This article first appeared on October 25, 2016.

* Win A $50 Olive Garden Gift Card.

Really not-that important as to how Jeff Eats got a $50 Olive Garden Gift Card 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 $50 Gift Card is good at any Olive Garden location (check olivegarden.com for locations, menu, info).

Posted on January 19th, 2007

***** Olive Garden Restaurant, 22161 Powerline Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 750-0786.

I am going to assume that everyone “here” knows what an Olive Garden Restaurant is. For those who don’t, Olive Garden Restaurant is an enormous ITALIAN RESTAURANT CHAIN which has “tons” of locations in South Florida, not to mention the United States.

Olive Garden has something for everyone. It has soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, pizzas, fish/meat entrees etc. This joint is a “budget shop,” where you get lots-of-food at very reasonable prices. This joint is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

I recently had dinner at the Olive Garden Restaurant located on Powerline Road in Boca Raton, Florida and I “must” tell you, that the food was “pretty damn good.” Gourmet stuff? Now let’s not get “stupid” here. That said, the lasagna, meatballs, fettucine Alfredo, chicken parmigiana and shrimp primavera that I “sampled,” were not bad…not bad at all.

I usually don’t recommend chain-joints, but I am going to make an exception for Olive Garden. The next time you feel like having a nice, casual Italian lunch/dinner, without “going for your lungs, keep Olive Garden in mind.

***** Ruggero’s Ristorante, 2701 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306, (954) 396-0930.

Real simple tale to tell you guys, last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats attended a “Media Dinner” at Ruggero’s Ristorante which opened 3 weeks ago!

Something like- 25 maybe 30 “media types” eating on the arm and I gotta tell you, the served- brusquettea alla burratina, insalata fruition di mare, melanzane napoletana, pappardelle, rigatoni alla bologense, pollo scarpariello, veal scallopini, tiramisu we’re all -right on the money (pun intended). Just between you guys and Jeff Eats the melanzane (eggplant stack), rigatoni alla bologense and the veal scallopini were off-the-chart delicious, as was the in-house freshly baked Italian bread- Jeff Eats used to sop-up the various sauces with!

For the record, Ruggero’s isn’t a $15.95 soup or salad/entree/pasta side/garlic knots- mom & pop red sauce Italian joint. Separate full bar area, white table cloths, real-pro wait staff. By the way, Jeff Eats is thinking that you won’t need a second job to pay the bill and that your tee shirt/shorts/flip flop ensemble works- if that’s the way you want to play it!

Like I said, “on the arm”- that said, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats were so impressed with the food and service, that we both agreed, comp or no comp- we would definitely recommend Ruggero’s to friends and make plans to eat there again!

You can check menu/prices/info at ruggerosfortlauderdale.com.

Ruggero’s Ristorante is open Monday-Saturday 5pm-11pm. Closed Sunday.

* Win A $50 Outback Steakhouse Gift Card.

Real simple story, Jeff Eats got a $50 Outback Steakhouse 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 $50 Gift Card is good at any Outback Steakhouse (outback.com for locations, menus, info).

Posted on January 19th, 2007

***** Outback Steakhouse, 6030 Southwest 18th Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 338-6283.

Earlier today, I did a “writeup” on Olive Garden which is an Italian-chain with locations all over the United States. If you read my thoughts on Olive Garden, you know that I rated it “pretty good.” Anyway, I “got to thinking” about other chains that dot our South Florida area and decided to tell you about Outback Steak. If you don’t know about this chain (in a nutshell), it is a mid-price steakhouse which has the full “gamut” of other stuff like seafood and pastas. I am sure that sometime during the past 10 years-or-so, you have heard or seen an Outback commercial which has annoying actors with “heavy duty” Australian accents chatting-up the food. Nothing for nothing, but everytime I hear an Outback commercial I think of that (now late) crocodile guy who was always annoying the crap out of some animal on tv.

Anyway, over the years I have eaten in at Outback Steak more than 10 times. If you check, I am sure that you will find an Outback “somewhere” close to your home. Just so you know, those 10 “dinners” were split between the Outbacks in Boca Raton, Coral Springs and Delray Beach.

Outback’s food is not bad. Actually, for the price the steaks, seafood, appetizers, salads etc., are a very good value. The only problem that I have with this joint and IT IS A VERY BIG PROBLEM, is that literally every item on the menu is over-seasoned with SALT. When I eat at this joint, I make it my business, to tell the wait-staff to MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOD IS NOT OVER-SALTED.

If you like SALT…Outback is for you. If you don’t like SALT and are not inclined to tell the wait-staff your “preference”…Outback is not for you.

Outback Steak is open 7 days a week for dinner.

* Rocky LaPorte & Bobby Collins.

This article first appeared on June 7, 2016…Jeff Eats just checked the Boca Black Box- box office and there are only a handful of tickets left for both LaPorte (Friday 11/4-8pm) and Collins’ (Friday 11/18-8pm & 10pm) upcoming shows. The bet here is that when the smoke clears, SRO is in the cards- so if you wanna go- do what you gotta do!

For tickets check bocablackbox.com and goldstar.com (discount tickets).

Posted on June 7th, 2016
* Rocky LaPorte & Bobby Collins.

There is an old Vietnamese saying- “The Early Bird Catches The First Worm”…

With the above in mind, two of America’s funniest “clean” national headlining comedians Rocky LaPorte and Bobby Collins were just booked to appear at the Boca Black Box! LaPorte- Friday, 11/4 (8pm), Collins- Friday, 11/18 (8pm)!

Trust me, I “know” that today is June 7th and LaPorte and Collins aren’t coming until November (some 5 months away)-that said, both comedians are absolute must sees and guaranteed both shows will be SRO situations!

Call it a “heads-up” or whatever you’d like, but you guys should make it your business to get tickets…

The Skinny:

Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road #10, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Box Office: 561.483.9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com goldstar.com (check for discount tickets)

from bocablackbox

Rocky traveled with Drew Carey to Iraq to entertain the troops and was seen on the Showtime special Patriot Act: A Jeffrey Ross Home Movie. Rocky has filmed his own Comedy Central Presents special and was voted the network’s second most popular comedian in a nationwide poll. He has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and appeared on A&E‘s Evening At The Improv and VH1‘s Stand-Up Spotlight, along with sitcom appearances on Cheers and his own NBC pilot called the Rocky LaPorte Show.
Rocky has opened for the likes of Garry Shandling, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, Louie Anderson, Hootie and the Blowfish and the Righteous Brothers, just to name a few. His clean, blue-collar style of comedy continues to increase in popularity as he travels the country.

from bocablackbox.com

Comedian Bobby Collins has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events.

Through precise physical timing and impeccable audience insight, he has honed his talents while performing from hole in the wall clubs to sold out theaters. Bobby Collins’ rise to top headlining, comedic master was inevitable. His true dedication to his craft is what keeps his vibrant shows consistently sold out.

A native New Yorker, Collins possesses a confidence and genuine everyman likeability that can only be earned. He knows what it’s like to work a day job, in order to pursue a dream. He’s flipped his share of burgers, as well as signing on as a substitute high school history teacher, to pay the bills – all the while performing in comedy clubs at night.

After heeding a conversation with his father, with some trepidation, he ventured into sales. Settling into the high fashion industry. A detour that proved so successful, that in the 1980’s he had risen to Vice President at Calvin Klein. It was there that he found himself faced with a life changing decision; remain here or chuck the security (and more than substantial steady income) for the uncertain challenge of heading out on the road – to pursue his dream of becoming a professional, full time stand-up comedian.

It was a decision he’s never regretted.

Realizing his dream has given Bobby the opportunity to tour with titans of entertainment like Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias and Dolly Parton. As a professional stand-up comedian, he’s worked alongside friends, Chris Rock, Ray Romano and Drew Carey, as well as many others. Rosie O’Donnell specifically requested that Bobby take over as host for Stand-Up Spotlight. Collins is widely regarded as a “comic’s comic.”

Through his personal appearances at Comedy Clubs, Theaters, Corporate and Charity events, coupled with innumerable television appearances on legendary shows like Letterman, The Tonight Show with both Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno, Collins continues to add new fans of all ages to his loyal base of diehard followers.

It is his relationship with his audiences that results in sold out shows everywhere he makes an appearance. What you see is what you get – Collins is the same man on and off the stage. Bobby Collins has a genuine love for what he does. With such skillful dissection of everyday life, he weaves his uproarious storytelling with effortless flair and charisma as he successfully dismantles any and all socioeconomic, race and age divides. As evidenced by his birthday performance for Chelsea Clinton at the White House, to appearances in US embassies and USO shows abroad. Night after night, Bobby Collins masterfully reflects the hilarious truth – we’re all in this together!

Bobby currently has 5 CD’s, 3 DVD’s and a new special slated for early next year.

With the critically acclaimed publication of his first book, “On The Inside – Witisms and Wisdomisms by Comedian Bobby Collins” we learn, through his personal and professional tragedies and triumphs, what has shaped his beliefs. With humorous recall, Bobby recounts his search for balance between career and family. The Boca Black Box is thrilled to welcome their friend, Bobby Collins, back to the stage this November!

* An Evening With Peter Cetera.

The below-article first appeared on May 31, 2016. Jeff Eats just checked the Pompano Beach Amphitheater’s box-office and there is just a handful of tickets left for Cetera’s Saturday, October 29th Pompano Beach Amphitheater concert. Trust Jeff Eats on this one, this concert is gonna be dynamite and definitely a SRO situation! So if you wanna go, time to make your move on the ticket front!

Posted on May 31st, 2016
* An Evening With Peter Cetera.

Just announced, Peter Cetera- legendary frontman/lead singer of Chicago is scheduled to play the Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Saturday Night, October 29, 2016 (8pm). Tickets go on sale June 2, 2016 (internet pre-sale at 10am-ticketmaster.com and pompanobeacharts.org- use code: timeless).

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, Cetera’s voice is one of the greatest in Rock N Roll history- and Chicago is one of the greatest Rock N Roll bands of all-time! Jeff Eats- has been a Cetera and Chicago fan since first seeing the band (then known as Chicago Transit Authority) in 1969 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York- Jeff Eats has followed Cetera and Chicago ever since! For those of you guys who might be wondering, that 1969 ticket cost $2.25!

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats will be at the show…

If you want to see one of Rock N Roll’s greats- go see Peter Cetera!

from pompanobeacharts.org

The Pompano Beach Amp is Proud to Present An Evening With Peter Cetera

Grammy Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee to Perform in October

Announce date: 5/31

Internet Pre-Sale: 6/2 (10am) ticketmaster.com or pompanobeacharts.org (use code: timeless)

On Sale date: General Public- 6/3 (10am)

Concert date: 10/29/16
Time: 8pm

Tickets: $40-$100
Ticketmaster.com or www.pompanobeacharts.org
Call for more information: 954-519-5500

Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Peter Cetera will be performing at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater (The Amp) on Saturday, October 29th. The iconic singer has had two distinct musical careers. From 1968 thru 1986, Peter was the singer, songwriter, and bass player for the legendary rock group “Chicago,” which was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In his time with the group, they recorded 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation, including such hits as “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I ’m Sorry,” “Baby What a Big Surprise,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Stay the Night,” “ Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Along Comes a Woman.”

A solo artist since 1986, Peter has recorded 10 time-honored CD s including his #1 hits, the Academy Award nominated song “The Glory of Love” from the hit movie The Karate Kid II, “The Next Time I Fall ” with Amy Grant, “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Kahn, “After All” with Cher from the motion picture Chances Are, “No Explanation” from the mega hit film, Pretty Woman, and the unforgettable “Restless Heart.”

Peter is currently touring with his 7 piece electric band “The Bad Daddy’s” and still enjoys performing his timeless hits which continue to touch the lives of so many people worldwide. He also appears in other musical formats including his much acclaimed “Symphony Show” for the larger venues and a smaller String Quartet version for smaller intimate affairs.

* Three Dog Night & America.

Last November, Three Dog Night & America sold old the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood!

We’ll, they’re back!

* Dave Muse of Firefall- Firefall Revisited.

Let’s call this one “killing two birds with one stone”…

Jeff Eats has seen Dave Muse of Firefall- Firefall Revisited and trust me, it’s quite a band- quite a show!

Jeff Eats has never been to The Funky Biscuit which describes itself as…” A musician owned and operated establishment featuring the finest national, regional and local entertainment, accompanied by a superb, down home, southern style menu. Hailed by many as “the best sounding room in the State of Florida”, The Funky Biscuit provides an unparalleled listening and dining experience, in a quality and intimate atmosphere. The Funky Biscuit is a musician’s “home away from home” and the music aficionado’s ultimate listening room. Whether it’s NOLA Funk, Delta Blues, Fusion Jazz or Rock n Roll for your soul, The Funky Biscuit delivers with the highest quality night after night.”

Now- back to “killing two birds with one stone”- On Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 8pm, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are gonna go see Dave Muse of Firefall- Firefall Revisited while at the same time- checking-out The Funky Biscuit’s “listening and dining experience.”

The gut call here, it’s gonna be a tremendous night!

For you guys who might like to join us…

The Skinny:

This article first appeared on October 24, 2016.

* Win A $50 Miller’s Ale House Gift Card.

Really not-that important as to how Jeff Eats got a $50 Miller’s Ale House 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 $50 Gift Card is good at any of Miller’s 74 Ale House locations (millersalehouse.com for locations/menus/prices/info).

Posted on March 24th, 2016

***** Miller’s Ale House, 1200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 988-9142.

Jeff Eats is gonna take a shot here and “think” that you guys know what Miller’s Ale House is! If not- sports bar chain that currently has 51 joints in Florida, 1 in Georgia, 2 in Illinois, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Massachusetts, 2 in Nevada, 3 in New Jersey, 6 in New York, 1 in Ohio, 4 in Pennsylvania. You can check millersalehouse.com for locations/menu/prices/operating hours/info.

Way-back on July 12, 2008 Jeff Eats told you-about the Miller’s Ale House in Jupiter, Florida. In 2008 I described the joint’s food as being okay and perfectly priced! That tale is reprinted down-below.

If you guys can keep a secret, since that 7/12/2008 tale printed (until this past Monday) Jeff Eats hadn’t been back “to” a Miller’s Ale House. No particular reason, just hadn’t been back!

Long story short, this past Monday- Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats, Son Jeff Eats and Daughter Jeff Eats ate dinner at the Miller’s Ale House on Yamato Road in Boca Raton- and I gotta tell you, we had an absolutely great-time. Rather than bother you guys telling you -that this location has a separate bar area/booth/table seating, more flat screen tvs than you can count, a covered out door patio with its own bar, a menu loaded with appetizers- burgers- salads-wings- entrees- desserts- beers- booze…let me tell you that the fried calamari, chicken Caesar salad, chicken nachos, breaded boneless garlic wings, grilled teriyaki wings, bbq baby back ribs, bacon cheeseburger, onion rings, French fries that we ordered were all delicious.

Look! I don’t know about your family, but getting the members of Jeff Eats’ immediate family to agree on virtually anything- is a monumental task. With that in mind, last night-all four of us agreed that the food killed, that the prices were super reasonable and that the service was as competent/pleasant as could be!

As I mentioned a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats hadn’t been to a Miller’s Ale House in something like 7 1/2 years! All I can tell you guys- the joint was absolute dynamite! If the other 71 Miller’s are like the Yamato Road outpost- you now know about a sports bar “chain” that really has its act together- and is an absolute must try!

Miller’s Ale House is open Sunday 11am-midnight, Monday-Saturday 11am-2am.

Posted on July 12th, 2008
***** Miller’s Jupiter Ale House, 126 Center Street, Jupiter, Florida 33458 (561) 746-7620

Miller’s owns and operates a “ton” and I do mean a “ton” of sports-bars/ale houses in South Florida. Check millersalehouse.com for locations/menu/prices/hours.

Miller’s joints all take on a local name…in Boca Raton, the joint is the Boca Ale House…in Jupiter the joint is the Jupiter Ale House…in Coral Springs the joint is the Coral Springs Ale House…so on and so forth.

Over the years, I have eaten in a number of Miller’s South Florida locations…my most recent meal being in the Jupiter Ale House 3 weeks ago. All of the Ale Houses look alike…big bar area, tvs galore, small game room, wood booths. The menus are the same…tons of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrees…something for everybody. Just so you know, the food is okay- not great…(operative word) OKAY… The prices are cheap…that’s the game…like a 20 oz. bone-in porterhouse steak with french fries for something like 10 bucks.

I have to tell you, that every so often, I really enjoy a grizzly-steak covered in grilled onions and french fries drenched in ketchup that costs $9.99…Sort of reminds me of Tad’s Broiled Steaks (you- New Yorkers know what I am talking about) circa 1960.

The Ale Houses are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Like I said, okay food priced perfectly.

By the way…some of you may not know, but Tad’s Broiled Steaks currently has a location at 152 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001 (212) 630-0318…those were the days.

* Creepy Clown Sightings!

You guys hear about this Creepy Clown Sightings’ thing?

Yesterday Jeff Eats had a “sighting”…

Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself!- and yes, Hillary Clinton is a crook!

* Hollyweird Halloween 2.

Jeff Eats likes the “sound” of this one- seems to have all ages covered!

HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY
Hollywood Boulevard in Downtown Hollywood
Saturday, October 29, 2016 • 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Back for its second year, Hollyweird Halloween features family friendly entertainment from 6-9pm, including trick or treating, live music, candy stations, playground, magic show, balloon twisters, face painting, and a children’s costume contest with prizes. From 9pm – 2am, the party continues with live bands, outdoor bars and adult costume contests with prizes. FREE ADMISSION!