***** Maoz Vegetarian.

Way back on May 3, 2012 Jeff Eats told you guys about Maoz Vegetarian- a fast food falafel/salad joint that I had tried in Boca Raton’s- Town Center Mall’s food court. That original “story” is reprinted below.

The gist of that story, was that this small fast food chain had a terrific product/operation and tremendous potential to expand to food courts- all over the United States.

From a Florida perspective, Maoz in 2013 had 1-Florida location (Boca Raton). Today, Maoz has 3-Florida locations… 1-Boca Raton, 1-Orlando (The Mall at Millenia’s foodcourt), 1-Miami Beach (storefront/salad bar).

Jeff Eats recently “tried” the Miami Beach and Orlando joints–and I gotta tell you, this small chain has the right formula. The food is terrific, the prices are right.

Maoz is still an INFANT in the US fast food chain business. From its site www.maozusa.com Jeff Eats notes–1 Texas, 3 Florida, 1 Illinois, 1 New Jersey, 1 New Jersey, 6 New York, 1 Pennsylvania…of the 14 locations, 3 are in mall food courts (Boca Raton, Orlando, Chicago).

Let me wrap (pun intended) this up for you,

Go and try Maoz. The food is delicious..

Finally, take a look at YELP! The reviews on Maoz Vegetarian are extremely positive. Now, you and I know all about “bogus” reviews, but the sheer number of reviews- tells Jeff Eats that there are tons of people who love this chain.

Eventually-not exactly sure when, Maoz Vegetarian will be a tenant in mall food courts across America.

Posted May 3, 2012
***** Maoz Vegetarian, 6000 Glades Road (Town Center Mall), Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 393-6269.

As I mentioned the other day, last Sunday afternoon I killed some time at Town Center Mall–while Mrs. Jeff Eats searched for “who knows what.” Of course during my “stay”—I visited the mall’s recently reconfigured-rebuilt food court. Suffice it to say, the court looks great, but in my humble opinion–there aren’t enough fast-food outlets–and there is too much “duplication” with the outlets that are there. That said, I did come across an “interesting concept” in the fast-food business…Maoz Vegetarian, which- if I was a betting man, will be a “homerun” in the reconfigured Town Center Mall food court. Before I give you the skinny on Maoz Vegetarian, I gotta tell you that the folks behind Forever 21 (a national budget chain of women/men’s clothing & accessories) have to be genuises. Forever 21 just opened a gigantic 2-story location in the back of Town Center Mall’s food court and at 3pm last Sunday the store was jammed and I do mean jammed with people. Not to go off on a tangent here, but Mrs. Jeff Eats and Daughter Jeff Eats swear by this chain–trust me, these girls are professional shoppers. Anyway, let me get back to Maoz Vegetarian…

Maoz Vegetarian is a small fast food chain that does falafel…real simple concept- pita bread filled with falafel/salad (you pick combinations/dressings)—the joint also does belgian and sweet potato fries. You can check www.maozusa.com for menu/prices/prices. Just so you know, there are currently 13 Maoz locations in the United States (I told you it was a small chain)-the Boca outlet is the only Florida location. For the record, I did “one” of these pitas with sweet potato fries and it was delicious…real nice change from the burgers, pizzas, bourbon chicken that I usually get while killing time in malls.

Now nothing for nothing…but during the 20 minutes or so I was in the food court, Maoz had the longest and steadiest lines. Trust me, I know “20 minutes” isn’t long enough for a scientific study to base any conclusions on– As I told you a few seconds ago the food was delicious–and in doing some due diligence (talking to several security guards, mall/store/food court employees) it seems that since the food court’s re-opening a few months ago, Maoz has been doing some real nice business. For the record, if memory serves me correctly… the food court has a pretzel joint, salad joint, pizza joint, Chinese/Japanese joint, Earl of Sandwich joint, Chick-fil-A joint (which was closed on Sunday), yogurt joint—one other thing, in the bay next to the pizza joint there was an “opening soon” sign for another pizza joint–what’s that all about?

Let me wrap Maoz Vegetarian up for you…

I have eaten more food court “meals” than I choose to remember. Not going to list them all but, I’ve been fed by the “best” of them…Nathan’s, Subway, Panda Express, McDonald’s, Burger King, Auntie Annes, Earl of Sandwich, Wetzels Pretzels, Tutti Frutti Yogurt, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Saladworks, Kohl’s Frozen Custard, Tossed, Sbarro’s…I’ve devoured more free bourbon chicken toothpick samples than you can shake a stick out. Now, I may be going out on a huge and I do mean huge limb here, but…I am going to predict that itsy bitsy tweeny weeny Maoz Vegetarian is going to grow into a huge brand. The concept is simple, relatively new and has “yet” to be exploited on a national level…plus the food is fresh, delicious and its $5-$10 price points are reasonable…there is one caveat to my prediction—unless the Simons (mall owners) of the world decide that food courts can “handle” more than one falafel joint at a time.

One final observation on Maoz (now, I’m not 100% sure on this)–I think that the Boca Raton “store” is the chain’s first food court location. I believe that the other outlets are much larger and incorporate self-serve salad bars into the concept. If my thinking is correct on this, Maoz Vegetarian has two layouts that make the game even more interesting for potential franchisees.

The next time you are in Town Center Mall give Maoz Vegetarian a shot.

The joint is open, Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm.

***** Hong Kong City BBQ, 5301 North State Road 7, Tamarac, Florida 33319, (954) 777-3832.

Got a real-good Chinese joint for you…Hong Kong City BBQ in Tamarac.

The beautiful thing about Hong Kong City BBQ is that nobody in your car is gonna bitch about going there. The reason Jeff Eats says that, the joint has dim sum, Brooklyn-Jewish-American Chinese food circa 1957 and authentic Chinese food (whatever that is?).

Anyway,

A party of 6-of us recently gave Hong Kong City BBQ a shot and I gotta tell you, the food was right on the money.

Let me give you a fast run down of what was ordered…
House Wonton Soup.
Egg Drop Soup.
Chicken Corn Soup.
Pan Fried Pot Stickers.
BBQ Roasted Honey Roasted Spareribs.
BBQ Roasted 1/2 Duck.
Shrimp Pan Fried Noodles.
Roast Pork Fried Rice.
Peking Pork Chops.
Sweet & Sour Pork.
Steam Whole Tilapia.
Lobster Cantonese.

Now, nothing for nothing–not one person in our party “didn’t find what to eat” and everyone agreed that the food was really good. The prices are “neighborhood” Chinese joint prices, the décor is neighborhood Chinese joint décor. Playing to its name–Hong King City BBQ (with the emphasis on BBQ) the joint has some bbq chickens/ducks/pigs hanging over the front counter–which gives the joint a nice New York City Chinatown Dump feel.

You guys know that Jeff Eats really isn’t into doing “pecking orders”…that said, the House Wonton Soup, BBQ Honey Roasted Spareribs, Peking Pork Chops and Sweet & Sour Pork were at the top of my list. Like I said before, everything was really good, but the stuff I just mentioned–was really-really good.

I’m just guessing here, but I’m thinking that some of you guys may want to know: Does Hong Kong City BBQ have any “Early Bird” deals? Yes “Virginia”-from 3pm-7pm- 7 days a week Hong Kong City BBQ has an Early Bird which gets you–soup/eggroll/white or fried rice/entrée.

Let me wrap this one up,

Jeff Eats really enjoyed Hong Kong City BBQ. Give this joint a shot- I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

You can check menu/other stuff at www.hkcitybbq.com.

Hong Kong City BBQ is open Monday-Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-11pm.

* Nick DiPaolo (Fort Lauderdale Improv-Hollywood).

You know and Jeff Eats knows that stand-up comedy is purely a subjective thing. What I might find to be “berry” funny–you might not and vice versa.

With that in mind…

On Friday, June 13th (8pm & 10:30pm)–Saturday, June 14th (7pm & 9:45pm)–Sunday, June 15th (7pm)- Nick DiPaolo one of America’s funniest “LIGHT BLUE” comics is scheduled to appear at the Fort Lauderdale Improv, 5700 Seminole Way. Hollywood, Florida 33314, (954) 981-5653.

Jeff Eats has seen DiPaolo and he is REAL GOOD–if this guy doesn’t have you cracking up-subjective or no subjective…you got not sense of humor!

Trust me on this, the odds are slight to none that your HOA, Condo, Country Club is gonna book this guy…he’s just a drop too controversial-and will scare the pants off “your” Social Director–so don’t plan on later this Summer -thumbing through your 2014-2015 “Entertainment Schedule” and finding DiPaolo’s name there-because it won’t be.

Just so you know, tickets are 20 bucks and there is a 2-drink minimum. Friday-Saturday it’s 21+, Sunday it’s 18+.

You can check DiPaola out at www.nickdip.com.

You can order tickets online at www.ftl.improv.com.

Finally, on this “subjective” thing…Jeff Eats has his own comic rating system…Clean, Light Blue, Blue, Dark Blue. Personally, I rate DiPaolo’s act “LIGHT BLUE”-then again, you might rate it “BLUE” or for that matter “DARK BLUE”–hope you appreciate how silly rating systems are!

***** Spadini’s Pizzeria, 134 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 826-7420.

A year ago today-Jeff Eats told you guys about Spadini’s Pizzeria a terrific pizza-joint which had just “opened” for business in Boca Raton.

One year later, Spadini’s is chugging along doing- both a huge takeout/eat-in business.

Over the past year, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats must have taken-out at least 15 times and each and every time- the pizza, subs, entrees were all right on the money.

Anyway,

Last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats decided to eat-at Spadini’s ordering- a 16″ cheese pizza (Wednesday Special -$8), an eggplant parmigiana entrée and a veal parmigiana hero. The eggplant and veal stuff were delicious–AND THE PIZZA WAS SIMPLY AMAZING. In talking with owner -Tom Sellick, he advised that a few weeks ago he had replaced his pizzas’ white flour with Japanese breadcrumbs and the pies/slices were getting rave customer reviews. Just so we are straight with one another- white flour, Japanese breadcrumbs “it’s all Rock n Roll to me”- all Jeff Eats can tell you, is that the pizza was awesome.

Let me wrap this up,

You guys gotta try Spadini’s Pizzeria. The subs, pastas, entrees are delicious AND THE PIZZA IS SIMPLY AMAZING!

Jeff Eats’ original 5/15/13 “review” is printed below.
*****
“…Finding the best joints in South Florida”
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DealsFast FoodItalianPizzaSubs/SaladsSpadini’s Pizzeria (Boca Raton)
Posted on May 15th, 2013 · Boca Raton Deals Fast Food Italian Pizza Subs/Salads

***** Spadini’s Pizzeria (Boca Raton)

Early this morning, Jeff Eats told you guys about Spadini’s Pizzeria, 134 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 826-7420. The jist of that “article” was that Jeff Eats had heard terrific things about this relatively -new pizza joint (it opened in February 2013) and had “plans” to give it a shot in the near future. That original article is down below.

To make a long story short…

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats decided to take food out tonight.

Items ordered… chopped salad (large $9.50), 16″ plain pizza (Wednesday Night Special $8), chicken parmigiana hero ($9.95), sausage & peppers hero ($8.95), penne alla vodka ($11.95)…and I gotta tell you, everything we had was delicious. A special shoutout to the pizza—let’s just say, that Spadini’s knows how to make a real New York Slice—thin crust, delicious sweet sauce, great tasting mozzarella. By the way, the heroes were big enough to feed two people–and featured a really tasty-lightly toasted bread.

Spadini’s Pizzeria is an absolute “hole in the wall”—a few tables inside and even fewer outside. You order at the counter/you pickup at the counter.

Based on the food that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “had”—Spadini’s is right up there with the best “mom & pop” red sauce joints in sunny South Florida.

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

Finally, Spadini’s has a whole bunch of “specials”—like $8- 16″ pizzas on Wednesday and buy 2 heroes and get 1 free on Monday…so “ASK” what “deals” are on the table-before you order…Capice!

*****

Nothing for nothing…

Jeff Eats is hearing amazingly-fabulous-incredible “things” about a relatively new Boca Raton pizza joint…Spadini’s Pizzeria.

Just so we are straight with each other, Jeff Eats hasn’t gotten to the joint yet, but at least 7-maybe 11 or maybe it was 13 people (who have eaten there) told me that this “hole-in-the wall” turns out some of the best New York Style pizza/subs/other stuff that they have had- since migrating down here from Brooklyn, New York– Montclair, New Jersey–Hartford, Connecticut– Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania– Cortland, New York–Chicago, Illinois.

Being a top notch “reporter”- this morning Jeff Eats called Spadini’s Pizzeria and spoke to its owner 31 year old Thomas Sellick. Sellick told me that he has lived in South Florida for about a year and prior to coming down- he learned his “craft” working in his family’s Northport, New York (for those who don’t know, that’s part of Long Island) pizza joints. He told me that he opened for business on February 7, 2013—just so you know, Sellick bought out Mizner Plaza Pizza (reviewed 11/28/12), 134 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton… did a drop of cosmetic surgery—and with new recipes and menus in hand re-opened as Spadini’s Pizzeria. Sellick told me that he has the same seating as Mizner Plaza had-that being a handful of tables inside and a handful outside. He also said-the joint works on an “order at the counter/pickup at the counter” system–but if you “want” he or one of his “guys” will bring the food over to your table.

Anyway…

Like I said, Jeff Eats is hearing terrific things about Spadini’s Pizzeria. If you get there before I do, I’d apprecaite hearing your thoughts.

You can check Spadini’s website www.spadinispizzeria.com for menu/prices/photos/other stuff.

Spadini’s Pizzeria, 134 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 826-7123—is open Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday noon-9pm.

The 64,000 Dollar Question:
Are the opinions of the folks from Montclair, Hartford, Pittsburgh, Cortland and Chicago-to be trusted on what consitutes top-notch New York Style pizza? We “know” that the Brooklyn folks are qualified, but-the others?—Jeff Eats is just asking!

* Then Why Do People Take Them?

Jeff Eats just finished reading “16 Cancer Causing Foods You Probably Eat Every Day” on NaturalOn (www.naturalon.com) and I got a question for you guys:

Why do folks (and you guys know who you are) steal (cop, filch) ok-take those packets of artificial sweeteners that some South Florida restaurants still leave on their tables- when Artificial Sweeteners are #12 on its list?

Looking forward to your answers.

By the way Jeff Eats and a ton of readers are in some serious trouble here as…stuff like Microwave Popcorn (#1), Processed Meats (#4), Potato Chips (#6), Soda Pop (#8), Refined Sugar (#11) are also on Naturalon’s list.

* I Guess Jeff Eats Isn’t Exactly Chopped Liver Either!

Back on August 1, 2010, August 21 2012 and April 20, 2013 Jeff Eats did stories on fast-food burger chain Shake Shack. You can check those stories, if you like, if not, not!

Anyway,

In the August 1, 2010 story-Jeff Eats wrote…

“Let Jeff Eats make this as simple and as clear as possible…Shake Shacks’ food is delicious. That said, to give you guys a fair shake (pun intended)-the only item that needs improving are the french fries…Shake Shack uses a “frozen” product which is good but it’s definitely not on the same level as the “fresh” cut fries that competitors like Five Guys and BurgerFi turn-out.”

Now follow me,

Printed below is a copy of a recent e-mail that Jeff Eats received from Shake Shack’s PR firm…

The only real question that I have: Why did it take Shake Shack so long to see (taste) what Jeff Eats did? It was an absolute no brainer.

I Guess Jeff Eats Isn’t Exactly Chopped Liver Either!
*****
Hi,
We are so excited to announce that the Shake Shack locations in Coral Gables
(1450 S. Dixie Highway) and Boca Raton (1400 Glades Road) will be launching
Shake Shack’s new fresh, hand-cut fries on Wednesday, May 14th.
On launch day, May 14th, we would love to have you join us for a special media
tasting at 7:15PM at the Coral Gables Shack.
For a taste—before you actually taste—Shake Shack’s new fresh, hand-cut,
twice-cooked fries, please check out the links below.
Press Release: http://bit.ly/shake-shack-ups-its-fry-game
Launch Video: http://youtu.be/RV47tgGPEo0
If you plan to attend, please RSVP directly to me by Tuesday, May 13th.
Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you next week

* VIVA (Delray Marketplace Amphitheater: May 15, 2014–Delray Beach).

Way back on September 28, 2009–I told you guys about VIVA–one of South Florida’s premier 1950s-1980’s cover/tribute bands. That “original” story is reprinted below.

Since that story appeared, Jeff Eats has seen VIVA something like 10 times and I gotta tell you, this quartet is about as good as it gets…every cover the group performs– is right on the money-when compared to the original hit recording.

An interesting story (Well jeff Eats thinks it is!)…two years ago I matched VIVA up with Ron Dante (www.rondante.com) who was the lead singer of The Archies -who had the mega hit “Sugar Sugar”–Ron Dante also produced Cher, Pat Benetar, Barry Manilow and the Broadway shows…”Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Children of a Lesser God”–suffice it to say, Dante knows the music “business.” Anyway, VIVA was to back Dante who they had never met-for a 1 hour show in Boca Raton…Dante (who lives in Beverly Hills) and VIVA some weeks before the show agreed (via phone) to a playlist/keys etc. and scheduled a run-through 1 1/2 hours before showtime…Dante met VIVA and rehearsed for about 30 minutes…when Dante came off the stage, he said to me, “Jeff, I could take these guys on the road right now, they are absolutely dead on.”

The point of all of these VIVA accolades…

VIVA is going to perform a FREE SHOW at the Delray Marketplace Amphitheater on May 15th from 5pm-7pm. The Amphitheater is located at the Delray Marketplace at the intersection of Lyons Road and West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. There is some chair seating…but you may want to bring a beach chair-just in case a lot of people read Jeff Eats!

If you like 50’s-80’s Rock N Roll…you’ll want to catch VIVA (www.vavarockband.com) in action.
*****

***** VIVA *****

Last Saturday night (9/26/09) I attended a private “Woodstock” party at the Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, something like 280 people were there. The dance music was provided by VIVA a Miami based quartet that covers the hits from the 1950′s-today. Good, would be an understatement. In my day, I have seen a number of legend-tribute-cover rock bands…these guys are right up there with the best. I am telling you, that when they did Joe Cocker, if you closed your eyes, you’d swear that old Joe himself was there. Absolutely amazing Beatles-Rascals-Dion & The Belmonts-Jefferson Airplane-Four Seasons covers. These guys can play anything and play it well.

If this type of music is your bag, I would suggest that you check Viva’s website www.vivarockband.com (for gig-schedule) as they play numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, resorts in South Florida

* AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (The Wick Theatre: 5/8-6/1-Boca Raton).

One of Jeff Eats’ all-time favorite musicals- is AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.

I maybe a bit biased here, in that my good buddy Ron Dante (www.rondante.com) who in addition to being Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar’s producer- who sang lead on the hits- “Tracy” and “Sugar Sugar”…produced Broadway’s-The Fats Waller Musical Show AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’–but I don’t think so! Just for good measure, Tony Award Winner-Ron also produced Broadway’s “Children Of A Lesser God.”–talk about a talent!

When you really think about it-a show revolving around 1920’s-1930’s Black Harlem musicians and featuring songs (see below) can’t be anything but terrific…

Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
Lounging at the Waldorf
The Viper’s Drag
Mean to Me
Your Feet’s Too Big
That Ain’t Right
Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now
Find Out What They Like
Fat and Greasy
Black and Blue
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Two Sleepy People
I’ve Got my Fingers Crossed
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love
It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie
Honeysuckle Band
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Lookin’ Good but Feelin’ Bad
‘T Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness
Honeysuckle Rose
Squeeze Me
Handful of Keys
I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling
How Ya Baby
Jitterbug Waltz
Ladies Who Sing with the Band
Yacht Club Swing
When the Nylons Bloom Again
Cash for Your Trash
Off-Time
The Joint is Jumpin’

Anyway,

If you want to catch this fabulous show–here’s the info. you’ll need:

May 8th-June 1 South Florida run:
The Wick Theatre
7901 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33487
(561) 995- 2333
Matinees: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 2pm.
Evenings: Thursday, Fiday, Saturday at 7:30pm
www.TheWick.org

* ROVER.COM.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats don’t know you or your dog- but our dog JIGGY JEFF EATS is a member of our family. The bet here, is you treat your dog the same way!

No fooling around, but Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats get “pre-with-drawl” pains just thinking about leaving Jiggy Jeff Eats “home” when we have to make a trip that doesn’t-allow us to bring him along.

Lucky for us, we have found a number of responsible-trustworthy folks in our neighborhood-who for a “fee” care for him in their homes.

Just so we are straight, there a number of companies-that “board” dogs…Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats aren’t interested in cages and group-care…so these type of operations never enter our thought process when it comes to Jiggy Jeff Eats.

Now to the point of this story…

Jeff Eats recently heard of ROVER.COM. (www.rover.com) which is a national listing service of individuals who will “take care” of your dog.

To be honest with you, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats haven’t used the service…that said, a review of ROVER.COM’s website and some research tells-me that this ROVER.COM could be a terrific business for both the parent listing service/individuals who are listed on it.

Jeff Eats knows that some of you guys love to hear about new businesses/ideas…that’s why I’m mentioning ROVER.COM to you.

* The Life–(Delray Square Performing Arts).

The Life…trust Jeff Eats on this one, you don’t want to miss The Life.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw the 2004 Florida production and it was a fabulous show…we are planning on catching this new-production!

Printed below is a recent Sun Sentinel article about the show.
*****
“Cy Coleman’s pulsating musical The Life is bringing some sizzle back to the South Florida theatre scene this spring and summer. The Tony Award winning musical will begin reduced-price previews at the brand new Delray Square Performing Arts on June 4th and will open for a limited run on June 11th.

The Delray Square production is directed by Gary Waldman, who along with his partner, Jamison Troutman also serves as a producer of the show. They were the team behind The Life’s last visit to Florida (the first post-Broadway production World-Wide) – an extremely successful, eight month sold out run at the Atlantis Playhouse in 2004. The Waldman-Troutman Production received unanimous rapturous reviews and more regional award nods than any other (19-total, including Best Musical nominations in each ceremony). This will be the landmark, 10th Anniversary Revival of that historic production!

Coleman, along with lyricist Ira Gasman created a score full of intense and emotional songs depicting The Life on the Times Square streets of the 1980s – where everything had a price – especially sex. With a book by David Newman, Coleman and Gasman, the play follows the harrowing experiences of a good-hearted hooker named Queen, her cocaine-addicted boyfriend Fleetwood, her friend and fellow street-walker Sonja, hustler JoJo, crime boss Memphis and a host of other characters who have seen better days. Coarse language and sexual inferences add to the reality and grittiness of the play – but the characters and their situations intrigue and captivate. The Life opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater in the spring of 1997 under the direction of Michael Blakemore. It ran for 450 performances and won several awards for “Best Musical” of 1997, including the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Award, and the Drama League.”