* Rex Smith Confessions Of A Teen Idol.

I’m thinking- who the hell is Rex Smith?

Maybe Ricky Nelson! Maybe David Cassidy! Maybe Fabian!- Rex Smith?

Maybe you know better-than-“me”…so, if you want to “see” Rex Smith here’s a way to get tickets…

***** Peking Duck House.

A recent e-mail from reader LBV…

Jeff,
You and I have something in common. We were both born in Brooklyn in 1949. I attended Lincoln HS and Brooklyn College. My wife and I lived in Lawrence NY for over 40 years and we moved to Pompano Beach last Spring.

I recently heard about your site and love your style.

Give this old Brooklyn guy a really good Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood.

Thanks for reading…

*****

LBV:

My father went to Lincoln H.S.

On your Chinese joint request…take a look at Peking Duck House in Pompsno Beach.

I have reprinted my Peking Duck review (6/23/2008)…just so you know, since that review- the restaurant had a total remodel- and in the handful of times that I’ve eaten there since the review, the food was exceptionally good. Just so you know, my last Peking Duck House outing-was in early November, 2014.

Thanks for reading…
—
Peking Duck House (Pompano Beach)
Posted on June 23rd, 2008 · Chinese Pompano Beach

***** Peking Duck House, 1200 East Atlantic Avenue, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060, (954) 946-0436.

I know…I know…it is virtually impossible to find a good Chinese joint down here.

For what it is worth, The Peking Duck House serves pretty decent food.

This joint is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. It has been around for years and the food is actually quite good. Specialty of the house?…I’ll give you 2 guesses.

Just so we are straight… the food is good but it won’t make you forget about your favorite New York City Chinatown joint…I will tell you, that the Peking Duck is right on the money, as are the bbq spare ribs.

***** Sicilian Oven, 21170 Saint Andrews Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 750-9772.

Here’s another one of those “out of sight out of mind” joints for you… wood fired pizza-Sicilian Oven.

Printed down below is a- Jeff Eats’ review from March 14, 2009. When you read that write-up, you’ll notice that the joint being “discussed” was the first- Sicilian Oven that had “just” opened in Lighthouse Point…since that review appeared, Sicilian Oven has also- opened joints in Aventura, Coral Springs and most recently Boca Raton.

Long story short, last night Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and two other couples ate dinner at the Boca Raton restaurant. Stuff ordered- Sicilian salad (large $11), wood oven roasted chicken wings (large $17), large- Nona’s Square Pizza ($22-thick crust/mozzarella/pomodoro sauce), large- The Bianco Pizza ($17-parmesan/romano/ricotta/mozzarella- and I gotta tell you, everything was A-OK! Now you know and I know that “pecking orders and nitpicking” aren’t really my game-but I must tell you that the Sicilian salad (romaine lettuce/roasted peppers/walnuts/olives/vine ripen tomatoes/red onions/garbanzo beans/celery/shaved parmesan cheese/creamy house dressing) was one of the most delicious salads that I’ve had in a very long time…while I’m doing this, I liked The Bianco Pizza better than the Nona’s Square Pizza and the chicken wings were good but could have used more seasoning/and the bread that came with them-I’ve had much better. Not that it really matters, because I’m Jeff Eats and they’re-not- but the other 5 in my party all agreed on the salad, the pizza “rank” and the little tweaks needed by the chicken and bread!

As you can well imagine (then again, maybe you can’t) Jeff Eats- eats-out/takes-out quite a bit…every so often a joint just falls through the cracks. Let’s just say that Sicilian Oven was one of those casualties-and trust me, my loss! Its food is very good and “all in” the bill was a super reasonable 80 bucks.

You can check menu/prices/locations/info at sicilianoven.com.
_____

March 14, 2009
***** Sicilian Oven, 2486 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, Florida 33064.

Got an absolutely terrific “wood fired Italian” joint for you…Sicilian Oven, located in Lighthouse Point.

Gave this joint a shot last night and got-to tell you, that the food is dynamite. The menu is packed with appetizers, salads, pastas, ciabattas, wings and pizzas. My “taste test” (somebody has to do it)… sicilian salad ( a combination of mixed greens, roasted peppers, roman tomatoes, red onions, garbanzo beans & something like 5 other ingredients), wood oven roasted chicken wings, wood fired pizza, “no pasta” lasagna (eggplant & vegetables), meatballs and fried calamari…everything was delicious.

Sicilian Oven is owned by two guys, Andrew and Ralph. From what I can tell, Andrew “handles” the action in the open-kitchen and Ralph “handles” the dining area. Although the joint was packed, these boys were efficiently cranking-out some heavy duty orders. Sicilian Oven is a real modern looking joint, with just enough flat-screen tv sets to make it interesting for sports-afficianados. The prices are neighborhood “pizza joint” prices. Service is excellent & your tee shirt/shorts’ ensemble will work here.

Just so you know, although Sicilian Oven has only been open for something like 4-months, it already has a loyal-following… Giving credit where credit is do, Sun Sentinel food critic Judith Stocks gave the joint **** (four stars: excellent) on March 13, 2009…so, old Jeff Eats can’t claim to be the “discoverer” of this one…as a matter of fact, it was Stocks’ review that alerted me to this joint.

Give Sicilian Oven a try, it really is that good. For menu/prices, check its website www.thesicilianoven.com.

Sicilian Oven is open Monday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm and Sunday 4pm-10pm.

* Jon Lovitz.

Real simple story…The great tv-skit-comic of Saturday Night Live fame –is one of the worse standup comedians that you will ever see.

Lovitz is scheduled to appear at the West Palm Beach Improv…March 13-15, 2015.

Jeff Eats has seen Jon Lovitz’s standup act and it is absolutely HORRENDOUS. It was amazing- that such a talented tv-skit-actor could be as boring and disjointed as he was. I can’t begin to tell you how “unfunny” his set was!

Nothing for nothing, even if I was totally comped to see Lovitz’s show- I wouldn’t go!

If you think that Jeff Eats doesn’t know what he’s talking about…you can catch tickets at palmbeachimprov.com.

As they say in French, “you’ve been warned.”

* An Intimate Evening With Livingston Taylor.

Gold Star Events (Goldstar.com) is running a “deal” on Livingston Taylor tickets…$52.50 tickets for 28 bucks. Taylor is in for 1-night only- Friday, February 13th at 8pm-Delray Center for the Arts.

Now nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats is thinking, that for years, old-Livingston has been riding his big brother James’ coattails- but that’s just me talking!

Anyway, if you disagree…You now know how to catch some discount-tickets.

Folk Singer Livingston Taylor (“I Will Be in Love with You”)

Like a cheery campfire, the warm voice and crackling wit of balladeer Livingston Taylor has beckoned audiences to gather round for more than 40 years. Though his Top 40 hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running” may have launched him into pop stardom, Taylor has kept his remarkably hardy career (his discography includes 14 albums over five decades) going with his magical live performances. Now, after collaborating with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac and his old brother James Taylor, this accomplished artist comes for a special solo performance, An Intimate Evening with Livingston Taylor, at Delray Beach Center for the Arts.
$28.00 Tickets

***** Gold Star Donuts, 1246 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34243, (941) 755-1225.

Got something real-good for you guys…Gold Star Donuts in Sarasota.

Real simple concept here… donuts, coffee- no tables, no booths, no counter seating, no chairs, no nothing…

Not too much to tell you-except DELICIOUS DONUTS that will piss you off- because only Dunkin’ Donuts and maybe Krispy Kreme are by your house…and that Gold Star Donuts has been around for something like 25 years and is open 7 days a week 6am-3pm.

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 12/28/14).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

BREADED CHICKEN FILET SUB
$4.99
Howie’s Top Dog
5021 South State Road 7
Davie
(954) 792-8686
howiestopdog.com
Latest Review: 4/17/2014

No- ifs- ands- or buts, Jeff Eats has eaten his fair share of subs…ONE- that really brings fond memories is Howies’- breaded chicken filet with ketchup/mayo/lettuce/tomato/grilled onions/pickles. Trust me when I tell you, this sub is off the chart. All of Howie’s stuff is real-good…That said-if you do go there (even if you are allergic to chicken), make sure you get that breaded chicken filet with ketchup/mayo/lettuce/tomato/grilled onions/pickles sub…Jeff Eats got your doctor bill covered!

* Bianca Del Rio’s-Rolodex Of Hate Comedy Special.

Got something that some of you guys might really enjoy…Bianca Del Rio’s-Rolodex Of Hate Comedy Special.

For those of you unfamiliar with Bianca Del Rio…his real name is Roy Haylock and he is a well known drag queen/actor/comedian.

Jeff Eats has seen Bianca Del Rio perform-live and his “show” is absolutely-positively-filthy-hilarious.

Bianca Del Rio or should I say Roy Haylock?- has two South Florida appearances scheduled…Saturday Night, January 24th (8pm)-Colony Theatre and Sunday Night, January 25th (7pm)-Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Nothing for nothing, Bianca Del Rio has an enormous, actually-make that a gigantic following with the Gay Community-no question in Jeff Eats’ mind, that both shows will be Standing Room Only!

Look! Jeff Eats knows that- this type of show/performer isn’t for everyone. All I can tell you, this guy is off-the wall funny.

Check Bianca Del Rio out at-thebiancadelrio.com…you can catch videos/info/and Broward-tickets there. For Colony tickets- colonytheatremiamibeach.com.

* Mariachi Aventureros.

Last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “attended” a Mexican themed house party…didn’t do an exact head-count but I’m thinking something like 45 people. Some guests dressed-the part, with most looking like Pancho Villa sans the horse! Others, Speedy Gonzales and Jeff Eats “coming in” as a dead-ringer for Ricardo Montalban.

Long story short, delicious home-made tacos, enchiladas, fajitas-so forth and so on…great job by a Pittsburgh born hostess who had just done 8-days of Chanukah.

Anyway,

As part of the themed festivities, Hialeah based Mariachi band…Mariachi Aventureros- entertained for an hour or so. Now I don’t know about you, but in his day, Jeff Eats has “hidden” from more restaurant Mariachi bands, than there are Chins in a Chinese phonebook. Now- nothing for nothing, I gotta tell you- that these 3-guys absolutely killed. Great personalities and in addition to the “standard Mariachi stuff- a songlist that included Mariachi(zed) versions of numerous 1950s-1960s Rock N Roll hits. Like I just said, these guys killed- with people singing along-as if they were in the shower.

To wrap this up for you guys, IF- the need should ever arise where you need a Mariachi band- you now know a “good” one…and as they jokingly told wise-ass Jeff Eats, they were all born in Puerto Rico!

You can check-out Mariachi Aventureros at mariachiaventureros.com.ar.

* Vietnamese Food!

Recent e-mail from reader T. James.

Jeff,

Do you have any good Vietnamese joints that you can turn me onto?

*****
T. James:

To be honest with you, Jeff Eats’ “knowledge ” of the South Florida-Vietnamese food scene is kinda limited…

In addition, my knowledge about-Vietnam is sort of limited too (too-to)…
1. Lyndon B. Johnson,
2. Richard M. Nixon,
3. General William Westmoreland,
4. Agent Orange,
5. That on 11/30/1969 Ontario, Canada’s border was 136.7 miles from Jeff Eats’ Ithaca College dorm-room in Ithaca, New York,
6. That the First Vietnam War Draft Lottery was held on 12/1/1969,
7. That Jeff Eats received #229 in the First Vietnam War Draft Lottery- thus negating Jeff Eats’ possible- plans to visit Ontario, Canada.

Anyway, in 2015 I’m gonna broaden my horizons and I promise you, I’ll have- South Florida Vietnamese joints to tell you about.

In the meantime, take a look at Jeff Eats’ 5/30/14 review of-Vietnamese fast-food/sub joint, Banh Mi Nha Trang…its food was off the chart.

Finally, for those of you who might take offense at some of Jeff Eats’ Vietnam remembrances (1-7) -just kidding…Ontario’s border was really 138.6 miles from my dorm room!
*****
*Fast FoodSubs/SaladsBanh Mi Nha Trang (Orlando)
Posted on May 30th, 2014 · Fast Food Orlando Subs/Salads

***** Banh Mi Nha Trang, 1216 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803, (407) 346-4549.

Me neither…can’t pronounce the joint’s name for love nor money.

Before we “discuss” this takeout-only “hole in the wall” “mom & pop” Vietnamese “sub” joint that gets $3.50 cash-only per sub–Jeff Eats thought you might appreciate a “tutorial” on what BANH MI is-so courtesy of Wise Greek www.wisegreek.com take a look at the following “definition.” I’ll catch you guys at the end of the page…

“Bánh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich which is famous for being extremely hearty and relatively inexpensive. In its native Vietnam, bánh mi is a common offering at many restaurants and street stalls, and in regions of the world with a large Vietnamese community, the sandwich is also extremely common. In both cases, there are a number of configurations to choose from, with ingredients which range from shredded barbecued pork to tofu, and seasoning which can be mild to intensely spicy.
The development of the bánh mi did not begin until the French colonized Vietnam, introducing people to the baguette, a type of long, thin, crusty French bread. The French colonists developed a sort of salad sandwich, taking advantage of locally available Vietnamese ingredients like fresh greens, pickled vegetables, and spicy chiles, and the early form of bánh mi was born. While the French have left Vietnam, the taste for bánh mi has stayed on.
This sandwich is analogous to the submarine sandwich in the United States, which is also known as a hoagie, po’ boy, hero, grinder, wedge, or Italian, among many other alternate names. However, bánh mi has a few distinctive traits which set it aside from this well known American sandwich. The first is the inclusion of classically Asian ingredients like daikon radish, coriander, pickled carrots, sriracha chili sauce, tofu, and spring onions. The second is the seasoning used on the meats, when meat is included; the meat typically has a distinctively Vietnamese feel.
Pork, beef, and chicken are all used in bánh mi, sometimes even together. The sandwich can also include ingredients like eggs for a breakfast sandwich, and ingredients like seitan, tempeh, and textured vegetable protein are not unknown in vegetarian versions. In all cases, bánh mi typically has a healthy balance of fresh greens and vegetables blended with meats.
Some people call the bánh mi a sort of kitchen sink sandwich, meaning that cooks throw in whatever they have lying around the house. Whether bánh mi is assembled from leftovers or from ingredients which are specifically purposed, it tends to be very filling, with the ingredients typically attempting to explode from the baguette. Most people are accustomed to very inexpensive bánh mi, making it a popular street food and quick meal.”

Anyway,

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats were recently “up” in Orlando…

To make a long story short, I was telling a guy in the Hard Rock Hotel’s lobby about Jeff Eats’ blog-and he recommended that we give Banh Mi Nha Trang a try. Just that simple!

Take a look at Banh Mi Nha Trang’s website www.nhatrangsubs.com. Real simple menu-18 subs/$3.50 a piece.

First- let me tell you, that the joint bakes its own sub rolls–crispy outside/soft inside. No if or buts about it, right up there with the best sub rolls that Jeff Eats has eaten

The Eats’ outing “netted” us a #6 (grilled pork)- a #9 (fried pork roll)- a #15 (meatballs simmered in tomato sauce)- and I gotta tell you these subs are amazing-delicious.

Like I said before- takeout only, cash only–

Jeff Eats loved Banh Mi Nha Trang.

This joint is an absolute must try.

Banh Mi Nha Trang is open Monday-Wednesday, Friday 10am-7pm, closed Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm.