***** Best French Fries.

Best French Fries (aka- BFF) is a food truck that covers Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Real simple,

BFF makes fresh hand-cut white potato fries, yucca fries and sweet potato fries.

Look!

Jeff Eats is no expert on-frying fries, but I do know when something tastes amazing–and I gotta tell you, BFF’s fries were off the chart.

For what it’s worth, I’ve “bumped” (pun intended) into BFF 3-times and have tried its white, yucca and sweet potatoes…topped with- cheese sauce, honey mustard, garlic butter parmesan, brown gravy, sweet & sour and it’s definitely a toss-up as to which topping was the best. Trust me, they were all delicious–but I definitely could become a garlic butter parmesan addict.

If I counted right, BFF has 23 “home made” sauces to choose from. You’ll find the list at www.bestfrenchfries.com.

Now for the kicker,

In addition to fries, BFF also does chicken fingers, Nathan’s hot dogs- and a Navajo fry bread- topped with powdered sugar/honey that was- simply beyond delicious (on this Navajo “thing”-think a flattened zeppole and you’ll be on the right page).

Like I said about 12 seconds ago, Best French Fries is a food truck…so you’ll have to check www.bestfrenchfries.com for the truck’s Dade/Broward/Palm Beach schedule.

Jeff Eats’ 3-BFF outings-2 food truck events and 1-private catered event and there is no doubt in my mind that –the folks running- or is it driving- or is it parking BFF- absolutely killed it -as a food truck/caterer.

Based on how strong BFF was…here’s a “plug” for its catering business- that I copied from its website.

Before the “plug”- now Jeff Eats ain’t no Bill Gates or nothing, but wouldn’t you think that a domain name-BestFrenchFries.com would be worth a whole lot of dough to some big french fry player? Just thinking out loud!
*****
“Best French Fries is your one-stop-shop for company events, weddings, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, birthday parties and quinceañeras.

Wow your guests with catering from Best French Fries. We offer fun and affordable gourmet food for any occasion.

Based in South Florida, BFF is a food truck serving all-natural, fresh hand-cut fries in a cone, served with a choice of 20+ original dipping sauces. Named the top 10 french fries in South Florida by Palm Beach-Broward New Times, Best French Fries also offers chicken tenders, Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, Navajo fry bread and other menu items available on request such as chicken wings, fried guacamole balls, fried corn on the cob, chips’n salsa and more.

If you’re looking for a unique, trendy idea to add excitement to your event, hop on the gourmet food truck craze. Delight your guests with delicious food served from the best food trucks in the area for a memorable event.

Note, we have a network of reliable local food trucks available if needed for large events.”

* Get On Up.

Jeff Eats has seen 9-mesmerizing singers live-in his day. In no particular order, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Karen Carpenter, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, Freddie Mercury, Smokey Robinson and James Brown. For sure I’ve seen other greats, but these 9-standout in my memory and yes-you read right, Karen Carpenter.

Buddies of mine at Universal Pictures recently told me, that preview audiences are raving about- Get On Up, the film bio-of legendary funk singer James Brown that opens August 1st in theaters nationwide.

Just a heads up,

Get On Up could be this Summer’s sleeper hit!

* Nick’s New Haven Style Pizzeria & Bar, 2444 North University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, (954) 800-7603.

Real simple, tomorrow-June 16th, Nick’s New Haven Style Pizzeria & Bar is opening in Coral Springs.

Printed below are a couple of Jeff Eats’ “stories” about Nick’s original Boca Raton location and plans for a second joint in Coral Springs.

All I can tell you- if Coral Springs is anything like (and Jeff Eats sees no reason why it shouldn’t be) the Boca Raton joint-the folks of Coral Springs are in for a real treat.

No fooling…

Boca Raton’s dynamite pizza/salads/subs/entrees/desserts-top shelf waitstaff-and owners Nick and Anthony who make it all happen “right” tells Jeff Eats that the Coral Springs’ location will be another homerun for Nick’s New Haven Style Pizzeria & Bar.

The call here-Coral Springs is a must try.

Nick’s is open Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10:30am, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-midnight, Sunday noon-10pm.

For more info www.nickspizzeriabar.com.
*****
* Nicks Pizzeria & Bar (Coral Springs)
Here’s a heads-up for you guys…

Nicks Pizzeria & Bar in Boca Raton is one of Jeff Eats’ favorite pizza joints…now for the skinny–a few months ago, Nicks signed a lease to open a second joint, this time in Coral Springs. Don’t have too many details, but from what I’ve heard…5,200 sq. ft. on Univeristy Drive, plans have been filed with the City, with permits being set to be issued this week… all things being equal–owners Nick and Anthony are looking to open mid-November 2013.

Like I said 12 seconds ago, Nicks Pizzeria & Bar is right-up there with my favorite South Florida pizza joints. Based on its Boca operation, you Coral Spings guys are in for a real treat. As I get details on the project, I’ll update this column.

Printed below, is Jeff Eats’ August 4, 2011 “review” of Nicks Pizzeria & Bar in Boca Raton which at that time had just opened its front door for business.
*****
Nicks Pizzeria & Bar (Boca Raton)
Posted on August 4th, 2011 · Boca Raton Italian Pizza
***** Nicks Pizzeria & Bar, 2240 Northwest 19th Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 368-2900.
As I’ve done numerous times in the past…let me tell you about a terrific joint that “basically” nobody else in South Florida knows about. Say hello to Nicks Pizzeria & Bar, which opened 2-days ago in Boca Raton. This restaurant is soooo-new, that a few days ago, its owners were still tinkering with its name…finally deciding on Nicks Pizzeria & Bar instead of the “original” handle—Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar.
Here’s the story…Last night I had dinner at this “coal fired” pizza joint–and I gotta tell you, it absolutely blew me away. First of all, for a joint opened only 2- days, the service was right on. The decor is dynamite, with a dark wood 1940s-1950s theme. There are inside booths/tables–outdoor tables. The joint has a full bar area/handful of flat screen tvs and a completly open kitchen. The piped in music, features doo wop, 1950′s-1960′s oldies…though I did hear a couple of Green Eyed Peas’ numbers in the mix.
Let’s talk food…all kinds of- appetizers, salads, wraps, subs (they call them grinders), pizza flats, pastas, desserts. You can do a GOOGLE on what “New Haven Style” pizza is all about…basically, crust-tomato sauce-romano cheese-oregano. NOTICE! there is no mozzarella cheese in the mix. Just so you know, in addition to “this” New Haven stuff, Nicks has “regular” coal oven pizzas, so you (us) New Yooorkers and other purists can get pizza that doesn’t “confuse.”
Last night I had dinner at Nicks. I “sampled” pan-fried mozzarella, steak & cheese grinder, New Haven Style plain pizza, margarita pizza (let’s call this one- New York Style), white clam-bacon-garlic pizza, parmesean fries, rigatoni bolognese…everything and I do mean everything was delicious. For dessert, I “tried” 4 of the 8 gelatos on the menu (I know- someone’s gotta do it!) milk chocolate, pistachio, lemon and coconut—this stuff alone, was worth the price of admission.
Another beautiful thing about Nicks is that it is located right next door– and I do mean right next door to a Weight Watcher Center. Just thought you point-counters would like that info.
Let me wrap this one up by simple saying…I loved Nicks. By the way, you can check menu/prices at www.nickspizzeriabar.com.
Nicks is open 7 days a week 11am-to late.

* LeAnn Rimes.

Way back on April 17th I told you guys that country western super-star LeAnn Rimes would be at the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach on Saturday-July 19, 2014…Not sure what you did -if anything with the info-but Jeff Eats just wanted you to know that a little birdie just told me, that only a handful of really good $25 tickets are left. So, if you want to see LeAnn Rimes -you had better get busy. For the record, tickets are priced at 25-50-80, but regular Jeff Eats’ readers know that “every” seat at this outdoor venue is good. Capice!

* LeAnn Rimes.
April 17, 2014.

Just heard that tomorrow-April 18, 2014 tickets go on sale for LeAnn Rimes who will be appearing at the Mardi Gras Casino on Saturday- July 19, 2014 at pm.

Check www.mardigrascasinofl.com for info/tickets.

Jeff Eats knows the “concert venue”-trust me, every seat is good. Not sure what the tickets are gonna run, but if history is any guide–Mardi Gras Casino won’t force you to take a second job to pay for them-and there won’t be absurd- Ticketmaster type handling fees attached.

Now not looking to start any debates or nothing, but you country-western fans gotta admit that it doesn’t come any bigger or better than LeAnn Rimes. Jeesh! Even- Brooklyn Boy Jeff Eats and Brooklyn Girl Mrs. Jeff Eats are huge fans–and we haven’t been on a horse (or shall I say pony) since we were 5-year olds.

Here’s some background on country western superstar LeAnn Rimes.
*****
LeAnn Rimes has sold more than 40 million albums, won two Grammy® Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Rimes is the youngest recipient of a Grammy® Award, and was also the first country recording artist to win in the “Best New Artist” category. Rimes has placed 42 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 13 of which are top-10 hits, and has scored numerous hit singles in her career, including “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” which went #1 in 11 countries, and “How Do I Live,” which is the second longest charting song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Having released more than ten studio albums, three compilation albums and two greatest hits albums in her illustrious career, Rimes set her sights and released her most personal album yet, Spitfire, in spring 2013. Her first single from the new album, “What Have I Done,” was released December 10, 2012.

Rimes is as an accomplished actress and author, including writing two children’s books Jag and Jag’s New Friend, as well as the novel, Holiday in Your Heart and the inspirational book What I Cannot Change. She also has a new book in its beginning stages focusing on life’s crossroads.

LeAnn has long-supported a variety of charity organizations including advocating for the National Psoriasis Foundation, The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes and StandUp For Kids. She most recently began work with The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

LeAnnRimesWorld.com



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***** Kernel Encore Gourmet Popcorn , 601 North Primrose Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803, (407) 897-7022.

I’m not exactly sure – when I first got hooked -but I’m thinking October, 1954! That’s when Jeff Eats fell in love with caramel corn and buttered popcorn. If recollection serves me correctly, it was those $.05 boxes of Cracker Jack and those $.10 cups of Loew’s Kings popcorn-that started the ball rolling.

Flash forward to-Father’s Day 2014…with Daughter Jeff Eats and Son Jeff Eats “delivering” to my home -a 2 gallon popcorn tin filled with caramel corn, a 2 gallon popcorn tin filled with caramel cashew/chocolate cherries/french toast/garlic cheddar/loaded baked potato/sea salt caramel and a 2 gallon popcorn tin filled with toffee/triple dipped chocolate carmel/two cheese/white chocolate drizzle macadamia nuts from gourmet popcorn store, Kernel Encore in Orlando-and I gotta tell you, definitely one of best Father’s Day gifts Ive gotten in the past 31 years.

Nothing for nothing, I know some of you guys are into the whole “neck tie” thing- but 6 gallons of popcorn is the way the Eats kids rolled this year.

From what I understand, Kernel Encore -has a retail outlet in Orlando, makes 237 flavored popcorns and ships all over the country. You can check www.kernelencorepopcorn.com for products/prices/other stuff. The retail location is open Monday-Thursday 11am-6:30pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, closed Sunday.

Let me wrap this up by telling you, Jeff Eats knows his caramel corn and Kernel Encore’s stuff is amazing-good. I’m also gonna let you in on a little secret, Kernel Encore’s “flavored” popcorn are also amazing-good…for sure some flavors top others, but Jeff Eats never looks a gift horse in the mouth.

Happy Pop’s Day!

* The Life.

Way back on May 13th- Jeff Eats told you guys about The Life which was set for a June 11th-July 27th run at the Delray Square Performing Arts in Delray Beach. I just wanted you guys to know that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats caught Opening Night- and this play is an absolute must see. Look! I’m no Clive Barnes, but I do know when I have been thoroughly entertained for 120 minutes by an intriguing storyline performed by strong actors/vocalists/dancers.

Trust me on this one, you will love this show…

Jeff Eats highly recommends that you spend some time with The Life.
*****
May 13, 2014.
* 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.”

* La Nouvelle Maison.

You guys do know, that on Jeff Eats’ ste–I’m not the only one who gets to play food “critic”…

With that in mind, printed below is long-time Jeff Eats’ reader Mike K’s “review” on a recent “pre-opening” that he attended.

When you got a good new one, or think you got a good new one, or think you got a new lousy one…do like Klein did, “review it up” and Jeff Eats will get your name up in lights (I mean print!). By the way the operative word here is NEW…if I haven’t written about “your” joint-you get your own writeup…if I beat you there, your writeup goes into the joint’s Comment-section…and that’s the name of that tune (courtesy Tony Baretta)!
*****
La Nouvelle Maison at 455 East Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton.

We attended the pre-opening of this upscale French restaurant. If you are a connoisseur of fine dining then I think this is the restaurant for you but be prepared to open your wallet because it doesn’t come inexpensively. I estimate that if you order a glass of wine, an appetizer, salad, entrée, dessert and coffee with tax and tip it will run between $ 100 to $ 150 per patron.

After check in you enter a large bar area that will be comfortable if you have wait for other guests in your party or for your table. There are at least 3 separate dining areas that have 10 or less tables so it is somewhat intimate. The area we sat has an open partition adjoining the bar and with the number of people attending the event was somewhat loud. I suspect that it will not be an issue during normal operation. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They served professionally as you would expect from a high end restaurant.

Now for the food. I do not eat seafood and most of the passings while we were there contained something from the sea. That said it means we have to rely on my wife’s opinion for most items. She sampled the creamy Langoustine bisque containing pieces of baby lobster which she said was excellent. I can attest to the quality of the steak tartare and the Brie puff pastry. The menu overall has something for everyone – steak, duck, chicken and various seafood items.

The restaurant is opening for business today, Friday 6/13. Reservations available through Open Table.

* ODYSSEY ROAD.

Way back on November 6, 2009 -Jeff Eats told you about Odyssey Road-one of America’s top Journey tribute bands. That article is reprinted below.

The band just announced a Free concert at Boca Raton’s- Mizner Park Amphitheater, Friday Night-July 11th at 7:30pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

I am telling you, if you are a Journey fan- this group is an absolute must see!

November 6, 2009
***** ODYSSEY ROAD *****

Last night I saw a Journey-tribute band…Odyssey Road.

Let me make this short and simple—Odyssey Road, which is based in West Palm Beach, sounds EXACTLY like Journey. Odyssey Road has to be one of the best tribute bands that I have ever-ever seen. This 5-man group put on an an abolutely amazing–2-hour concert, which left the crowd of 300 screaming for more.

Odyssey Road works all over South Florida. You can check its sound-videos-schedule at www.odysseyroadband.com.

If you love Journey’s music–you will love this band.

You will swear that Journey is on the stage.

* Happy Father’s Day-2014!

What’s Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is Mother’s Day without presents and a dinner out.

Who’s your favorite tv-father?

Two guesses as to Jeff Eats favorite-and the first guess doesn’t count!

One final thought, what ever happened to Chuck- who was the Cunningham’s oldest son in Season #1?

* Aluminum Foil.

Read this “one” on Daily Finance (dailyfinance.com) this morning.

No question in Jeff Eats’ mind–this is important stuff. Can’t believe that aluminum foil isn’t just for chewing on!
*****
“When it comes to laundry, you can skip the overpriced dryer sheets. Instead, take a piece of aluminum foil and crumple it into a ball that’s about 2-3 inches in diameter. Then place it in the dryer for a frugal way to eliminate static. The best part is that it can be reused over and over for up to six months.”