Leadbellies face off with . . . garlic ; The boys -- and new belle -- sample delectable dishes boasting the strong-smelling bulb at Cox Arboretum

• Published in: Dayton daily news (Dayton, Ohio. 1987)
• Main Author: the Leadbelly Boys and Girl (Ron Rollins, Ray Marcano and Laura Dempsey) Staff Writers
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dayton, Ohio Atlanta Journal Constitution, LLC 06.10.2006
• ISSN: 0897-0920

Our First Official Function as the Leadbelly Boys and Girl (after deciding what the heck to call ourselves) was to mosey on out to Cox Arboretum & Gardens MetroPark to pick the best garlic recipes in the Dayton area. It's no coincidence that this weekend is their big Garlic Festival, needless to say. Yes, your faithful Leadbellies are not above shameless promotional tie-ins, but you already knew that. Coco's Bistro presented a delicious and gorgeous array of garlic- based appetizers, including tapenade and a roasted-garlic shrimp spread to die for. Their bison burger, a menu favorite, was also presented with the new restaurant's special garlic mayo. Yum. Sister Laura: Humbled and honored and smelling to high heaven, I left the garlic tasting and my First Official Function with mixed emotions. Arrogance, thy name is Leadbelly -- we're actually passing judgment? Take it from one who knows: If you're hungry and it's edible, it's good food. Often, you don't even have to be hungry. Happily, however, I'm pleased to lend my more pillowlike belly to this endeavor, which seeks only to tell you what to expect, where to expect it, and how much it'll cost. As far as the Garlic Festival goes, expect the best -- Cox Arboretum can throw a party, and the food vendors they've lined up are sublime. You know where, and admission is free. Warn your friends -- better yet, bring them along.