***** The Vagabond Hotel, 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138, (305) 400-8420.

A recent e-mail…

Jeff,
My wife and I are coming to Miami on a business/pleasure trip over the July 4th holiday. We live in Queens, New York and came across Jeffeats.com purely by accident while searching for hotels. Your taste and background not to mention your style got us thinking that maybe you had an idea or two as to where two 63 year olds who like you are into diners, retro places and nothing too fancy etc. might stay. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, The Kramers.
________

The Kramers:

Got a hotel/motel that I think that you guys will really enjoy- and, you won’t have to break the old proverbial piggy-bank to pay the bill…

The Vagabond Hotel…thevagabondhotel.com.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, a real cool “retro” hotel/motel that has 45- dynamite decorated rooms, fabulous service and top shelf amenities- not to mention a complimentary breakfast. If after doing your homework- you think that this joint works for you guys, Trivago.com should be able to dig-up some real nice room-rates!

Thanks for reading…

From thevagabondhotel.com
welcome to
THE VAGABOND HOTEL MIAMI
Live Glamorously. Choose Fabulously.

Vibrant. Creative. Fun. A newly renovated cosmopolitan mix of all things hassle-free, The Vagabond Hotel is set to reestablish its glamorous past as a fabled Rat Pack hangout. Part style icon, part boutique hotel, and in a class all its own, The Vagabond is back and better than ever!

From the minute you step into the retro-luxe lobby to the moment you reluctantly say your goodbyes, be prepared for a whirlwind love affair. Allow the 45 uber-chic guest rooms to wrap you up in a timeless “Do Not Disturb” world of designer home comforts and tech-savvy conveniences. These vibrant oversized rooms not only dress to impress, they inspire envy through sleek style and good looks. Be inspired by a stunning combination of designer home comforts and high-tech must- haves… Sleek 1950s inspired custom-made furniture, hypo-allergenic Italian beds, free high-speed Wi-Fi, intricately stenciled geometric wall art, state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs, and stunning original terrazzo, wood or carpeted floors.

“Fully restored and super fabulous.”

– THE HUFFINGTON POST
All this, topped off with meticulous service from highly trained, friendly and knowledgeable staff. But don’t get too comfortable – most rooms open onto the lush, palm tree-laden courtyard decked out with a tantalizing sparkling pool, a relaxing cocktail bar and the mouth-watering Vagabond Restaurant &Bar.

You’ll be spoiled by what to do next, so why not play hard-to-get? If you’re more of the get-up-and-go type, discovering local things to do couldn’t be easier. Perfectly situated in the historic heart of Miami, along the trendy Biscayne corridor, the Vagabond Hotel is your ideal base for an afternoon of exploring… Downtown, South Beach, Midtown, the Wynwood Art Scene, the Design District and the very best of South Florida’s dining, business, shopping, sports and sightseeing hotspots.

Some call it fate. Some call it love. But whatever you call it, by the time you return home, The Vagabond Hotel in Miami will haunt your dreams.

Timelessly Modern. Decidedly Miami.

* A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words!

* 0tis Cadillac and the Eldorados featuring the Seville Sisters.

If you check, Jeff Eats has previously run- stories (2/26/14 & 6/3/14) about Otis Cadillac and the Eldorados featuring the Seville Sisters.

If you haven’t-yet seen and partied with this band- do yourself a big solid and make it your business to be at Rip’s Sport’s Bar & Grill this coming Saturday night- May 23rd starting at 9pm!

Trust Jeff Eats, you Blues-Rock n Roll fans will have an absolute blast!

Printed down below is a personal note from Otis Cadillac that Jeffeats.com received on 12/4/14.
_____
Otis Cadillac says…
Thanks to all that took the time to post nice comments about the band.

However, on the subject of “popular” material it has never been the band’s intention to appeal to a wider audience by playing familiar material. There are many excellent “oldies” bands that fill that genre.

To the contrary the band chooses overlooked vintage Blues and R&B classics to bring back to life. The band operates under 2 guiding principles: (1)To visualize what the original artists and songs would sound like today playing with contemporary musicians. (2) To create an atmosphere of excitement reminiscent to the early Rock N Roll shows when everything was new and magical. To the latter extent, certainly the rehashing of overly familiar material does not serve our vision.

While you may not get to hear your favorite “oldie” perhaps you will be lured into a new/old musical experience.

Thanks again for supporting live music and please feel free to say hello personally next time out.

Otis
Reply
On December 4, 2014 at 11:19 pm

* Hotwire Communications Is Worse Than Comcast!

Jeff Eats’ MASTER HOA recently replaced Comcast with Hotwire!

Trust me on this one, Hotwire Communications is worse than Comcast.

You’ve now been warned!

***** Goldies Restaurant, 5400 Taylor Road, Naples, Florida 34109, (239) 591-3400.

Got a real good breakfast & lunch joint for you guys…Goldies Restaurant in Naples.

Real simple concept going on here- maybe 12 4-top tables, a counter that seats 2, and a menu loaded with breakfast stuff, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads. The joint is open Monday-Saturday 7am-3pm (breakfast is served all-day) closed on Sunday. Very reasonable prices and super and I do mean super pleasant and personable wait-service!

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

Jeff Eats loved Goldies (The Ultimate Breakfast and the corned beef/pastrami combo on rye which I “had” were both off the chart!) and just in case you’re a foreigner or from outer space or something- tee shirts/shorts are the dress of the day. By the way, the way “we” know that you are either a foreigner or from ouster space- the opened toed sandals with black socks that the males of your species wear-are the tip-off!

Finally,

There is an old Vietnamese saying “That one picture is worth a thousand words.” With that in mind…

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 5/17/15).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

PRETZEL PIZZA (8″)
$6.00

Penguin Pretzel Factory
8521 Old Country Road 54
New Port Richey
(727) 807-6963
penguinpretzels.com
Latest Review: 4/14/14

Jeff Eats absolutely positively loves the Penguin Pretzel Factory!

Real simple concept, soft pretzels topped- or stuffed with all kinds of fillings.

Something like 3 months ago, the joint introduced an 8-inch pretzel pizza that is off-the chart!. Picture a “round” pizza with a soft pretzel crust (salted, everything, plain or cheese stuffed), topped with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and marinara sauce…and you’ll be on the right page! Like I said, off-the chart! By the way, for $.25 per-you can add all kinds of toppings to the pizza!

Just between you and me, the spinach/feta cheese stuffed pretzel ($5.95) and the pepperoni/mozzarella stuffed pretzel ($5.95) ain’t no slouches either.

This joint is an absolute must try…its stuff kills!

Jeff Eats’ original “story” is printed “way” down below…
______
From penguinpretzels.com
Enticing Pretzel Menu

When an ordinary snack or sandwich just won’t do, order from the pretzel menu at Penguin Pretzel Factory in New Port Richey, Florida. Our menu items are baked fresh all day, every day. Some items are even made to order and can be called in ahead of time.
All Fresh Ingredients Stuffed into Almost Half a Pound of Our Delectable Soft Dough

Served with Your Choice of Homemade Dipping Sauce

Our Famous Twists – Our Very Own Dough Recipe Baked to Perfection | Salted, Unsalted, Everything, Cinnamon, Garlic, & Onion

Stuffed
Fresh Ingredients Stuffed into Almost Half a Pound of Our Delectable Soft Dough | Served with Your Choice of Homemade Dipping Sauce
The Emperor – Spinach & Feta | Greek Classic Combination of Chopped Spinach, Scallions, Feta Cheese, & Spices
The Flipper – Savory steak and bacon topped with cheese | It Is What It Is
The King – Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, & Cheese | a True Favorite of Many | Sliced Chicken, Bacon Slices, Our Ranch, & White American Cheese
The Royal – Pepperoni & Mozzarella | Fresh Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with Thinly Sliced Pepperoni & Italian Seasonings
The Endangered – Buffalo Chicken | Crispy Chicken with Buffalo Sauce & White American Cheese on Top
The Brood – Lean Roast Beef, Topped with Creamy Provolone Cheese | Simple, yet Amazing
The Toboggan – Meatball Parmesan: Fresh homemade Meatballs, mozzarella, parmesan and our tasty marinara
The Rookery – Fresh Veggies & Only Veggies | Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Eggplant, Tomato, & Red Onion Roasted with Olive Oil & Seasonings
The Chinstrap – A Cuban: Fresh roasted pork and ham with savory cuban spices, creamy swiss, pickles and mustard

Seasonal Special – Turkey Dinner | Comforting Combination of Sliced Turkey, Seasoned Stuffing, & Gravy All Wrapped up in a Pretzel
The Pinguino – Italian Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Ham, and creamy provolone cheese with savory Italian dressing and seasonings
The Galapagos – Pretzel Dogs | All-Beef Hotdogs Rolled into Our Amazing Dough
The Tuxedo – Philadelphia™ Cream Cheese Stuffed | Topped with Either Salt, Everything, or Garlic
Nuggets – Usually Made to Order, Salted, or with Cinnamon-Sugar
Free-Style –
Pick any combination of the above stuffing creations and make your own!

NEW! PRETZEL PIZZA!
Our soft pretzel crust, our tasty sauce, fresh shredded mozzarella and parmesan
Choice of crust: Plain, salted, everything, or cheese stuffed
Choice of topping: Extra cheese, ham, pepperoni, bacon, salami, buffalo chicken
(each topping .25 each)

Something Sweet
• Ghirardelli® Dark
Chocolate Stuffed
• Apple
• Seasonal: Pumpkin Pie • Cherry
• White Chocolate
• Peanut Butter Chocolate
• Blueberry Pie
• Nutella®
• Strawberry Chocolate
Delight
• Oreo

Gourmet Dipping Sauces (Made Fresh Daily)
• Nacho Cheese
• Marinara
• Buffalo
• Cucumber Dill
• Ranch • Honey Mustard
• Blue Cheese

PARTY PLATTERS!
Please contact us for your next special occasion, birthday, graduation, holiday party or office get-togethers!
Large $ 52.00 Approx 40-50 pieces (savory or sweet)
Medium $ 34.00 Approx 18-20 pieces (Savory or sweet)
Pick ANY of your favorite stuffed pretzels and we’ll make them mini sized for your party!
_______
Posted April 14, 2014
***** Penguin Pretzel Factory, 852 Old Country Road 54, New Port Richey, Florida 34653, (727)807-6963.

Real simple concept…fresh-hot-hand rolled- soft pretzels with all kinds of toppings, fresh-hot-hand rolled-soft pretzels stuffed with all kinds of fillings.

Order at the counter…2 tables inside, 2 tables outside.

Jeff Eats loved the stuffed bacon/cheddar and the stuffed bbq pulled pork pretzels. By the way these stuffed pretzels ain’t your Auntie Anne’s pretzels–the dough alone weighs in around 1/2 lb.

Look! This stuffed/topping-pretzel “thing” is a variation on a theme–Jeff Eats has seen it done with knishes, burgers, calzones, pies, yogurt, turkeys. That said, Penguin’s stuffings worked for me. Not really sure that a retail-store concept based on toppings and fillings is sustainable–but as I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats loved the product.

You can check www.penguinpretzelfactory.com for menu/prices/other info.

Penguin Pretzel Factory is open Monday-Friday 11:30m-7pm, Saturday 11:30am-6pm, closed Sunday.

One final thought…

Over the years, Jeff Eats has bought SUPERPRETZEL (www.superpretzel.com)-a frozen baked soft pretzel (6 to a package) at Publix. I have baked, microwaved or toasted SUPERPRETZEL and topped with mustard, marinara sauce, melted cheddar, pastrami, corned beef–and have always enjoyed my handy-work. So, if you don’t live near Penguin Pretzel Factory- you can make amateur versions of its menu-pretzels until you can try the real McCoy-s.

* Don’t Be A Pinhead.

Fan or no fan of FOX-NEWS…

Jeff Eats can’t think of even one single reason to buy a ticket to see Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller!

You on the other hand may see things differently, so…

*****. Di Fara Pizza, 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York 11230, (718) 258-1367, Difara.com.

A recent e-mail…

Jeff,

Who makes the best NY pizza?

Thanks,

Leon Horowitz (Margate)

_________
Leon Horowitz:

Now, you guys know that everything in life is basically a subjective call…

Keeping the above in mind, let Jeff Eats settle “this” once and for all-

Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn- makes the best New York Pizza!

No bs-ing here, the best!

Jeff Eats “had” his first Di Fara slice in September, 1966.

Now you know.

Thanks for reading…

* The Wizard of Oz!

Just another way- of looking at things!

Sort of like food reviews!

***** Love Boat Ice Cream, 16229 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33908, (239) 466-7707.

Got something terrific for you guys…Love Boat Ice Cream in Fort Myers.

Real simple story here, the joint opened in 1957, makes its own ice cream and “carries” over 50 flavors on any given day.

A recent outing had Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “trying” jamocha almond fudge, chocolate chip, French vanilla, strawberry, pistachio, coffee and I gotta tell you- every flavor was dynamite! No fooling here, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t pick one flavor over another-all were that good!

For those of you who maybe be wondering, the joint also has sugar free ice cream, sorbet and yogurt…so everybody will find what to eat (lick)!

Just so you know, a handful of tables inside and a couple of benches outside- so don’t be planning your high school class reunion there, unless you were schooled at something like Appalachia High School!

No ifs ands or buts, Love Boat Ice Cream is an absolute homerun.

One final thought, if you are an indecisive type of person, Love Boat Ice Cream could prove to be a real troublesome-outing for you- so come prepared!

You can check menu/prices/info at loveboaticecream.net.

Love Boat Ice Cream is open 7 days a week from noon-10pm and no Gavin MacLeod doesn’t own or work there!