This “contest” started on 11/8/16. This contest has a winner!

* Win A $100 Shake Shack Gift Card.

Jeff Eats got a $100 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 $100 Gift Card is good at any Shake Shack location (shakeshack.com for locations, menu, info).

Post April 20, 2013
***** Shake Shack, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 923-0847.

Before Jeff Eats gets started here…let me state without equivocation- I’m not a shill for “gourmet” fast-food burger chain Shake Shack. Unfortunately, I don’t “have” a piece of this deal.

With that out of the way, let me reprint the two articles that Jeff Eats has already run on this up and coming chain.

***August 1, 2010
Shake Shack… “order at/pickup at counter”…burgers, fries, hot dogs, custard, shakes.
There are 5 Shake Shacks in New York City…1-in Saratoga, New York…1-in Miami, Florida.
This is “fast food” at its best.
Check www.shakeshacknyc.com for menu/prices/locations/pictures.
The next time you are down in South Beach, this joint is an absolute-must-try…Just so you know, Shake Shack has a cult-like-following…so don’t be surprised by some heavy duty crowds and lines.
Shake Shack is open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-midnight, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-1am.
***August 12, 2012
Back on August 1, 2010 Jeff Eats told you about Shake Shack which had just opened in South Beach..
In that “review”–I told you guys that Shake Shack a fast-food burger joint was “fast food at its best.”
Regular Jeff Eats readers know, that there is no doubt in my mind- that the fast-food burger “business” is totally oversaturated with players—that one day, in the very near future-this gigantic game of musical chairs is gonna end very badly for most of them. There is also no question in my mind, that when all is said and done, Shake Shack will be one of the few players left standing.
————–
This evening, Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats, and another couple “attended” a “Friends & Family Practice” at the newest Shake Shack which is scheduled to open in Boca Raton at 11am this coming Monday–April 22, 2013. We were there roughly from 6:45 pm to 8pm and I would guess that something like 150 got to try Shake Shacks’ stuff… being a party of four, we made sure to order all types of “items”— double cheeseburger, french fries, cheese french fries, grilled hot dog, chocolate custard cone, coffee shake, chocolate toffee “concrete” (think Dairy Queen’s Blizzard and you’ll be on the right page), grilled chicken dog,

Let Jeff Eats make this as simple and as clear as possible…Shake Shacks’ food is delicious. That said, to give you guys a fair shake (pun intended)-the only item that needs improving are the french fries…Shake Shack uses a “frozen” product which is good but it’s definitely not on the same level as the “fresh” cut fries that competitors like Five Guys and BurgerFi turn-out.

As I mentioned 3 seconds ago, this “practice” session was held in the new Boca Raton store. Talk about a great location—Shake Shack’s free standing building (which has both indoor and outdoor covered patio seating) is located right across the road from FAU’s campus and is in walking distance of Boca Raton High School, a half-dozen hotels, Boca Town Center and loads of office buildings. At this stage of the conversation check www.shakeshack.com for menu/prices/locations and loads of photos that will give you some idea as to what this really cool joint looks like.

Normally on his sojourns, Jeff Eats doesn’t sit/stand around talking to a joint’s management…that said, the “Friends & Family Practice” presented an opportunity to chat with Zachary Koff (VP of Operations), Greg Waters (Manager, Marketing & Communications), Josh (Boca’s Assistant General Manager), Dustin (Boca’s General Manager) and Peggy (Director of Training)…suffice it to say, those conversations made it quite obvious why Shake Shack is such a well-run business. No crapping around here, these folks know the fast food business inside and out and seem to have one single goal–that being to present the guest with an outstanding dining experience. Secure in the fact that I’m not a Shake Shack shill—Jeff Eats is telling you that my fast food operations background with Hardees, Discovery Zone and Johnny Rocket’s—kinda gives me a real good point of reference on how things are suppose to work…and Shake Shack comes as close to operational perfection as I’ve seen on the fast food level.

Let me end this thing by saying…

If you like burgers/hot dogs/fries/shakes and haven’t been to a Shake Shack (which currently has… 9 New York, 2 Connecticut, 3 Florida, 2 Washington DC, 1 Massachusetts, 1 Pennsylvania locations) you now have 3 South Florida locations to try and— find out if Jeff Eats knows what he’s talking about or is just a blabbering idiot.

***One final note, to Shake Shacks’ management do Jeff Eats a huge-gigantic favor and add a chicken burger to the menu…so he can get Mrs. Jeff Eats off his ass. Thanks,

* Election Night 2016!- Clinton & Trump & Red Cow.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats just picked-up food for- tonight from Red Cow!

Enjoy the show!

Posted December 29, 2015
***** Red Cow, 1025 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304, (954) 652-1524.

A recent e-mail received by Jeff Eats.

Jeff,

I really love good barbecue. I know there are loads of styles, but I was wondering what’s one of your best picks in the Fort Lauderdale area?

Thank you very much,

Gene Kennedy (Woodstock, New York)

______

George Kennedy,

Not exactly sure what “type” (i.e. North Carolina, Memphis, North Carolina) of barbecue- you’re looking for…that said, Red Cow in Fort Lauderdale is one of “MY” absolute favorites. I love this joint’s food- not too smokey, just right!. Checkout the “story” Jeff Eats ran on January 4, 2015 which is printed down below. Also take a look at Red Cow’s website redcowftl.com for menu/prices/info.

Like I said at the top, I’m not exactly sure what type of barbecue you’re looking for- all I can tell you, is that Jeff Eats has eaten there a number of times- and each and every time the food killed! I might add, that I’ve taken a number of friends there to eat- and everybody loved the food! Now, I know there is nothing scientific about all of this- but I will tell you, most of my friends are major pain in the asses-so I’m kinda thinking that just maybe the food is pretty decent! But then again who knows?

If you end up trying Red Cow- careful on the ordering- the portions are enormous!

Thanks for reading…

____________

Posted January 4, 2015
***** Red Cow, 1025 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304, (954) 652-1524.

Last night Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple ate in a bbq-joint named Red Cow. Just this simple, some of the most delicious bbq-that I’ve eaten in a very long time.. By the way don’t quote me, but I’m thinking the joint has been open something like 18 months!

I’d be lying to you-if I actually tried to explain the bbq-“style” Red Cow uses…I know that I have kids who went to sleep away camp in Asheville, North Carolina… I’ve flown over Dallas at least 23 times and I recall having been to Atlanta, Georgia 7 times- but I’m just not qualified to tell you styles.

Anyway,

Like I said 2.3 seconds ago, some of the most delicious bbq-going! For sure, I can tell you that the stuff is definitely “smoked”- but not smoked where the smoke overwhelms everything. I can also tell you, that Red Cow “uses” dry rubs and 3- actually make that 4 types of bbq-sauce if you want to “customize” your bbq.

Let me tell you what Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple “tried”…but before I do, I just want you to know, that Red Cow’s portions are ENORMOUS- so when you go, figure on sharing “dishes”- you’ll “save” some cash and- just as important, get to try-all kinds of stuff.

The folks who own Red Cow know what they are doing, they have a menu that has a handful of appetizers and salads, a list of bbq entrees that literally allows you to mix and match what shows up, a load of sandwiches, sides and desserts. Before Jeff Eats gets to the “eating”…I wanted to mention that our waiter Garrett was amazing-good. He knew the menu cold, made great recommendations and made sure that the beer and soda glasses were never empty.

Last night our party of 4- had…iron skillet corn bread, chopped salad, beef ribs, baby back pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, prime rib, rotisserie chicken, corn fritters, corn on the cob, cowboy mashed potatoes, jalapeno cheddar sausages, fried brussel sprouts, coleslaw, peanut butter/white chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream. Hey! I already told you that the portions were enormous and the joint lets you customize what shows up on your plate. Just so you don’t get scared- or nothing- the most expensive item on the menu the- Eat More Meat Combo runs 23 bucks and I’m telling you, it can easily feed 3 people (unless one of the 3 is my friend Bobby G. who clocks in around 287, wears a size 52 suit and claims to have some kinda gland problem).

* Ronnie Spector.

The below-article first appeared on 8/30/16. A quick update-the legendary Ronnie Spector along with Joey Dee & The Starliters, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners and The Legendary Teenagers will be appearing Saturday, March 11, 2017 (8:00pm) at FAU- Carole & Barry Kaye Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, Florida 33431. Tickets go on sale November 10, 2016 at 10am at Ticketmaster.com.

Posted on August 30th, 2016
* Ronnie Spector.

For right now- just a rumor, but Jeff Woodward & Bernstein Eats is hearing that based on her recent European and New York SRO concerts, the kinda reclusive- Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer- Ronnie Spector is in negotiations for a very rare March, 2017 South Florida public appearance!

Like I just said, for right now-just a rumor- with no firm date or venue!

For you guys who don’t know who Ronnie Spector is, shame on you! For crying out loud, the lady ONLY sang lead on Be My Baby which just might be the greatest Rock n Roll girl group record of all time!

No ifs, ands or buts- “if” announced, South Florida- tickets to see the legendary and I do mean legendary Ronnie Spector will immediately sell-out!

To stay on top of this “developing” story- jeffeats.com,

This contested started 11/7/16. This contest has a winner!

* Win A $50 Sonic Gift Card.

This is a real good one…trust Jeff Eats when I tell you- 50 bucks in a Sonic can do some real serious damage!

Real simple story, Jeff Eats got a $50 Sonic Gift Card to give to one of you guys!

The game- the first 15 “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 $50 Gift Card is good at any Sonic location (sonicdrivein.com for locations, menu, info).

Posted on November 15, 2014
* Sonic.

Sonic is one of Jeff Eats favorite fast-food burger/fries/ice cream joints. A “story” that I did way back on August 15, 2013 is reprinted below…

Anyway, last night I “participated” in a taste-test (at the Boynton Beach joint) of Sonic’s new boneless chicken wing “product.” Just so we are straight, Sonic Corp. via a gift card- comped Jeff Eats for the purchase of 24 boneless wings ($14.99), Barbecue, Buffalo, Asian Sweet Chili and I gotta tell you, all 3-flavors were delicious. Each boneless wing was a nice sized all-white meat chunk-fried to a nice crunch. If I were to do a pecking order-barbecue, buffalo, Asian sweet chili-but that’s just me! Remember, what Jeff Eats likes you might hate and vice versa. Just for reference, barbecue was mild, buffalo had a kick, Asian had a double-kick.

Let me wrap this up for you…if Jeff Eats had- found the wings to be crap, comp or no comp, I’d tell you that they were crap…but they weren’t-so you now know about a really delicious fast food chicken-option.

One final thought and its- got nothing to do with chicken…Sonic’s “skaters” sure are a hard working bunch of folks… pleasant and as helpful as can be!

Posted on August 15th, 2013 ·
***** Sonic (Greenacres, Boynton Beach, Homestead)

Something like 60 days ago, Jeff Eats tried Sonic for the first time. Since that first outing, I’ve been back 3 additional times….I absolutely love the burgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, soft ice cream, fried chicken and grilled chicken that this fast-food joint serves-up.

Printed below is a “corporate” profile that I swiped from Yahoo Finance–this summary should give you the basics on this 3,500 unit chain that features drive-up service with food-being delivered to your car by a wait-staff on roller skates…think Happy Days, Richie Cunningham, Fonize, Potsie and Ralph The Mouth and you’ll catch the vibe.

“Sonic Corp. operates and franchises a chain of quick-service drive-in restaurants in the United States. As of August 6, 2013, the company operated approximately 3,500 drive-in restaurants in 43 states. It also leases signs and real estate. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.”

Just so you know, there are a load of Sonic outlets in Florida…for our purposes–there is 1 in Greenacres, 1 in Boynton Beach, 1 in Homestead (Miami Gardens and Lauderhill are currently under construction)…but like I just said, there are a ton of others in the great state of Florida (Mr. Chairman, I have the high honor and great privilege to cast…).

Anyway…

Jeff Eats has been to the Greenacres joint 4 times and I got to tell you, that Sonic really got the job done for me. The food was really good– as was the service and the prices were super reasonable (think Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonald’s). The menu is gigantic…burgers, fries, onion rings, soft ice cream, shakes, chicken, salads, hot dogs, desserts—best way for Jeff Eats to describe Sonic—imagine if Burger King, Dairy Queen and Chik fil A—merged…that’s Sonic!…and the joint is open on Sunday!!!

If you haven’t been to a Sonic, GO! You will love it.

Check www.sonicdrivein.com for menu/locations/photos.

***** Winn Dixie’s- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Last night while shopping in Winn Dixie, 7024 Beracasa Way, Boca Rston, Florida 33433, (561) 368-5442 Jeff Eats “discovered” Winn Dixie’s- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies ($4- 18 count) and I gotta tell you, definitely “one” of the best- most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies I’ve eaten since I “became” Jeff Eats over 10 years ago!

Look! I could foolishly try and describe the cookies’ texture- taste- cheweyness- flavor- color- so on and so forth…but I don’t want to bore you guys, so I won’t!

Oatmeal raisin cookie fans, the Winn Dixie at 7024 Beracasa Way in Boca Raton is open 7-days a week 7am-11pm.

Winndixie.com for locations/hours/info.

***** Garden Grill Restaurant, 6175 Southwest 45th Street, Davie, Florida 33155, (954) 583-2637.

Got a real good mom & pop, table/booth/counter seating, reasonable prices, 19?? decor- diner for you guys, the Garden Grill Restaurant in Davie.

Jeff Eats and some business associates (How you doin’? I’m doin’.) did a recent early-lunch and I gotta tell you everything was real good.

Like I said a few seconds ago “everything was real good”…

If you live or work in the neighborhood, the Garden Grill Restaurant definitely works for an easy- no drama breakfast or lunch!

The joint is open, Monday-Saturday 5:30am – 3:00pm and Sunday 7am-2pm.

This contest started on 11/7/16. This contest has a winner!

* Win a $100 Wendy’s Gift Card.

This one is sick…trust Jeff Eats when I tell you- 100 bucks in a Wendy’s can do some real serious damage!

Real simple story, Jeff Eats got a $100 Wendy’s 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 $100 Gift Card is good at any Wendy’s location (wendys.com for locations, menu, info).

* Bungalow Bar-vs-Good Humor.

Just felt like re-running this “story” from April 19, 2012.

Posted on April 19th, 2012
***** BUNGALOW BAR–VS–GOOD HUMOR *****

As a kid growing up in Brooklyn (1950s-1960s) at 811 Cortelyou Road Apt. 6M—two ice cream “trucks” Bungalow Bar and Good Humor competed on a daily basis for “us” kids’ business. When I think back on those days, I can’t believe that ice cream bars were 5 & 10 cents, pizza was 15 cents a slice, a small coke was a nickel, a hamburger was 20 cents, french fries were a dime, a haircut was 50 cents, for 50 cents you got to watch two movies and three-four cartoon shorts and a gallon of gasoline was going for 20 cents a gallon…I also remember my mother “buying” me and my brother an encyclopedia–one book every week for $1 until the set was completed from the local Waldbaum’s Supermarket. Crazy as it may sound to “youngters” out there- but every couple of blocks, there was a candy store, local market, bar, bakery, diner…back then most families only had 1- car, there were no shopping malls and kids either walked to school or rode the public bus which was 15 cents and the bus driver made change for you. There was no Starbucks-Costcos-Walmarts-Targets-Wendys—but there were plenty of Chock Full O’ Nuts, Nedicks, Ebingers. There were no soda machines that let you mix 100 different Coke flavors, but all of the candy stores had soda fountains and ice coolers which you stuck your hand into- and searched the freezing cold water for the bottle you wanted.

This one is open to everyone.

Tell Jeff Eats of days long past.

This contest started on 11/6/16. This contest has a winner!

* Win A $50 Carvel Gift Card.

This is a real good one…trust Jeff Eats when I tell you- 50 bucks in a Carvel can do some real serious damage!

Real simple story, Jeff Eats got a $50 Carvel 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 $50 Gift Card is good at any Carvel location (carvel.com for locations, menu, info).

Posted on September 7th, 2014
***** Carvel, 9176 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 394-0411.

Jeff Eats is gonna take a shot here- I’m thinking that you guys know what Carvel is…if you don’t, it’s “Google Time.” By the way, if you have to Google- while you’re researching also checkout the term Flying Saucer!

Anyway,

For the record, down here in South Florida its-always been a very close toss-up for me between Carvel and Dairy Queen and I do mean REALCLOSE. Just in case we go on The Newlywed Game tv-show together, Dairy Queen is the pick, but like I just said 2 seconds ago it’s real close.

Anyway,

Last night around 8:15pm I picked up 2 six packs of Vanilla/Chocolate Flying Saucers ($10.59) and by 8:56pm there were only 7 left. Now, you mathematicians out there can solve the equation- If Mrs. Jeff Eats ate 1 Flying Saucer, how many Flying Saucers did Farmer Jeff Eats eat?

Let me wrap this up for you…

If you are in the mood for top notch soft serve and scooped ice cream- Carvel will definitely get the job done for you.

Although I have never physically counted them- Jeff Eats knows that there are loads of Carvel stores in South Florida. You can check carvel.com for locations/other info.

Finally,

While writing this “review” I’m thinking that Dairy Queen and Carvel are sort of like Coke and Pepsi- not so sure on how Jeff Eats would do in a “blind taste test.” What I do know is that Dennis the Menace was one of my favorite tv shows and I still love the comic strip. For those of you not “following”” the Dennis the Menace references- “GOGGLE TIME.”

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 11/6/16).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

TRUFFLE MELT SANDWICH
$6.25

Toasted
1945 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park
(407) 960-3932
igettoasted.com
Latest Review: 6/2/14

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, this joint’s food is absolutely off the chart delicious!

The only problem I got with Toasted is that it’s in Winter Park and Jeff Eats’ abode is in Boca Raton- not exactly a 10 minute drive!

Like I said 2-seconds ago, Toasted’s food is off the chart delicious!

Posted on June 6, 2014

***** Toasted, 1945 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32792, (407) 960-3922.

Jeff Eats knows that you guys know…that I’ve been “to” a ton of restaurants down here in Sunny Florida. Remember that movie “Ground Hog Day”?–when you have eaten in as many Chinese, sub and pizza joints as I have– they literally all run together…for sure, every so often “one” looks different and there is a “stand-out” –but by and large, Ground Hog Day!

Anyway…

Jeff Eats recently had lunch at Toasted in Winter Park. This hole in the wall- order at/pick up at the counter–describes itself as…

“Toasted restaurant specializes in crafted grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and natural cut fries, served in an effortless, fast casual dining environment. Toasted is the first to bring the best grilled sandwiches to Orlando and the Central Florida area. We also offer a full Vegetarian and Vegan menu, packed with specialty Vegan grilled cheese and burgers featuring our house made vegan cheese.”–and I gotta tell you, that I absolutely loved its food/décor/service…trust me, I won’t forget this joint!

You can check menu/prices/photos/other info at www.igettaosted.com.

In a nutshell, Toasted makes all kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, with a handful of salads/soups/sides.

Jeff Eats’ lunch-outing had me doing- “The 101” which is cheddar and tomato for 5 bucks, “The Classic” which is a beef burger/cheddar/lettuce tomato for 5 bucks, fries for 2 bucks and mac & cheese for 2 1/2 bucks…and like I said 6 seconds ago, I absolutely loved the food. For what it’s worth, every item was off the chart.

Toasted is a WINNER!

Toasted is open 7 days a week 11am-9:30pm.