***** Bigun’s Bar B.Q., 7280 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville, Florida 34613, (352) 596-4180.

Got a really good diner/bbq joint for you guys…Bigun’s Bar B.Q. in Brooksville.

Jeff Eats is thinking that if you’re thinking- “Deliverance” which starred Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Jon Voight and Ronny Cox- kinda “décor”- you’re gonna be on the right page!

So there is no misunderstanding, although the “handle” is Bigun’s Bar B.Q.- the joint in addition to smoked-bbq stuff has all kinds of breakfast items, grilled dishes, fried foods, baked dishes, sandwiches- so on and so forth!

Right up front, Jeff Eats absolutely loved Bigun’s…the food was dynamite and the folks that run the joint are as pleasant as can be.

Bigun’s is basically a breakfast & lunch diner- for good measure it does dinner on Friday.

Just so you have it straight- Bigun’s Bar B.Q.’s hours…Monday-Thursday 6am-2pm, Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday 6am-11pm, closed on Sunday.

Anyway,

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats recently did lunch…beef brisket, grilled chicken breast, meatloaf, French fries, mac & cheese, collard greens, onion rings, corn bread, mashed potatoes, garlic bread -everything and I do mean everything was right on the money!

You can check menu/prices at bigunsbarbq.com.

You! fancy folks out there, this joint ain’t gonna work for you…

Like I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats loved Bigun’s!

* America’s Birthday Bash At Bayfront Park.

Your tax dollars are well spent on this one…

Over the years Bayfront Park’s July 4th “events” have been huge winners!

* The Acchords.

A recent e-mail Jeff Eats received.

Jeff,

Planning a 75th birthday party for my husband at our country club in Boca Raton for February, 2016.

We have seen most of the doo wop groups as well as oldies bands in south Florida.

Can you give us the name of a really special group that isn’t one of the south Florida regulars?

We have no problem with a group from out of state.

The way we figure it, you only hit 75 once, so a few extra bucks spent here and there is of no consequence.

Thank you,

Linda Hammerman
______

Linda Hammerman:

Jeff Eats recently caught Long Island based- The Acchords at Madison’s Steak House, 670 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, New York 11788, (631) 231-6909 and I gotta tell you, definitely one of the best oldies groups that I’ve seen in a very-very long time. The group ‘s 50’s-60’s-70’s track show featured fabulous leads and tight harmonies on the hits of groups -such as The Four Seasons, The Duprees, The Jive Five, The Righteous Brothers, The Dubs, The Earls, The Skyliners and The Drifters.

I’m thinking, that The Acchords (who normally don’t play South Florida) would be absolutely perfect for you guys. I’m also thinking that this group would be a homerun- for a ton of restaurants, festivals, country clubs, events down here in South Florida…so all you social directors and booking agents- checkout The Acchords at theacchords.com.

Hope this helps you out and wish your husband a happy birthday from Jeff Eats!

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 6/28/15)

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

EVERYTHING

Schnapper’s Hots
1528 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel
(239) 472-8686
schnappershotssanibel.com
Latest Review; 9/15/13

July 4th- is right around the corner…

To be perfectly honest with you guys, Jeff Eats can’t think (actually I can, but play along with me!) of another joint-that so-symbolizes what America is all-about like Schnapper’s Hots does. No fooling, I absolutely love this joint!

Printed down below is Jeff Eats’ 9/15/13 “review”…

Trust me, Schnapper’s Hots is an absolute must try.
________

Posted on September 15th, 2013 · American Desserts Fast Food Pizza
***** Schnapper’s Hots, 1528 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida 33957, (239) 472-8686.

Schnapper’s Hots…fast-food “hot dog stand” with limited standing -room eating inside and limited outdoor seating—located in Sanibel.

Short and sweet, Jeff Eats “lives” for joints like Schnapper’s Hots.

Terrific all-beef hot dogs, burgers, wings char-broiled on a gas grill…equally delicious fresh hand-cut french fries, home-made hand breaded onion rings, pizza, fried fish sandwiches, ice cream cones and shakes—and you got a home-run in this boy’s book. Throw in the fact that the joint is located on a street named PERIWINKLE WAY…and you know you gotta try it!

Check menu/photos at www.schnappershotssanibel.com.

Schnapper’s Hots is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm.

***** Eat Watermelon!

Way-back on September 5, 2014 Jeff Eats did a story “Watermelon!” It’s reprinted down below.

The reason why I am mentioning WATERMELON is that I really-believe that eating this fruit helps-makes-keeps you healthy!

Look!

I maybe nuts, but- it’s now Watermelon Season and if I’m wrong, so what!

Watermelon tastes great and it’s dirt cheap to buy!

_________________
Watermelon!
Posted on September 5th, 2014 · American Fast Food Music/Events/Other

* Watermelon!

I don’t know about you guys, but when Labor Day hits, that means-end of Summer to Jeff Eats.

Taking that formula one-step further, Labor Day/End of Summer/next step- goodbye watermelon until next Summer.

Anyway,

As I’m sure you know, last Monday- Labor Day 2014 hit…and it got me to thinking about watermelon. Now no bs-ing here, on any given day Jeff Eats can eat 1/2 of a large watermelon-no problem at all. For the record, watermelon is one of my favorite fruits and I recall years ago hearing that it was a very “healthy” fruit.

With the above in mind, take a look at this Watermelon “story” I just read on howstuffworks.com…

For what it’s worth, I think this watermelon “info” is something to definitely have on file in the back of your head. As the late great- Sy Syms use to say, “An educated consumer is our best customer.”

Finally, maybe one of you scientists out there can explain this- How do you grow seedless watermelons from seedless watermelons?
*****

Some foods are fun to eat, and watermelon is definitely one of them. That triangular wedge of bright red/white/green, sweet juiciness forbids us to take life too seriously and shouts, “SUMMER!!!” As if that weren’t enough, watermelon is packed full of nutrition, hydrates and is low-fat. While many of us think of watermelon as a great snack option, when you tally up its nutritive value, you might consider making this all-star a feature player in your cuisine.

Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy.

Tomatoes have been highly touted as a great source for lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types of cancer — prostate cancer in particular. Watermelon, however, has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable.

If your little ones don’t dig into their swiss chard, lima beans or spinach — all great sources of potassium — consider offering them a serving of watermelon instead. It is a great source of potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, helps maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Watermelon also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.

Alone or in a fruit salad are the most common ways many of us eat watermelon. While eating the meat of the fruit is the best way to take advantage of all of its nutrients, this is one of my favorite bits of summer refreshment. I get a version of this from my local burrito truck. The key to making this great: don’t oversweeten it. With just a touch of sweetness, it’s heavenly.

* Independence Day Weekend Contests and Festivities.

Here’s- Mardi Gras Casino’s “July 4th” plans…

All Jeff Eats can tell you is- a few years ago Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats WATCHED one of Mardi Gras’ 70’s costume dance contests- and we had an absolute blast…suffice it to say, we got some real strange people living down here in South Florida! I am telling you, there were some great dancers, some great costumes and some- I don’t know what out there…and everyone had a great time!

Looks to me, like Mardi Gras Casino has a nice day planned…

WHAT: Independence Day Weekend Contests and Festivities
Put on your dancing shoes and 70’s costume to compete in the Mardi Gras 70’s Amateur Dance Contest for a chance to win 1st place and $1,000! Then, sing the National Anthem for a chance to win $1,000 cash and perform in front of a live audience before our spectacular fireworks display! Sign up now at Players’ Club.

People are also invited to watch the contest and fireworks for free!

DATES: Friday, July 3, 2015

TIME: Dance Contest: Begins at 6:30pm on the Veranda (receive contestant number starting at 6:00pm)
Singing Contest: Begins at 8:00pm in the Grandstand (receive contestant number starting at 7:30pm)

WHERE: Mardi Gras Casino
831 North Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
877-55-SLOTS
For more information visit www.mgfla.com

WHO: Mardi Gras Casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring over 1,000 of the hottest Las Vegas-style slot machines, including Progressive slots, virtual roulette and blackjack, as well as The Dog Pound, Mardi Gras’ smoker-friendly slot area; 30 action-packed poker tables; simulcast and greyhound racing; entertainment; and various dining options. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit www.mardigrascasinofl.com. Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mardigrascasino or follow us on twitter at http://www/twitter.com/MardiGrasFl.

* The Heat Is On At Silverspot Cinema For Premiere Of Magic Mike XXL.

For you ladies out there and I guess for some of you guys out there as well…

On Wednesday-July 1st from 5pm-7pm the brand new 11- screen Silverspot Cinema located at the Promenade at Coconut Creek, 4441 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek is “celebrating” the opening of the new movie- Magic Mike XXL…the details of the event are down below.

Jeff Eats has absolutely no idea why Mrs. Jeff Eats and a bunch of her girlfriends are going- but they’ve already bought tickets- with plans to get their hair done earlier in the day!

Silverspot Cinema is a gorgeous hi-tech theater and its Trilogy Restaurant has absolutely dynamite food!
____________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE HEAT IS ON AT SILVERSPOT CINEMA FOR PREMIERE OF

MAGIC MIKE XXL ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST FROM 5 P.M. – 7 P.M.

Photo Opportunities with South Florida Firefighters, Drink Specials & More

COCONUT CREEK, FLORIDA (June 22, 2015) – Silverspot Cinema at the Promenade, 4441 Lyons Road in Coconut Creek, will give new meaning to “happy hour” on Wednesday, July 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as moviegoers celebrate the much anticipated premiere of Magic Mike XXL with uniform-clad South Florida firefighters, specialty cocktails and more.

Guests will enjoy pre-movie appetizers, dinner and beverages as they pose with area firemen. The movie will be featured at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. that evening.

Specialty cocktails will include the XXL Dirty Martini with Grey Goose vodka and olive juice; Pumped Up Sangria Martini with vodka, L’Orange and St. Germain; Xquisite Blue Cosmo with vodka, blue curacao, white cranberry and lime juice; Beefcake Martini with vodka, bols yogurt, lemon juice and strawberry liqueur; Peach Fuzz with vodka, peach schnapps, and peach puree topped with sparkling wine and Zin Your Face, an old vine Zinfandel with a unique bold and spicy flavor.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $13.50 for seniors available in advance at www.silverspot.net.

About Silverspot Cinema
Silverspot Cinema is a privately-held, customer-centric company specializing in sophisticated cinemas offering an enhanced, hassle-free entertainment experience in a boutique environment catering to an upscale clientele. Silverspot at Mercato, located in Naples, Florida, marked the initial expansion of Silverspot Cinemas in the United States. Silverspot Cinema recently opened a second theater in Coconut Creek, Florida and currently has 87 screens under various stages of development. For more information visit www.silverspot.net or call (239) 592-0300.

* A Night At Copacabana.

Ever wonder what happened to Ricky Ricardo?

Tonight- June, 26th at 8pm go see for “free” – A Night At Copacabana…and you may very well find out!

Tell- Jeff Eats that the guy with the pompadour playing the Conga Drum isn’t Ricky- or what!

For more info seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.

***** Nonna Maria, 529 Northlake Boulevard, North Palm Beach, Florida 33408, (561) 863-6584.

Nonna Maria describes itself as…

“Nonna Maria is your neighborhood Italian restaurant with a French twist. This cozy and intimate restaurant has been lovingly serving good food in the Palm Beach area since 1981.
We strive to bring you classic French and Italian dishes using only the freshest local ingredients. Everything here is homemade- from the marinara sauce to the French baguettes. Our affordable prix-fixe menu offers you three courses to choose from- crisp salads, pan seared snapper, braised short ribs, homemade sorbets and pastry for dessert.”

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats recently did dinner and I gotta tell you, Nonna Maria absolutely blew us away…The food and service were dynamite!

On the menu-front, Nonna Maria in addition to an a la carte menu- has a ​Prix-Fixe Menu $32.95​. Just between you and Jeff Eats- my “trained eye” told me that on the night that Jeff Eats was there, every person give or take 1-or 2-or 3-maybe 4, had the Prix-Fixe-deal. Based on the selection/quality/portion size/prices- the Prix Fixe Menu (which is served all of the time)- is definitely a “good” way to go at Nonna Maria. The Prix-Fixe Menu is printed down below. You can check the regular menu/prices at nonnamariapb.com.
____
Prix-Fixe-Menu $32.95
Choose one appetizer, one entrée & one dessert​
Served every night, all night!​
* PF + (additional charge for menu item)​

​Appetizers​

SOUP DU JOUR

FRENCH ONION SOUP made w/ chicken stock PF+2
CAESAR SALAD anchovies & garlic croutons
HOUSE SALAD artesian greens, romaine, cherry tomato, olive & onion
BLEU CHEESE SALAD artesian greens, romaine, tomato, olive & onion

ENDIVE & GOAT CHEESE w/ apples, walnuts & radish
BEET, TOMATO & FETA w/ balsamic reduction
NONNA MARIA BAKED CHEESE MANICOTTI w/ marinara sauce

ESCARGOT garlic, shallots, parsley & Pernod butter
BROCCOLI RABE w/ garlic & oil
​
Pasta and Baked Entrees
GNOCCHI a la NONNA brown butter sage sauce w/ parmesan cheese
CHEESE RAVIOLI a la VODKA or Marinara sauce
EGGPLANT PARMESAN vegetarian dish w/ one side dish
PASTA PRIMAVERA vegetarian dish w/ whole wheat penne, garlic & oil
RIGATONI CARBONARA cream & cheese sauce with peas & bacon
BROCCOLI RABE & SAUSAGE LINGUINI w/ garlic & oil ​
LINGUINI BOLOGNESE beef, veal & red sauce (with or without cream)
​
Seafood Entrees
FISH DU JOUR mkt.

YELLOW TAIL SNAPPER FRANCAISE over fresh steamed spinach *PF+4
GRILLED SCOTTISH SALMON w/dill, yogurt & cucumber sauce w/one side dish
SCOTTISH SALMON PICCATA w/ one side dish ​
SHRIMP MARINARA LINGUINI *PF+4
​
Poultry, Beef or Veal Entrees
VEAL or CHICKEN:​
MARSALA: marsala wine, mushroom & shallot sauce w/ one side
FRANCAISE: light egg batter w/ lemon butter wine sauce w/ one side
PARMESAN: breaded, topped w/ marinara & mozzarella w/ one side
PICCATA: lemon , butter ,caper sauce, artichokes & mushroom w/ one side

MILANESE: breaded, topped w/ arugula, tomato, onion & balsamic w/ one side

SALTIMBOCCA: proscuitto, sage reduction & spicy broccoli rabe * PF+3

CRISPY ROAST DUCK citrus sauce, broccoli & Crimini mushrooms * PF+4

BRAISED SHORT RIBS of BEEF over risotto w/Chianti reduction
​
Side Dishes with Prix-Fixe Menu​
vegetable du jour, pomme frite, linguini marinara or whole wheat penne marinara
aioli pasta +2.5, angel hair +2.5, spinach garlic & oil +2.5,
linguini bolognese +6.95, broccoli rabe garlic & oil +6.95 ​

Dessert​
Crème Brulèe
Dame Blanche vanilla ice cream w/ hot chocolate sauce
Nonna Maria Ricotta Cheese Cake
Sherbet
Chocolate Cake & Citrus Sauce
Profiterole ice cream filled puff w/ hot chocolate sauce
Split Banana Split vanilla & chocolate ice cream/choc. sauce & whipped cream
Vacherin Glacè meringue, vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit & whipped cream
Cafè Liegèois coffee ice cream, espresso & whipped cream

Cappuccino $4.5 – Espresso $4 – Coffee $2.9 – Tea $2.9

Prix- Fixe Menu may not be shared​
_______________

Anyway, long story short…

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats on the Prix-Fixe Menu ordered up…house salad, baked cheese manicotti, veal parmesan, roast duck, crème brulee, ricotta cheese cake and like I said 3.4 seconds ago, everything was dynamite.

Nonna Maria is an absolute must try.

Nonna Maria is open Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 5pm – 9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm – 9:30pm, closed on Monday.

* Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster.

Go see this band…it puts on a terrific show!

Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster hits- the Mardi Gras Casino- June 30th-July 3rd at 8pm and it’s “FREE”…

For more info mardigrascasinofl.com.