***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 5/9/21- Dreamette- Jacksonville)

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

EVERYTHING

Dreamette
3646 Post Street
Jacksonville
(904) 388-2558
Latest Review: 4/17/14

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, Dreamette which has been around since 1948- makes awesome stuff!

Posted on April 17th, 2014.

***** Dreamette, 3646 Post Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32205, (904) 388-2558.

Every city/town-has a legendary “this or that”…from what Jeff Eats understands-Dreamette is Jacksonville’s legendary soft-serve ice cream joint.

Dreamette has been around since 1948.

It is housed in a stand-alone “shack.”

You order at/pickup at the window.

There is very limited outdoor seating.

Dreamette features vanilla and chocolate soft serve and a plethora (like that word?) of toppings and flavored “dips” that coat the soft serve. It also has milk shakes and stuff like banana splits.

A recent outing had Jeff Eats doing a chocolate soft serve covered in a peanut dip, Mrs. Jeff Eats doing a vanilla soft serve covered in caramel dip and a “joint-effort” of a chocolate soft serve with a strawberry dip. No fooling here, all 3-cones were amazingly delicious.

Like I said a few seconds ago, Dreamette has been around since 1948. Based on Jeff Eats’ birthdate this joint was in business before I was even a twinkle in my parents’ eyes. Based on the what I saw, I seriously doubt that The Dreamette’s exterior has been remodeled or fixed-up since 1948–which makes the joint even cooler to Jeff Eats way of thinking.

The best way to sum Dreamette up…delicious soft serve/in a real McCoy old location.

Jeff Eats loved Dreamette which is open 7 days a week noon-8:30pm.

This contest started on 4/30/21. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $25 Ruven’s Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $25 Ruven’s Gift Card to give to one of you guys!

The game- the first 25 “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 $25 Gift Card is good at Ruven’s, 13800 Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33484, (561) 499-9003. Check ruvensdeli.com for menu, info).

Posted on March 12th, 2014

***** Ruven’s, 13800 Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33484, (561) 499-9003.

Back on February 20, 2011 Jeff Eats told you guys about Ruven’s a New York Kosher Style Deli that had just opened for business in the San Marco Shopping Center in Delray Beach. To make a long story short– Ruven’s opened in a spot where two bagel/delis had previously failed. I guess, Ruven’s owner, Steve Ratinetz was betting on real good food and “three times the charm” to make Ruven’s a winner…

Anyway…

Here it is 3-years later and Ruven’s is “sort-a” still around. Now follow me, a few months ago, Ratinetz moved Ruven’s…3 maybe- 4 bays down-into a store formerly occupied by Lenny’s New York Grille.

Anyway…

No doubt in Jeff Eats’ mind…the ‘new” Ruven’s is now in a much better spot–that being right next door to Publix. Same food and service-with the “new” Ruven’s featuring a really cool “lower NYC east-side” circa 1940-1950 decor. Having eaten in Lenny’s numerous times, I can tell you-that Ratinetz did a great job in combining his own decorative ideas with Lenny’s decor remnants.

Just wanted to re-introduce you guys to an old-favorite of mine.

Now…Does Ruven’s qualify under the “three times the charm” rule?

The original February 20, 2011 review is reprinted below.

***** Ruven’s, 13800 Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33484, (561) 499-9003.
Bingo!— Home Run!

If you are looking for a terrific-New York Kosher Style Deli—your wish has been answered. Say hello, to Ruven’s which opened last Wednesday in Delray Beach. For right now, the joint is open 7 days a week from 8am-3pm—look for “dinner” to be added sometime in late March.

Just some background info… “this” Ruven’s is owned by Steve Ratinetz who in the mid 1990′s-2003 owned/operated Ruven’s in Plainview, New York—which was an absolutely terrific kosher deli. My January 25, 2011 Ruven’s of Long Island writeup- has more “history” if you are a history-buff.

You know and I know, that South Florida has more bagel delis than you can shake a stick at…just for the record, Ruven’s is not and I repeat the word NOT, a bagel deli. For sure, it has the requisite “500″ types of bagels, bialys and onion boards—that said, this joint is all about pastrami- corned beef- brisket- turkey- stuffed derma- potato pancakes- blintzes, chopped liver-stuffed cabbage-fried kreplach-matzo ball soup—that rival the best stuff served in NYC, Chicago…or for that matter, anywhere that you formerly called home.

If there is one thing that Jeff Eats knows—it’s good deli.

This afternoon, in no particular order– I did a “taste test” of pastrami, corned beef, brisket, turkey off the bone, matzo ball soup, cabbage soup, stuffed derma, potato pancakes, chopped liver. fried kreplach…absolutely delicious.

Based on Jeff Eats’ “maiden outing”—I’m putting Ruven’s right up there with South Florida’s best New York Kosher Style Delis. Throw-in huge portions at reasonable prices…and I can’t see Ruven’s not quickly developing an enormous following.

You now know about a terrific deli—this one is a keeper!

This contest started on 5/3/21.This contest has a winner.

* Win A $20 Shake Shack Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $20 Shake Shack 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 Shake Shack location (shakeshack.com for locations, menu, info)

This contest started on 5/2/21. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $20 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $20 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant 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 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

You can check menu/prices at www.ninosofboca.com.

Posted on June 1st, 2015.

***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

Got this e-mail this morning…

Jeff,
It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife at Friday night’s Morris Day & The Time concert in Pompano Beach. Terrific show.
As I mentioned, my wife and I in late April retired to Deerfield Beach after living our 41 years of married life in Plainview, Long Island. We are just getting organized and as I told you we literally stumbled across your jeffeats.com site while looking for restaurants to eat in. Your taste in both food and entertainment match up pretty close with ours.
You have tons of picks and I was wondering if you could give us a great ‘mom & pop’ Italian joint in the Deerfield Beach area. As you may recall we are living around the Powerline/Sample Road area and we’re looking for that one pizza tee shorts/tee shirt joint to really count on.
Once again, great meeting you.
Joe K
_____
Joe K:

Glad that you enjoyed Morris Day and the Time. It was a great show.

It was nice meeting you and your wife.

Real simple answer to your “request”…just by coincidence, last night- Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate dinner at Nino’s Pizzeria in Boca Raton- and I gotta tell you, that this joint for the past 23 years has been one of our go-to-“mom & pops”…never and I repeat-never- a bad meal. Just between you and me, Nino’s makes a veal chop parmigiana and chicken cacciatore/chicken scarpariello both on the bone- that are off the chart. As for New York Style Pizza, the joint’s pies and slices are top-shelf!

Printed down below is a “review” that Jeff Eats did back on 5/19/14…try Nino’s- the bet here, you and your wife will absolutely love it!

Thanks for reading..

________

Posted on May 19th, 2014
***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

Way back on March 20, 2008 Jeff Eats told you guys about Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Boca Raton.

Time for a little update on what is definitely one of the best “mom & pop” red sauce Italian joints in South Florida.

For your convenience the “original” story is printed below…gonna save you the trouble of scrolling around.

Anyway,

Just for background, Nino’s opened for business in Boca Raton in 1983-you mathematicians can do the math–for the rest of you-that’s 31 years ago. In something like 2005, it opened a second location in Delray Beach. Partners fall-out, one gets Boca Raton, the other gets Delray Beach. So now you know, the business angle here.

Now-just so we are straight, we are talking about Boca Raton- here. Absolutely-positively nothing wrong with the Delray Beach location–Jeff Eats (1) lives closer to the Boca joint and (2) Jeff Eats thinks that the food, service, ambiance are better in Boca Raton- but trust me Delray Beach ain’t exactly chopped liver either.

Anyway,

Jeff Eats has never “officially” counted the number of times-I’ve eaten in/taken out from Nino’s–but I’m guessing 70 maybe 80, let’s just say it’s a lot. I want to tell you, that not- even- one- time was the food not right on the money–same for the service. Real simple… its soups, salads, pizzas, calzones, subs, pastas, entrees are all delicious. Off the top of my head, I would match Nino’s veal chop parmigiana ($22 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls), its chicken cacciatore on the bone ($17.95 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls), its chicken scarpariello on the bone ($17.95 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls) and its shrimp scampi ($22.50 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls) up against South Florida’s best “mom & pop” and “upscale” players. While I’m on the subject of food, Nino’s plain pizza is always on the money and the joint makes what it calls an “upside down Sicilian” pie that is a work of beauty–if you go, get it!

You maybe wondering why the sudden “gushing” about Nino’s?

Last night, Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and some dear friends- ate dinner at Nino’s and we got to discussing “various” Italian joints–and like a bolt of lightening–it hit me as to how really good Nino’s stuff is! Just that simple! Real fast-right off the top of you head, other than Nino’s–name a “mom & pop” red sauce Italian joint that does chicken cacciatore and chicken scarpariello on the bone…you do know, that’s the only RIGHT WAY to make those dishes–but that’s just my take-on the-thing!

You can check menu/prices at www.ninosofboca.com.

Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is open 7 days a week 11am-10pm.
*****
March 20, 2008
***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075—&—13900 South Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33445, (561) 499-3988

Nino’s is one of my favorite “mom and pop” Southern Italian joints in South Florida. I could be going out on a limb here, but I think that after you have tried this joint, you will also become a big fan.

Just so you know, the Boca Raton location has been around for something like 25 years…the Delray Beach location has been in business for about 3 years. Over the years, I have eaten in the Boca location something like 30 times and the Delray location twice…although the menus are almost identical, I like the food, ambiance and service in the Boca restaurant better…call me a creature of habit, but I really feel at home when I enter the Boca joint…from the way I am greeted at the front door, to Nino the owner waving and talking from behind the pizza counter to the customers…the food and service in Delray Beach is just fine, but there is something “special” about the Boca location.

Although Nino’s seemingly “follows” the standard pattern…Soup or salad, garlic rolls, entree with a pasta side…this joint makes some of the most delicious dishes and pizza that you have ever eaten. I would personally match its veal chop parmigiana—bone in chicken cacciatore— bone in chicken scapriello—shrimp scampi entrees against any Italian restaurant down here in South Florida.

Like I said before, Nino’s has been around for something like 25 years. The Boca Raton joint is jammed for dinner 7-days a week and has a takeout business that seems to be never ending. The Delray Beach spot has also developed quite a following…but my heart belongs to the Boca joint. Both joints are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Great food. Great service. Pizza joint prices…

By the way, Nino and his wife Josephine own Josephine’s Italian Restaurant which is located on Federal Highway in Boca Raton. That’s a story for another day…but Josephine’s is a very good “white table cloth” joint.

* Florida’s Realtor Of The Year.

2nd place went to New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio!

* Blues Brothers Soul Band.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…the Blues Brothers Soul Band is one of the best Blues Brothers tribute acts in the business…

TWO FREE SHOWS:

wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater…

Instead of a single night, concerts will be scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM. Gates will open for entry at 6:30 PM.

While tribute concerts are FREE to attend, ticket registration will be REQUIRED through Eventbrite. Space is limited.

Tickets will become available for registration beginning on the Monday prior to each scheduled concert. One ticket is REQUIRED per attendee (including children, toddlers, and babies). Visit wellingtonfl.gov/Eventbrite to register.

Masks are required for all Amphitheater events (except while eating or drinking), and guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs for seating All attendees are expected to follow all recommended social distancing and CDC guidelines. No outside alcohol, no smoking, no pets.

For details on upcoming concerts, movies, and food truck events, visit wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater.

This contest started on 5/2/21. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $25 Zinger’s Delicatessen Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $25 Zinger’s Delicatessen Gift Card for one of you guys!

The game- the first 25 “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 $25 Gift Card is good at Zinger’s Delicatessen, 7132 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 826-7323. Check zingersdeli.com for menu/prices/info.

Posted on August 26th, 2012

* “Zinger’s Delicatessen–1 Year Anniversay”

About a year-ago, I told you guys about Zinger’s Delicatessen which had just opened in Boca Raton. One year later–some things bear repeating…

Zinger’s Delicatessen is one of the best, if not the best–New York Kosher Style Deli in South Florida.

I have “reprinted” Jeff Eats’ August 18, 2011 review…and it needs “only” three minor changes:
1: Zinger’s is open 7 days a week for lunch/dinner and for breakfast on Saturday-Sunday,
2: Zinger’s “current” potato knishes are as good as the pushcart-ones I mentioned.
3: Zinger’s website is up and running.

If real New York Kosher Style deli is you game, you gotta try Zinger’s Delicatessen!

***** Zinger’s Delicatessen, 7132 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 826-7323.

If, delicious- New York Kosher Style Deli is your game—you absolutely, positively have to give Zinger’s Delicatessen in Boca Raton a try.

For you fressers out there…Zinger’s in a “former” life, was Pastrami Queen (see 9/12/08 writeup)…to make a long story short, family “matters” resulted in Pastrami Queen closing in late 2010. This past Tuesday, Zinger’s opened for business—for our purposes, SAME OWNER!–NEW “NYC” DECOR!–SAME TERRIFIC FOOD!

Last night I ate dinner at Zinger’s.

Zinger’s is located in the exact-spot where Pastrami Queen was. Gary Zinger who owned Pastrami Queen is Zinger’s owner. The restaurant’s layout hasn’t changed, but the decor has…let’s just say, that stainless steel walls/ceiling and art-deco signage rival the best-deli decor here and in NYC. The joint has 3-flat screen tvs and a takeout counter that will make you want to quit Weight Watchers.

Let’s talk food…

To be perfectly honest with you, I seriously doubt that there is a better New York Kosher Style Deli down here in South Florida. I’ll even go so-far as to say, Zinger’s Delicatessen can easily hold its own with legendary players like NYC’s- Carneige, Stage, 2nd Avenue and Katz’s delis…if you aren’t a native Nooo Yoorker, please feel free to insert your hometown favorite delis’ names.

Just so you know, I was a Pastrami Queen “regular”…so, it was absolutely impossible to eat-at Zinger’s, shall we say incognito. The meal was “on the arm” with Gary Zinger literally having me “try” everything in the joint. Take it for what it’s worth, the pastrami, corned beef, brisket, turkey off the bone are as good as it gets. The joint also makes- delicious, potato pancakes-chopped liver-tuna salad-chicken salad-matzoh ball soup-smashed French fries-Italian beef sub.

Just so we are straight…don’t want you to think that I’m a Zinger’s shill—I’ve eaten better potato knishes—like the ones my father, brother Andy and I use to get in 1958 from the pushcart stationed right outside of Fortunoff on Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn while waiting for my mother to finish shopping.

Trust me on this…Zinger’s is a homerun.

Like I said before, I tried a load of stuff. I will tell you, that the sandwiches being delivered to the tables were nice-sized… I didn’t see one group leave without a doggy bag… and no one bitched to Gary about the service/prices.

Zinger’s website is www.zingersdelicom. The site is currently under construction, so give it some-time to get up and running.

Zinger’s does breakfast, lunch and dinner…The joint is open 7 days a week 7am-10pm.

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 5/2/21- Charm City Burger Company).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

THE COWBOY
($6.95- 1/3 lb patty/bacon/ thick cut peppered bacon/ cheddar cheese/mushrooms/ grilled onions)

Charm City Burger Company
1136 East Hillsboro Boulevard
Deerfield Beach
(954) 531-0300
charmcityburgerco.com
Latest Review: 2/24/15

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…everything Charm City Burger Company makes is off the chart delicious…

Posted on February 24th, 2015

***** Charm City Burger Company, 1136 East Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441, (954) 531-0300.

Last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate at fast-food burger joint, Charm City in Deerfield Beach.

Nothing for nothing, we have been eating at this- order at/pickup at the counter joint since April 17, 2008-so last night’s terrific- bacon cheeseburger, turkey burger, French fries, onion rings came as no “surprise”…

Seeing all of those New York, New Jersey. Ontario license plates on the road,

Just thought I’d mention Charm City to you guys- who have yet to eat there…this joint is an absolute winner! Trust Jeff Eats when I tell you that Charm City runs circles and I do mean circles around fast food burger players like Five Guys and BurgerFi -now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with either of them (Jeff Eats is a real steady customer of both chains), but they are cookie cutter mold type operations, like-you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all!…Charm City is a one-shot-deal, there is only one…so on and so forth.

Great food. Super reasonable prices. Cool vibe!

Printed down below is Jeff Eats’ “review” from October 20, 2009.
_____
October 20, 2009
***** Charm City Burger Company, 1136 East Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441, (954) 531-0300.

Back on April 17, 2008 I did a review on a “burger” joint named Charm City Burger Company. If you check that review, I absolutely loved the food. At that time, the joint had only been open for something like 3-months…and I questioned its “longevity” based on its piss-poor location. To make a long story short…the joint is still around– has new owners– has a cult-like following—and the food is absolutely DELICIOUS.

At this stage of this re-review check www.charmcityburgers.com for menu/prices.

All I can tell you, is that I was in the joint last week…delicious bacon cheeseburger, terrific french fries, great sweet potato fries, incredible chicken wings. sensational grilled chicken and soft shell crab rolls.

Order/pickup at the counter. Absolutely nothing fancy here. Just…outstanding food.

Charm City is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Charm City Burger Company (Deerfield Beach)
Posted on April 17th, 2008
***** Charm City Burger Company, 1136 East Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441 (954) 421-3925.

Charm City is a fast-food burger joint. It has been in business for about 3 months and looks like a charming cross between a 1950’s fast-food restaurant and a Greenwich Village coffeehouse. I ate dinner last night and the burger-fries were delicious as was the crabcake on a bun.

Charm City has 2 BIG PROBLEMS…its signage stinks. If you aren’t looking for the joint—you are not finding the joint. In addition, its location on a City Street in Deerfield Beach is absolutely horrendous.

If Charm City was in South Beach, it would be a goldmine. Location, location, location.

If you live in Deerfield Beach or are in the area, Charm City is a good place for a fast-food lunch or dinner. It is open 7 days a week.

This contest started on 4/29/21. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $25 Whit’s Frozen Custard Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $25 Whit’s Frozen Custard Gift Card to give to one of you guys…

The game- the first 25 “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 $25 Gift Card is good at any Whit’s Frozen Custard location.

You guys can check – whitscustard.com for locations, menu/prices, info.

Posted on December 1st, 2019

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 12/1/19- Whit’s Frozen Custard).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu…

2 SCOOPS WAFFLE CONE
$6.00

Whit’s Frozen Custard
3551 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton
(561) 465-3428
whitscustard.com
Latest Review: 12/1/19

Yesterday- Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “discovered” Whit’s Frozen Custard and all I can tell you- is if you like frozen custard- you will absolutely love this joint. Simple concept- order/pickup at counter, inside table & wall counter seating, very reasonably priced vanilla/chocolate/rotating daily and monthly flavors/toppings/shakes-malts menu, open 7 days a week noon-10pm, currently 51 U.S. store-chain with a handful of Florida joints- Boca Raton store opened in October,2019.

Let me wrap-up Whit’s Frozen Custard by saying that its custard is made fresh daily and is absolutely delicious!

Check store locations/menu/info at whitscustard.com.

Originally posted on November 11th, 2021.

* Viva Classic Rock Band.

THIS ONE IS A FREEBIE!

Viva Classic Rock Band

Thursday, December 16th, 2021
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wellington Amphitheater
12100 Forest Hill Boulevard
Wellington, FL 33414
Info: 561-753-2484 wellingtonfl.gov

Just between you guys and me…

Viva Classic Rock band is one of America’s- best 50s-60s-70s cover bands!- but that’s just between Us!

Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and a whole bunch of friends are gonna be there!