This contest started on 10/26/21. This contest has a winner.
* Win A $20 Jet’s Pizza Gift Card.
Jeff Eats got a $20 Jet’s Pizza Gift Card to give to one of you guys…
The game- the first 20 “reader-comments” received – will be entered in a “blind hat pick”! You can submit as many comments as you’d like but- Please, only 1- reader comment – per day…play fair!
The $20 Gift Card is good at any Jet’s Pizza location (jetspizza.com for locations, menus, prices, info).
* MODI: Know Your Audience.
Just picked-up 2 tickets:
MODI: Know Your Audience
Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2021 • 7:30 PM
Amaturo Theater at Broward Center For The Performing Arts
581 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3331
Tickets: browardcenter.org ($53.50 – $128.50/meet & greet with MODI)
Trust Jeff Eats on this one, the man is an absolutely brilliant comedian!
Don’t miss him!
From browardcenter.org
Join stand up comedian MODI for a night of Laughter.
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, MODI is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, MODI has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.
Born in Israel, MODI moved to the United States at the age of seven. After attending college at Boston University, MODI worked as an investment banker and had no plans to become a stand-up comedian until one open mic night changed everything. MODI has appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film.
A regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs, MODI also headlines around the country and across the globe. He has toured in the United Kingdom, Holland, and Israel and performs in comedy festivals and special venues, including Montreal’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
* Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.
A recent email received by Jeff Eats…
—-
Hey Jeff,
Maybe you can help me out with something.
I just graduated from UCF and I’m now looking to go into my own business.
Between working the past 4 years while going to school, graduation gifts and my parents helping to back me, I have close to $200,000 to invest in this business.
I’ve been looking into fast food franchise chains as the business space I’d like to start off in. The problem that I have is that the space (like bagels, burgers, ice cream, pizza) is saturated with players and the franchises are very expensive to buy/build out and extremely labor intensive.
Any “fresh” food franchise ideas for me?
By the way, I live in South Florida and I’d really like to have my business in this area.
Thanks for taking the time to help,
Jason Marcus
____
Jason,
Take a look at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop (Brooklyndumplingshop.com).
Hearing some absolutely terrific things about this relatively-new fast food franchise!
PLEASE- do your homework! And remember- LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
Here’s a recent grubstreet.com article about the company and “concept.”
Good Luck,
Jeff Eats
——-
MAY 20, 2021
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Attempts to Modernize the Automat … Again Are contact-free chicken-Parm dumplings the way of the future?
By Rachel Sugar
At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, dozens of New Yorkers lined up at the corner of St. Mark’s Place and First Avenue for the opportunity to buy dumplings from machines. By then, the much-anticipated Brooklyn Dumpling Shop had been open for just over three hours, and the line showed no signs of slowing. “This could be like Shake Shack,” the man in front of me said, or at least I think he did — it is hard to eavesdrop through masks.
New York City is full of dumplings. The East Village is full of dumplings. St. Mark’s Place itself has multiple dumpling options. But there are no dumplings like these dumplings, because these, the restaurant’s website tells me, are “dumplings reimagined.” The latest project of Stratis Morfogen, the restaurateur behind the similarly-not-in-Brooklyn Brooklyn Chop House, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop (BDS) is an automat that specializes in unexpected dumplings with multicultural fillings, with a rotating cast of 22 available at any given time.
There is a lamb gyro dumpling, a chicken-Parm dumpling, and a peanut butter-and-jelly dumpling. There is a menu of Breakfast Cro-’sumplings (sadly not yet available), and several non-traditional soup dumplings, including matzo ball and French onion. There is a selection of dessert dumplings, like ginger apple, or Nutella, which can be served with or without ice cream. What there is not is human service, and that is the point.
Here is how it is supposed to work: You make your selections at a touchscreen kiosk, where you also swipe your card to pay. Meanwhile, somebody — a human, though not one you interact with — deposits your order into one of 23 glowing white breadbox-size cubbies. A leaderboard shows which orders are being prepared, and when your number is ready, you approach the state-of-the-art dumpling wall, scan your receipt (or your phone), and the appropriate cubby opens automatically to reveal your dumplings. This process, BDS’s Instagram bio promises, requires “ZERO Human INTERACTION.”
Fresh off 14 months of ZERO Human INTERACTION myself, I am a connoisseur of not interacting, which qualifies me to say: There was definitely, at least at 2:46 p.m. on Wednesday, some interacting. First, I fumbled with the credit-card scanner, requiring help from a human, then then there was some receipt confusion, and when my order was ready, it was short one pouch of dumplings — a matter quickly remedied by another human. Let’s call it a fluke — the restaurant had been open, at that point, for less than two hours. “Everything is extremely smooth,” Morfogen assures me several hours later. “It’s actually scary how smooth it is, and I’ve opened about 33 restaurants in my career.”
It will, he promises, only get smoother. Eventually, BDS will be open 24 hours. You can’t order online yet (“we can’t add more business to the operation right now”), but soon, it will be frictionless; you’ll order, pay, and scan all directly from your phone. This is the future, Morfogen is confident. It is also distinctly like the past.
Automats flourished in the first part of the 20th century, thanks largely to Horn & Hardart, which introduced Americans to the joy of high-quality, low-cost convenience. Diners chose their dishes, each displayed in its individual cubby, dropped in a coin, and retrieved the food, which was immediately replenished. (Despite the name, Smithsonian notes, automats were in fact quite well-staffed.) That the eating experience was cafeteria-style only added to their egalitarian allure. “Automats were a home away from home for New Yorkers who did not have money to burn,” waxed the Times, “But people who did have money to burn ate there, too.” And then they stopped: By the second half of the century, automats were falling out of favor; the last U.S. automat, a Manhattan Horn & Hardart, closed in 1991.
And yet the automats (I hear) were wonderful, as evidenced by the fact that we cannot give them up, despite the fact that attempts to revive them flop consistently. In 2006, we got takeout-only Bamn!, also on St. Mark’s Place, where several handfuls of quarters (there was a change machine) could buy you teriyaki-chicken sliders, pizza dumplings, and assorted French fries for the three years until it shuttered. Sprinkles’ 2014 attempt at a New York City 24-hour “cupcake ATM” also permanently closed (the concept lives on elsewhere). Eatsa, a quinoa-bowl concept imported from San Francisco, opened in midtown in 2016, where it lasted just one year. “Personally, I think the founders of Eatsa have overestimated the draw of technology,” suggested the Washington Post’s Tim Carman, when the brand’s fledgling empire began to crumble. “Or, perhaps more to the point, they couldn’t imagine that people might be repelled by a restaurant that resembles a giant smartphone.” After a lonely year of heavy Zooming, is this the future that anybody wants?
Absolutely, argues Morforgen. The problem with all those other modern automats was not the basic concept, he explains, but the execution: “I realized that we should be able to bring the automat back in a high-tech version where the consumer controls the whole experience from the palm of their hand.” Yes, contemporary automats have tried and failed, but “I don’t think they embraced technology the way my team and I did,” he says.
And at the same time, he goes on, a true automat believer, those other places didn’t understand what he does, which is that “you need a balance of personal and impersonal.” At Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, you can see a brigade of human dumpling makers working behind glass in what he calls “the dumpling lab.” People want a fully automatic automat, but they also, he feels strongly, demand a human touch. There will always be two human greeters and two cleaners disinfecting, although he does plan, by September, to add two robots to the kitchen. And while previous latter-day attempts have been takeout-only, BDS has abundant seating.
There is another big reason Morforgen is betting on the modern automat: Cost, which he brings up immediately. It is not that people don’t like human interaction. It is that human interaction is expensive. “The automat is the most cost-effective, efficient way to distribute a product,” he says. “I don’t need cashiers. I don’t need logistical personnel. When I walk into a Starbucks or a Chipotle, I cringe. I don’t understand why we still have cashiers at any fast-food restaurant.” Haters say he’s taking away jobs, but the way Morforgen sees it, that’s exactly backward: Most restaurants fail, but because this model is going to succeed, “we’re going to be saving jobs.”
Certainly, he’s found a small army of believers. BDS sold 139 franchises worldwide before it opened a single location. He estimates 50 percent of those are in college towns, suggesting if he’s right about this, the new automat is going to have a very different demographic than the old ones: students in search of extreme late-night convenience. Remember doing things, for fun, in public, sometimes at night? It was fun! The dumplings themselves might have been underwhelming (too soft and too starchy, vaguely airline-like), but they are also not the main attraction. The pleasure of the new-old automat, at least right now, is the promise of returning to a life where you just might be busy enough, outside your home enough, to need the convenience of an automat at all.
This contest started on 10/25/21. This contest has a winner.
* Win A $10 Dontee’s Diner Gift Card.
Jeff Eats got a $10 Dontee’s Gift Card for one of you guys!
The game- the first 10 “reader-comments” received – will be entered in a “blind hat pick”! You can submit as many comments as you’d like but- Please, only 1- reader comment – per day…play fair!
The $10 Gift Card is good at Dontee’s Restaurant, 620 Belverdere Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, (561) 655-6001.
Check menu/prices/info at donteesdinerfl.com.
Posted on April 1st, 2016
***** Dontee’s Restaurant, 620 Belverdere Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, (561) 655-6001.
Got a real good diner for you guys, Donatee’s Restaurant in West Palm Beach.
Just between you guys and Jeff Eats- I’m a sucker for joints like Dontee’s Restaurant. Maybe it’s the genes or something, but I absolutely love “mom & pop” diners with booth/table/counter seating, flat top grills, easy going and super pleasant staffs, reasonable prices, delicious food, big portions, pass through windows, no drama, tons of breakfast stuff, burgers, salads, sandwiches, Greek stuff, entree “specials” and in Dontee’s case that are open Monday- Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday- Sunday 7am-3pm.
Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats recently did lunch- and like I said 1.456 seconds ago, Dontee’s is a real good diner.
Let me wrap Dontee’s up for you guys, the joint hasn’t reinvented the wheel, it’s just an example of a well greased one (I know, corny)…
If you live or work near Dontee’s- give it a shot!
This contest started on 10/25/21. This contest has a winner.
* Win A $10 Conte’s Pizza Gift Card.
Jeff Eats got a $10 Conte’s Pizza Gift Card to give to one of you guys!
The game- the first 10 “reader-comments” received – will be entered in a “blind hat pick”! You can submit as many comments as you’d like but- Please, only 1- reader comment – per day…play fair!
The $10 Gift Card is good at Conte’s Pizza, 309 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444, (561) 908-2059.
You can check menu/prices/info at contespizzadelray.com.
Posted on June 29th, 2021
***** Conte’s Pizza, 309 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444, (561) 908-2059.
Got an absolutely killer Italian joint for you guys to check-out, Conte’s Pizza in Delray Beach.
Basically a takeout operation, pizza/ calzone/ stromboli/ wings/ salads/ hot & cold subs/ garlic knots menu, order/pickup at counter, handful of inside and outside tables.
Last night, gave Conte’s a shot picking-up food for myself and five poker buddies- and I’m telling you guys that its stuff was absolutely off the chart- delicious!
Forgetting that Jeff Eats footed the bill (and that free food always tastes good)- my friends all in their late sixties- (3 originally from The Bronx and 2 originally from Brooklyn) agreed that Conte’s pizza, calzone and garlic knots were right up there with the best stuff we grew up on- before we-became Floridians!
Trust Jeff Eats when I tell you guys- that you definitely want to give Conte’s Pizza a shot!
You can check menu/prices/info at contespizzadelray.com.
Conte’s Pizza is open 7 days a week 11:30am-9:00pm.
* Humor!
Brother John entered the “Monastery of Silence” and the Abbott said, “Brother, this is a silent monastery. You are welcome here as long as you wish, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so.”
Brother John lived in the monastery for 5 years before the Abbott said to him: “Brother John, you have been here 5 years now. You may speak two words.”
Brother John said, “Hard Bed.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” the Abbott said. “We will get you a better bed.”
After another 5 years, Brother John was called by the Abbott. ”
You may say another two words, Brother John.”
“Cold Food,” said Brother John, and the Abbott assured him that the food would be better in the future.
On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Abbott again called Brother John into his office. “Two words you may say today.”
“I Quit,” said Brother John.
“It is probably best,” said the Abbott. “You’ve done nothing but complain since you got here.”
***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 10/24/21- 18 Bagels Co.).
One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…
FRENCH TOAST BAGEL
($3.99- French Toast Bagel, toasted with whipped cream cheese and drizzled with maple syrup)
18 Bagels Co.
111 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa
(813) 350-0767
18bagelsco.com
Latest Review: 9/6/20
Second- DISH OF THE WEEK shout-out for 18 Bagels Co.
This joint is an absolute must try!
Posted on September 6th, 2020
***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 9/6/20- 18 Bagels Co.).
One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…
EVERYTHING BAGEL WITH CREAM CHEESE
($3.49)
18 Bagels Co.
111 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa
(813) 350-0767
18bagelsco.com
Latest Review: 9/13/19
Trust Jeff Eats on this one…this joint’s Everything Bagel is absolutely off the chart delicious!
Posted on September 13th, 2019
***** 18 Bagels Co., 111 South Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33609, (813) 350-0767.
Got a real good bagel joint for you guys to checkout, 18 Bagels Co. in Tampa.
Simple concept at work here- order/pickup at counter, all kinds of bagels/hot & cold sandwiches/ salads/ some other stuff menu, inside table/covered outdoor patio seating, open 7 days a week 6am-3pm.
Yesterday, Jeff Eats and three business associates did an early lunch at 18 Bagels Co. and I gotta tell you guys that this joint’s stuff was right on the money! Just between us, I kinda think I know my “bagel joints” and I’m telling you- right off the bat, 18 Bagels Co. “makes” real-bagels…boil and bake!
Trust Jeff Eats on this one- reasonable prices, delicious stuff, nice clean modern decor and a super pleasant staff makes 18 Bagels Co. an absolute winner!
You guys can check menu/prices/info at 18bagelsco.com.
Originally posted on October 18th, 2021.
* What Happens at The Skolnick—Stays at The Skolnick!”.
This is a complimentary event, courtesy of the City of Pompano Beach!
Trust Jeff Eats on this one- you guys don’t want to miss Fogel and Villano!
Just A Taste…
* Jay Black, Lead Singer of Rock Group Jay and the Americans, Dies at 82.
First- met Jay Black (David Blatt) in April, 1972 at the Forest Hills Country Club in Queens, New York…
No question in my mind- Jay was one of Rock N Roll’s greatest lead singers!
JAY, REST IN PEACE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffGjbaAFVpw
_________________
From Hollywoodreporter.com
Jay Black, Lead Singer of Rock Group Jay and the Americans, Dies at 82
Among the group’s 21 charting hits were “Only In America,” “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “This Magic Moment,” and “Walkin’ In The Rain.”
BY TRILBY BERESFORD
OCTOBER 23, 2021 6:09PM
Jay Black, lead singer of rock group Jay and the Americans, has died from complications due to pneumonia, his family announced on Saturday. He was 82.
Born in Brooklyn and originally named David Blatt, Black changed his name upon joining Jay and the Americans, in which he replaced Jay Traynor. The band’s albums include Come a Little Bit Closer and Sands of Time.
Among the group’s 21 charting hits were “Only In America,” “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “This Magic Moment,” and “Walkin’ In The Rain.” Fans would call Black “The Voice” because of his impressive vocal range.
The band, which was most active in the 1960s, made numerous appearances on pop radio programs including Hullabaloo and Where the Action Is; as well as variety shows such as The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson and The Merv Griffin Show. In 1964, Jay and the Americans opened for The Beatles at their first U.S. concert tour.
After the group disbanded in 1973, Black continued performing performing and often included “Pretty Woman” and “Cryin” in his live act as a tribute to music icon Roy Orbison. He also acted in the TV movie Contract on Cherry Street, which starred Frank Sinatra and Joe De Santis.
Black is survived by four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
* 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off And Beer Tasting Event.
For you guys who like to “follow” Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats’ social calendar…
10th Annual Chili Cook-Off And Beer Tasting Event
Information/Tickets: tequestachilicookoff.com
Saturday, November 13th, 2021
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Paradise Park
One Main Street
Tequesta, FL 33469
32 Teams of Public Safety, Military and the Private Sector compete for the best chili around to raise money for 5 veterans organizations.
About this event
The 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Beer Tasting Event honors our local veterans with a day of:
An award ceremony honoring WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Wounded Veterans and Gold Star Families.
Military fly-overs from the US Coast Guard, PBC Sheriff’s Office and the Pratt Whitney Black Hawk.
32 Teams from public safety, military and the private sector compete for the best chili; Judging is done by15 local celebrity judges; there is also a People’s Choice Award voted on by all attendees.
Craft beer and seltzers from Tequesta Brewing Company
Live music by Rogue Theory, The Matt Butler Band, the Black Pearl Pipes and Drums, and PBC Fire Rescue
VIP food provided by McCarthy’s Irish Pub and Hogsnappers
100% of the proceeds go to: Wounded Veteran’s Relief Fund, SE Florida Honor Flight, Operation 300, Renewal Coalition and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, Inc.
This is a 21 and Older Event; No pets allowed. Clear bag event.