"His" Dining Review: Chappy's Tap Room and Grille
By Mike Woody

There are two certainties in my life; one is that I never miss a meal and that the other is that I will get lost every time I go somewhere for the first time. The hunger in my stomach along with Angie’s guidance led me to Chappy's on West Alex-Bell Road in West Carrolton without error so maybe my fortune was about to change.

Though if it hadn't been for Angie’s sharp eyes I would have missed it, as I wasn’t expecting Chappy's to be part of a shopping center. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

The crowd was light, and we were seated right away and greeted by our server with separate menus for the alcohol and food selections and a cheerful smile. She explained that everything was made fresh daily, nothing is frozen. (Except for the seafood, but we aren’t near an ocean).

Despite a selection of draught beers from all over the world, such as Monty Python Holy Grail Ale, Dogfish Head, 90 Minute IPA and Hoegaarden Witbier, microbrews and wines, I went with the Pink Lemonade. I still had to find my way home. (Don’t Drink and Drive!)

There were many tasteful options on the menu and, while I considered the Cajun Fried Jumbo Shrimp, I chose the BBQ Chicken, a wood smoked half chicken smothered in Chappy's house BBQ sauce.

My cole slaw arrived quickly and it had a good creamy dressing. It was truly homemade.

The atmosphere is elegant, while still comfortable. No cloth napkins or ties are required to dine, which is exactly my style.

I feel the food arrived in a reasonable amount of time and looked very appetizing. The freshly basted barbecue sauce radiated off the meaty chicken with flavor. Now the only problem was how to cut it into pieces and handle it without looking like a toddler feeding him(my)self.

The chicken was hot and the smoked flavor provided a very pleasing taste. I’m always a little reluctant to order something barbequed at most restaurants because there is an ‘Ole’ place in Dayton that has me spoiled, but I wasn’t disappointed with Chappy's.

I actually found myself scraping the plate after I’d pulled all the meat from the bones for the last remaining drops of sauce.

My fries were ample and their seasoning kept me reaching for more.

The server kept us well-supplied with beverages and made regular checks to see if we needed anything else.

I found the prices to be reasonable as my meal, plus drink, was under $15.

A full stomach, friendly service and affordable prices equal to a quality dining experience in my book and all were achieved at Chappy's.

Though I should have gone ahead and tried one of their select beers because, even while under the influence of pink lemonade, I managed to head towards Cincinnati with Tipp City being our final destination. Though do not fear, as it wouldn’t be a problem for most, my normal sense of direction is equal to well above a .08 on a breathalyzer.

Despite the joys of Chappy's, it was a bittersweet meal, as it was to be the last meal shared with Angie as my review partner. Even when it’s part of her job, I still can’t get a woman to have dinner with me for long. Now she's even moving all the way to California to avoid it. I do wish Angie the best and, though I’ll never be able to find my way out west to visit, my memories of working with her will never be lost.


"Her" Dining Review: Chappy's Tap Room and Grille
By: Angie Franzer

I was starving by the time we set out for Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille in West Carrolton. This new establishment boasts a wide selection of delicious wines and imported beers as well as a menu brimming full of American and Cajun chicken, blackened fish, salads, and appetizers.

The ambiance of the restaurant is a laid-back classy feel, complete with dim lighting as well as big screen televisions available to view whatever big game happens to be in season.

I was in a rare seafood mood, so I opted for a beer-battered fish sandwich with a side of cheesy mashed potatoes, which sounded delicious from the write-up in the menu. The food was a bit slow in coming but our waitress was exceptionally pleasant and attentive.

When my food finally arrived I was surprised by the heaping portions that seemed to take over my plate. Being incredibly hungry, I dug in immediately and hastily burned the hell out of my tongue on the searing hot fish. After my inopportune injury, I decided there had to be a better way to devour my meal so I diligently began hacking at my piece of fish with a dull butter knife, inevitably making a mess, landing the fish in my lap and my Pepsi all over the table.

By this time, I was certain Woody was pretty embarrassed to be dining with someone who appeared as if they had the motor skills and hand-eye coordination of a three year old, so I quickly cleaned myself up and waited patiently for my meal to cool.

When I finally got the opportunity to take my second bite, I admit I was a little let down. While my side of cheesy potatoes was wonderfully appetizing, my mammoth sandwich was rather tasteless and on the greasy side. This may, however, be due to the fact that I had singed off the majority of my taste buds minutes prior, so my review unfortunately may not be entirely valid. Despite my burnt tongue I did enjoy my dining experience.

The meal was most definitely filling and I told Woody he would probably have to roll me out to the car, after which I would immediately enroll in power yoga to work off some unnecessary calories. (Instead I went home, still full, ate some chocolate doughnuts and watched Family Guy. Sadly, my workout plan will have to wait for another day, er week.)

Arguably, our biggest adventure during the review would come after leaving the restaurant, when, thanks to Woody and my own less-than-acute sense of direction, we almost ended up in Cincinnati. To make a long story short, we spent the better part of an hour making our way back to the office and took the extended scenic tour through downtown Miamisburg (which, yes, is in the opposite direction of where we were supposed to be traveling.)

All in all, as I stated before, I did enjoy my meal, especially my delectable side of mashed potatoes. I would recommend Chappy’s to anyone who is very hungry as the portions are quite large and filling. The prices were not too hateful; I recall my meal ended up costing me around $15. Chappy’s is a nice place that offers an equally nice meal, but I honestly prefer ethnic food any day.