*****. DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 5/15/16)

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

EVERYTHING

Mimi’s Ravioli
6714 Johnson Street
Hollywood
(954) 983-3823
mimisravioli.com
Latest Review: 3/16/15

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “found” this Italian market about a year ago- and I gotta tell you, outrageously delicious stuff! If I singled out “one” item (like the joint’s Sicilian slice) for special mention- I would be doing you, me and Mimi’s a huge disservice- trust Jeff Eats when I tell you, it’s all good!

Mimi’s Ravioli (Hollywood)
Posted on March 16th, 2015 · Delicatessen Desserts Fast Food Hollywood Italian Pizza

***** Mimi’s Ravioli, 6714 Johnson Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021, (954) 983-3823.

I can’t believe that this Italian market- has been around for something like 40 years and yesterday afternoon was the first time that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats set foot in the joint!

No fooling here, after shopping in Mimi’s Ravioli- Mrs. Jeff Eats wanted to become an Italian (I’m thinking that-right about now my mother-in-law is turning over in her grave)…

Anyway,

Mimi’s literally has every ITALIAN FOOD known to mankind!- breads, pastries, cakes, pastas, cheeses, wines, soups, groceries, sauces, prepared hot/cold foods, frozen prepared foods, salads. olive oil- the list goes on and on!

Think I’m fooling? Here’s a list (from Mimi’s website) of just its frozen prepared meals…

Pasta Dishes
Lasagna Cheese
Lasagna Meat
Lasagna Spinach
Lasagna Vegetable
Stuffed Shells w/sauce
Ravioli w/sauce
Manicotti w/sauce
Baked Ziti
Ziti with Broccoli
Ziti with chicken broccoli
Fish
Baked Clams
White Clam Sauce
Red Clam Sauce
Clam Chowder Meat Dishes
Meat Balls
Turkey Balls
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Marcela
Chicken Françoise
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Gordon Blue
Chicken Rollotini
Chicken Saltimbocca
Chicken Scaloppini
Chicken & Mushrooms
Chicken & Peppers
Chicken Scaparellio
Veal Parmesan
Veal Marcela
Veal Françoise
Veal & Peppers
Veal Saltimbocca
Sausage & Peppers
Stuffed Peppers Meat
Tripe Genovese
Beef Bracciola
Pork Bracciola
Beef & Peppers
Vegetable Dishes
Eggplant Rollotini
Eggplant Parmesan
Mozzarella Marinara
Stuffed Peppers

Now nothing for nothing, you and Jeff Eats both know, that if the stuff Mimi’s is selling ain’t good- having all the “stock” in the world isn’t gonna help…trust Jeff Eats, the meat lasagna, eggplant rollotini, chicken scaparellio that we had for dinner last night- were right on the money. Between you and me, we got a big freezer in the house, so we got- veal & peppers, veal parmesan, chicken cacciatore, stuffed shells w/sauce and veal marsala still-to-go!

Like I said 6 seconds ago, Mimi’s has been around for something like 40 years- so you gotta figure that it must be doing something right! One beautiful thing, as good as the food maybe- like many other restaurants and markets- Mimi’s owners can’t spell worth-a damn. Right off the top of Jeff Eats’ head- Veal Marcela and Chicken Gordon Blue need some work!

Mimi’s is an absolute must try…

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

Mimi’s is open Tuesday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-2pm, closed Monday.

* Music In The Park (The Village At Gulfstream Park), 501 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, (954) 378-0900, info@thevillageatgulfstreampark.com.

Jeff Eats first told you about Music In The Park on July 7, 2015…

This is a good “thing” to know about- some really good joints to eat dinner outside- with “the dog”…Jiggy Eats!

Tonight, May 14th- VIVA…definitely one of South Florida’s best 50s, 60s, 70s cover bands!

FREE MUSIC SERIES! Come to Champions Plaza to enjoy a variety of live bands featuring all genres as well as our nightclubs, restaurants, bars, happy hour specials, and much more!

EVERY SATURDAY | 8-11 PM

* Woodstock A Tribute To Crosby, Still & Nash.

Jeff Eats has seen the “concert”…real good tribute bands!

If you live near the Mount Dora Community Center- perfect venue for this easy going-smooth melodic show!

You can catch tickets at mountdoramusicfest.com.

* Rich Vos.

You don’t want to miss national headling comedian Rich Vos!

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, the “lightt blue” edgy Vos- is one of the funniest comedians currently working the comedy club/casino/event circuit!

Vos headlines the Boca Black Box tonight Friday, May 13th & Saturday- May 14th at 8pm.

Like I said a couple of seconds ago, very-very funny!

from goldstar.com
Comedian Rich Vos has racked up some impressive credits over the course of his career as one of the country’s top observational stand-ups. He’s starred in a pair of his own Comedy Central specials, he’s a favorite of XM Radio’s Opie and Anthony, and he’s been seen on Last Comic Standing, Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and elsewhere. He also holds the unique distinction of being the first white comic ever to perform on Def Comedy Jam. He married one of his fellow Last Comic competitors, Bonnie McFarlane, and together they have the podcast My Wife Hates Me. Catch his biting humor and quick wit when he performs stand-up at Boca Black Box.

The Skinny:

Rich Vos

Fri, May 13 @ 8:00pm
Sat, May 14 @ 8:00pm
Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Box Office: 561-483-9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com. goldstar.com (discount tickets)

***** Maoz Vegetarian.

A recent e-mail received by Jeff Eats.

Hey Jeff,

My college roommate and I will be graduating from the University of Arizona in May. We have put together a nice sum of money and want to buy into a fast food franchise that we can grow with. We are open to viable opportunities in any state. Any good ideas for us? By the way, both my roommate and I are born and bred Miamians.

Thanks,

JSA

_____

JSA:

There are 3- certainties in life- death, taxes and that you want to eat in restaurants not own them!

If you and your roommate still want to “play”- checkout Maoz Vegetarian…Jeff Eats loves the concept/brand!

Good luck!

Jeff Eats

Posted May 16,2014
***** Maoz Vegetarian

Way back on May 3, 2012 Jeff Eats told you guys about Maoz Vegetarian- a fast food falafel/salad joint that I had tried in Boca Raton’s- Town Center Mall’s food court. That original “story” is reprinted below.

The gist of that story, was that this small fast food chain had a terrific product/operation and tremendous potential to expand to food courts- all over the United States.

From a Florida perspective, Maoz in 2013 had 1-Florida location (Boca Raton). Today, Maoz has 3-Florida locations… 1-Boca Raton, 1-Orlando (The Mall at Millenia’s foodcourt), 1-Miami Beach (storefront/salad bar).

Jeff Eats recently “tried” the Miami Beach and Orlando joints–and I gotta tell you, this small chain has the right formula. The food is terrific, the prices are right.

Maoz is still an INFANT in the US fast food chain business. From its site www.maozusa.com Jeff Eats notes–1 Texas, 3 Florida, 1 Illinois, 1 New Jersey, 1 New Jersey, 6 New York, 1 Pennsylvania…of the 14 locations, 3 are in mall food courts (Boca Raton, Orlando, Chicago).

Let me wrap (pun intended) this up for you,

Go and try Maoz. The food is delicious..

Finally, take a look at YELP! The reviews on Maoz Vegetarian are extremely positive. Now, you and I know all about “bogus” reviews, but the sheer number of reviews- tells Jeff Eats that there are tons of people who love this chain.

Eventually-not exactly sure when, Maoz Vegetarian will be a tenant in mall food courts across America.

Posted May 3, 2012
***** Maoz Vegetarian, 6000 Glades Road (Town Center Mall), Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 393-6269.

As I mentioned the other day, last Sunday afternoon I killed some time at Town Center Mall–while Mrs. Jeff Eats searched for “who knows what.” Of course during my “stay”—I visited the mall’s recently reconfigured-rebuilt food court. Suffice it to say, the court looks great, but in my humble opinion–there aren’t enough fast-food outlets–and there is too much “duplication” with the outlets that are there. That said, I did come across an “interesting concept” in the fast-food business…Maoz Vegetarian, which- if I was a betting man, will be a “homerun” in the reconfigured Town Center Mall food court. Before I give you the skinny on Maoz Vegetarian, I gotta tell you that the folks behind Forever 21 (a national budget chain of women/men’s clothing & accessories) have to be genuises. Forever 21 just opened a gigantic 2-story location in the back of Town Center Mall’s food court and at 3pm last Sunday the store was jammed and I do mean jammed with people. Not to go off on a tangent here, but Mrs. Jeff Eats and Daughter Jeff Eats swear by this chain–trust me, these girls are professional shoppers. Anyway, let me get back to Maoz Vegetarian…

Maoz Vegetarian is a small fast food chain that does falafel…real simple concept- pita bread filled with falafel/salad (you pick combinations/dressings)—the joint also does belgian and sweet potato fries. You can check www.maozusa.com for menu/prices/prices. Just so you know, there are currently 13 Maoz locations in the United States (I told you it was a small chain)-the Boca outlet is the only Florida location. For the record, I did “one” of these pitas with sweet potato fries and it was delicious…real nice change from the burgers, pizzas, bourbon chicken that I usually get while killing time in malls.

Now nothing for nothing…but during the 20 minutes or so I was in the food court, Maoz had the longest and steadiest lines. Trust me, I know “20 minutes” isn’t long enough for a scientific study to base any conclusions on– As I told you a few seconds ago the food was delicious–and in doing some due diligence (talking to several security guards, mall/store/food court employees) it seems that since the food court’s re-opening a few months ago, Maoz has been doing some real nice business. For the record, if memory serves me correctly… the food court has a pretzel joint, salad joint, pizza joint, Chinese/Japanese joint, Earl of Sandwich joint, Chick-fil-A joint (which was closed on Sunday), yogurt joint—one other thing, in the bay next to the pizza joint there was an “opening soon” sign for another pizza joint–what’s that all about?

Let me wrap Maoz Vegetarian up for you…

I have eaten more food court “meals” than I choose to remember. Not going to list them all but, I’ve been fed by the “best” of them…Nathan’s, Subway, Panda Express, McDonald’s, Burger King, Auntie Annes, Earl of Sandwich, Wetzels Pretzels, Tutti Frutti Yogurt, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Saladworks, Kohl’s Frozen Custard, Tossed, Sbarro’s…I’ve devoured more free bourbon chicken toothpick samples than you can shake a stick out. Now, I may be going out on a huge and I do mean huge limb here, but…I am going to predict that itsy bitsy tweeny weeny Maoz Vegetarian is going to grow into a huge brand. The concept is simple, relatively new and has “yet” to be exploited on a national level…plus the food is fresh, delicious and its $5-$10 price points are reasonable…there is one caveat to my prediction—unless the Simons (mall owners) of the world decide that food courts can “handle” more than one falafel joint at a time.

One final observation on Maoz (now, I’m not 100% sure on this)–I think that the Boca Raton “store” is the chain’s first food court location. I believe that the other outlets are much larger and incorporate self-serve salad bars into the concept. If my thinking is correct on this, Maoz Vegetarian has two layouts that make the game even more interesting for potential franchisees.

The next time you are in Town Center Mall give Maoz Vegetarian a shot.

The joint is open, Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm.

***** Cena Modern Italian Restaurant, 9 Southeast 7th Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, (561) 330-1237.

Got a real good Italian joint for you guys, Cena Modern Italian Restaurant which opened 5 months ago in Delray Beach.

There is an old retail business saying- Location, Location, Location…in Cena’s case, it’s located in what years ago started out as a private house 1-block off Atlantic Boulevard’s “main drag”- previous restaurant “tenants” include Carolina’s and D’Angelo’s Trattoria two real good Italian joints that unfortunately are no more!

There is another old saying- Three Times The Charm…

Long story short, last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate dinner at Cena Modern and I gotta tell you, the food and service were exceptionally good! If memory serves me correctly, Cena’s physical layout/decor is little changed from what both Carolina’s and D’Angelo’s had- namely, outdoor front porch/outdoor rear covered patio seating, indoor booth/table seating, small full liquor bar.

Cena’s menu is kinda limited, handful of appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrees, desserts, daily specials- but trust Jeff Eats, you’ll find what to eat…Cena’s isn’t a red sauce “mom & pop” joint where food is literally banged-out and your waiter/waitress is some kid from Olympic Heights High School making a few bucks on the side…Cena’s got a top-notch chef, a wait-staff that really knows its business and a GM that roams the joint checking on every little detail.

Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, based on their layout/decor/food/service/prices both Carolina’s and “D’Angelo’s should today- be more than just fond memories…As far as Jeff Eats is concerned, based on its dynamite food, layout, decor, service, reasonable prices- Cena should be a winner…the key question in my mind, LOCATION- just maybe in Cena’s case- three times the charm!

You can check Cena’s menu/prices/info at cenamodern.com.

Let me wrap this baby up for you guys, Cena Modern Italian Restaurant which is open Sunday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-11pm is an absolute must try!

* Einstein Bros. Bagels- Twist N’ Dip Bagel.

This article first appeared on May 5, 2016. Jeff Eats-“got” 2 winners and we are set to meet-up this coming Friday, May 13th (trust me I know it’s Friday the 13th!)…I’ll let you guys know in a future “tale” how it all played out!

Posted on May 5th, 2016 · American Breakfast Deals Fast Food
* Einstein Bros. Bagels- Twist N’ Dip Bagel.

Got something interesting here…

Starting (on a limited time basis-through the Summer) the national bagel chain- Einstein Bros. Bagels is introducing a new “item”- Twist N’ Dip Bagel to its menu!

The folks at Einstein Bros. Bagels just “gave” Jeff Eats a- $20 gift card- to take 2- of you guys out- to try the new Twist N’ Dip Bagel! The Twist N’ Dip Bagel is priced at $3.39 and there are 16 different shmears to choose from!

Be the 5th or 10th reader to “comment” and Jeff Eats will contact you and set up an “outing” for next week! Please, only 1- comment per reader per day! By the way, you can’t be both #5 and #10- Jeff Eats is looking for a threesome!

Just so you know, I’m not going to publish the “comments” until #5 & #10 have been received!

For you guys wondering “where”- don’t worry your pretty little heads, Einstein Bros. Bagels has loads of Florida locations- so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out a convenient location for Jeff Eats and the winners to meet-up!

You can check Einsteins’ locations/menu/info at einsteinbros.com.

By the way, if you aren’t one of the winners- Einstein Bros. site- einsteinbros.com has a coupon that gets you a Twist N’ Dip Bagel- after you buy one!

from einsteinbros.com

1. Between now and July 31, bagel lovers everywhere have permission to play (with their food) to show off their best Twist ‘N Dip moves. Fans are invited to post a photo or video that captures how they Twist N’ Dip on Facebook,Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TwistNDip. Einstein Bros. will select weekly winners to receive cool prizes such as Six Flags prize packs, summer swag and even FREE bagels for a year.

2. Beginning May 5, the all new Twist N’ Dip bagel gives fans a reason to look forward to morning office meetings, an afternoon escape or even the simple joy of a shmear mustache on their kid’s face. The Twist N’ Dip bagel doesn’t just offer a new way to enjoy a bagel, it offers a FUN new way to play with your food!

3. Revolutionary perforated plain bagel easy to twist and tear into bite size pieces for dipping into two of Einstein’s 16 flavors of signature schmear.

4. For every Twist N’ Dip sold Einstein will donate a bagel to someone in need.

* Dean Napolitano.

This article first appeared way-back on May 7, 2016. Just checked with the Boca Black Box- and a good handful of you guys bought tickets “using” Jeff Eats’-discount! Glad I could help you guys out here! Dean Napolitano is a very funny guy and it’s going to be a great show. By the way, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are gonna be there!

Posted May 7, 2016
* Dean Napolitano.

The national headlining comedian plays the Boca Black Box on Thursday Night, May 12th (8pm).

Jeff Eats has seen Napolitano’s “clean” act- and the guy absolutely kills!

Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, I know that Napolitano is appearing on a THURSDAY NIGHT- and that a good number of you haven’t been out on a THURSDAY NIGHT since Eisenhower was planning the D-Day Invasion!

Long story short, the guy is hilariously funny and the Boca Black Box “has” him on a THURSDAY NIGHT and if you order your tickets at/or by calling the Box Office (561) 483-9036 and mention that you’re a Jeff Eats’ reader (Jeff Eats cut a deal for you guys)- the Boca Black Box will “comp” your tickets- (you do have to buy 2-items per ticket)!- just a hint- bottled waters run 5 bucks, but that’s just a hint!

Time to get out of the house, plan on watching “The Black List” and “Grey’s Anatomy” on Demand!

The Skinny:
Dean Napolitano
Thursday, May 12th (8pm)
Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Rd, # 10, Boca Raton, Florida 33434
Box Office: (561) 483-9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com, goldstar.com (discount tickets), best deal- Jeff Eats’ comp tickets

from bocablackbox.com

A hilarious stand-up comedian, Dean is a recognizable actor who has made over 50 TV and Movie Appearances. Dean is the co-star of the internet sitcom “Hollywood Handyman” and a comedy correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America. Dean’s Credits include HBO’s Montreal Comedy Festival and “From Earth to the Moon” as well as guest starring roles on popular shows like “Vegas” “The Shield” “Hero’s” “Dirty Sexy Money” “What About Brian” –and more. Dean brings his own unique views on family life and humor in everyday situations. Don’t miss Dean live at the Box!

* Motown In Motion- Paying Tribute To The Temptations & The Tops.

If you’re into The Temptations and The Four Tops- you’ll love Motown In Motion!

Motown In Motion is in for 1- night…Saturday, May 14th (8pm)- The Plaza Ballroom, 111 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408- Tickets: (561) 842-0111, theplazaballroom.com

Jeff Eats has seen the group in action and they got the vocals and dance routines- down!

Like I said a few seconds ago, if you are into The Temptations and The Four Tops- you will really enjoy Motown In Motion!

***** Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant, 8376 Southwest 40th Street, Miami, Florida 33155, (305) 553-7799.

No bs-here, it seems that everytime “people” learn that I am Jeff Eats they somehow end up asking me for the name(s) of good- Chinese restaurants! Not exactly sure why, but most everyone (originally from another state) that I meet, seems to think that the Chinese food in South Florida stinks! Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, I’ve found a “ton” of really good joints- but you guys do know that food “reviewing” is a totally subjective game!

Long story short,

Last night Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple ate dinner at Kon Chau Chinese Restauarnt. The food absolutely killed (and I mean that in a good sense)! I’ve done previous stories on Kon Chau Chinese (2/17/15, 11/30/08)!

For our purposes let’s call today’s story A PUBLIC SERVCE ANNOUNCEMENT for all you cats out there in search of some seriously delicious really reasonably priced- Cantonese/and “real” Chinese food in South Florida!

You can checkout Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant’s menu/prices/info at konchauchinese.com.

Posted on February 17th, 2015

***** Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant.

Let’s call Kon Chau Restaurant another “out of sight out of mind” casualty.

Jeff Eats hadn’t been back- since I first mentioned the joint on 11/20/2008.

Ate there last night and the food was off the chart…delicious wonton soup, pan fried dumplings, egg rolls, bbq spare ribs, sweet & sour pork, pepper steak, chicken fried rice! I know-I know, pretty straight-up Jewish Brooklyn American Chinese stuff circa 1957…trust Jeff Eats, Kon Chau got the full dim sum lineup and “real” Chinese food that you professional foodies require!

No hesitation here- telling you that Kon Chau is right up there with Miami’s best Chinese joints.

Original story is down below and you can check menu/prices/info at konchauchinese.com.
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Posted on November 30th, 2008 · Chinese Miami
***** Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant, 8376 SW 40th Street, Miami, Florida 33155, (305) 553-7799.

Kon Chau is right up my alley… I’m going to guess that this “hole in the wall” amazingly cheap Chinese dim sum joint has been around at least 30 years. I am also willing to bet, that the furniture-decorations today are exactly as they were when the joint first opened. Now about the food…this joint makes some absolutely delicious dim sum and must have at least 60 items…Kon Chau also has loads of top notch Cantonese dishes, so everyone is covered and no one is going to go home hungry…an hour later, that may-be a different story!

Anyway…if delicious Chinese food is your game, this is a real good joint to know about.

Kon Chau is open Monday-Saturday 11am-9:30pm and Sunday 10am-9:30pm.