* White Castle Cheeseburgers.

There are no White Castle restaurants in the State of Florida.

Thus the only way to “get” White Castle sliders is to -1. Travel to a White Castle in another state, 2. Have someone in another state ship you sliders, 3. Have someone in another state personally bring sliders to you in Florida, 4. Buy “frozen” White Castle sliders at Florida joints like Publix or Sam’s Club.

To make a long story short, yesterday-right out of nowhere, Jeff Eats was craving White Castle Cheeseburger-sliders. Knowing that only #4 above would work-I drove over to Publix and bought “me” 2 boxes of 6-White Castle Cheeseburgers for $3.49 per box.

Just wanted you guys to know, that Jeff Eats -still got it…between 6:46pm and 7:09pm I downed 9 of the little suckers. Now nothing for nothing, when I was 25 years old, I could easily do 15 sliders if not more in 23 minutes…but hey (God be willing) I’m gonna be 65 next month-so let’s give credit where credit is due!

Finally, the frozen microwavable/or pan heated White Castle sliders came “close” to tasting like the real deal, but nothing and I mean nothing beats the hot-right-off-the-grill sliders that White Castle restaurants turn out.

Consider “this” story a public service announcement -if one day -you finding yourself craving White Castle SLIDERS.

* Why You Should Eat Nuts & Seeds!

If you guys don’t think that getting “old” is a bitch…think again!

A couple of months ago, Jeff Eats got a letter from Uncle Sam–Congratulating me on the fact that EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1st- I was going on Medicare. Talk about a kick in the teeth. In the time it took to read the letter, I went from a middle-aged guy to an old man!

Anyway,

Since getting “that” letter Jeff Eats has literally been on a CRUSADE (wink! wink! wink!) to try and eat healthy. If you check, in recent days I told you guys about the health benefits of eating watermelon (9/5/14), eating blueberries (9/8/14), drinking warm lemon water (9/8/14) and in a few seconds-eating nuts and seeds.

Now, just for the record,

Jeff Eats has not -and has absolutely no future plans to give up greasy burgers, fried wontons, pizza, gyros, pastrami, fatty corned beef, jelly apples, caramel corn, french fries, fried kreplach, bbq baby back ribs, scrambled eggs with sausage, glazed donuts, pepper steak, french toast, veal parmigiana, philly cheesesteak subs, cotton candy, sugar, salt, penne ala vodka…but I have added a ton of watermelon, blueberries, nuts, seeds, warm lemon water to my diet–to see if “these items” help -keep me out of a nursing home and/or an assisted living facility in 2014-2015.

Finally, during the past 2 months or so, Jeff Eats has literally become an expert on Medicare supplements, advantage and drug plans…so if any of you guys need advice-write me!

As a public service, here’s an article I just read on livestrong.com about nuts and seeds.
*****

Heart-Healthy Fat
Nuts and seeds contain healthful mono- and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are essential to health by managing inflammation and maintaining the normal structure of every cell in our bodies. Saturated and trans fats, found in meats, full-fat dairy, fried and processed foods can be damaging to our bodies by triggering inflammation. Research shows that diets high in these unhealthy fats can lead to a host of diseases. Choosing healthy fats instead can lower cholesterol and decrease inflammation. A study published by “British Medical Journal” in 1998 found that individuals who consumed nuts five times a week had a 35% reduction in heart disease risk.

Filling Fiber
Fiber helps to slow digestion, which helps you feel full longer. This translates into eating less, which over time can lead to weight loss. The role of fiber does not stop there. Fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts helps to decrease cholesterol. There are various mechanisms by which this occurs. First, fiber binds to bile acids, which are needed to digest fat. This process not only decreases fat absorption, but also leads to cholesterol being used to replace bile acids excreted when bound to fiber. Secondly, the fermentation process of fiber that occurs in the intestines causes a short-chain fatty acid called propionate to form. Propionate acts in the liver to prevent the enzyme HMG CoA reductase from triggering production of cholesterol. The “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” published research that found an additional 25 percent reduction in cholesterol levels after nut consumption that could not be explained from the composition of healthy fat alone. Researchers speculated that fiber and mineral content in nuts were responsible.

* The Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water.

Jeff Eats just finished reading “16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water” on foodmatters.tv and I thought that you guys might enjoy the story.

Nothing for nothing, I’m thinking- that if this warm lemon water -thing is legit–I’m in…seems kinda easy to do!

Now, if I understand this-deal correctly, all I gotta do is down my Five Guys’ cheeseburger and fries with a warm glass of lemon water and I’ll have done my body a real-solid!

Like I said 2 seconds ago, I’m in!

One final thought, if stuff like watermelon, blueberries, lemons, are “so good” for you-how come most people drop dead in their 70s and 80s anyway? Also- how come a ton of “those” people who order Water With Lemon- still look and feel like crap? I guess the water wasn’t warm enough!
*****
16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water.

Lemons are vitamin C rich citrus fruits that enhance your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within bringing a glow to your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy.

Lemon water flushes out toxins and is extremely beneficial for the body.

Warm lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.

Nutritional Value Of Lemons

A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fiber. It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties. It also contains traces of iron and vitamin A.

Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of a blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic and lime-water juice also works wonders for people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and enjoy its health benefits. Read on for more interesting information on the benefits lemon water.

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

•Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies

• Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial

• It balances maintain the pH levels in the body

•Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins

•It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile

• It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium

• It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases

• It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid

• It helps cure the common cold

•The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells

• It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute

•It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief

•It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne

•It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems

•Aids in the production of digestive juices

• Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a glass of warm lemon juice. Its cleansing and healing effects will have positive effects on your health in the long run. However it is very important to note that lemon juice when comes directly in contact with the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice.

* BLUEBERRIES!

The other day (9/5/14) Jeff Eats told you about the health benefits of eating watermelon.

Please indulge me a drop longer -while I “cook up” a real good greasy hamburger joint to tell you about- in the meantime- here’s a livestrong.com article that I just read about how-good eating blueberries are for you. Hopefully, Jeff Eats will soon find the aforesaid greasy burger joint and not have to buy more time with- Lemon Juice The Fountain Of Youth!
*****
A handful of blueberries is a nutritious snack, and their deep color adds interest to a bowl of fruit or cereal. While blueberries do contain fiber as well as vitamins such as C, K and B6, and minerals like phosphorous and manganese, they also contain several phytochemicals that you don’t hear much about. These phytochemicals, or plant compounds, along with the nutritional value of the vitamins and minerals, give that handful of blueberries a heap of health benefits.
Brain Health
Dementia is a group of symptoms that are commonly related to aging. Memory loss, inability to control emotions and confusion can all be part of the onset of dementia. Instead of accepting it as inevitable, keep your brain sharp and fight age-related brain problems by increasing your consumption of blueberries. Blueberries contain plant pigments called anthocyanins, and these compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to a study published in the April 14, 2010, “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.” These anthocyanins also help increase brain signals and memory function. In the study, performed by the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center in Cincinnati, subjects were given blueberry juice for 12 weeks, at the end of which, noted benefits were improved learning ability, memory skills and blood sugar levels. Fewer symptoms of depression were also noted.
Reducing Cancer Risk
Blueberries also contain plant compounds called pterostilbenes, which are high in antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of free radicals, which are molecules that can damage other cells and promote diseases such as cancer and heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. Along with antioxidant properties, pterostilbenes have antiproliferative properties, which means they have the ability to slow and stop the growth of cancer cells. In the May 2010 issue of the “Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,” a study conducted at the University of Vermont reports that when pancreatic cancer was tested against pterostilbenes, the cancerous cell growth not only slowed down, the cancer cells actually died.

***** Wanfu Chinese Restaurant, 2301 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33073, (954) 975-8828.

This Chinese joint has been around since 1983. Jeff Eats knows for sure that I have eaten there 5 times- with the first time having been in 1993 and the last time being last night. Jeff Eats is still scratching his head as to why Wanfu wasn’t previously “reviewed” for you guys.

Anyway,

Ate there last night and Wanfu absolutely killed the Jeff Eats’ Brooklyn Jewish American Chinese Taste Test circa 1959. Ordered dishes included-bbq ribs, fried dumplings, egg rolls, wonton soup, roast pork fried rice, sweet & sour pork, pepper steak, shrimp with lobster sauce. No bs-ing here, last night if I had squinted (no pun or insult intended) my eyes while eating- I “could” have sworn that I was sitting in Joy Fung’s Chinese Restaurant on Avenue J and Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn-1959.

Nothing fancy going on at Wanfu but,

If you are looking for good-solid Brooklyn Jewish Anerican Chinese Food circa 1959-with the appropriate-period decor- then you gotta eat at Wanfu Chinese Restaurant in Pompano Beach.

Before Jeff Eats wraps this up- it just seems to me, that almost every “mom & pop” Chinese joint that I have ever eaten in, is decorated like it was 1959 no matter when it opened. Are you guys on the same page or am I “seeing” something that isn’t there?

Wanfu Chinese Restaurant is open Sunday 4pm-9:30pm, Monday-Thursday 11:30-9:30pm, Friday 11:30pm-10:30pm, Saturday noon-10:30pm.

You can check menu/prices/info at freeweb.m988.com.

***** Carvel, 9176 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 394-0411.

Jeff Eats is gonna take a shot here- I’m thinking that you guys know what Carvel is…if you don’t, it’s “Google Time.” By the way, if you have to Google- while you’re researching also checkout the term Flying Saucer!

Anyway,

For the record, down here in South Florida its-always been a very close toss-up for me between Carvel and Dairy Queen and I do mean REALCLOSE. Just in case we go on The Newlywed Game tv-show together, Dairy Queen is the pick, but like I just said 2 seconds ago it’s real close.

Anyway,

Last night around 8:15pm I picked up 2 six packs of Vanilla/Chocolate Flying Saucers ($10.59) and by 8:56pm there were only 7 left. Now, you mathematicians out there can solve the equation- If Mrs. Jeff Eats ate 1 Flying Saucer, how many Flying Saucers did Farmer Jeff Eats eat?

Let me wrap this up for you…

If you are in the mood for top notch soft serve and scooped ice cream- Carvel will definitely get the job done for you.

Although I have never physically counted them- Jeff Eats knows that there are loads of Carvel stores in South Florida. You can check carvel.com for locations/other info.

Finally,

While writing this “review” I’m thinking that Dairy Queen and Carvel are sort of like Coke and Pepsi- not so sure on how Jeff Eats would do in a “blind taste test.” What I do know is that Dennis the Menace was one of my favorite tv shows and I still love the comic strip. For those of you not “following”” the Dennis the Menace references- “GOGGLE TIME.”

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday-9/7/14).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items.

13 bagels (Saturday-Sunday)
$11
18 bagels (Monday-Friday)
$11

Way Beyond Bagels
16850 Jog Road
Delray Beach
(561) 638-1320
Latest Review: 6/20/08

Way Beyond Bagels makes terrific bagels. Trust Jeff Eats, the bagels easily hold their own when matched-against NYC’s best. Sounds like a stretch, try them and you decide for yourself- if I’ve lost my mind or not!

* Eternal Resting Place-eternalrestingplace.com

A bit ghoulish but cool none the less!

Check the site out.
*****

OUR MISSION

The web page Eternal Resting Place is formed to insure the celebration of a life that was, and bring peace of mind to those who are saddened by somebody’s passing.
We want to make you a part of the memories we share. The virtual graveyard that we have created is opened to those who want to commemorate the life of a famous person
who has touched their life in a special way and to people who wish to immortalize a close one they have personally lost.

OUR VISION

We plan to establish ourselves as a trustworthy, innovative and credible brand. Our vision is to constantly improve our offer to insure quality user experience.
Eternal Resting Place will show the same level of respect to all people mentioned on our site, because each life is magnificent in its own way.
The intention is to become a platform for a tasteful way to say your final goodbye in private.

*  Rock N Roll Merchandise-wolfgangsvault.com.

Jeff Eats recently received the following email…

Jeff,

My husband and I are under contract to sell our home in Boca Woods Country  Club  and will soon be moving into a new home in Valencia  Cove in Delray Beach.

Both of us thought that it would be cool (do people still use that term?) to decorate our new  tv/den area with vintage  Rock N Roll posters and memorabilia.

We  were wondering if you could point us in the right direction as to where to find the right  merchandise.

Your kind consideration will be greatly appreciated.

Jane W.

Jane W.:

Checkout Wolfgang’s Vault  (wolfgangsvault.com)  it should have everything you-need.

Just so you know, over the years Jeff Eats has done business with Wolfgang’s Vault a number of times and everything it sells is “legit” and top quality-and I might add, very reasonably priced.

Just a  hint, the real trick to  successfully displaying posters and memorabilia is in the FRAMING of the item. Be smart, don’t skimp on the presentation.

Between you and me, the Hard Rock-chain figured out this “displaying” business along time ago-nobody does a better job at  making posters and  Rock memorabilia look so good…you guys should consider stopping by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Fort Lauderdale  for a few “ideas.”

Good luck with the new house.

Jeff Eats

* The Lefsetz Letter.

Got something really terrific for you guys who like to “follow” the music industry…The Lefsetz Letter (lefsetz.com).

The Lefsetz letter penned by Bob Lefsetz-can best be described as a series of “opinions”-“musings” about everything/anything related to music from the 1950s to the present date.

Jeff Eats has been reading Bob for about a year-now, and he really knows his stuff. What I really like about his site is-one day he might discuss 50’s doo wop music and the next day talk about today’s EDM industry or Country scene.

Jeff Eats really enjoys this guy’s take on things- you may too!

Printed below is today’s “column” which concerns singer/songwriter Christopher Cross.

*****
Maybe you don’t want your dreams to come true.

Christopher Cross went from unknown journeyman to the biggest star in the land seemingly overnight and it killed his career. Who can put up with all that attention?

See Alanis Morissette for example. Sure, she’d tried to make it as a teenybopper years earlier under a different moniker, but “Jagged Little Pill” was so good and so successful it ended her career. After all, how could you follow that up? Suddenly the whole world is watching and you become inhibited, you can’t do what came so easily just a year or two before.

RIDE LIKE THE WIND

He was so average-looking, they wouldn’t even put him on the cover of his own album. But this track took off like a shot and went right up the chart and was ubiquitous.

Sure it was derivative, sure it sounded like the Doobies with Michael McDonald, who was so prominently featured in the background vocals, but the track had a certain haunting elan. Unlike today’s hits, the singer wasn’t singing his song in your face, rather despite having such a mainstream sound, it felt like a peak into the private world of a loner. And so many of us music aficionados are loners.

“It is the night
My body’s weak
I’m on the run
No time for sleep”

You were immediately entranced. Listeners don’t give you much time, you’ve got to grab them quick. And these introductory lyrics did so.

But it was the second verse that seals the deal…

“I was born the son of a lawless man
Always spoke my mind with a gun in my hand
Lived nine lives
Gunned down ten
Gonna ride like the wind”

There’s just a bit more instrumentation, and the vocal is more free, less studied, you can feel the air blowing through your hair.

The girls got it first. The boys grudgingly acknowledged it. But “Ride Like The Wind” was a hit we all ultimately embraced.

SAILING

“It’s not far down to paradise”

By this time Jimmy Buffett’s hit single run was just about done, Kenny Chesney was on the brink of adolescence, suddenly Christopher Cross was the bearer of aquatic dreams.

We all want to do this, get away, that’s the fantasy. For some it’s the mountains, for some it’s the sea, but it’s always the same…it’s about being free.

“Sailing” was completely unexpected after “Ride Like The Wind.” It was most certainly the same guy, but it sounded completely different. This guy had range.

“Sailing” went all the way to number one.

The unsung hero is Rob Meurer, who plays the keyboard solo which knits the track together. He’s a subtle feature on “Ride Like The Wind” too. It’s always been about stars, but once upon a time the supporting players not only made a difference, they could earn a living doing so.

NEVER BE THE SAME

Sure, it’s lightweight and derivative, but there’s no denying its catchiness. This one only went to number fifteen, but it was sometime about now that I took the plunge and purchased the LP. Because something with this many hits was not only a good value proposition, it was evidence of talent.

And unlike today’s “stars,” Christopher Cross wrote all these songs. Quite an amazing feat.

SAY YOU’LL BE MINE

Now another death knell for Cross’s career was the fact that he crossed over. At first “Ride Like The Wind” was featured on FM, it was highly spun on album radio. But by this time he was considered too lightweight and he lived in the netherworld of Top Forty radio, which is the kiss of the death, because you live and die by the hit.

Come on, four hits off your debut LP? Before the MTV onslaught, when LPs were still cheap and flew out of the store? Christopher Cross was truly riding like the wind.

ARTHUR’S THEME

When you’re hot, everybody wants you, you get caught up in the machine, and you might have a hit, but it also might doom your career.

“Arthur’s Theme” was cowritten by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Peter Allen, along with Cross, and it sounded like it. This was back when “pop” still had a stink. MOR was a no-man’s land no one wanted to live in. This was long before Trent Reznor was scoring films, when it came to Hollywood, they wanted no risks.

The song is listenable, but it’s saccharine.

Yup, just too sweet.

THINK OF LAURA

This was not supposed to be a hit. Probably because the establishment had decided that Cross was done. He’d had hits, but he had no hard core fans. Sure, he won the big four Grammys all in one year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist, but this was at a point long before Mike Greene came in and modernized the institution and made Grammys meaningful. And once again, if you’re embraced by the mainstream…you’re in trouble.

But at the time soap operas were peaking, “General Hospital” was huge, Luke and Laura were the key couple and Laura was missing. It was a big story, the Kardashians of its day.

Cross didn’t write the song for the show, that’s positively a twenty first century paradigm, but they picked it up and it became a hit.

And I love it.

“Think of Laura…”

The sound of the track is just incredible, Cross’s vocals matched with the changes. He sounds just like Carl Wilson here, and that’s the highest compliment I can pay.

ALL RIGHT

This too, like “Think Of Laura,” was on Christopher Cross’s second album, and Wikipedia will tell you it was a hit, but it was such a limp rendition of the sound established on the first album that it was easy to dismiss, it got radio airplay, but it didn’t have huge cultural impact.

But I will admit it has a catchy chorus.

And there you have it. Cross continued to record, but no one cared. He seems to have been completely forgotten.

But Christopher Cross wrote and sang and played guitar on all these hits and if he repeated this feat today he’d be bigger than Katy Perry.

But we expected all that back then. We only trusted you if you wrote your own material. And we’d never heard of auto-tune. Sure, we wanted to know who you slept with, but the gossip was more about movie stars, musical acts were seen as the real talent.

These tracks are a time capsule of the early eighties, before MTV took the nation by storm and broke so many cultural limit testers from the U.K.

And most think that’s a good thing. And I’ll agree.

But I’ll also say that Christopher Cross was one talented man who broke the bank once upon a time, and for that he should be remembered.

P.S. I want to also single out the production work of Michael Omartian, you need someone to pull it all together, to steer the ship, and Omartian sailed it all the way home.

Spotify playlist: spoti.fi/1xdoeK4

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