***** Madisons New York Grill & Bar-Summer Specials.

Real simple tale to tell…

One of my favorite American-Style joints to eat lunch-dinner at is Madisons New York Grill & Bar in Boca Raton.

Madisons just put out a Summer Specials Menu!

All I can tell you, if you haven’t yet tried Madisons- you now have an additional- “economic” incentive to do so!

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, the joint’s food is delicious…throw in a cool-modern decor, great bar area with tons of flat screen tvs, excellent service, super reasonable prices and you got a winner in my book!

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Posted on April 9th, 2015 · American Boca Raton

***** Madisons New York Grill & Bar.

Jeff Eats is gonna label Madisons New York Grill & Bar- one of the best American-Style joints in South Florida!

Just had lunch at this American-Style joint and I am telling you that the food-service-prices were all-right on the money!

The full-rack of bbq baby-back ribs (with a baked potato) that I had- was absolutely delicious…Mrs. Jeff Eats’ Caesar salad and cheeseburger/French fries were also delicious.

Jeff Eats first told you guys about Madisons on 1/4/14…somethings bear repeating- so here goes…

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January 4, 2014
***** Madisons New York Grill & Bar, 2066 Northwest Executive Center Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 994-0808.

Last night, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats and a couple of friends gave “American-Style” Madisons New York Grill & Bar in Boca Raton a shot–and I gotta tell you, the joint literally blew our socks-off. No fooling around here…Madisons food and service were terrific!

Real quick, Madisons is a Canadian based restaurant chain that currently owns/operates 14 restaurants in Quebec, 1 in Boca Raton and has 1- under construction in Pompano Beach. If you think–Houston’s, J. Mark’s and J. Alexander’s you’ll be on the right décor page. The Boca Raton joint opened about 1-week ago, in a completely renovated building that at one time or another housed California Pizza Kitchen, Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House, Copper Canyon Grill and Stephane’s Steak & Seafood. The restaurant has both indoor/outdoor patio seating and a separate full-bar area with something like 9 flat screen tvs.

As I mentioned 16 seconds ago, Madisons’ food and service were terrific…no ifs or buts, but the guys who own Madisons-know how to run a restaurant. Every dish that hit our table was exactly as ordered, glasses were continuously refreshed by Dave “The” Waiter-and during the evening we were “visited” by GM-Charles, Front Of The House Manager-Juan and Owner-Steve. Just so you know, Jeff Eats’ eagle eye caught- that every table in our section got the exact-same management treatment.

Let’s talk food…

Real simple menu–8 appetizers ($8-17), 6 meal salads ($15-$20), 5 sandwiches/burgers ($14-$18), 12 entrees ($16-$37), handful of salads/sides ($4-$8), handful of desserts ($5-$8).

Our table “had”–Three Cheese Garlic Bread, House Salad, Mykonos Style Greek Salad, Quinoa Caprese Salad, Cheeseburger With French Fries, Crab Cake Sandwich, Baby Back Ribs, Key Lime Pie, Brownie With Vanilla Ice Cream…everything was delicious. Just so you know, the garlic bread appetizer easily fed 4-people, the salads and desserts large enough for 2-people to share.

For you-guys who like more “review detail”…the French fries weren’t as delicious as everything else–but Owner-Steve told me, that fresh-handcut fries would soon be replacing the frozen product being used. I must tell you-that the garlic bread appetizer topped with melted Monterey Jack/cheddar/parmesan cheese was off-the-chart. To be perfectly honest, 2-orders of that garlic bread with a 2-liter bottle of ice-cold Coke and Jeff Eats could do some serious damage to himself…a definite must order.

Look! I could go on and on–as to how the ribs were basted with a delicious sweet bbq sauce, or how the crab cakes were loaded with crab (what else?) with virtually no filler, or how the cheeseburger which came on a lightly toasted bun-was topped with shredded lettuce/tomato slice/pickles spears and a mustard/ketchup/mayo dressing, but I won’t.

At this stage of the game, you may want to check www.madisonsnewyork.com for menu/prices.

The truly amazing thing about Madisons was that the service was impeccable…to be honest with you, Jeff Eats went into this thing-thinking a hiccup or two, afterall it was a brand new joint…but au contraire (hey! I told you that the chain is out of Quebec!)—the food and service couldn’t have been better.

Let me wrap this all up for you,

Madisons is going to be a huge winner. Mark these words–perfect for the business lunch crowd–perfect for the happy hour crowd–perfect for both Boca Raton’s young families and its 55+ crowd.

No question in Jeff Eats’ mind, Madisons can definitely hold its own against local “American Style” players–The Cheesecake Factory, Houston’s and J. Alexander’s.

A cursory “menu-look” found Madisons’ price-points $2-$5 lower than its “next door” neighbor Houston’s…..Hey! I already told you- The guys who own this joint know how to run a restaurant.

One final thought, a little bird told Jeff Eats that Madisons owns the Boca Raton property/building–so, to paraphrase poet Ernest Henley – Madisons is the master of its fate, captain of its soul (I know, I know a bit dramatic).

Madisons is open Monday-Sunday 11am-11pm.

* Cheeseburger Baby Turns 15 This Sunday.

Jeff Eats’ buddies over at Burger Beast (burgerbeast.com) and restaurant- Cheeseburger Baby-are cooking up some type of BIRTHDAY PARTY…

Sorry I can’t make it…but as Arte Johnson would say the party- sounds “Very Interesting.”

Jeff Eats is thinking- free delicious food, discounted checks and a chance to “meet and converse” with the Burger Beast himself-in the flesh!…What could be bad?!

Printed down below is burgerbeast.com 6/4/15 column on the Birthday Party…Also down below, Jeff Eats’ 12/8/06 Cheeseburger Baby “review.”
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Cheeseburger Baby Turns 15 This Sunday
Posted on June 4, 2015

Cheeseburger Baby’s 15th Bday Party

This Sunday June 7th I’ll be celebrating 15 years of Cheeseburger Baby at the “Original SoBe Burger Joint” from 7-10PM. There’ll be Drink Specials, Free Baby Burgers and 10% of off your bill PLUS you’ll get to hang with me & talk food.

The Details:
Cheeseburger Baby Turns 15
Date: Sunday June 7th
Time: 7PM – 10PM
Address: 1505 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl
Phone: 305-531-7300
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Posted December 8, 2006
***** Cheeseburger Baby
1505 Washington Aveue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
(305) 531-7300

If you like cheeseburgers (and who doesn’t), I got a little-hole-in-the wall joint that you “don’t want to miss.” Before I go any further, I think that calling a “hole-in-the-wall” little, is an oxymoron, but anyway…

Cheeseburger Baby has counter seating and a few-high-tops and that’s it. This joint makes some of the best burgers that you will ever taste. The “stars” of the menu are the 1/2lb burger ($5.50), the 1/2lb cheeseburger ($6.50), the 2.5oz burger ($2.00) and the 2.5oz cheeseburger ($2.50) which are superbly grilled and then “placed” in an egg-bun. I am not talking good “here.” I am talking “terrific.”

Cheeseburger Baby has other “stuff” on its menu, like wings and chicken breast sandwiches. That said, when a joint is called CHEESEBURGER BABY, you should be smart enough to know what to order.

Cheeseburger Baby is open Monday-Wednesday noon-4am, Thursday-Saturday 11am-6am and Sunday 11am-4pm. The way to “play” this one, is to order a 1/2lb bacon-cheeseburger with grilled onions, a side of french fries ($3.00) and a Coke and you will be in 7th-heaven (well, I was anyway).

This joint’s “odd-hours” in the past, have drawn such “notables” as, P. Diddy, Fat Joe, Beyonce and JeffEats.

***** Buon Pane Italian Bakery, 729 Fifth Street, Miami Beach, Florida (305) 646-8144.

Got something absolutely terrific for you guys…Buon Pane Italian Bakery- a hole in the wall, Italian bakery-that opened something like 6 weeks ago in Miami Beach.

Real simple- breads, pizzas, pastries, pies- all off the chart!

Buon Pane is an absolute must try…

You can catch info/menu/prices at buonpaneitaliano.com.

Buon Pane Italiano Bakery is open 7 days a week 8am-8pm.

* America & Three Dog Night.

No ifs ands or buts two of the greatest- 70’s Rock N Roll Bands!

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are going…

* Jenner!

I don’t know about you guys- but I got enough of my own problems- and I am way too busy to worry about Caitlyn Jenner…Not for nothing, but If you ask Jeff Eats- I think that Barbara would have been more practical-perhaps saving Bruce a few bucks in the monogram “department”…

* Completely Unchained.

Like Van Halen?

If you do, you’ll love Completely Unchained- one of America’s top Van Halen tribute bands!

Completely Unchained has 2 upcoming South Florida Shows…if Jeff Eats got his facts straight- $10 cover at Backyard and No cover at Casino…

You can check-out Completely Unchained at completelyunchainedrocks.com.

* Triple. Crown. Glory.

Sounds like a fun- way to watch the RACE!

901 S FEDERAL HIGHWAY I HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 33009 I 954.457.7000 I GULFSTREAMPARK.COM

Gulfstream Park reserves the right to change, alter or cancel part of or in its entirety any promotion at its sole discretion. Must be 21. Concerned about a gambling problem? Call 1-888-ADMIT-IT.
Gulfstream Park is a Stronach Group company.

* Sixth Annual John Offerdahl’s Broward Center Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival.

Now listen carefully…put away November 14, 2015!

Trust Jeff Eats when I tell you…One of the best afternoon- outdoor FOOD EVENTS in South Florida…more food, drink, music, entertainment, celebrity appearances- than you can imagine!

Just got a PR e-mail setting the date…as soon as “the fine details” are released-Jeff Eats will get them to you!

I am telling you, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!!!
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DATE ANNOUNCED FOR SIXTH ANNUAL JOHN OFFERDAHL’S BROWARD HEALTH® GRIDIRON GRILL-OFF FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

POMPANO BEACH, FL (June 1, 2015) – The 2015 John Offerdahl’s Broward Health® Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival will score big when it returns to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1806 NE 6 Street, on Saturday, November 14. The sixth annual culinary competition for charity will once again pair Miami Dolphins legends with top local chefs to give attendees the best in food, wine, music and fun.

“We are excited to continue the tradition of this one-of-a-kind food and wine festival,” said John Offerdahl, event founder and former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Linebacker. “I created this event six years ago, combining two of my great passions – football and food – in order to help feed the needs of kids in crisis, and am thrilled at how the South Florida community has embraced our efforts.”

Part of the success of this event is the fan interaction with both the Miami Dolphins legends and South Florida’s top chefs. These dynamic teams will collaborate to create fine dining dishes for all to sample. Last year’s Judge’s Choice Champion was a sustainable Grilled Cobia Fish Taco prepared by Miami Dolphins linebacker #52 Channing Crowder and Chef Chris Miracolo of S3 Restaurant. The Fan’s Favorite award-winning entrée was an Espresso and Chocolate Crusted Filet Mignon from former Miami Dolphins safety #47 Glenn Blackwood and Chef Victor Franco of Oceans 234. This year’s participating Dolphins players and chefs will be announced at a later date.

The event is always great fun with 3,000 attendees indulging in live music, a cornhole competition, a silent auction, grilled fine-dining options and an assortment of wine and spirits.

100% of event net proceeds will benefit Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation and its mission to “Feed the Needs of Kids in Crisis.” Charitable recipients include 4KIDS of South Florida, HOPE South Florida, Here’s Help, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Miami Dolphins Foundation and Taste of the NFL.

This tribute to football, food and charity is sponsored by Broward Health and in part by Walgreens. To find out more, visit www.gridirongrilloff.com.

***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

Got this e-mail this morning…

Jeff,
It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife at Friday night’s Morris Day & The Time concert in Pompano Beach. Terrific show.
As I mentioned, my wife and I in late April retired to Deerfield Beach after living our 41 years of married life in Plainview, Long Island. We are just getting organized and as I told you we literally stumbled across your jeffeats.com site while looking for restaurants to eat in. Your taste in both food and entertainment match up pretty close with ours.
You have tons of picks and I was wondering if you could give us a great ‘mom & pop’ Italian joint in the Deerfield Beach area. As you may recall we are living around the Powerline/Sample Road area and we’re looking for that one pizza tee shorts/tee shirt joint to really count on.
Once again, great meeting you.
Joe K
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Joe K:

Glad that you enjoyed Morris Day and the Time. It was a great show.

It was nice meeting you and your wife.

Real simple answer to your “request”…just by coincidence, last night- Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate dinner at Nino’s Pizzeria in Boca Raton- and I gotta tell you, that this joint for the past 23 years has been one of our go-to-“mom & pops”…never and I repeat-never- a bad meal. Just between you and me, Nino’s makes a veal chop parmigiana and chicken cacciatore/chicken scarpariello both on the bone- that are off the chart. As for New York Style Pizza, the joint’s pies and slices are top-shelf!

Printed down below is a “review” that Jeff Eats did back on 5/19/14…try Nino’s- the bet here, you and your wife will absolutely love it!

Thanks for reading..

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Posted on May 19th, 2014
***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075.

Way back on March 20, 2008 Jeff Eats told you guys about Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Boca Raton.

Time for a little update on what is definitely one of the best “mom & pop” red sauce Italian joints in South Florida.

For your convenience the “original” story is printed below…gonna save you the trouble of scrolling around.

Anyway,

Just for background, Nino’s opened for business in Boca Raton in 1983-you mathematicians can do the math–for the rest of you-that’s 31 years ago. In something like 2005, it opened a second location in Delray Beach. Partners fall-out, one gets Boca Raton, the other gets Delray Beach. So now you know, the business angle here.

Now-just so we are straight, we are talking about Boca Raton- here. Absolutely-positively nothing wrong with the Delray Beach location–Jeff Eats (1) lives closer to the Boca joint and (2) Jeff Eats thinks that the food, service, ambiance are better in Boca Raton- but trust me Delray Beach ain’t exactly chopped liver either.

Anyway,

Jeff Eats has never “officially” counted the number of times-I’ve eaten in/taken out from Nino’s–but I’m guessing 70 maybe 80, let’s just say it’s a lot. I want to tell you, that not- even- one- time was the food not right on the money–same for the service. Real simple… its soups, salads, pizzas, calzones, subs, pastas, entrees are all delicious. Off the top of my head, I would match Nino’s veal chop parmigiana ($22 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls), its chicken cacciatore on the bone ($17.95 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls), its chicken scarpariello on the bone ($17.95 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls) and its shrimp scampi ($22.50 soup/salad, pasta side, garlic rolls) up against South Florida’s best “mom & pop” and “upscale” players. While I’m on the subject of food, Nino’s plain pizza is always on the money and the joint makes what it calls an “upside down Sicilian” pie that is a work of beauty–if you go, get it!

You maybe wondering why the sudden “gushing” about Nino’s?

Last night, Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and some dear friends- ate dinner at Nino’s and we got to discussing “various” Italian joints–and like a bolt of lightening–it hit me as to how really good Nino’s stuff is! Just that simple! Real fast-right off the top of you head, other than Nino’s–name a “mom & pop” red sauce Italian joint that does chicken cacciatore and chicken scarpariello on the bone…you do know, that’s the only RIGHT WAY to make those dishes–but that’s just my take-on the-thing!

You can check menu/prices at www.ninosofboca.com.

Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is open 7 days a week 11am-10pm.
*****
March 20, 2008
***** Nino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 7120 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 392-9075—&—13900 South Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33445, (561) 499-3988

Nino’s is one of my favorite “mom and pop” Southern Italian joints in South Florida. I could be going out on a limb here, but I think that after you have tried this joint, you will also become a big fan.

Just so you know, the Boca Raton location has been around for something like 25 years…the Delray Beach location has been in business for about 3 years. Over the years, I have eaten in the Boca location something like 30 times and the Delray location twice…although the menus are almost identical, I like the food, ambiance and service in the Boca restaurant better…call me a creature of habit, but I really feel at home when I enter the Boca joint…from the way I am greeted at the front door, to Nino the owner waving and talking from behind the pizza counter to the customers…the food and service in Delray Beach is just fine, but there is something “special” about the Boca location.

Although Nino’s seemingly “follows” the standard pattern…Soup or salad, garlic rolls, entree with a pasta side…this joint makes some of the most delicious dishes and pizza that you have ever eaten. I would personally match its veal chop parmigiana—bone in chicken cacciatore— bone in chicken scapriello—shrimp scampi entrees against any Italian restaurant down here in South Florida.

Like I said before, Nino’s has been around for something like 25 years. The Boca Raton joint is jammed for dinner 7-days a week and has a takeout business that seems to be never ending. The Delray Beach spot has also developed quite a following…but my heart belongs to the Boca joint. Both joints are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Great food. Great service. Pizza joint prices…

By the way, Nino and his wife Josephine own Josephine’s Italian Restaurant which is located on Federal Highway in Boca Raton. That’s a story for another day…but Josephine’s is a very good “white table cloth” joint.

***** Mike’s Italian Ice, 4546 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32822, (407) 658-4453.

Just between you guys and Jeff Eats I’ve been eating Italian Ices since 1949…when I started, the neighborhood Brooklyn pizza joint “had” something like 4-flavors…Lemon, Cherry, Rainbow and Chocolate-and a scoop in a squeeze cup was 10 cents! Now, just in case we ever find ourselves together on the ‘Newlywed Game Show”- back in ’49- Jeff Eats absolutely loved Cherry, then came Lemon, next up Chocolate and then Rainbow!

Anyway,

Some 65 years later, I’m still a huge Italian Ice Fan…

Jeff Eats recently came across Mike’s Italian Ice in Orlando…and as “expected” the joint was located in a bombed out shopping center and had the “expected” handful of tables.

Mike’s makes its “own” ices and has 20+ daily flavors! Mike’s also has vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream…

Real simple story- delicious cherry, lemon, rainbow and chocolate ices…now, if you’re still with me- if you take Mike’s cherry ice and “fold in” some of Mike’s vanilla soft serve-you have what is called a gelati…and you will know why Jeff Eats has been an Italian Ice Fan literally forever-and why I didn’t want to leave Mike’s after finishing a large cup!

On pricing, you know and Jeff Eats knows that nothing, and I do mean nothing costs 10 cents-anymore…but trust me, you won’t need a second job to have one of those large gelati-cups that I just told you about!

You can check Mike’s menu/prices/info at mikesitalianice.com

Mike’s Italian Ice is open Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, closed Sunday.