* The Woods Jupiter: Sports and Dining Club.

Just thought you guys might enjoy reading-as to what Tiger Woods’ has on his plate (pun intended) other than golf.

Jeff Eats will keep a close eye on this “one”–and what develops!

Read the following article on golf.com.
*****
October 1, 2014
Tiger Woods Tries a New ‘Course’ — ‘The Woods Jupiter: Sports and Dining Club’ Restaurant to Open in Early 2015

Tiger Woods is going back into the restaurant business.

Woods announced on Tuesday that he is opening “The Woods Jupiter: Sports and Dining Club” in Jupiter, Fla. The building hasn’t been completed yet, but a statement from the developers at Allied Capital and Development of South Florida expect the 5,900-square-foot restaurant to open in early 2015.

Woods described his vision of the restaurant as relaxed and friendly. Another appeal to diners might be the possibily of seeing Woods at the restaurant, which will be close to his mansion in Hobe Sound, Fla.

“I envision a place where people can meet friends, watch sports on TV and enjoy a great meal,”Woods said. “I wanted to build it locally where I live and where it could help support the community.”

While not known as a “foodie,” Woods’ menu choices for the Masters champions dinner have shown an evolution since he served cheeseburgers and milkshakes after his first win in 1997. At later champions dinners, Woods served porterhouse steaks, fajitas and sushi.

(MASTERS MENUS: Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio Picks the Best Champions Dinner Menus)

Celebrities and satellite businesses have not always been so successful; Flavor Flav’s Flav’s Fried Chicken, Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania, and Britney Spears’ Nyla restaurant to name just a few. Woods himself was an investor in eight sports-themed All Star Cafes, which followed parent company Planet Hollywood into bankruptcy in 1999. (Graeme McDowell’s Nona Blue restaurant in Orlando appears to be a notable exception so far.)

But The Buzz Agency’s Julie Mullen, whose firm handled the restaurant announcement, compared Woods’ involvement in the restaurant to John Elway’s car dealership. (Elway owned five Denver-area car dealerships, which he sold in 1997 for $82.5 million.)

“This is not somebody buying his name to use as a franchise,” said Mullen. “This is a project [Tiger] is very involved in. He’s going to be very hands on.”

The announcement has sparked hilarity in the Twitterverse, after golf writers Jim Moriarty and Alan Shipnuck tossed around potential “sandwich names.”

***** Ming’s Bistro, 1212 Woodward Street, Orlando, Florida 32803, (407) 898-9672.

Got a real-good Chinese joint for you guys…Ming’s Bistro in Orlando.

Now, Jeff Eats maybe a bit presumptuous here-but I’m thinking… that if you like dim sum, or American Jewish Brooklyn Chinese Food circa 1957, or “real” Chinese food-you’re gonna enjoy Ming’s Bistro.

Just so you know, Ming’s doesn’t have a website to check menu/prices, but trust me, its got a ton of stuff for you guys to eat–all at neighborhood Chinese joint prices.

The joint does have the requisite no frills “décor”-lots of “red signage”- hanging roast pigs and ducks- oil cloth/tablecloths-waitresses who “make” like they don’t understand you, etc.

Anyway,

A recent dinner outing had Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple- “trying”- wonton soup, fried shrimp balls, baked bbq pork buns, roast pork fried rice, bbq pork ribs, beef chow fun, sweet & sour chicken, roast duck, fried sesame balls, seafood pan fried noodles, pepper steak, egg custard tart. Everything was right on the money!

Ming’s Bistro is a real good joint to know about. Like it says at the “top” it’s in Orlando-so if you live in that neck of the woods- definitely give it a shot! For you folks from out of the area, the next time you’re doing Disney, Universal, Sea World–skip the chains and do this mom & pop.

Ming’s is open 7 days a week 10:30am-9:30pm.

* Larry King.

Am I nuts or what, but this guy seems to be wiling to sell anything and everything on tv? Am I right or am I right?

Since this is a food blog, unless Jeff Eats is reading it all wrong…this guy Larry King isn’t “fronting”- bagel chain The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. anymore. I could’ve sworn that his “mug” use to be plastered all over the Company’s website- brooklynwaterbagels.com…but no more. I wonder why?

In any event, Jeff Eats never really cared for Larry King when he was on CNN…always thought he was a big old phony…for reference GOOGLE his made-up relationship with baseball great Sandy Koufax.

The way I see it, with all of the endorsements he now has-out, I know I was right.

Always amazes me how guys like Larry King-get the public to follow them!

* MEATBALL ROOM’S HOMEMADE MEATBALL CONTEST.

Got a fun event for you guys…Meatball Room’s Homemade Meatball Contest scheduled for October, 18, 2014.

Now, since you are literally the first people hearing about this CONTEST- you got a good shot of being one of the contestants-if that’s your game.

Last Spring (4/26/14) Italian restaurant-Meatball Room held its “first”- charity-best meatball contest on its outdoor patio. There were 25 contestants, a panel of judges (Jeff Eats was one of the judges), live music, kids’ entertainment, complimentry beverages–something like 300 spectators…it was an absolute blast, not to mention that Meatball Room made a nice-monetary donation to a local charity!

Anyway,

Two minutes ago, Jeff Eats received the below-email/press release. In a nutshell-“round” 2 is set for October 18, 2014 at 1pm. Just so you know, Jeff Eats is gonna be a judge again…but this time, I’m gonna be prepared and have a pack of TUMS in my pocket–just between you and me, some of those meatballs gave a whole new meaning to the expression “home made.” Not to beat a dead horse or nothing, but Jeff Eats is wondering if there might be a connection between American teenage runaways and meatballs?-anyway, later today- I’m gonna research Teenage Runaways In Italy!

Finally, back in April- way more than 25 people tried to enter-so if you want to be a contestant, move fast-registration info is in the press release.

Whether you’re a cook or just a watcher- you’ll have a real fun afternoon…catch you on the 18th!
*****
Hi Jeff,
We are at it again – 2nd Meatball Contest at MR! Can you be a judge again? Many thanks! Kim

For Immediate Release

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

MEATBALL ROOM’s HOMEMADE MEATBALL CONTEST

Benefitting the American Cancer Society Hope Gala

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 at 1:00 PM

Hosted by Sid Rosenberg of 640 AM Sports

Boca Raton, FL –Meatball Room (www.meatballroom.com), Boca’s hottest Tuscan Italian restaurant, is looking for the ultimate meatball recipe that is missing from their already impressive meatball menu.

The contest will take place at the restaurant on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1PM. Contestants must pre-register and bring the recipe and finished dish ready to taste by the panel of judges.

The limit is 25 contestants with one meatball recipe and dish per contestant.

Celebrity judges will include Sid Rosenberg of 640 Sports and other surprise guests.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, LIMITED TO FIRST 25 CONTESTANTS

Contestants must call (561) 210- 4411 or email kim@simplythebestpr.com , Kim to register

Grand prize winner will receive:

His or her winning meatball will be put on restaurant menu
$500 gift card
And more

The party atmosphere will include live entertainment, a balloon maker for the kids, wine tasting and drink and food specials on the outdoor patio.

A portion of all sales from the day will benefit The American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala, to take place on March 14, 2015 at the Boca West County Club.

The Regency Court
3011 Yamato Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
www.meatballroom.com

To Register for the Contest or for further information contact:

Kim Morgan
561-210-4411
kim@simplythebestpr.com

Kim Morgan Vagnuolo l President
301 Yamato Road Suite 1240, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
CELL: 954.261.2149

***** Basilico’s Original Hand-Tossed Pizza, 9140 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, Florida 33411, (561) 333-4949.

Last night, Jeff Eats took-out from red sauce Italian joint… Basilico’s Original Hand-Tossed Pizza in Wellington. and I gotta tell you, this restaurant makes some really delicious stuff.

Real simple concept, order at the counter/takeout…or the food is delivered to something like 6 inside booths/handful of outside tables. By the way, the restaurant is located in a very quaint cool looking “New England” style strip-center…which also has a Chinese joint, a Dunkin’ Donuts, an ice cream store, a custom cake- making store, a liquor store–you won’t think- you’re in Florida! Real interesting, in addition to ice cream and yogurt-the ice cream store sells fresh orange juice quarts/gallons-candy by the pound, and has a whole area for fresh flowers…the Chinese joint which is basically a takeout has 4 large 6- seat booths-for those who want to eat-in. Like I said 1 second ago, the strip center has a real different feel to it!

Anyway…

Jeff Eats “got to” Basilico’s around 6:30pm last night and there was something like 8 guys behind the counter making pizzas etc. and 2 young ladies at the register. In the 25 minutes or so that I waited for my order, every booth inside was taken and I watched numerous pickups and phone orders being taken…I didn’t notice anyone eating outside.

Basilico’s menu is loaded with appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, strombolis, calzones, hot/cold subs, entrees. You can check its menu/prices at basilicospizza.com.

Ordered items included large 16″ pizza ($9.99), Chicken parmesan sub ($7.99), sausage & peppers stromboli ($6.79), eggplant parmesan entrée (pasta side/garlic breadsticks- $10.59) and like I said 3 seconds ago, the stuff was really delicious.

Look!

Jeff Eats has been to his fair share of red sauce Italian joints down here in south Florida and- this Basilico’s joint is a huge winner. The food was really-solid, the prices CHEAP (I believe I’m suppose to say inexpensive or very reasonable)-trust me, Basilico’s gives you a ton of food for cheap-money-and the food isn’t crap quality!

Let me wrap this up for you, if Basilico’s was by my house (which unfortunately it isn’t) Jeff Eats would definitely be a very steady customer.

Basilico’s Original Hand-Tossed Pizza is open 7 days a week.

* COUNTRY CLUBS, CONDOS, CO-OPS, NEIGHBORHOODS…BOD & HOA.

Jeff Eats has been down here in sunny South Florida for over 22 years…you-know the land of Boards of Directors and Home Owner Associations.

Let me ask you guys something and you be honest…

Hypothetically speaking-If you needed triple heart bypass surgery would you let the Chairman of the Board of IBM who was a graduate of Harvard College, Harvard Law School and the Wharton School of Business with a BA in accounting, JD degree and a Masters & Doctorate in Calculus perform the operation for nothing?

___________(fill in answer).

Then why the hell do you guys entrust the operation of your Country Clubs, Condos, Co-ops, Neighborhoods to some guy or gal who is- some retired NYC school teacher, retired owner of a dry cleaning chain, housewife, retired shoe salesman, president of a men’s clothing chain?

Now no offense intended to you board members…but what do most of you guys know about…construction, bank financing, booking bands, maintenance, home owner rights, contracts, hiring contractors, décor design, landscaping?

______________(fill in answer).

Quick story, in my neighborhood one of the sub-divisions was missing the letter “S” from its entrance-way sign. In the time it took the HOA to get the “S” replaced, GL Homes probably built 5,000 homes in Delray Beach from scratch.

Trust me I know the BOD and HOA game and if you ask me…it’s a real dumb game.

Once again, no insult intended to you board members, but did you ever notice that by in large- the really top-guys in your communities DON’T GET INVOLVED AND AREN’T ON YOUR BOARDS? Wanna know why?-because they don’t want to get involved (especially for no compensation) with a bunch of yentas (Google if necessary) who actually think that they can out negotiate Comcast, and build entrance ways without having formal construction or engineering backgrounds.

I know, I know, that the “rules” say someone has to do it…just ask yourself, what makes you qualified to be that SOMEONE?

Finally, all Jeff Eats knows, is that if you ain’t on a BOARD…your neighbors won’t hate your guts because- 1. you raised the dues, 2. you hired a crap comedian, 3. you fined them for speeding, 4. you fined them for flying a US Flag, 5. you got the Club/Condo/Co-op into a law suit, 6. you hired a crooked contractor, 7. the complimentary bagels at the gym suck, 8. you violated Federal law as it pertains to service animals, 9. you ticketed them for parking in the street over night, 10. you signed an absurd lopsided contract with some property management company…

When you lived in that 6 story apartment building on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, you paid your rent and bitched to Leo The Super to make repairs and waited every 3-years for a new paint job. Now that you’ve moved to Sunny South Florida…many of you in essence became the “landlord”-that you grew up hating your whole lives.

Okay, done with that rant…but I will close by telling you. that ANYONE WHO SITS ON A GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE IS A FOOL…and I am dead serious here!

America’s entire justice system is based on fairness to all parties- and there is no way in HELL that neighbors who KNOW each other-can judge each other fairly!…and you can take that to the bank!

As Jeff Eats’ grandmother Grandmother Jeff Eats use to say…”YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR” and “CHEAP IS CHEAP.”

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (September-9/28/14).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

BBQ PORK SPARERIBS
$9.50 (large order)

Hong Kong Palace
22191 Powerline Road
Boca Raton
(561) 338-5887
hongkongpalacebocaraton.com
Latest Review: 6/18/11.

Real easy story here…the bbq pork spareribs will have you thinking that it’s 1957 and -you got them from Joy Fong’s on Avenue J & Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn. Outstanding ribs- by the way, you guys can insert the name of your “favorite” Jewish American Chinese Restaurant circa 1950’s-1960’s in place of Joy Fong’s, if you so desire. For you “youngsters” out there, 70’s-2014 will also work.

_______

Posted June 18, 2011
***** Hong Kong Palace, 22191 Powerline Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 338-5887.

Don’t ask! Hong Kong Palace a “takeout only” Chinese joint has been around for something like 30 years and although it’s about 6 minutes from my house, I didn’t know that it existed until last night around 7:30pm. Mrs. Jeff Eats couldn’t “find” a red paper party bag that she needed at Party Supermarket so she dragged me to Party City (where she normally doesn’t shop) in her quest for that red paper party bag…and low and behold, while she was in Party City, I just happened to “notice” Hong Kong Palace which is right next door. Twenty minutes later…she had the red paper party bag and I had two plastic bags filled with…wonton soup, egg rolls, pan fried dumplings, white rice, bbq ribs, shrimp with lobster sauce, mu shu pork, sweet & sour chicken, beef with broccoli, a handful of fortune cookies.

You know what good fortune is? Well, a quest for a red paper party bag—resulted in me coming-upon a good Chinese takeout. Just for the record, the bbq ribs were 6-of the best that I’ve had in a very long time. Everything “else” was A-Ok, but nothing to get hysterical about. The beautiful part of this story, is I now know as do you, where you can get absolutely delicious Chinese bbq ribs.

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

Hong Kong Palace is open Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10:30pm, Sunday, 2:30pm-10pm. If you pay cash over $15-$25-$40 they throw some items like spring rolls, egg rolls, krab rangoon, fried rice in the bag for nothing. One other thing, Party City has red paper party bags for $1.99 and is open Monday-Wednesday 9:30am-8:30pm, Thursday-Friday 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-8:30pm, Sunday 10am-6:00pm.

***** The Dandee Donut Factory, 1900 East Atlantic Avenue, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060, (954) 785-1461.

Let me start by saying that Jeff Eats LOVES-The Dandee Donut Factory-in Pompano Beach.

For the record, Jeff Eats originally told you guys about Dandee on 11/19/11-but some stories warrant “re-telling”…

Just so we are straight, there are two other Dandee Donut outposts in South Florida-Deerfield Beach and Hollywood…Pompano Beach and Hollywood are owned by the same guy, while the Deerfield Beach store has a totally different-unrelated owner.

For the purposes of today’s story…I’m only talking about the Pompano Beach joint…which is open 24/7-which has indoor table/counter–outdoor patio seating…which makes amazing donuts and serves-up delicious “diner” food. If you are wondering why Jeff Eats is “featuring” Pompano Beach–it’s because this is the joint that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats have been frequenting -to the tune of something like twice a month for years. While I’m busy telling you my life story- Hollywood’s donuts/food are as good as Pompano’s…Deerfield Beach’s donuts are OK-but not great (Remember! I told you -this joint has a different owner not to mention a different baker)-but its diner food is decent enough.

At this stage of the game I’m gonna let you check dandeedonuts.com for menu/prices/other info.

If you got the time, you can “read” (or re-read, whatever the case may be) Jeff Eats’- The Dandee Donut Factory write -up (11/19/11).

I’m gonna close this story out by telling you, that if you want- terrific donuts, delicious diner food, fabulous pleasant service, perfect diner-decor (whatever that is!)…then you gotta get yourself over to The Dandee Donut Factory in Pompano Beach.

Oh! One other thing…

In surfing the net, Jeff Eats caught on TripAdvisor what I think is one of the greatest food reviews of all-time…
*****
Palermo, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews 9 restaurant reviews
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
“Fantastic donuts!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 21, 2014 NEW
We rolled into Dandees about 1:00 AM at the end of August. Despite Pompano Beach being almost completely shuttered, Dandees was bustling. The donuts are far superior to Dunkin and the atmosphere was worth the trip. I believe my son met his future ex wife there!!

* Right On Band.

Real simple story…

My friend Nigel Holland is the lead singer and leader of the Right On Band-based out of Virgina Beach, Virginia.

In Jeff Eats’ humble opinion- the 10-piece Right On Band is one of the best party bands in the United States. The band can literally play anything-that said, the group absolutely kills-it covering Motown, Disco and 70’s Funk hits.

The Right On Band plays all over the United Staes-actually, make that-all over the world.

The band-rarely works in South Florida. When it does, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats make it our business to go see “Nigel & Company.”

Just got off the phone with Nigel and he advised- that the band will be performing at Kings Point in Delray Beach on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 8pm.

Just so you know, Kings Point is one of the very few condos/country clubs/developments that allows “the public” to purchase tickets/attend events-shows. Tickets for the Right On Band (resident:$15, non-resident:$20) and the entire 2014-2015 Kings Point-schedule can be purchased online at boxoffice.kingspointdelray.com.

Let me wrap this up for you,

If you want to see the BAND that you should have had at your wedding, your kids’ weddings, your bar mitzvah, your kids’ bar mitzvahs, your bat mitzvah, your kids’ bat mitzvahs, your anniversary party, your birthday party–so on and so forth…then you should definitely make it your business to see the RIGHT ON BAND!

You can checkout- the Right On Band video/audio/pictures/other stuff at rightonband.com

* Lola & The Saints.

If you are into doo wop music…you won’t want to miss Lola & The Saints.

No bs-ing here, this quintet (that means 5 people) is as good as it gets- when it comes to covering 50’s-60’s acappella and doo wop hits… Top notch leads and harmonies.

Lola & The Saints based out of -Tampa area- makes a rare South Florida appearance at Kings Point on Sunday, March 8, 2015.

You can check Lola & The Saints out at theoriginalsaints.com.

You can buy tickets online at kingspointdelray.com.

Printed below…Kings Point’s “bio” on the group.
*****

Sunday, March 08, 2015, 8:00 PM

LOLA AND THE SAINTS

Sunday, March 8th, 8:00 PM
$14.00 Residents
$19.00 Non – Residents

Originally formed in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx by Lola and Tom Foy, “The Saints” have enjoyed a long and magnificent career in show business. After having performed and recorded under many different guises, they have always managed to find their way back to their Doo-Wop roots as well as their original name “The Saints”. Each and every member of the five piece vocal group has, at one time been a part of some of the finest 50’s and 60’s Doo-Wop groups.