This contest started on 1/9/19. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $25 PDQ Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $25 PDQ Gift Card to give to one of you guys…

The game- the first 30 “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 PDQ location (eatpdq.com for locations, menus, prices, info).

Posted on December 22nd, 2015

***** PDQ, 2341 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 785-6285.

Real simple story to tell…

PDQ’s chicken tenders are absolute dynamite! They come either “crispy” or “grilled.”- 25 tenders run $31.80 and 50 go for $57.50.

Just wanted you guys to know, that on New Year’s Day 2016- Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are having a whole bunch of people over to our house…

We just placed an order for 100 crispy- and 100 grilled tenders with PDQ’s Pompano Beach joint – we also got other stuff ordered… For the “math challenged” 2 x $57.50= $115.

When Jeff Eats sees a good deal, I like to tell you guys about it!

PDQ has 23 joints in Florida. You can check locations/menu/prices/info at eatpdq.com.

_________

Posted May 4, 2013
***** PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality), 2015 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409, (561) 594-1906.

On April 30, 2013 Jeff Eats told you guys about PDQ a “new” fast-food/casual chicken chain–that is scheduled to open its West Palm Beach location on Sunday, May 5, 2013. The April 30, 2013 writeup is reprinted “after” today’s “thoughts.”

For the record, this afternoon Jeff Eats “ate” at a Family & Friends outing in the West Palm Beach store and I gotta tell you, this joint is going to be an absolute homerun.

Before I tell you about my “meal”—for what it’s worth, I don’t really care for the name PDQ. To me, the letters P D Q really don’t convey what this joint is all about. Nothing for nothing, but the owners of this business have created a fast food/casual hybrid…think Panera Bread and you may appreciate where I’m going with this. What they “got” is an order at/pick up at the counter fast food restaurant that looks like an upscale sports bar. I loved the look of the joint (and yes, it’s got a load of large flat screen TVs) but if you do some checking, many people use the term PDQ to mean “fast” or “right away”…that said, I think the last thing that PDQ wants is for you to think of its food as being “fast food” The store is logoed with big letters that say, “People Dedicated to Quality”–so Jeff Eats sees where the PDQ comes from (actually if we wanted to get technical here it should be PDTQ)…personally, I wouldn’t have used PDQ because to a great number of people PDQ means “other” things. Jeff Eats’ personal favorites -Pretty Damned Quick and Pennies Dimes Quarters.

Now that Jeff Eats has pontificated on the PDQ name…let’s talk food.

First let me start by saying, this 4,200 square foot free standing building is absolutely great looking…it has a drive thru and looks like something right out of the Florida Keys. There is also a huge open kitchen and you can see everything being prepared. In talking with the its founders (who by the way, created the Outback Steakhouse chain) everything is freshly made and the restaurant has no freezers. While there, Jeff Eats got a kick out of watching the staff squeeze 100s of lemons for the fresh-squeezed lemonade—For you wise-guys out there, yes! I got a kick out of watching, nothing sinister, lewd or whatever your devious minds maybe thinking!

Jeff Eats “tried” the tenders, hand cut fresh French fries, chicken Caesar salad, fried chicken sandwich, turkey breast sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, chocolate shake, apple slices with toffee—and I’m telling you, every item and I do mean every item was delicious. For the record–the food was “on the house”…which made it “easy” to literally order almost every menu item. If I got one bitch, I thought that the fries had just a drop too much salt on them—trust me, that one little itsy bitsy “problem” is easy to cure. Just a quickie, if you take a look at Jeff Eats’ 1/19/2007 Outback Steakhouse “review” note the salt-complaint… Goes to show you, Jeff Eats and the guys running this joint are consistent, if they are anything.

Check www.eatpdq.com for menu/prices/locations/pictures.

In talking to management, there are currently 4 Tampa, 2 North Carolina, 1 Oakland Park, 1 West Palm Peach PDQs…and “for” our purposes-2013-2014 planned locations-Wellington, Boca Raton and Pompano Beach.

Let me wrap this one up this way…

Based on what I saw, ate and heard PDQ is going to develop into a major national chain. The guys behind this deal know exactly what to do and how to do it…that is if they–

Just lose the salt shaker…

*****
April 30, 2013
PDQ’s menu features lightly fried chicken tenders/sandwiches, grilled chicken and turkey breast sandwiches, salads, French fries and shakes.

Just a quick heads-up…Jeff Eats is “hearing” tremendous things about a brand new-fast food chicken chain PDQ which currently has 4 Tampa/1 Oakland Park/1 West Palm Beach/2 North Carolina locations.

Haven’t tried the joint out yet, but some buddies of mine-told Jeff Eats that PDQ (Oakland Park) makes amazingly delicious grilled chicken/fried chicken tenders/turkey/salads/fries/shakes. One caveat, three of those buddies way back when- thought that the Edsel was going to be a homerun and the fourth guy to this very day-claims that aliens abducted him in 1989.

As I mentioned 4 seconds ago, there is one location in Oakland Park…this coming Sunday-May 5th, PDQ is opening a second South Florida location in West Palm Beach.

Check www.www.eatpdq.com for menu/locations.

For what it’s worth–the chain is owned by one of the guys who created the Outback Steakhouse chain. Nothing for nothing, a few quick conversations with a handful of fast food/casual restaurant developers–had them figuring that PDQ had a real shot to develop into a major chain. The consensus was, that PDQ may appeal to a huge segment of Chik-fil-A’s customer base that is looking for a more diversified menu. Throw in 4,500 square foot stores/with drive thrus that are open on Sunday—and just maybe, PDQ has the formula to be a homerun-chain.

Jeff Eats is gonna check this one out…if you get there before I do, let me know what you think.

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 1/13/19- Trader Joe’s).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

TRADER JOE’S HOT COCOA DUNKERS
15oz tub
$3.99

Trader Joe’s
Check traderjoes.com for multiple locations/info
Latest Review: None

These dunkers are spectacular with hot cups of cocoa and black coffee. My long-time friend, Stan Abromowitz loves these dunkers with a cold glass of milk- which between you guys and Jeff Eats is a story for a whole nother day!

from traderjoes.com

Made with real cocoa, dipped in a chocolaty coating, and studded with chocolate chunks & marshmallow pieces, our Hot Cocoa Dunkers are just what you’d expect from a cup of hot cocoa… in cookie form. They’re perfectly engineered for dunking – we’re talking structural integrity and submersion optimization here, folks. These easy-to-grip, chocolaty oblongs are long, slim, and super-crunchy by design; you can dunk with delight, free from that nagging fear of losing your small, disintegrating cookie to your tall glass of milk. Dip your Dunkers in that glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or get majorly meta and drench them in hot cocoa itself. (A mug of Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa perhaps?)

We’re selling each 15 ounce tub of Hot Cocoa Dunkers for $3.99 – a value that’s sure to make you feel all warm n’ cozy inside, and one that’s available only at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s.

Originally posted on 1/2/17.

Posted on January 2nd, 2017.

* Who Makes The Best Tuna Fish Salad Salad Sandwich In Florida?

Here’s another silly food-blog game for you guys to dance with!

***** Cheeseburger Baby, 1505 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, (305) 531-7300.

Let’s just file this one under “Somethings bear repeating”…(see Jeff Eats’ 12/8/06 Cheeseburger Baby tale -down below).

Just finished eating a bacon cheeseburger and some Philly cheesesteak fries at Cheeseburger Baby- like I just said, “Somethings bear repeating.”

You guys can checkout- menu/info at cheeseburgerbaby.net.

Posted on December 8th, 2006

***** Cheeseburger Baby. 1505 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, (305) 531-7300.

If you like cheeseburgers (and who doesn’t), I got a little-hole-in-the wall joint that you “don’t want to miss.” Before I go any further, I think that calling a “hole-in-the-wall” little, is an oxymoron, but anyway…

Cheeseburger Baby has counter seating and a few-high-tops and that’s it. This joint makes some of the best burgers that you will ever taste. The “stars” of the menu are the 1/2lb burger ($5.50), the 1/2lb cheeseburger ($6.50), the 2.5oz burger ($2.00) and the 2.5oz cheeseburger ($2.50) which are superbly grilled and then “placed” in an egg-bun. I am not talking good “here.” I am talking “terrific.”

Cheeseburger Baby has other “stuff” on its menu, like wings and chicken breast sandwiches. That said, when a joint is called CHEESEBURGER BABY, you should be smart enough to know what to order.

Cheeseburger Baby is open Monday-Wednesday noon-4am, Thursday-Saturday 11am-6am and Sunday 11am-4pm. The way to “play” this one, is to order a 1/2lb bacon-cheeseburger with grilled onions, a side of french fries ($3.00) and a Coke and you will be in 7th-heaven (well, I was anyway).

This joint’s “odd-hours” in the past, have drawn such “notables” as, P. Diddy, Fat Joe, Beyonce and JeffEats.

* Buy 1 Ticket Get 1 Free- Smokey Robinson.

Just got this “deal”…

If you’ve never seen Smokey Robinson- Go See Him!

One of the greatest music talents of all time..

For you guys who want to buy tickets…

Smokey Robinson
Hard Rock Live
5747 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
Friday, January, 25, 2019 (8pm)
Tickmaster: ticketmaster.com or (800)745-3000

* National Headline Touring Comedian- Gary Valentine.

Just picked up 2 tickets to see National Headline Touring Comedian- Gary Valentine at the Boca Black, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33434 on Saturday Night, January 12th, 2019 at 9pm.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one- , Gary Valentine is one of the funniest “clean” comedians currently working America’s comedy club circuit!

The Skinny:

Comedian- Gary Valentine

Friday, January 11th, 2019 (8pm)
Saturday, January 12th, 2019 (7pm & 9pm)

Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road Suite #10,
Boca Raton, Florida 33434
Box Office: 483.9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com check goldstar.com for discount tickets

from bocablackbox.com

Gary Valentine

Gary Valentine “GV” best known for his nine seasons on the hit CBS sitcom, “The King of Queens”, and in real life- Kevin James’ brother. Some of Gary’s other credits include the Sony feature film “Mall Cops”, Adam Sandler’s blockbuster hit “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”, the Farrelly Brothers’ “Stuck On You”, “Jack and Jill” and as Jerry Seinfeld’s comedian.

After appearing at the Montreal Comedy Festival and co-hosting “Friday Night” on NBC, he moved from New York to Los Angeles. He then appeared on such shows as The Tonight show, Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and starring in his own half hour special “Comedy Central Presents”. GV also co-hosted “The X Show” on FX and is now a regular on Chelsea Lately on E! GV isn’t limited to just the small screen.

Some say he’s best live, so don’t miss this opportunity to catch him LIVE at THE BOCA BLACK BOX!

***** Blue Bunny- Mini Chocolate Swirls.

File this one under – “Jeff Eats Isn’t Proud Of Himself”…

This past Sunday afternoon- purchased this 8 count box of Blue Bunny- Mini Chocolate Swirls ($4.88) at Walmart Supercenter, 16205 South Military Trail, Delray Beach, Florida 33484- and later that day ate all of the cones while watching Showtimes’ Ray Donovan (10pm-11pm)!

Trust me on this one, absolutely delicious!

You can check bluebunny.com for retail locations/product info.

This contest started on 12/30/18. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $25 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $25 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Gift Card to give to one of you guys!

The game- the first 35 “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 Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

You can check menu/prices at ninosofboca.com.
Latest Review- 6/1/15.

This contest started on 1/5/19. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $10 McDonald’s Gift Card.

Real simple story, Jeff Eats got a $10 McDonald’s 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 $10 Gift Card is good at any McDonald’s location (mcdonalds.com for locations, menu, info).

This contest started on 12/31/18. 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 35 “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!