* HAPPY NEW YEAR- 2016!

***** TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli.

A recent e-mail received by Jeff Eats.

Hey Jeff,

My husband and I recently moved to Boca from Philadelphia.

We have eaten in the Too Jays located by Boca Town Center several times and love its food.

I recently came across your Too Jays’ April 28, 2009 review and couldn’t disagree more.

Just curious, have you changed your opinion during the past 6 years?

Anna G

________

Anna G:

The answer to your question is NOPE!

Jeff Eats has eaten in TooJay’s a number of times since that April 28, 2009 “story” first appeared- and I haven’t changed my opinion one iota!

Just so you know, “food reviewing” is nothing but a big game- what I like, you may hate and vice versa. Trust me, there is no right or wrong in this game.

If you like TooJay’s, I got no problem. That said, may I humbly suggest that you try “some” of the other New York Kosher Style Delis/Kosher Delis “mentioned” by Jeff Eats and see if just- maybe I’m onto something- when I tell you that TooJay’s food is nothing great, but nothing too terrible either!

Jeff Eats’ April 28, 2009 “story” is printed- down below…

Thanks for reading…

_______

TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli (Boca Raton)
Posted on April 28th, 2009 · American Delicatessen Boca Raton

***** TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli, 3013 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33496, (561) 997-9911.

TooJay’s is a “New York Style” deli…which has 27 locations in Florida. If you check its website www.toojays.com in addition to menu/prices you will find a listing of locations.

Just so we are straight…TooJay’s is not a top-notch deli in the same vein as joints like Pastrami Queen, Ben’s Kosher Deli or Pomperdale Deli. Simply put, TooJay’s serves decent enough food at very reasonable prices. Nothing great, but nothing terrible.

Over the past 16 years, I must have eaten in/taken-out from a TooJay’s something like 25-30 times…let’s just say, that convenience more than anything else was the “reason why”…as there are 3- locations all within 5 minutes of my home.

Let’s sum this one up…NY style deli, loads of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, meat/chicken/fish entrees and desserts…decent food…reasonable prices. When I “think” TooJay’s I think white bread…not rye bread.

TooJay’s is open 7 days a week for breakfast-lunch-dinner.

* THE BSTREET BAND.

Buddies of mine in the BSTREET BAND just told Jeff Eats that- the band will be appearing on Thursday, January 28, 2016 (8pm) at the Legends Lounge at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 NW 40th Street Coconut Creek, Florida 33073, 1-954-977-6700). The show is complimentary!

If you like Springsteen- you will love THE BSTREET BAND- which is one of America’s top Springsteen “tribute bands.”

If you check the Casino’s website- seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com- you won’t find THE BSTREET BAND listed on the Casino’s entertainment schedule.

You guys now know about “something” that the PUBLIC doesn’t!

Like I said a few seconds ago, if you like Springsteen, you’ll love THE BSTREET BAND- trust Jeff Eats, they are real good!

By the way, if Coconut Creek doesn’t work for you- THE BSTREET BAND is also playing the Hard Rock Café at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa (5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610, (866) 388-4263, seminolehardrocktampa.com) on Friday, January 29, 2016 (8pm)- the show is complimentary!

You can check THE BSTREET BAND out at bstreetband.com

***** 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 November 9, 2015. Jeff Eats just checked the box-office and there are just a handful of tickets left for both the 8pm and 10pm shows, so if you wanna go, do what you gotta do, but do it fast!

* Sarge’s New Years Eve Laugh Blast.

Got absolutely no idea as to exactly- what National Comedian Headliner- Sarge has planned! All I know is that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are gonna be there for the late-show. The way we got it figured- the combination of Sarge’s hilarious comedy routine- with the music of the legendary Rock N Roll vocalist/bass player- Kasim Sulton of Utopia/Blue Oyster Cult fame- at the intimate 250 seat Boca Black Box in Boca Raton- is gonna be a can’t miss way to celebrate New Years Eve!

The Skinny:

Sarge’s New Years Eve Laugh Blast With Very Special Musical Star Kasim Sulton

BOCA BLACK BOX
8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FLorida 33434
(561) 483-9036
Info/Tickets: $40 (8pm)- $50 (10pm) bocablackbox.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 2015
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 2015
10:00 PM – 12:30 AM FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 2016

from bocablackbox.com

Sarge’s New Years Eve Laugh Blast with very special musical celebrity guest from Utopia and Blue Oyster Cult Kasim Sulton… Get the LAST LAUGH of 2015!
This night will consist of Live Music, Dancing, Comedy (with all the trimmings), and a midnight toast at the last show!

* Leelynn Osborn Salute to Michael Bublé.

Got a great New Years Eve- idea for you guys which in theory won’t cost you a dime…
Leelynn Osborn Salute to Michael Bublé at the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino!

The Skinny:

Leelynn Osborn Salute to Michael Bublé

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Casino
5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
Phone: (954) 977-6700

Complimentary Shows- Legends Lounge:
8:30PM-9:30PM
9:50PM-10:50PM
11:10PM-12:30AM

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, this guy Leelynn Osborn puts on some- show! Dead on- Buble!- and a mix of other legendary “artists” will have the Legends Lounge popping! The way I’m thinking here, catch something to eat at one of the Casino’s restaurants and then enjoy- Leelynn Osborn’s Salute to Michael Buble in the Legends Lounge!

For information about the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino check seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com

You can checkout Leelynn Osborn at leelynnosborn.com.

from leelynnosborn.com

He has the look, the confidence, the personality, the swagger and most impressively, the spot-on vocals of Mr. Bublé himself. An educated classical, musical theater & jazz vocalist, this leading man brings a virtuosity to the stage that is matched by few others.

For seven years Leelynn has traveled the U.S. performing his show for audiences big and small. A typical show with Lee involves tons of amazing vocals, audience interaction and a personal touch matched by none.

***** 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, Texas) 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).

Now, nothing for nothing- I tried everything…and of course- some stuff was better than some other stuff! I will tell you, that the chopped salad (shallot Dijon vinaigrette), beef brisket, prime rib, wagyu beef ribs, cowboy mashed potato and chicken were absolute dynamite and I do mean dynamite. Not to be too repetitive, everything we had was delicious, but the stuff I just mentioned- really caught my attention.

At this stage of the game you can check redcowftl.com for menu/prices/info.

Finally, real cool casual décor, full liquor bar, large tv screens, you can wear shorts/tee shirts/flip flops and the odds say-you’ll leave with a bag full of leftovers.

Red Cow is a winner. You definitely got to try this joint!

Red Cow is open Monday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday for brunch 9:30am-1:30pm and then 1:30pm-9pm.

* This Is What’s Wrong With America!

Jeff Eats just got the below “banner” email…

The guy ran for the Florida State Senate- won!
The guy ran for Florida Education Commissioner- won!
The guy ran for Florida Attorney General- won!
The guy ran for the U.S. Senate- lost!
The guy ran for Governor- won!
The guy ran for the U.S. Senate- lost!
The guy ran for Governor- lost!

Now he wants to be a Member of Congress!

This is the perfect example of a Professional Politician…these guys are always looking for the Public to give them a job! They’re like nose hairs, just when a person thinks he/she has gotten rid of them, “they” reappear! Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, Crist has gone from the top of the heap, running for Governor/Senator all the way down to being a wannabe Congressman- kinda desperate, I’d say!

Just to prove Jeff Eats isn’t- politically biased on the issue…

Nixon ran for Congress- won!
Nixon ran for U.S. Senate- won!
Nixon ran for Vice President- won! Actually Eisenhower won!
Nixon ran for President-lost!
Nixon ran for Governor of California- lost!
Nixon ran for President-won!- and we all remember how that one worked out!

One final thought on Mr. Crist, from what Jeff Eats has heard, Mr. Crist took the Florida Bar Exam three times before finally passing! Trust Jeff Eats-a member of the New York, New Jersey and Florida Bars- the exam ain’t all that hard!

* Royal Family?

Jeff Eats has asked this question before…Why Do We Care What These People Do?

Didn’t we fight a war in the 1700s to get away from these cats?

King, Queen, Duke, Prince, Duchess – give me a freaking break!

If you have an answer to: Why Do We Care What These People Do? I’d love to hear it!

***** Fran’s Chicken Haven, 1925 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 395-0781

Let’s just call this- a Jeff Eats’ “Certain Things Bear Repeating” story…

Jeff Eats just has to laugh- when the Sun Sentinel seemingly “year after year crowns” PUBLIX FRIED CHICKEN the best in South Florida! There is an old Irish saying- “Give Me A Fu@king Break.”

Long story short, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats have been- on and off (see below-as to why “on and off”) “taking-out” fried chicken and “various” sides from Fran’s Chicken Haven in Boca Raton for something like 23 years!- and I gotta tell you -that this joint’s fried chicken/sides are absolute dynamite! Trust Jeff Eats on this one – trying to rank the “best” in the food reviewing game- is a dumb no win game…with that in mind, what I do know, is that Fran’s fried chicken is off-the-chart good and that after you eat it- you will never-want to voluntarily buy or eat Publix fried chicken ever again!

If you want to eat outrageously delicious fried chicken…Fran’s Chicken Haven is a must try.

You can check menu/info at franschickenhaven.com.

______________________

Fran’s Chicken Haven (Boca Raton)
Posted on July 5th, 2013 · American Fast Food Boca Raton

***** Fran’s Chicken Haven, 1925 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 395-0781.

Got something terrific for you…

That’s assuming that you aren’t a “follower” of NYC Mayor Bloomberg–in that you don’t need “Big Brother” (and no, I’m not talking about Janis’ group) to tell you what you can and can’t eat…

Real fast… from 1964-2000 a woman named Fran (thus the name Fran’s Chicken Haven) and her husband Joe, operated a “hole-in-the-wall” fried chicken joint—Fran’s Chicken Haven in Boca Raton. Maybe 3 tables and 4-5 counter seats. In a nutshell, amazing fried chicken and assorted sides. In 2000 the couple retired and sold the business—for the past 12-13 years Fran’s has had 3-maybe 4 different owners who slowly but surely wrecked the business. Jeff Eats may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but I do know that when something ain’t broke, you don’t try and fix it…one owner changed the batter-mix and added latin sides, another made the joint a kosher chicken restaurant-closing on Friday nights and all day Saturday—hopefully you get the picture.

Since Fran and Joe sold the joint, Jeff Eats who had previously been a real-steady customer, has maybe picked-up chicken 7 or 8 times in the ensuing years.

Now the news…two brothers- Jake Stuart (aged 19) and Chris Stuart (aged 32) both born and bred—Boca Ratonians—bought Fran’s a month or so ago…and have literally “brought” it back to where it was taste-wise during the Fran & Joe era. How does Jeff Eats know all this? Because…Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ala Marvin Gaye heard it through the grapevine—and yesterday, picked up an 8 piece fried chicken, French fries, onion rings, fried corn nibblets order—and I gotta tell you, the food tastes just like we “remember” Fran making it…the “boys” told us that the sale/purchase of the business had included all of Fran’s original recipes and that they had visited with Fran and Joe (who still live in Boca Raton) to get a feel on how to run the joint.

Let me leave you guys with this…if you like fried chicken, fries, onion rings, fried corn nibblets—-then you gotta get over to Fran’s Chicken Haven.

One final thought…

Jake and Chris— When the crowds start pouring in, which they will—don’t even think of renaming the joint- Stuart Brothers Chicken Haven or some such variation!

Down below is the original June 20, 2006 Jeff Eats’ review for Fran’s Chicken Haven:

***** “Fran’s makes some of the best fried chicken that you have ever tasted. This joint has been around something like 40 years and is an absolute hole in the wall. Basically a take-out joint, there are a few tables and a counter for those who want to “dine in.” FRIED is the word here…shrimp, corn, french fries, onion rings. Everything is absolutely delicious.

Don’t tell your cardiologist about this joint.

Fran’s is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.”