* Alton Brown Live.

Jeff Eats loves Alton Brown…

I pity the fool (courtesy Mister T.) I mean foodie -who doesn’t know about Brown-one of tv’s coolest, hippest, quirkiest hosts!

Anyway,

This Fall-Alton Brown is going on tour…and if his tv shows are any indication of what his live performances are “like”-the shows should be real pissers.

For those of you who are lost here, check altonbrown.com and altonbrownontour.com to get some idea and feel-as to what this-guy is all about.

Anyway,

In checking Alton Brown’s tour schedule I see that he has Florida stops planned for Clearwater, Coral Springs, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville (February 3-8, 2015).

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are planning on being at the Coral Springs show.

Just a guess…Alton Brown Live is going to be a SRO affair…so don’t wait too long to get your tickets.

* Air Supply.

Literally, just this second- got the “below” pr-piece from the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach.

Real fast…on November 22, 2014 Air Supply-the great 1970’s soft rock band will be in concert.

For what it’s worth, Jeff Eats saw Air Supply last year-and the band put on a great show. You can check Air Supply out at airsupply.com.

Jeff Eats has been to number of Mardi Gras’-Grandstand Concerts and EVERY SEAT IS GOOD!- Throw in great lighting/staging/sound production and not attaching all kinds of nonsensical “fees” to ticket purchases…and you got a great venue for an outdoor concert.

*****
Mardi Gras Casino Presents
Australian Soft Rock Duo, Air Supply!

Saturday, November 22, 2014
Time: 8pm (Doors open at 7pm)
Location: Grandstand
Cost: General Admission – $15 / Premium Seating – $30 / VIP – $50
For Ticket Information, visit www.mardigrascasinofl.com

Mardi Gras Casino invites you to listen to Australian Soft Rock Duo, Air Supply perform live in the Grandstand on Saturday, November 22nd at 8pm!

Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock met on May 12, 1975, at rehearsals for “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Sydney, Australia; they became instant friends with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing.

In 1980 “Lost in Love” became the fastest selling single in the world, leaping to the top of all of the charts and was named Song of the Year. Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The Beatles’ run of consecutive top five singles. The albums Lost in Love, The One That You Love, Now & Forever, and The Greatest Hits sold in excess of 20 million copies.

The trademark sound of Russell Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell’s simple yet majestic songs created a unique sound that would forever be known as Air Supply.

Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road. The 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.

###

* Just Blame It On The Water!

Dade, Broward and Palm Beach public schools- first day of school, today 8/18/2014.

I don’t know about you guys, but Jeff Eats remembers Summer Vacation ending right after Labor Day.

What the Hell goes on down here?

Like the pizza. Like the bagels. Like the Chinese food- Let’s just blame Dade/Broward/Palm Beach’s school calendars on THE WATER!

***** Thick & Thin Restaurant & Pizzeria.

Just got back from eating dinner at Thick & Thin.

The last time Jeff Eats ate there was 5/10/2008…talk-about out of sight, out of mind!

If you check Webster’s Dictionary under Terrific-Mom & Pop-Hole In The Wall-South Florida-Red Sauce-Italian-Joints…you will find Thick & Thin’s picture listed!

Looking for delicious pizza, veal parmigiana, meat lasagna, garlic knots, meatballs and spaghetti?- then make it your business to eat at Thick & Thin!

With the above in mind, printed below is Jeff Eats’ review from 5/11/2008.

*****
Thick & Thin Restaurant & Pizzeria (Boca Raton)
Posted on May 11th, 2008 · Boca Raton Italian Pizza

***** Thick & Thin Restaurant & Pizzeria, 23062 Sandalfoot Plaza Drive, Boca Raton, Florida, (561) 482-7020.

Thick & Thin has been around since 1979.

There is an old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” When I first moved down to South Florida 16 years ago, Thick & Thin was one of the regular “mom & pop” red-sauce joints that got my business at least once or twice a month. Over the years, for one reason or another, Thick & Thin became an “out of sight, out of mind joint.” Now don’t hold me to this, but until last night, I think the last time I was in Thick & Thin was something like 7-8 years ago. Why I forgot about this joint?…I don’t know.

Anyway…last night I ate dinner in this hole-in-the-wall and I have to tell you, that the food is as good as when I was a regular customer. Great pizza…veal parmigiana…veal francese…veal marsala…You know the drill, soup or salad, entree, side of pasta and garlic rolls…

Thick & Thin is located in a shopping center on 441 in Boca Raton. The CVS is out of business…The Winn Dixie is out of business…Many other vacancies, yet this little joint which seats about 50 was jammed and the take-out business was booming.

This is a real casual joint, so tee shirts/shorts are the dress of the day. Like I said before, Thick & Thin has been around for something like 29 years, so obviously even without my patronage it has been doing just fine.

This joint is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and by the way, in the center there is a great car wash Express Car Wash that for 8 bucks gives you one of the best exterior washes going.

Great NY Style Pizza and a Great Car Wash…courtesy of Jeffeats.com

Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Not trying to be Frommer’s (frommers.com) or nothing…

All I can tell you is that this joint’s management should be ashamed of itself.

Mandatory $20 per day valet parking.
Towels and complimentary bathrobe were dirty-with red lipstick stains and a yellow crusty dried substance on the robe…God only knows what “it” was.
Restaurants extremely overpriced and Yes- Jeff Eats knows that this is a “hotel.”
Reservation was booked through American Express which “offered” various discounts/amenities-hotel refused to honor “them” until Manager was consulted at front desk. Trust me, it’s not an enjoyable experience “arguing” with front desk personnel and having to involve the manager on duty-to get what you know you’re entitled to!
By the way, this hotel is definitely not children “friendly” and is way-away from Disney and Universal- if that’s your game!
Very Poor Experience.
Visit was in mid-July, 2014 for 3 nights.
waldorfastoriaorlando.com

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday-8/17/14).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread (loaf)
$1.79

Doris Italian Market & Bakery
9101 Lakeridge Road
Boca Raton (4 other South Florida locations)
(561) 482-0770.
Dorismarket.com
Last Reviewed: 5/21/09

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, I definitely could eat a whole loaf of this bread in just one-outing- it is amazing. A pot of coffee and you’ll be good to go.

* It Ain’t Easy Being Me!

Just read the following “story” on everydayhealth.com.

Sheesh…

Now every time I eat a fast food cheeseburger with French fries-I’m gonna be worried. C’est la vie!

By the way, before you read the story…Jeff Eats knows that the late/great comedian Rodney Dangerfield made the “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” line-famous…you got to give credit where credit is due!
*****
Eating Out Equals Eating More

“A new study finds that people who eat out consume an average of about 200 calories more a day than when they cook at home.

They also take in more saturated fat, sugar and salt.

The study has limitations. It doesn’t say anything about whether frequent restaurant diners are unhealthier than at-home eaters, and it doesn’t take into account the potential benefits of eating out, such as socializing and reducing the stress of cooking.

Still, the findings show that “eating out at restaurants should be the exception, not the norm,” said study co-author Lisa Powell, a professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Powell said the researchers wanted to better understand the role of restaurant food in people’s diets. “We know that parallel to the rising rates of obesity, Americans have been increasingly eating food away from home, and they now take in, on average, about 600 calories a day from restaurants,” she said.

That wouldn’t be a problem for people’s health if their diets were similar on the road compared to at home. But the study found otherwise.

The researchers based their findings on the responses of over 12,000 people aged 20 to 64 who took part in federal surveys from 2003-2010. The participants answered questions about what they ate over two separate days.

People who ate at fast-food places or full-service restaurants consumed an average of 194 and 205 extra calories per day, respectively. They also consumed more saturated fat (3 and 2.5 grams extra, respectively) and salt (296 and 451 milligrams, respectively).

Where do all the extra calories come from? “More energy-dense foods, larger portions, more empty calories such as sugar-sweetened beverages,” Powell said.

Previous research suggests that 36 percent of adults eat food, drinks or both from fast-food restaurants per day, and 27 percent eat at full-service restaurants. With those numbers in mind, Powell estimated that the typical person in the United States consumes an extra 24,000 calories a year by eating out — the equivalent of 6 to 7 pounds annually.

Susan Roberts, director of the Energy Metabolism Laboratory at Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, said it’s possible that the people who ate out at sit-down restaurants actually consumed more than they recalled because it’s hard to estimate portion size at those eateries.

“We always underestimate large portions, so people don’t realize that restaurant portions are as excessive as they are,” she said. “This is why we need menu labeling on all restaurant meals, not just the fast-food and larger chains.”

How can people avoid extra calories when they eat out?

“See if you can order a half portion,” Powell said. “When there is a choice of sides, opt for veggies and salad rather than fried items. See if you can get the sauce or dressing on the side, and drink water rather than soda.”

Roberts suggests assuming that all restaurant meals include two to three times the calories that you need. “That means at the minimum you should eat half or less of a portion in order to not gain weight,” she said. “You can ask the server to box up half before it gets to the table. You can also ask for salads with dressing, cheese, croutons on the side, and then just use what you want. Micromanaging your order generally is a great way to go.”

The study appears online Aug. 7 in the journal Public Health Nutrition”

* The Jive Aces.

Tremendous-British swing band that does 30’s-50’s hits.

If you check, The Jive Aces’ tour schedule you’ll find a -handful of Florida dates 2/25-3/13/2015.

Great band. Don’t miss them!

You can catch some really cool audio/video at jiveaces.com.

Date/Time Country/Town Details
February
Sat Feb 7th,
8:30pm England, Bedale
Bedale Golf Club, The Clubhouse, Leyburn Rd, Bedale, DL8 1EZ

Sun Feb 8th,
8:00pm England, Southport
Talbot Hotel Jazz Weekend, 23-25 Portland St Southport, Merseyside PR8 1LR (tickets and info from 01704 533 975)

Fri Feb 13th,
7:30pm England, Kenton
Kenton Theatre, New St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP (tTickets £15/£14 concs/friends or £25 VIP seats with champagne from 01491 575 698 or www.kentontheatre.co.uk)
Sat Feb 14th,
1pm – 1am England, Worthing The Big Jive All-Dayer, Assembly Hall, Stoke Abott Rd, Worthing (tickets Tickets £22/£24 adv, £25/£23 door from 01903 206 206 or www.worthingtheatres.co.uk)n With The Jive Aces, Si Cranstoun and his band, The Three Belles and The Bevin Boys plus DJs, vintage stalls, bar and food all day!
Fri Feb 20th,
8:00pm USA, Branchburg, NJ
Swingtime” tour, The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876 (tickets and info from from 908 725 3420 or www.rvccarts.org) With The Tinseltown Jitterbugs

Sat Feb 21st,
8:00pm USA, Rochester, NY
Nazareth College Arts Centre, 4245 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14618

Wed Feb 25th,
8:00pm USA, Pembroke Pines, FL
Century Village, Pembroke Pines, 13340 SW 10th Street, Pembroke Pines, FL, 33027 (tickets and info from www.centuryvillagetheater.com) Residents only

Thurs Feb 26th,
8:00pm USA, West Palm Beach, FL Century Village, West Palm Beach, 200 Century Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL, 33417 (tickets and info from www.centuryvillagetheater.com) Residents only
Sat Feb 28th,
8:00pm USA, Boca Rotan, FL
Century Village, Boca Raton, 19296 Lyons Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33434 (tickets and info from www.centuryvillagetheater.com) Residents only

March
Sun Mar 2nd,
11:00am USA, West Palm Beach, FL
Kravis Centre, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (tickets and info f rom www.kravis.org)

Sun Mar 2nd,
2:00pm USA, West Palm Beach, FL
Kravis Centre, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (tickets and info f rom www.kravis.org)

Tues Mar 3rd
6:00pm USA, Sturat, FL
Swingtime tour, Lyric Theatre, Stuart, FL, 59 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL, 34994, USA (tickets and info from http://www.lyrictheatre.com) eith The Tinseltown Jitterbugs

Tues Mar 3rd
8:30pm USA, Sturat, FL
Swingtime tour, Lyric Theatre, Stuart, FL, 59 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL, 34994, USA (tickets and info from http://www.lyrictheatre.com) eith The Tinseltown Jitterbugs

Thurs Mar 5th,
7:30pm USA, Avon Park, FL
South Florida State College Artist Series, Theatre for the Performing Arts, 600 W College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825-0356 (tickets $38/$32/$28 from performances.southflorida.edu)

Sat Mar 7th,
2:00pm USA, Leesburg, FL
Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Lake-Sumter State College, 9501 U.S- Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 3478E

Sat Mar 7th,
7:30pm USA, Leesburg, FL
Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Lake-Sumter State College, 9501 U.S- Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 3478E

Sun Mar 8th,
2:00pm USA, Leesburg, FL
Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Lake-Sumter State College, 9501 U.S- Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 3478E

Wed Mar 11th,
1:00pm USA, Tampa, FL
Ruth Eckerd Hall, 111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL, 33759 (tickets and info from www.rutheckerdhall.com)

Fri Mar 13th,
7:30pm

USA, Ornage Park, FL
Thrasher-Horne Centre for the Arts, 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065 (tickets and info from www.thcenter.org)

Sat Mar 21st,
8:00pm USA, Martinsville, VA Piedmont Hall, 215 Starling Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112, USA (tickets and info from (www.piedmontarts.org)
Wed Mar 25th
7:30pm USA, Hazleton, PA
Hazleton Concert Series, Hazleton Area High School, 1601 W. 23rd Street, Hazleton, PA 18202 (tickets and info from www.hazletonconcertseries.org)

Sat Mar 28th,
8:00pm USA, Wilmington, DE The Grand, Wilmington, 818 North Market St, Wilmington, DE, 19801 (tickets and info from www.thegrandwilmington.org)
Sun MAr 29th,
3:00pm USA, Garden City, NY
Adelphi University Concert Hall, 1 South Ave, Garden City, NY, 11530-0701 (tickets and info from aupac.adelphi.edu)

* Slip and the Spinouts.

Got something that I think you guys will really enjoy …Slip and the Spinouts-a three 3-piece Rockabilly/Roots band based out of Yeehaw Junction, Florida.

Jeff Eats recently caught the band-and they are really good.

Slip and the Spinouts -play bars/clubs/casinos/events all over South Florida.

I appreciate that some of you folks may not “know” what rockabilly/roots music is all about…with that in mind, check the band’s site slipandthespinouts.com and you’ll find info/audio/videos for a quick tutorial on the subject. The site also has the band’s schedule.

Anyway,

If you like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash- you’ll really enjoy Slip and the Spinouts!

As mentioned above, the band plays all over South Florida-as a matter of fact, it has appearances scheduled in North Miami Beach this evening, Delray Beach tomorrow and Jupiter on Sunday.

Jeff Eats loved the band…check Slip and the Spinouts-out…they put on quite a show!

* HipPOPs Dessert Truck.

Just a heads-up…Jeff Eats is hearing that HipPOPs hand-makes amazingly delicious gelato, sorbet and yogurt pops.

Jeff Eats is planning on “trying” HipPOPs later this month-and I’ll give you the skinny after i’ve completed my mission.

In the mean-time, you can do your own reconnaissance. HipPOPs Dessert Truck “covers” Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

You can check the truck’s schedule at hippos.com.