***** Linda’s Winter Park Diner, 1700 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789, (407) 644-2343.

Got a real good “mom & pop” diner for you guys, Linda’s Winter Park Diner in Winter Park (that figures!)…the joint is open Monday-Saturday 5:30am-2pm, Sunday 6am-1pm. Menu/info- winterparkdiner.com.

Between you guys and Jeff Eats, why anyone would eat in an IHOP, Perkins, Denny’s, First Watch so on and so forth- when they could eat in “a” Linda’s Winter Park Diner is beyond me! Linda’s has been around for something like 50 years, so Jeff Eats is kinda thinking that-it might just know what it’s doing!

Long story short, last week Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats- did breakfast at Linda’s and “her” food and service were right on the money! Throw in the “old diner” look & vibe- and let’s just say, “she” hooked us!

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats absolutely loved Linda’s Winter Park Diner…and if you’re like us- love dynamite food, pleasant service, reasonable prices, huge portions, “old” diner look & vibe…you will too!

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday 12/20/15)

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

LARGE CHEESE PIZZA
$13.85

Valentino’s Italian Cuisine
427 South Federal Highway
Pompano Beach
(954) 545-4881
valentinositaliancuisine.com
Latest Review: 3/18/14

Jeff Eats loves Valentino’s Italian Cuisine. The joint’s pizza (sort of like- a hybrid between a Chicago pie (deep crust) and a New York pie (thin/crispy slice-sweet sauce)) is absolutely off-the-chart delicious! By the way, everything that Valentino’s cooks-up is real good. Trust Jeff Eats on this one, you definitely wanna eat at Valentino’s- that’s assuming you wanna eat great stuff!

Posted March 18, 2014
***** Valentino’s Italian Cuisine, 427 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 545-4881.

Back on April 28, 2013 I told you guys about Valentino’s Italian Cuisine a red sauce “hole in the wall” joint–in Pompano Beach.

Unless there is some type of conspiracy going on here… during the past 30 days or so, at least 8 different people-personally told Jeff Eats how fabulous Valentino’s pizza and food were. No fooling here-totally unrelated people on different dates picked the same joint to tell me about. That’s an amazing statistic.

With the above background story in mind, last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate dinner at Valentino’s-this was our second outing -and I gotta tell you, that the pizza, veal parmigiana and baked ziti with meatballs were outstandingly delicious.

Printed below is the original Jeff Eats’ review.

Trust me on this one, this joint as a must try. The food is really-that good!
*****

Posted on April 28th, 2013 · Desserts Fast Food Italian Pizza Pompano Beach Subs/Salads.
***** Valentino’s Italian Cuisine, 427 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 545-4881.

Got something really good for you guys, Valentino’s Italian Cuisine…a Pompano Beach- red sauce Italian “hole in the wall” wedged in-between a Starbucks and a Tijuana Flats.

Last night, Jeff Eats really didn’t do a head-count, but I’m thinking about 30 seats inside and 40 seats outside…the outdoor patio which faces Federal Highway is shared by all three restaurants -each restaurant has distinctively marked seating. As for Valentino’s inside décor…the obligatory Goodfellas’ posters, large standard pizza oven, large brass colored cappuccino machine, dark wood tones—no kidding around- a very cool looking joint.

Another no-kidding around- Valentino’s is owned and operated by a guy originally from the Bronx named Rudolph Valentino. For you “youngsters” out there, Rudolph Valentino (not the owner of this joint) was a famous movie actor back in the day–when motion pictures had no sound. Totally off topic, but did you guys know that Fred Astaire Dance Studios still has locations all over the United States? Amazingly, there is one in a second floor loft in east-Boca Raton…For those of you “not following” the Astaire commentary, Fred use to dance with Cyd Charise—but that’s whole nother story.

Anyway…Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple “ordered” 16″ large plain pizza ($12.75), eggplant parmigiana (garlic rolls, soup or salad, pasta side–$9.85), chicken parmigiana sub ($7.50), lasagna bolognese (garlic rolls, soup or salad–$12.95)…and I gotta tell you-the food was absolutely delicious. Trust me on this–every item ordered, was as good as the stuff served by South Florida’s best “red sauce” players. The joint’s portions were large and dirt-cheap. For those of you who like garlic rolls, Valentino’s were dynamite—and a complimentary order of sauteed green-beans (not on the menu) received rave reviews from Mrs. Jeff Eats and her girlfriend Judy. While you guys are still here, let me briefly mention the pizza…From what I understand, there are 3 chefs in the back of the house–but all pizzas are made by Rudy Valentino right in front of the customers. As he explained…”I’ll make you whatever you want, but my signature pie is a thick crust with the rest of the pizza being very thin and crispy.” For what it’s worth, when the pie was delivered to our table it looked “amazing”…just as Rudy said—a thick crust (sort of like a deep dish look) with a fabulous sweet sauce/thin crispy “triangle.”

At this stage of the game, you can check www.valentinositaliancuisine.com for menu/prices.

For a little more “color”—Valentino’s has been open something like 4-months and in addition to pies- sells pizza by the slice. All of its desserts are made in-house. Some of you guys maybe wondering why Jeff Eats & Company didn’t “get” dessert…long story short, literally minutes before eating at Valentino’s we had picked up 2 dozen freshly baked donuts from The Dandee Donut Factory which is right around the corner from Valentino’s, blah blah, blah!

What Jeff Eats found particularly interesting, was that Valentino’s is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-midnight and Friday-Saturday 11am-2am…apparently, Mr. Valentino is looking to build a late night crowd.

Valentino’s is a real good one…do yourself a big favor and give it a shot. The bet here, is that you won’t be disappointed…

Jeff Eats does have one “bitch” about the joint…on both its menu and website, Valentino’s prominently features the saying “You’ve tried the rest…now try the Best!”- hey Rudy, for crying out loud-that saying is as worn as my 89 year old Aunt Joanie’s house dress…I know I ain’t got no skin in this game, but I’d lose the phrase. You got a spanking new -great looking joint with terrific food and YOU got me thinking about my Aunt Joanie’s house dress- capice!

Finally…

For you tourists out there–your tee shirt/shorts/flip flop ensembles will work perfectly at Valentino’s Italian Cuisine

This article first appeared on December 10, 2015.

* Win 2 Tickets To: Engelbert Humperdinck.

Jeff Eats got 2-tickets to see Engelbert Humperdinck on January 10, 2016- for the 20th “comment” posted. The rules of the game, 1-comment per day per “reader’ (IP Address). If less than 20 “comments” are received, #19, 18, 17 so on and so forth-wins! Latest you can post a “comment” January 7, 2016.

_____

Posted November 27, 2015
***** Engelbert Humperdinck.

And, I thought-the guy was dead!

Just playing with you guys, Jeff Eats saw Humperdinck last year and the old boy-still got it!

I just love it when he sings his hits- What’s New Pussycat and Delilah!- so sorry, that’s the other guy!

All kidding aside, Humperdinck is gonna be SRO at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater- guaranteed!

The Skinny:

Engelbert Humperdinck
Sunday, January 10, 2016 (8pm)
Pompano Beach Amphitheater
Tickets/Info: pompanobeacharts.org

from pompanobeacharts.org

Few people realize that it was Humperdinck, not Elvis, who made famous the sideburns and flamboyant leather jumpsuits. He has been a legend in the international music industry for the last forty plus years, withover 150 million records sold, with hits such as “(Please) Release Me”, “After The Lovin”, “Spanish Eyes”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and the unforgetable “Quando, Quando ,Quando”. Several of the major forces in the world of rock n’ roll, including Jimi Hendrix and The Carpenters, started out as opening acts for Humperdinck in the late’60’s, 70’s and ’80’s.
Romance serves as the core of Engelbert Humperdinck’s music and lasting success. He knows how to pick songs with eternal themes of romance and longing. Engelbert recently recorded his first duets CD Engelbert Calling, with a who’s who of the music world, including Sir Elton John, Willie Nelson, Johnny Mathis, Cliff Richard, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers and Gene Simmons, to name a few.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw the show-last week….

All I can tell you guys is to GO! You will cry your eyes out- from laughing!

The Skinny:

The Sarge Chanukah Chutzpah Tour
Friday, December 18, 2015 (8pm)
Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33434
Box-Office:(561) 483-9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com (also check goldstar.com for discount tickets)

The Sarge Chanukah Chutzpah Tour
Saturday, December 19, 2015 (8pm)
Sunday, December 20, 2015 (8pm)
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
3385 Northeast 188th Street,
Aventura, Florida 33180
Box-Office: (305) 466-8002
Tickets: aventuracenter.org (also check goldstar.com for discount tickets)

from bocablackbox.com

Let’s make this the greatest Chanukah ever! Come join us for a very special holiday show by one of America’s favorite entertainer / comedians and his all star band. With all new “Just for Chanukah” material and music performed with the chutzpah Sarge is known and loved for.

Sarge is an entertainer who has performed worldwide to adoring audiences. His side splitting comedy, touching vocals and stunning display of dexterity as a pianist have wowed crowds for decades. He is one of the highest energy, multi talented acts in show business today.

Sarge has worked in film, television, and has worked with some of the biggest names in show business. He is an extraordinary piano player, hysterical standup comedian, and phenomenal singer… Sarge is a Triple Threat. You haven’t laughed this hard since the last time you saw Sarge!

This show may contain material not appropriate for children under 13 years old.

* Win a $50 Lucille’s American Cafe Gift Card.

Yesterday Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats had lunch at Lucille’s American Café, 2250 Weston Road, Weston, Florida 33326, (954) 384-9007….and I got to thinking that maybe I should give one of you guys 50 bucks to spend on Lucille’s outrageously delicious grilled hot dogs, cheeseburgers, meatloaf, French fries and shakes!

So with the “above” in mind, just be the first reader to correctly tell Jeff Eats the REAL NAMES of the 3- WALKER BROTHERS pictured above and the gift card is yours! I’ll make it 60 bucks if that “first reader” also tells me the names of the 2- composers of The Walker Brothers’ 1965 hit record “Make It Easy On Yourself”! You guys now know why WIKIPEDIA was invented!

Posted December 12, 2014
***** Lucille’s American Café, 2250 Weston Road, Weston, Florida 33326, (954) 384-9007.

This is what you might call an “out of sight, out of mind” story…

Way back on June 27, 2008 Jeff Eats told you guys about a terrific- American Style joint named Lucille’s American Café in Weston. For our purposes, the operative word in the last sentence is WESTON…nothing for nothing, trust me, Weston is a “big” ride from the Eats’ Boca Raton residence…thus the “out of sight, out of mine” tag.

Anyway, yesterday-after a tough day of shopping with Mrs. Jeff Eats at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, we ate dinner at Lucille’s American Café which is about 10 minutes south. Suffice it to say, Lucille’s is the same terrific joint that it was back in 2008…I’m telling you, that if Lucille’s was closer to my home-Jeff Eats would be a real-and I do mean-real steady customer. But what is, is!

You guys who live or work in Lucille’s neighborhood- have a winner on your hands…if you haven’t eaten there, make it your business to catch lunch or dinner…my money says you won’t be disappointed.

You can now read Jeff Eats’ 7/27/2008 writeup, but before you do…

Lucille’s is open Monday-Thursday 11am-9;30pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10:30pm, Sunday 10am-9pm.

You can check its menu/prices at lucillescafe.com.

Posted June 27, 2008
***** Lucille’s American Cafe, 2250 Weston Road, Weston, Florida 33326, (954) 384-9007.

Before I start yapping about Lucille’s American Cafe, do yourself a favor and check its website at www.lucillescafe.com for menu/pricing and other details about this 1940’s style diner.

This joint is terrific. It looks like a real 1940’s in-line diner. It has all of the “blue plate specials” that 1940’s diners had plus a “million” other things. It has great food. Large portions. Terrific wait-staff. Very reasonable prices. I absolutely love this joint’s meatloaf, chicken pot pie and country fried steak.

Lucille’s is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner

* Green River- Tribute To Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Like John Fogerty? Like Creedence Clearwater Revival? If you-do…make it your business to see- Green River one of America’s best- Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute bands-Saturday Night, December 19, 2015 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Jeff Eats has seen the band in action, trust me, they will blow you away! By the way, the show is FREE!
______

from www.CcrGreenRiver.com

Green River- Tribute To Creedence Clearwater Revival
LIVE at The Sunset Grill in the Coconut Creek Casino Saturday
December 8PM to 12AM
5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek FL 33073

Get a chance to see this band in a RARE very small venue up close and have a CHOOGLIN good time. Unquestionably one of the greatest American rock bands ever, Creedence Clearwater Revival will best be remembered for their unique bayou sound popularized in songs like “Proud Mary” and “Green River.” Green River will take you back to the time when CCR ruled the charts. Creedence wasn’t the hippest band in the world, but they were the best. Few bands made rock music as timeless as Creedence Clearwater Revival, and now the greatest of American bands is getting a tribute truly fitting of their legacy!

Green River will deliver the Mojo of a the full experience of CCR.’s music.

More information about Green River can be found at www.CcrGreenRiver.com.

* New Year’s Eve 2016 with Steve Aoki.

Just in case you didn’t know, Electronic Dance Music DJ- Steve Aoki is the 3rd son of the late Rocky Aoki who was the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain!

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are running! 🙂

The craziest part of the story is that there will be a line around the block to get in!

There is a 6 ticket limit per customer. Service fees are non-refundable.
TICKET TYPE ITEM PRICE SRV FEE FAC FEE QTY
Female General Admission (premium open bar 9PM-12AM)(21+) $400.00 $55.96
Male General Admission (premium open bar 9PM-12AM)(21+) $400.00 $55.96
Magnum Skybox Suite for 12(21+)$20,000.00 $2,286.00 $4,000.00
MORE INFO
Mezz Lunar VIP Table for 20(21+)$20,000.00 $2,286.00 $4,000.00
MORE INFO
Lounge VIP Table for 8
SOLD OUT!
Lounge VIP Table for 6(21+)$6,000.00 $685.80 $1,200.00
MORE INFO
Back Main Floor VIP Table for 12(21+)$12,000.00 $1,371.60 $2,400.00
MORE INFO
Downstairs Main Floor VIP Table for 6(21+)$8,000.00 $914.40 $1,600.00
MORE INFO
Back Main Floor VIP Table for 8(21+)$8,000.00 $914.40 $1,600.00
MORE INFO
Main Dance Floor Rear VIP for 12(21+)$15,000.00 $1,714.50 $3,000.00
MORE INFO
Back Stage VIP for 10(21+)$10,000.00$1,143.00 $2,000.00
MORE INFO
Front Stage VIP Table for 20(21+)$20,000.00 $2,286.00 $4,000.00
MORE INFO

* ADELE.

Mrs. Jeff Eats is a huge fan! She told me to get tickets!

***** Dairy Belle Ice Cream, 118 North Federal Highway, Dania, Florida 33004, (954) 920-3330.

Dairy Belle Ice Cream…a Jeff Eats’ “out of sight, out of mind” fast food- soft serve, poutine, guedille, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches joint that you guys absolutely gotta checkout! Just so we are straight with each other, Dairy Belle’s soft serve is real-good, but no better than what Carvel or Dairy Queen serves-up…the real game here is the “food.”

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats have been eating Dairy Belle’s stuff since 2006. The big problem we-got, Dairy Belle is in Dania and we-live in Boca Raton- not exactly close by, if you know what I mean?

You can check menu/hours/info at dairybelleicecream.com.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats’ is kinda thinking that every “visitor”-from Quebec knows about this joint- so in “Season” don’t be surprised by the lines-when you pull up!

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, you’ll love this joint!

____________

Posted November 30, 2006
***** Dairy Belle Ice Cream
118 North Federal Highway
Dania, Florida 33004
(954) 920-3330

Dairy Belle is a “one of a kind” joint. Let me explain.

Dairy Belle looks like an “ordinary” free-standing Carvel Ice Cream Store (circa 1960). Hopefully you know what I am talking about. If you don’t, just picture a small building in a parking lot. The building has a glass window (maybe two) where you order and pickup ice-cream from a “guy” who has “soft serve” machines behind him. . Real simple. Now you know what Dairy Belle looks like. One other thing, there is no seating inside, but there are a few “picnic-style benches” outside.

Dairy Belle serves “stuff” like you find at Carvel and Dairy Queen. Good soft-serve stuff etc., but nothing that would warrant anyone “writing home” about it.

Now for the kicker. Dairy Belle is owned/operated by a couple, Gilles and Ritane Grenier, who were born and raised in Quebec. By the way, their daughter, Isabelle also works at the joint.

The Greniers in addition to selling soft-serve ice cream have a few “items” on the menu, that you absolutely-positively-”probably” can’t find anywhere else in a fast-food South Florida joint. If you have been “following” this story (this is where it starts to get interesting), Dairy Belle serves POUTINE and GUEDILLE which are dishes “indegenious” to Quebec. Poutine (I know it sounds like a dirty word) are french fries (crispy/lightly salted ) which are covered in a melted mozzarella-like cheese and brown gravy. As we say in Brooklyn, FUGGETABOUTIT. This poutine “thing” is absolutely delicious. Dairy Belle also has an “Italian version” of poutine, which has the same delicious crispy/lightly salted french fries covered in a melted mozzarella-like cheese “topped” with shredded chicken and peas in a tomato sauce. FUGGETABOUTIT! The other “dish” that Dairy Belle serves is guedille, which is a chopped salad consisting of mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion piled high into a toasted hot-dog bun. This “plain” guedille can be “topped” off with shredded chicken or egg. FUGGEABOUTIT, this guedille “concoction” is another winner.

Dairy Belle is open 7 days a week, Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm. This joint is a “one of a kind.” You definitely “got to” try this one. By the way, this joint is located about one-block north on Federal Highway from Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor ( see writeup), so if you really want to be a pig, you can load-up on poutine and quedille at Dairy Belle and then eat waffles and ice-cream at Jaxson’s. By the way, just topping off this Quebec “stuff” with some simple soft-serve ice cream wouldn’t be “such a terrible thing either.”

* NY Comedy Night Presents- MAIJA SYLVETTE DI GIORGIO.

If you guys don’t go and see comedian Maija Sylvette Di Giorgio- you will have missed-out on seeing one of America’s hippest/funniest/edgiest female comedians- and the lady works clean!

All Jeff Eats can say, is GO!

The Skinny:

NY Comedy Night Presents- MAIJA SYLVETTE DI GIORGIO
Thursday, December 17, 2015 (8pm)
Boca Black Box
8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33434
Box-Office:(561) 483-9036
Tickets: bocablackbox.com (use CODE: MAIJA at checkout and save 50%) also (check goldstar.com for discount tickets)

from bocablackbox.com

Maija Sylvette Di Giorgio, “the Excellent Maija” as New York’s Time Out Magazine renamed her, is one of “the freshest, funniest, unique voices to grace the microphone”. Maija Sylvette Di Giorgio, “the Excellent Maija” as New York’s Time Out Magazine renamed her, is one of “the freshest, funniest, unique voices to grace the microphone”.

Maija has been featured on Fox’s Laughs”, NBC’s “Comics Unleashed”, HBO’s “Sex & The City”, Netflix “Uncontrolled Comedy Hour”, Showtimes “Michael Vick Comedy Explosion”, HBO Def Comedy Jam, BETs “Comic View”, “The HOT 97 Morning Show with Ed & Maija” (NYC’s #1 radio station), after receiving numerous standing ovations on her first television appearance on NBC’s “Live from the Apollo”. Maija has been featured on Fox’s Laughs”, NBC’s “Comics Unleashed”, HBO’s “Sex & The City”, Netflix “Uncontrolled Comedy Hour”, Showtimes “Michael Vick Comedy Explosion”, HBO Def Comedy Jam, BETs “Comic View”, “The HOT 97 Morning Show with Ed & Maija” (NYC’s #1 radio station), after receiving numerous standing ovations on her first television appearance on NBC’s “Live from the Apollo”.

She has rocked stages with Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Dane Cook, Wanda Sykes, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampenelli, Jeff Ross, Louie CK, Mike Epps, Tracey Morgan and plenty more. She has rocked stages with Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Dane Cook, Wanda Sykes, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampenelli, Jeff Ross, Louie CK, Mike Epps, Tracey Morgan and plenty more.

New York’s Daily News warns “don’t miss Maija, catch her before TV audiences do.”