restaurant carryout model

Credit: Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

Credit: Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

Since the order came down on March 15 that all Ohio dining rooms in bars and restaurants were to be closed, takeout and delivery services have been the only lifeline for local restaurants.

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The list of restaurants closing until the statewide order is lifted is growing. Just last night, on Wednesday, El Meson announced it would cease its carryout and delivery operations for health reasons. Last week, Tank’s Bar and Grill and The Pine Club announced they would be closing temporarily, joining a list of other restaurants announcing closures that continue to get longer. All China Cottage locations, Culp’s Cafe and Carillon Brewing Co., elé cake company, The Wandering Griffin and Spinoza’s Pizza & Salads in Beavercreek are just a few to announce they will be shutting their doors until the order is lifted.

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I’ve enjoyed carryout from several favorites recently that have remained open near my home, including Trolley Stop and Old Scratch. Last weekend, before El Meson decided to shut down, we picked up tapas and dinner from the West Carrollton restaurant, joining a long line of cars looking to do the same.

Clearly, there are plenty of people out looking to grab their favorite dishes and support their local restaurants.

Earlier this week I posted a simple question on my Facebook account: “Are you still getting takeout from local restaurants right now and, if so, who has served up your favorite meals thus far?”

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The comments began pouring in …

• “We are. We’ve been trying to hit as many places as we can to help in what little way we can even getting dinner somewhere and then dessert somewhere else. Nothing has disappointed and everyone seems truly appreciative of the business. Just looking forward to the day we can walk through their doors and spend an evening and hoping they can make it through until that happens.”

• “I called up Angie’s Firehouse Tavern last week and ordered the chicken fried steak meal. Not only was it delicious and ready in 10 minutes, one of the employees made it a point to make sure I knew she was genuinely glad for my business.”

• “We’re doing our best. Olive Mediterranean, Taqueria Mixteca, Wheat Penny, Grist, Thai 9, Benjamin’s. Wheat Penny was surprisingly good as takeout, and the bottle of wine was a great deal.”

• “Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from Coco’s Bistro and Singapore Noodles from Singha Thai.”

• “Omg. The pork tacos from Wheat Penny!!! Oh and the Baked Mushroom Pasta!”

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The list of restaurants thrown out were several I had thought of and others I hadn’t — 571 Bar & Grill, Old Scratch, Olive Mediterranean Grill, Amber Rose, Lily’s Bistro, Gionino’s, Taqueria Mixteca, B&B gas station fried chicken, Wheat Penny. Meadowlark, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Franco’s, Grist Provisions, Calypso Grill (which I found out is selling cocktail kits you can add booze to!), Nida’s Thai Cuisine, North China on 48, Village Family Restaurant, Roost Modern Italian, Central Perc European Cafe, The Chicken Spot, Fifth Street Brewpub, Ghostlight Coffee, Mamma Disalvo’s, Latin Arepas, Yaffa Grill, The Wellington Grille, Chicago Gyro and Dogs, El Toro, Linh’s Vietamese Bistro, Christopher’s, Dublin Pub, 416 Diner, Milano’s, Oregon Express, Watermark, Thai Street Noodles, Romer’s, Cherry House Cafe, Gyro Palace, Gyro Delight, Dewey’s, Thai 9, Carmel’s, The Tavernette, Carver’s and more were mentioned.

On March 29 Tank’s Bar and Grill posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page: “Today is our last day until the restrictions for dine-in are lifted,” and another post ended saying “Thank you Dayton, we will be back.”

It’s clear there are plenty of dining options out there should you be looking to quaran-dine with takeout. Get your favorite dishes while you can and support local dining while you can. I’m hoping they will all be back, but it will take our support in order to do it.

It was heartening to see so many saying they are doing just that.

Dayton Eats looks at the regional food stories and restaurant news that make mouths water. Share info about your menu updates, special dinners and events, new chefs, interesting new dishes and culinary adventures. Do you know of exciting outdoor spaces, new exciting format changes, specials, happy hours, restaurant updates or any other tasty news you think is worth a closer look at? E-mail Alexis Larsen at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com with the information and we will work to include it in future coverage.

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