* Hippiefest 2015.

Lineup is down below.

To be honest with you, this “one” doesn’t interest Jeff Eats even one bit! I don’t see-no Sly Stone in the picture-do you?

If you wanna “attend”- tickets go on sale today- 5/22/15 at 10am- ticketmaster.com

Hippiefest 2015
Jacksonville 8/13/15, Fort Lauderdale 8/14/15
The Family Stone
Rick Derringer
Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
Badfinger featuring Joey Molland

***** La Via Ristorante & Bar, 4443 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073, (954) 601-1234.

Got a real good Italian restaurant for you guys…La Via Ristorante & Bar located at the Promenade At Coconut Creek.

Real simple story going on here…inside and outside patio seating, full bar area…reasonably priced- appetizers, salads, in-house-made pastas, wood fired personal pizzas, meat/chicken/seafood entrees and in-house-made desserts.

Jeff Eats and two other couples recently “did” dinner and I gotta tell you that La Via served-up some delicious stuff!

Ordered dishes included…zucchini strings ($10), meatball (pomodoro sauce over fresh ricotta cheese-($8), garlic loaf (wood fired garlic bread-($5), chopped salad ($8), Caesar salad ($8), margherita pizza- ($12), chicken parmigiana (with pasta side-($18), eggplant parmigiana with pasta side-($17), shrimp arrabiate ($26), meat lasagna ($20), tiramisu ($5), Sicilian cannoli ($4) and I gotta tell you that everything was right on the money. For sure, some-things were better than others, but like I just said, everything was right on the money! Just between you guys and Jeff Eats, the joint’s meatball with a few chunks of that garlic loaf- alone was worth the trip, but that’s just between us!

La Via has been around for something like 6-months and is owned by Salvatore Mauro. For you historians out there, Mauro is the former co-owner of the “legendary” Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale…for what it’s worth, way-back on June 30, 2008 Jeff Eats kinda did a negative story on Casa D’Angelo- not sure where I’m going with all of this, but trust Jeff Eats when- I tell you that Mauro and his wife Faith/La Via’s co-owner definitely got something real good going on food-wise at their latest restaurant venture.

Jeff Eats really enjoyed La Via Ristorante & Bar- upscale looking (but your tee shirt-shorts ensemble works), delicious food, solid service, reasonable prices, flat screen tvs, big portions…

As I mentioned at the top of this tale, La Via is located at the Promenade At Coconut Creek which- could be the poster child for South Florida’s White Elephant Shopping Centers. Personally, I can’t figure- why a veteran restaurant guy like Salvatore Mauro would pick such a crap-location…maybe he knows something I don’t, but I just don’t see it! Not for nothing, but some heavy duty cash was “invested” in building La Via- from the wood/gas fired pizza oven to a glass enclosed room that allows diners to watch a fresh pasta machine in action!-like I said before- location!!

Anyway, I really enjoyed La Via Ristorante & Bar.

Give it a shot- I’m thinking- you won’t be disappointed!

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

La Via is open, Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm (bar till midnight) , Friday-Saturday 11:30am-11pm (bar to 2am), closed Monday…

* Morris Day and The Time & Cameo.

First told you guys about this upcoming show on-April 25, 2015.

Just checked the box-office and there are a load of great seats left. Between you and Jeff Eats, every seat at the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre is good…so no real need to go for those $75 suckers- the $45 tickets will work just fine!

If you want to see what 80’s funk music was/is all about…go see Morris Day and The Time and Cameo!

Finally, for those of you who can hold “their water”- I’m hearing that goldstar.com will have a 1/2 price ticket deal starting 5/25 so like I just said, you may want to hold your water for a few days!

________
April 25, 2015
Morris Day and The Time & Cameo.

Assuming it doesn’t rain…this is going to be one hell of a show…

Jeff Eats picked up 2-tickets at- pompanobeacharts.org.

Just a little heads-up…if and when you buy tickets…there is a- BUY ONE GET ONE DEAL on the site. Just look for it! Jeff Eats’ 2- ($75 tickets) with a $6 service fee -cost me $81.

For those of you who don’t “know” Morris Day and The Time, where you been? Google time!!!

image
from pompanobeacharts.org.
Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
1801 Ne 6th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(954) 946-2402
Friday May 29 | 8PM
Tickets:
$75 Rows 1-3
$60 Rows 4 – 10
$50 Rows 11 -20
$45 Rows 21-30

What more can we say about the funky, fabulous Morris Day? Morris Day and The Time have made music since the 1970’s, when Day got his musical chops in his first project with band member Prince. He later acted in Prince’s musical drama, Purple Rain.

The Time was formed from a larger band called “Flyte Tyme” and is noted for hip anthems such as “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” The founding members reunited for a performance with Rihanna at the 50th annual Grammy Awards Show. In February of this year, Jimmy Kimmel Live featured the band as part of the #MashUpMonday series, forming a supergroup

* Sinatra Sintennial Show.

First told you guys about this upcoming “show” on 5/5/15…

Just between you and Jeff Eats, I recently caught a “rehearsal”- and I am telling you that Sinatra fans- will absolutely love this production.

For right now, the show is a limited 5/22-5/23 run…but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sinatra Sintennial booked in 2015-2016 at Seminole Hard Rock “show rooms” all over the United States!
_____
From sinatrasintennial.com
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Celebrates the Sinatra 100 with the World Premiere of the Much-Anticipated, Sinatra Sintennial Show

(HOLLYWOOD, FL – May 2015) – On May 22-23, 2015, the iconic voice of Frank Sinatra will come alive once again as Miami crooner Jeff Grainger featuring The Hoboken 11 debuts the world premiere of the “Sinatra Sintennial Show” in the intimate Paradise Live Theatre at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. Honoring the 100th birthday of the 20th century’s greatest entertainer, the show is set to be unveiled each night at 8pm.

Brought to life with Grainger’s incredible vocal prowess that seamlessly channels ‘ole blue eyes’, the “Sinatra Sintennial Show” is reminiscent of the foot-tapping, finger-snapping enthusiasm of the swing era coupled with authentic Vegas glitz and glamour. The breathtaking production designed exclusively for The Hard Rock features a 17-piece live band, two back-up vocals, and two beautifully adorned showgirls.

Performing many of Sinatra’s most popular and classic hits, Grainger takes fans on a time-hopping journey set in an unforgettable evening filled with fan-favorite singles, fanciful musical arrangements, and a spectacular, mid-show surprise that is guaranteed to leave the audience breathless. Grainger, whose career has spanned from wedding singer to local Rat Pack member, has skyrocketed with his undeniable, marked ability to channel Sinatra’s singing and swagger.

“Frank Sinatra’s legacy transcends the music industry and has left an indelible imprint upon the world in countless ways,” says Grainger. “As a longtime enthusiast of his music, I look forward to welcoming all of his fans from across South Florida for two very special, memorable evenings together. We are honored that Seminole Hard Rock chose our show to help us kick off our World Tour.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com. Pricing starts at $35 per person; in addition, private booth seating is available for the ultimate VIP experience. Priced at $1,000 per booth, up to six attendees can enjoy the show, a meet-and-greet with the cast, exclusive photo opportunities, and a commemorative bottle of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select. Jack Daniel’s was Frank’s favorite booze.

For more information, or media interview/appearance requests, please contact Dreamweaver Brand Communications by email at Cynthia@dreamweaverbrand.com or call 786-531-7842.
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Sinatra Sintennial Show (Seminole Hard Rock Paradise Live Theater- Hollywood)
Posted on May 5th, 2015 · Hollywood Music/Events/Other
* Sinatra Sintennial Show.
Jeff Eats has seen Jeff Grainger “as” Sinatra…the guy is good, real good!

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are doing the Saturday Night – May 23rd- 8pm gig…

Just between you, me and the bedpost, the Seminole Hard Rock Paradise Live Theater is a very intimate showroom- every seat in the house works! -with that in mind- seating is extremely limited, so if you wanna- go- don’t dilly dally around on getting tickets ($35-$95).

You can catch tickets/further information at Sinatra.lecuervo.com.

From Sinatra.levervo.com
Celebrating 100 years of the greatest entertainer ever born, Jeff Grainger and the Hoboken 11 bring you a show of all the greatest hits and leave you feeling like you saw the reincarnation of the Chairman of the Board.
The Hoboken 11 is a swinging eleven piece big band that has been performing worldwide for 20 plus years. With a large repertoire of classic standards to salsa and merengue, this band plays it all. Take a trip back in time and relive the days when Ol’ Blue Eyes swooned the hearts of the bobbysoxers. Close your eyes and you will think you’re hearing The Voice himself. A show you will never forget and a tribute to the voice that will live continue his legacy.

***** 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!
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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.