* Swingin’ Medallions.

Jeff Eats recently received the following email…

Hey Jeff,

Long time reader first time writer.

First I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. As a 17 year Miami resident you have often pointed me and my wife in the right restaurant direction. Before Miami we both lived in Marlboro, New Jersey and both attended Rutgers graduating in 1972.

Since graduation we have stayed in pretty close contact with a number of former classmates. Surprisingly a number of them and a number of our former Marlboro neighbors now reside right here in south Florida.

Now for the real reason for my email.

My wife and I will both be celebraing our 65th birthdays in 2015. We want to throw a huge joint birthday party at our community’s clubhouse. It will be catered and we are thinking that we will have close to 135 people. Forgetting about our 3 kids and 2 grand kids the average age is probably close to 65. We would like to hire a great band for the party with a 1960’s frat/rock theme. We have checked out a number of local bands which include several mentioned in your blog but we would prefer a band that people haven’t yet seen and who really know how to party. As for cost this is a once in a lifetime event so we are open to spending a decent amount for the band.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the band.

Please feel free to call me at (305)_______.

Thank you again,
JH
*****
JH:

First, let me be the first to wish you and your wife Happy Birthday.

Just so you understand, local bands are much “less expensive” to book than bands from outside the area. With that in mind, if you still want to book a band that “most” of your guests have never seen…your request for a recommendation is a no brainer.

SWINGIN’ MEDALLIONS

You can check the Swingin’ Medallions who come out of Greenwood, South Carolina at medallions.com.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, I’ve seen the Swingin’ Medallions and for frat/rock-there are no better party animals. Not sure if you know-the Swingin’ Medallions had the 1966 million-seller “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love) considered by many to be-the greatest frat/rock song of all time. Jeff Eats absolutely loves the song. My favorite frat/rock songs (in no particular order) are- Double Shot, May I, Louie Louie, What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am) and Hey Baby. For what it’s worth the Swingin’ Medallions play killer versions of all of them…

I LOVE THIS BAND. You will love this band. Your guests will love this band

Hope the above helps you out.

Temple Street Eatery, 416 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, (754) 701-0976.

Let’s see…

Temple Street Eatery- Asian Fusion meets Latin Comfort Food meets American Comfort Food…order at the counter/delivered to table.

You can check menu/prices/other info at templestreeteater.com.

For your convenience, below-Jeff Eats has “copied” Temple Street Eatery’s menu.

For the review, Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and a couple of friends recently gave Temple Street Eatery a shot for lunch. Ordered “items” chicken dumplings, pork dumplings, southeast chicken salad, katsu burger, bun rice noodle bowl, bulgolgi cheesteak sandwich… Now you guys know that Jeff Eats doesn’t like to do “pecking orders”–and Temple Street Eatery helped me out–in that every “item” was OK–but not one “item” had me craving-shall we say round 2! By the way, extremely pleasant wait-staff, nice modern fast food decor-price points that need a drop of tweaking to the downside.

Let me wrap this up for you,

Temple Street Eatery definitely has an eclectic menu. The joint just didn’t do-it for me!

Finally, since food “reviewing” is merely a subjective head game…and my head maybe in a different place than yours is–Temple Street Eatery is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm.

*****

OUR MENU
SMALL BITES
Kimchi Quesadilla | $7
Lemongrass grilled chicken, kimchi, caramelized onion, cheddar jack, gochujang cream, guacamole,pico de gallo

Chicken Wings | 6 pcs – $7 | 12 pcs – $11
Choice of sweet soy glaze, Asian buffalo, sweet chili BBQ or Buddha wing sauce

Edamame Falafels | $5
Chickpea, tofu, garlic, scallion, curry aioli

Wonton Tacos | $8
Poached shrimp, guacamole, lettuce, gochujang cream, pineapple salsa

Crispy Shrimp | $11
Tempura shrimp, calamansi aioli, jalapeño

DUMPLINGS
Choice of Sauce |
Buddha dumpling sauce, dan dan sesame sauce or traditional sauce

Chicken Dumpling | 4 pcs – $5 | 8 pcs – $8
Ground chicken, onion, napa cabbage
Shrimp Dumpling | 4 pcs – $5 | 8 pcs – $8
Minced shrimp, house seasoning
Pork Dumpling | 4 pcs – $4 | 8 pcs – $7
Ground pork, napa cabbage
Vegetable Dumpling | 4 pcs – $3.5 | 8 pcs – $6.5
Edamame, carrot, vermicelli noodle, baby bok choy, tofu
Buddha Mix | 4 pcs – $4.5 | 8 pcs – $7.5
A sample of one of each dumpling

RICE BOWLS
Bibimbap Rice Bowl | $10
Choice of rice | Inari, mushroom, pickled vegetables, scallion, marinated bean sprout, fried egg, gochujang sauce

Bulgogi Rice Bowl | $12
Choice of rice | Marinated beef sautéed with onion, carrot, scallion, shoga

Buddha Bowl | $11
Choice of lemongrass chicken, tofu or pork | Substitute shrimp (+$2) | Mushroom, pickled vegetables, marinated bean sprout, fried shallot, scallion

NOODLES
Miso Noodle Soup | $11
Choice of ramen or soba | Pork belly, scallion, bean sprout, seasoned egg, pork miso broth

Shoyu Noodle Soup | $10
Choice of ramen or soba | Inari, bean sprout, mushroom, scallion, seasoned egg, soy broth

Wonton Noodle Soup | $12
Ramen, shrimp dumpling, scallion, bok choy, chicken broth

Bún Rice Noodle Bowl | $11
Choice of lemongrass chicken, tofu or pork | Substitute shrimp (+$2) | Rice noodle, pickled vegetables, marinated bean sprout, lettuce, mint, cilantro, cucumber, nuoc cham vinaigrette

SALADS
Buddha Salad | side $5 | regular $8
Mixed greens, carrot, cucumber, cherry tomato, red onion, radish, pickled vegetables, peanut dressing Add lemongrass chicken or pork (+$2) |
Add shrimp (+$3)
side

Beet Salad | $9
Mixed greens, candied walnut, cherry tomato, radish, goat cheese, fried shallot, sesame dressing

Southeast Chicken Salad | $9
Shredded chicken, jalapeño, cabbage, mint, cilantro, radish, red onion, fried shallot, nuoc cham vinaigrette

SANDWICHES
Add a side or Buddha Salad | $3
Bulgolgi Cheesesteak | $10
Marinated beef, sautéed carrots, onions, scallions, provolone cheese

Katsu Burger | $9
Panko-crusted burger, Asian slaw, pineapple slice

Banh Mi | $9
Choice of lemongrass chicken or pork | Pickled vegetables, jalapeño, cucumber, cilantro aioli

Edamame Falafel Pita | $6
Pita, hummus, cherry tomato, cucumber, mixed greens, gochujang cream, goat cheese

SIDE DISHES
Asian Slaw | $5
Cabbage, carrots, sesame dressing

Lemongrass Fries | $5
Seasonal Vegetables | $5
Edamame | $5
Choice of seasoned salt or sweet sambal

BEVERAGES
Fountain Drinks | $2.5
Coke, Fanta, Orange, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Sprite

Bottled Water (Still or Sparkling) | $2.5
Home Brewed Iced Tea | $2.75
Craft Beer | Varies
Ask us about our seasonal selection

Saké | Varies
Ask us about our seasonal selection

Wine
Oyster Bay Merlot
Save Me San Francisco Pinot Noir
Trivento Malbec
Francis Coppla Pinot Gris
Clifford Sauvignon Blanc
Dividing Rod Chardonnay

Bella Amici Pizzeria, 14859 Lyons Boulevard (Delray Marketplace), Delray Beach, Florida 33446, (561) 320-8700. bellaamicipizzeria.om.

Way back on July 7, 2013 Jeff Eats’ did a “story” on Bella Amici Pizzeria which literally had just opened for business in the Delray Marketplace. That story is reprinted below.

In a nutshell, that write-up described a “disaster”…no bs-ing here, whenever I’m in the Delray Marketplace and “see” Bella Amici for some reason Jeff Eats thinks of-Lucy and Ethel on the chocolate factory assembly-line. Apparently, I have too much free time on my hands, but that’s what pops into my mind!

Anyway,

Just this very minute, I’m looking at a Bella Amici Pizzeria advertisement in “local” magazine–which in part says and I quote “Introducing The New Bella Amici Under New Management.” Now, nothing for nothing- Jeff Eats is thinking that the original owners sold because the planned goldmine didn’t exactly pan-out (pun intended)!

You guys now know as much as Jeff Eats does-about Bella Amici Pizzeria.

Finally, if you guys just happen to “try”- the new Bella Amici Pizzeria, Jeff Eats would be interested in your thoughts!
*****
July 7, 2013
Bella Amici Pizzeria, 14859 Lyons Boulevard (Delray Marketplace), Delray Beach, Florida 33446.

Bella Amici Pizzeria is a brand-new “pizza by the slice/order at the counter” joint which opened a couple weeks ago in the Delray Marketplace in Delray Beach.

Got a sneaking suspicion that the guy(s) who own this joint, have never owned/operated a restaurant before…

Not trying to bash anybody or nothing, but a joint that has been open for something like 2-weeks should by now- have paper takeout menus…but it doesn’t.
The joint should have a website (www.bellaamicipizzeria) that has a listed address and menu/prices… but it doesn’t.
The joint shouldn’t have a Facebook Page that lists the store’s telephone number as (561) 705-7777 while its website lists it as (561) 270-3025…but it does.
The joint’s website shouldn’t have two different “sets” of operating hours…but it does.

Tried Bella Amici Pizzeria yesterday- afternoon…order at the counter/pickup at the counter/or brought to your table—let me be as kind as possible, the pizza that Domino’s and Papa John’s delivers to maybe-your house (definitely not mine) is better. Figure a slice is gonna run you $2.50 and a small bottle of Coke- close to 3-bucks. The joint also has chicken wings, sandwiches and salads—the Caesar sitting on the counter for you to “order” looked wilted and disgusting.

Like I said a few seconds ago, the bet here is that the guy(s) who own this joint “haven’t” done this before…looks to Jeff Eats- like they spent a-bundle building a real-nice modern looking pizza joint which by the way has indoor/outdoor patio seating—but the pizza and “that” salad tell me that they better get a REAL PRO in there ASAP before the Titanic takes on too much water.

Jeff Eats would love to tell you what Bella Amici’s hours are…but I’m not sure what they are—they are either Monday-Thursday 10:30am-11:30pm, Friday 10:30am-1:00am, Saturday 10:00am-1:00am, Sunday 10:00am-11:30pm—-or—-Sunday-Saturday 10:30am-midnight.

A long time ago Jeff Eats learned 2-things about the restaurant business…
1. You want to eat in them.
2. You don’t want to own them.

Bella Amici Pizzeria “proves” my point!

* 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!