Posted on August 28, 2017.

* What Are Your Favorite Florida Fast Food Burger Joints?

Operative words here “Fast Food”…

Fire away!

This contest started on 8/27/17. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $20 Way Beyond Bagels Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $20 Way Beyond Bagels 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:

Way Beyond Bagels
16850 Jog Road,
Delray Beach, Florida 33446
561-638-1320
Monday-Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday: 7am-3pm

Way Beyond Bagels
9858 Clint Moore Road,
Boca Raton, Florida 33496
561-883-3535
Monday-Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday: 7am-3pm

Menu/prices/location waybeyondbagels.com

* Feelin’ Groovy: The Life and Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are down for this one.

Personally, I’m kinda thinking that Art Garfunkel was a very lucky guy- sorta like Ringo Starr was!

Trust Jeff Eats, I know that Garfunkel and Starr have legions of fans, so on and so forth- just stirring the pot here!

Anyway…

Like I just said, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are down for this one!

The Skinny:

Feelin’ Groovy: The Life and Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel
Saturday, November 25 @ 7:30 pm
Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center
Black Box Theater
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Box Office: (844)-672-2849
Tickets: miznerparkculturalcenter.com

from miznerparkculturalcenter.com

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel rose to prominence in 1966 with voices that blended like siblings’, applying Everly Brothers-inspired harmonies to Simon’s songs. They quickly became the most popular folk-rock duo of the sixties. This program traces the arc of Simon and Garfunkel’s success from their childhood beginnings in Queens, N.Y., when they began singing together at age 12.

By 1963, the duo had already built a reputation around Greenwich Village, after singing together throughout high school and cutting a record as 16-year-olds. But, their debut album for Columbia languished until their producer secretly went back into the studio and added electric guitar, bass and drums to “The Sound of Silence,” and Simon and Garfunkel had a #1 hit. They released six albums, winning 10 Grammy Awards, and you’ll hear many of those beloved songs performed amid stimulating commentary on their career as a duo and on their personal lives. This unique and memorable program blends dramatic slides with a live performance of their intricate close-harmony songs by Joan Friedenberg and Bill Bowen, who sing professionally as the PinkSlip Duo. And, lyrics to the songs will be projected for audience sing-along.

This contest started on 8/25/17. This contest has a winner.

* Win A $20 Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers Gift Card (Boca Raton)

Jeff Eats got a $20 Ben’s of Boca 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 $20 Gift Card is good at any Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers location. Check bensdeli.net for locations/menu/info.

Posted on March 8th, 2008

***** Ben’s of Boca Raton, 9942 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33496–(561) 470-9963

Ben’s is a KOSHER DELI. This joint opened about 2 years ago and every time that I have been there, there have been lines waiting to dine in and take-out. You native New Yorker’s probably know, that this is the same Ben’s which currently has 6 Long Island locations and 1 Manhattan spot.

DELI is a very funny thing…some people like fatty corned beef and some have to have it extra lean… The point to be made, is that you will have to try Ben’s and decide for yourself as to whether or not you like-love-hate this joint’s food.

Last night I had a great Rumanian Steak smothered in sauteed onions, a piece of stuff derma and a potato pancake. The derma’s gravy was a bit salty, but everything else that I ordered was delicious. I also “sampled” a hot-dog with mustard and sauerkrat, corned beef, brisket, turkey off the bone, pastrami and tongue…all absolutely perfect.

Ben’s is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Like I said before, “deli” is a personal call, so try this joint and decide for yourself if it’s for you. Personally, I love the joint and try to get there once or twice a month.

***** Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta, 9967 Glades Road, Boca Raton Florida 33434–(561) 477-3663.

A recent e-mail received by Jeff Eats…

Jeff,
My wife and I just moved into Boca’s Century Village. We are looking for a really good pizza place where we can buy ‘real’ NY slices from the counter. We are both in our mid-sixties and lived in Bayside, Queens for our entire lives.
Thanks for your help,
Martin Garin

Martin Garin,

Welcome to Florida.

Jeff Eats got the perfect joint for you guys, Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta and it’s a 5 minute drive from your new home!

Jeff Eats

Posted on December 30th, 2015

***** Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta, 9967 Glades Road, Boca Raton Florida 33434–(561) 477-3663.

Just had- 2 slices and a Coke at Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta in Boca Raton- and I’m kinda feeling a bit “homesick” or maybe “nostalgic” is a better word- for Brooklyn 1950-1960!

Anyway, just between you guys and Jeff Eats, this Brooklyn Boys Pizza joint makes one of the best NY STYLE PIZZAS in all of South Florida. Not too crazy about its pastas, subs and other stuff- but its pizza is off the chart dynamite!- Just so there is no misunderstanding, on the pastas/subs/other stuff “crack”- nothing terrible or nothing, but I wouldn’t be running to Brooklyn Boys, capice!

Jeff Eats has been eating slices/pies at Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta for years-and I gotta tell you that this hole in the wall-is as close to “being like” the 50s-60s pizza joints I grew-up on in Brooklyn as any joint I’ve been to down here in Florida!

For you guys who may-be feeling a little homesick, nostalgic or just looking for a great slice…GO! I promise you- you won’t be disappointed!

Posted February 12, 2008
***** Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pasta, 9967 Glades Road, Boca Raton Florida 33434–(561) 477-3663.

Yesterday had two delicious slices and a Coke at Brooklyn Boys. This joint is as close to a neighborhood Brooklyn pizza joint circa 1950-1960 that you will find down here in South Florida. You order from a counter and the joint has a few tables where you can sit. I try to get over to Brooklyn Boys at least once a month. It reminds me of the days, when I would stop for 2 slices and a large Coke on my way home from Erasmus Hall High School. Of course, back then a slice cost 15 cents and a large Coke was a dime!

You can check meny/prices/info at- brooklynboysboca.com.

This article first appeared on August 5, 2017. Just a reminder, tickets go on sale tomorrow morning- Monday, 8/28/17 at 6am on ticketmaster.com. Trust Jeff Eats- You don’t want to miss- Neil Sedaka! Guaranteed, SR0!

Posted August 5, 2017

* An Evening With Neil Sedaka.

This one was just announced…

All I can tell you guys is that -you don’t want to miss Neil Sedaka!

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, Sedaka- the legendary pop songwriter and singer puts on an absolutely fabulous show!

The Skinny:

AN EVENING WITH NEIL SEDAKA
Friday, October 27 • 8PM • The Pavilion
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
5550 NW 40th Street
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
Info: 954-977-6700

Tickets on sale Monday, August 28 at 6am- via Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

from NeilSedaka.com
Sedaka_BioPicSinger. Songwriter. Composer. Pianist. Author. These are just a few of the titles that can be used to describe Neil Sedaka. His impressive fifty year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the 50’s, a relevant songwriter for himself and other artists in the 60’s, a superstar in the 70’s, remaining a constant force in writing and performing presently. This is all thanks to the countless songs he has written, performed, and produced that continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world.

Neil Sedaka was born on March 13, 1939. Neil’s interest in music began at the young age of eight, when he would listen to The Make-Believe Ballroom. But, it was not Rock and Roll, but Classical music that would shape Neil into the musician he is today. By the time he was nine years old, he had already begun his intensive classical piano training at the prestigious Julliard School of Music. At 16, Arthur Rubinstein voted Neil as one of the best New York High School pianists. Though Neil considered pursuing a Doctorate in music, Neil’s next choice became his chosen vocation.

Eager to gain acceptance from his peers at Abraham Lincoln High School, Neil began performing Rock N Roll outside of his classical training. At this time, he would form the Doo-Wop group The Tokens, in which they would record two singles that would go on to be regional hits. But, it was his introduction to his young neighbor Howard Greenfield, by Greenfield’s mother, that began one of the most prolific songwriting partnerships of the last half-century that sold forty million records between 1959-1963.

Sedaka and Greenfield became one of the original creators of the “Brill Building” sound in the late fifties and early sixties when they were the first to sign with Don Kirshner and Al Nevins at Aldon Music. Aldon Music would go on to sign Neil Diamond, Carole King, and Paul Simon among many others, and they became the center of the pop world.

Sedaka catapulted into stardom after Connie Francis recorded his “Stupid Cupid.” She then sang the theme song Neil and Howard had written for the 1960 MGM spring break classic, Where the Boys Are, which would be her biggest hit. Rhythm and blues stars Clyde McPhatter and LaVern Baker also scored hits with his songs. As a result of these hits, Sedaka was able to sign a contract with RCA as a writer and performer of his own material. Sedaka soon recorded chart toppers “The Diary,” “Oh! Carol,” ” Stairway to Heaven,” “Calendar Girl,” “Little Devil,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Next Door To An Angel,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” songs that have become a part of peoples’ lives and can instantly take listeners back to special moments. His music became distinguished for a unique recording style involving multi-tracking his own voice.

In 1964, the direction of American music changed drastically when The Beatles launched The British Invasion. It became very hard for most male solo artists to continue to pursue their career in music. Due to his many talents as a songwriter, Neil was able to prevail, writing hit songs for such artists including Frank Sinatra (The Hungry Years), Elvis Presley (Solitaire), Tom Jones (“Puppet Man”), The Monkees’ When Love Comes Knocking (At Your Door), and The Fifth Dimension (Workin’ on a Groovy Thing).

Neil’s journey continued in the UK with the release of his album “Emergence” in 1972. This was the first step of redefining himself as a solo artist. It was Elton John who decided to sign Neil to his up and coming record label Rocket Records and begin to re-introduce Neil to American audiences. The two albums he recorded for the Rocket label, Sedaka’s Back in 1974 and The Hungry Years in 1975, both became top selling albums around the world. His comeback was further heralded by two of his songs co-written with Phil Cody, “Bad Blood” and the quintessential “Laughter in the Rain,” both reaching the #1 position on the music charts. In Rolling Stone Magazine, Sedaka was hailed as “the new phenomenon.” The song “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was re-released as a ballad in 1975, and made music history when it reached #1 on the charts, becoming the first song recorded in two different versions by the same artist to reach the Number One. During this time, Sedaka also helped to launch the career of the Captain and Tennille with their version of his “Love Will Keep Us Together,” which won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year for this worldwide, number one hit.

The accolades showered on Neil Sedaka have been numerous. Among the honors he has received, Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, has had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

With a career spanning six decades, a rare feat in the entertainment world, Sedaka never ceases to amaze. He shows no signs of slowing down. Neil has appeared on FOX’s hit Television show American Idol, as a guest judge – in which Clay Aiken would perform Neil’s Solitaire, which saw an inevitable release, reaching #4 on the Hot 100 Singles chart, and was one of the Top Selling Singles of 2004.

On June 10 2004, he received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Popular Music / Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 35th annual induction and awards ceremony in New York. Named for the former President of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, this award is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements in furthering the successes of songwriters.

In 2006, Neil concluded a 10 city tour of the United Kingdom, where he filmed a Live Concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall for PBS (which was released as Neil Sedaka: The Show Goes On – Live at the Royal Albert Hall). During this historical evening, Neil was presented with The Guinness Award for his song “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo”, as the best selling single of the 21st century in the UK, a song that was originally performed by Tony Christie over thirty-five years ago.

On April 24, 2007, Neil released “The Definitive Collection”, a career-spanning retrospective released in honor of his 50th Anniversary in show business. “The Definitive Collection” debuted at #22 on the Billboard Chart, marking the first time Neil has appeared on the chart since 1980.

On October 26, 2007, Neil was honored with a tribute at Avery Fisher Hall at New York’s Lincoln Center. “Neil Sedaka: 50 Years of Hits”, a benefit for The Elton John AIDS Foundation, showcased Neil’s songs, with performances by Connie Francis, Dion, Paul Shaffer, Natalie Cole, Clay Aiken, Renee Olstead, and Captain and Tennille. The evening was hosted by Cousin Brucie Morrow and David Foster. Sir Elton John and Barry Manilow sent video tributes in their absence.

Sedaka has been married for fifty-three years to his wife, Leba, and they have two children: daughter Dara is a recording artist and vocalist for television and radio commercials, and son Marc is a successful screenwriter in Los Angeles. Neil has three grandchildren, twin granddaughters Amanda and Charlotte, and a grandson, Michael.

Inspired by his grandchildren, Neil released “Waking Up is Hard to Do”, a collection of Neil Sedaka Hits that have been reinvented as children’s songs. “Waking Up is Hard to Do” was a family collaboration, in which Neil’s son Marc adapted four of his father’s classic songs, and Neil’s five-year-old granddaughters made their recording debut as his backup vocalists. Since the release of the CD, Imagine Publishing has begun releasing a series of books based on these songs. In September 2010 saw the release of “Waking Up Is Hard to Do”. Its follow up, “Dinosaur Pet”, featuring Marc’s new lyric to “Calendar Girl”, was released in May 2012 and peaked at #3 on The New York Times Bestseller List.

In May 2010, Neil was awarded The Special International Award from The Ivors, honoring excellence in songwriting. On October 8th, Neil was the Variety Club’s recipient of The Silver Heart Award, for his outstanding service to the music industry and his charitable work.

Neil has returned to his classical roots, composing his first symphonic piece “Joie De Vivre”, and his first piano concerto “Manhattan Intermezzo”. In October 2010, Neil recorded these two pieces with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London at the famed Air Studios in London.

In addition to his extensive worldwide tour schedule, Neil’s latest collection of songs is “I Do It For Applause”, a CD of twelve new Sedaka songs. “The album is the culmination of sixty-three years of writing”, says Neil. “This is a gift I was born with. My main objective is to always top the last collection, raise the bar and reinvent Neil Sedaka.” Like its predecessor “The Real Neil” (2013), this is an acoustic album that concludes with the official release of “Joie De Vivre”, as “The Real Neil” marked the official release of Neil’s piano concerto “Manhattan Intermezzo”.

All of these ventures will no doubt add to his legend – that of a consummate musician, an extraordinary vocalist, and an ageless songwriting talent.

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday-8/27/17- Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

CHEESE SLICE
$2.00

Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs
1550 West 84th Street
Hialeah
(305) 821-7016
salvatorepizzapasta.com
Latest Review: 11/30/16

You guys gotta try this joint!

You guys can thank Jeff Eats later for the recommendation!

Posted on November 30th, 2016
***** Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs, 1550 West 84th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33027, (305) 821-7016.

Let’s call Salvatore Pizza “an out of sight, out of mind” mom & pop- red sauce- Italian joint…

First told you guys about Salvatore Pizza on November 10, 2014- hadn’t been back until last night’s “drama” dinner with Mrs. Jeff Eats, Daughter Jeff Eats and Son Jeff Eats. Why such a long hiatus between visits?- Salvatore Pizza’s Hialeah location and Jeff Eats’ Boca Raton abode aren’t exactly “next door” to one another. Why the “drama”?- As I’m sure it’s the same with your family- That’s the $64,000 question!

Long story short, this joint’s food is off the chart delicious. You live, you work, you play in Salvatore Pizza’s neighborhood- you gotta give it a shot!

Posted on November 10, 2014
***** Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs, 1550 West 84th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33027, (305) 821-7016.

Got a real good one for you…Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs in Hialeah.

First things first,

You guys know and Jeff Eats knows, that “mom & pop”-red sauce Italian joints are a dime a dozen down here in South Florida. No ifs ands or buts, almost every dumpy-strip center has one of them. For the record, we also know-that these strip center pizza joints aren’t solely- indigenous (I did go to college)- to South Florida, all 50 states got them…

Anyway,

Jeff Eats and a couple of buddies recently had lunch at Salvatore Pizza and I gotta tell you, I loved the joint.

When you check Salvatore Pizza’s menu at salvatoreinhialeah.com, you’re gonna find the expected full-boat of appetizers/pizzas/pastas/subs/salads/calzones-stromboli/entrees/desserts.

Jeff Eats and Buddies Jeff Eats ordered…veal parm sub (8″-$9), meatball sub (8″-$7), large plain pizza (16″-$11), calzone ($13) and I-must tell you, Salvatore Pizza killed it! No fooling here, everything was delicious.

Now, you guys know that Jeff Eats really isn’t into lists or rankings, but the- calzone stuffed with ricotta/mozzarella/romano cheeses definitely deserved a special shout-out! So- HELLO CALZONE!!

Nothing fancy going on at Salvatore Pizza. Solid and I do mean SOLID pizza joint stuff.

Like I said 4 seconds ago, Jeff Eats loved Salvatore Pizza.

The perfect Jeff Eats’ lunch…red sauce galore, loads of Coca Cola, good friends, plenty of napkins and no Mrs. Jeff Eats’-drama… bitching about- how I was stuffing my face, hadn’t taken a “lactose” pill and how I would be up all night gagging from indigestion.

Salvatore Pizza, Pasta & Subs is open Monday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday noon-10pm.

* Mayweather vs McGregor.

All things being equal, Mayweather should knock-out McGregor in the first round of tonight’s boxing match!

That said, with Mayweather getting something like $400 million and McGregor getting something like $100 million- these two guys just may “fix” the scheduled 12 round fight to go a good handful of rounds more than it legitimately should- so the viewing paying public doesn’t get pissed off by a quick knockout for their money! Also Jeff Eats wouldn’t be a bit surprised with a “controversial” ending-which would setup a future rematch!

Like I said before, all things being equal, Mayweather considered by many to be the greatest pound for pound professional boxer of all time, should easily knock-out mixed martial arts fighter McGregor who has never been in a professional boxing match in the first round…then again Hillary Clinton was “suppose” to annihilate Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election!

* Sal Richards.

Jeff Eats just picked-up 2 tickets to see the legendary stand-up comedian Sal Richards who is set to headline the Boca Black Box tomorrow night, Sunday, August 27th (7pm). Manhattan Harmony- one of South Florida’s best doo wop groups opens for Richards!

Trust Jeff Eats- Richards who works clean, puts on a great show!

The Skinny:
Sal Richards
Sunday Night, August 27. 2017 (7pm)
Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Rd #10, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Box-office: (561) 483-9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com goldstar.com (discount tickets)

from bocablackbox.com
WHO IS HE: Showbiz veteran Sal Richards was called “one of the funniest guys in show biz” by the N.Y. Daily News. The Brooklyn native also was voted as the “Entertainment Industry’s Funniest Comic” by the New York Friars Club. Richards has been a mainstay in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City for years and also has appeared in several movies including “Out for Justice” and “Rounders.” His television credits include “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order: CI” and “Bachelor Life.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Sal Richards’ sharp wit and excellent singing voice are always the main highlights of his shows. The show business veteran has been performing on stages throughout the country, and has always been an Atlantic City favorite. Anyone planning on taking in one of Richards’ shows look forward to an evening of laughter.

***** The Bakery Banana Nut Muffins.

If you like banana nut muffins- the bet here is that you’re really going to like Walmart’s “house brand” The Bakery Banana Nut Muffins.

Yesterday, the pictured package cost Jeff Eats $3.98 at- the Walmart Supercenter, 16205 South Military Trail, Delray Beach, Florida 33484- and I gotta tell you guys, these muffins were absolutely delicious!

Now you guys and Jeff Eats both know- that no person in his or her right mind- wakes up in the morning (or for that matter at any time) thinking “I gotta have a banana nut muffin”- that said, if you’re a person not in his or her right mind, or a person just in the mood for a banana nut muffin, you now know where you can catch really delicious banana nut muffins!

You can check Walmart.com for store locations/product info.