* 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.”

***** Anna Maria Donuts, 210 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, Florida 34216, (941) 896-3172.

Very-very simple concept…

1. Retail donut store makes fresh vanilla cake donuts.
2. Customer fills out an “order sheet” and selects from 7-icings/coatings and 12-toppings to be “applied” to the donut.
3. Customer “if” he or she wants-watches customization of the donut(s).

Like I said, very-very simple concept.

You know what a variation on a theme is? This is “that”- that being, top your own “whatever it is.” You’ve seen it with subs, you’ve seen it with yogurt, you’ve seen it with ice cream, you’ve seen it with burgers.

Anna Maria Donuts gets $1.25 for a donut, $6.75 for a 1/2 dozen, $12 for a dozen. By the way, you can have as many icings/coatings/toppings as you like all for 1-price. Anna Maria has outdoor seating. Anna Maria also has fresh brewed coffee.

Now, for starters- this Anna Maria Donuts joint is assuming that you like cake donuts–if you don’t, you can stop reading right about now. In Jeff Eats case, I never met a donut that I didn’t like–of course I liked some better than others.

Anyway,

Until yesterday, Jeff Eats had never heard of Anna Maria Island no-less Anna Maria Donuts. The way I “heard”- is that friends of Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats came to visit us–and these Bradenton, Florida folks brought us 2- dozen Anna Maria Donuts…apparently Bradenton is near/close to Anna Maria Island. For crying out loud, it’s Jeff Eats the food blogger not Jeff Eats the geographer!

Anyway,

When “we” got the donuts, they were not hot/warm…but they were fresh- having been made something like 5 hours earlier. The Bradenton folks “designed” 24 different donuts for us…included in the box were combos such as- chocolate/bacon, chocolate/peanuts/crushed graham crackers, maple/bacon/peanuts, glazed/coconut, caramel/crushed oreo cookies…and I gotta tell you, all of the donuts were delicious. Like I said, the donuts weren’t right off the conveyor belt–and the guess here, that a hot/warm donut would have taken the donuts from-the delicious status to the amazing delicious status. For sure, some of the combinations were better than others…but, keep in mind these are customer “creations” so GOD only knows what these things- could end up tasting like.

At this stage of the game you can check www.annamariadonuts.com for menu/prices/other stuff.

One final note, I understand that Anna Maria Island is a very touristy-area. No real reason to comment on the “business” aspect side of this enterprise–other than to say, that Jeff Eats can definitely see “something” like this working where there is a strong tourist-crowd.

Anna Maria Donuts is open Tuesday-Sunday 7am-1pm, closed on Monday.

***** Burgers & Suds, 360 East McNab Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060, (954) 586-4258.

There are only 3 things in life that are certain…

1. Death
2. Taxes.
3. After Jeff Eats buys a stock it goes down.

Anyway,

In past stories (Rev. 7/13/13 & 2/21/14) Jeff Eats told you guys about Burgers & Suds- a terrific full service burger joint that made absolutely delicious burgers/hot dogs/flat breads/wings/salads/sandwiches–back then, Burgers & Suds was a hole-in-the-wall on Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

To make a long story short,

Three days ago, Burgers & Suds moved to a new location, 360 East McNab Road, Pompano Beach, (954) 586-4258. The new spot seats something like 110 inside and 20 outside…it has a small beer/wine bar that seats maybe 10.

Now please pay close attention…

Last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate at Burgers & Suds and I am telling you–this joint is going to be a HOME RUN…actually, make that a GRAND SLAM. The cheeseburger/char-grilled hot dog/french fries/sweet potato fries/grilled chicken wrap/bacon wrapped chicken wings–were terrific. Trust Jeff Eats, the stuff coming out of Burgers & Suds’ kitchen is in a whole ‘nother league from what most South Florida burger/American Style restaurants are serving. Just that simple.

Try Burger & Suds…my money says that you’ll love it!

Jeff Eats’ articles dated 7/13/13 and 2/21/14 are reprinted below.

Burgers & Suds is open 7 days a week 10am-10pm.

You can check menu/prices at www.burgerssuds.com.
*****
“…Finding the best joints in South Florida”
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AmericanBreakfast* Burger & Suds (Fort Lauderdale)
Posted on February 21st, 2014 · American Breakfast Fort Lauderdale · [edit]
lburger suds

* Burger & Suds.

The other day Jeff Eats received the following e-mail…

Hey Jeff,
My wife and I recently moved to Fort Lauderdale and came across your site when we were looking for restaurants to try.
You really have a load of reviews and we enjoyed reading about many of your picks.
We are very new to the area so we are just getting our feet wet in finding places to go and could use some help.
For starters, what in your opinion is the best relatively unknown ‘hole in the wall’ that does salads, burgers, sandwiches?
Thanks,
JN
****
JN:

Printed below is a July 13, 2013 story that Jeff Eats did on Burgers & Suds located in Fort Lauderdale. You can check menu/prices at www.burgerssuds.com.

Jeff Eats absolutely loves this joint.

No question in my mind, that Burger & Suds is one of the best “hole in the walls” in South Florida.

The food is amazing.
*
Burgers & Suds (Fort Lauderdale)
Posted on July 13th, 2013 · American Breakfast Fort Lauderdale Pizza
***** Burgers & Suds, 261 East Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334, (954) 772-8007.
You guys can thank me later!
Last night, Jeff Eats ate at Burgers & Suds…for our purposes- let’s call it an “American-Style” hole-in-the-wall that serves salads, burgers, wings, pizzas, sandwiches/wraps, tacos/burritos, Saturday-Sunday breakfast. The name Burgers & Suds is a bit deceiving…for sure, the joints- got 13 different burgers and something like 10 different bottled beer brands—but as I mentioned 2 seconds ago, there is a load of other “items” to stuff your face with.
Before I get into what I “tried”—let me tell, if you want to eat some outrageously good food—then you gotta go to Burgers & Suds. By the way, the joint has only been open…5-months.
I think you guys know by now, that Jeff Eats has eaten in his fair share of South Florida restaurants. Trust me on this, Burgers & Suds’ food is heads and shoulders better than most of the joints that I have been to.
Just so you know, Burgers & Suds looks like an absolute “dump” inside and outside…the inside has a bar that seats maybe 6 and 3 hi-tops that seat 9—the awning covered outside patio has a handful of tables with seating for 24…do the math—we are talking a total of 39 seats for the whole joint.
Before Jeff Eats goes any further, let me tell you that Burgers & Suds is my kinda of a joint or shall I say dump? I seriously doubt that most people looking at Burgers & Suds for the first time-would even consider eating there…
I’m sure, that you-know the old saying…”Don’t judge a book by its cover”—well, Burgers & Suds could be the poster-child for that famous line.
Last night, Jeff Eats’ party of-4 “had”…honey garlic wings (10 wings $8.95), Greek salad ($5.95), 1/2lb cheeseburger with onion rings ($8.95), chicken wrap with sweet potato fries ($7.95), 10″ margarita pizza ($7.95), lamb burger with French fries ($10.95) and the food was amazingly good. No fooling around here, I would rate the cheeseburger right up there with the best that I’ve had ANYWHERE. Let me go as far and say—every item that we had was terrific and could hold its own against South Florida’s best of breed.
Burgers & Suds was a rare find. This joint isn’t some-guy throwing pre-formed frozen burger patties on a grill…the joint is supplied daily by a local butcher shop…hamburgers are charbroiled while lamb burgers are flat-top grilled—salad dressings are made in-house. The back-of-the-house really knows how to “cook” and portion size/price points tells me that a real “pro” is running Burger & Suds.
For right now, I’m thinking-that not too many people know about this joint- but, I’m willing to bet you a breakfast/lunch/or dinner–your choice, that this anonymity won’t last too much longer. There is no way that food like this—doesn’t find a gigantic audience.
For you “drinkers”–in addition to 10 bottled beer-brands, Burgers & Suds has a handful of wines by the glass/bottle…
For you “sports people”– there are 2 big flat screen tvs inside and 1 big flat screen outside.
Not to be too repetitious or nothing—but I’m telling you, you gotta try this joint!
You can check www.burgerssuds.com for menu/prices.
Burgers & Suds is open for lunch/dinner Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-9pm (breakfast 8am-noon).

* Jersey Mike’s Subs.

This is not a story about national-franchised sub chain- Jersey Mike’s Subs.

The other day, Jeff Eats “saw” the guy pictured above–and I gotta tell you, this BODY SUIT (or whatever it is) type of advertisement is absolutely brilliant.

We’ve all seen corner sign spinners and cars wrapped in advertisements…but this body-suit thing was a new one for me.

Just so you know, based on that- guy, next week-Jeff Eats -is going to “do” lunch at Jersey Mike’s Subs. Forgetting the Jeff Eats’ part of the equation- isn’t my eating there exactly what Jersey Mike’s was hoping I’d do? Throw in the fact that I’m also talking about the “guy” and Jersey Mike’s Subs-and I’d say that this particular form of advertisement worked.

Absolutely loved this funky-cool way of spreading the word.

* Ramones.

Jeff Eats recently received the following e-mail from reader ZED…

Jeff:

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading Jeff Eats. It’s totally different from all of the other food blogs out there. Your take on things is always insightful and I really enjoy your sense of humor.

I just finished re-reading your “Could’a, Should’a, Would’a” story and your reference to your having seen the Ramones live in 1974. I was just wondering if you got the idea for Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats, Daughter Jeff Eats, Son Jeff Eats, Jiggy The Dog Jeff Eats from the Ramones? You know, Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Tommy Ramone, Johnny Ramone!

Keep up the great work!

ZED
*****
ZED:

Thanks for the kind words.

Interesting theory on the Jeff Eats “names”–but the Ramones never entered my mind when I came up with the idea-consciously that is!

On the Ramones, many believe that the Ramones last-name-idea was based on Paul McCartney’s use of the name Paul Ramone when The Beatles were known as The Silver Beatles.

For what it’s worth- but only a member of the Ramones can really tell you–I heard way back in 1974 that the Ramones were huge fans of record producer Phil Ramone and that’s where the name came from. Like I said, only a Ramone can tell you for sure.

By the way, attached is a drop of background on Phil Ramone (www.philramone.com) who is one of the greatest Rock N Roll producers of all time.
*****
Phil Ramone – Master Music Maker

Phil Ramone is one of the most respected and prolific music producers in the recording industry.

With 33 Grammy nominations, 14 Grammy Awards, including a Technical Grammy for his lifetime of innovative contributions to the recording industry, an Emmy, and numerous honors and accolades to his credit, Ramone’s musical acumen and his use of audio technology are unmatched among his peers. Acknowledged as one of the top creative producers, Ramone has also played an integral role in pioneering many of the technological developments in the music industry over the years. He ardently supported the use of the compact disc, digital video disc, hi-definition recording and surround sound. Appropriately, the first CD ever pressed, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street, was a Phil Ramone production as was the first pop DVD release, Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story. His use of a fiber optics system (EDNet) to record tracks in “real time” from different locations for Frank Sinatra’s Duets I & II was a groundbreaking achievement. In 2005, Ramone was a recipient of the first Grammy given for Best Surround Sound Album, Ray Charles Genius Loves Company.

Ramone’s unique skills make him invaluable to the artists with whom he works. His impeccable list of credits includes collaborations with artists such as: Burt Bacharach, Bono, Ray Charles, Chicago, Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Renee Fleming, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Quincy Jones, BB King, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Liza Minnelli, Sinead O’Connor, Luciano Pavarotti, Peter/Paul and Mary, Andre Previn, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Phoebe Snow, Rod Stewart, and Stevie Wonder.

Ramone has long been recognized for the diversity of his work, as evidenced by his recordings with artists ranging from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Queen Latifah, Ruben Studdard, kd Lang, Keith Urban, Wynonna and the Dixie Chicks to Michael Buble, Dave Koz, John Legend, and Juanes. The 2006 Tony Bennett Duets, An American Classic, which Phil produced, pairs Tony with some of the industries most honored musicians including Bono, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, and Sting.

A passionate fan of all forms of entertainment, Ramone has numerous concert, film, Broadway and television productions to his credit to include A Star is Born, August Rush, Beyond the Sea, Flashdance, Ghostbusters, Midnight Cowboy, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Passion, Seussical, Simon and Garfunkel: The Concert In Central Park, Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards, The Score, VH1/BBC Queens Jubilee Party at the Palace, and The Good Thief.

Ramone is also extremely active in music and service related organizations. He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), a Co-Chairman of the Producers and Engineers Wing, and is a former Trustee of the MusiCares Foundation, producing their annual pre-Grammy tribute (honorees include James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Sting, Bono, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti). Ramone is a champion of music educational programs and serves on the boards of the National Mentoring Partnership, and the Berklee College of Music. He serves as a Trustee of the National Academy of Popular Music and the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress. He is a founding member of META (The Music & Engineering Technology Alliance), an elite group of producers and engineers facilitating the establishment of high-quality music recording and delivery by uniting audio professionals, consumer electronics manufacturers, music enthusiasts and technology providers.

* The Lobby Bar/Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Way back on a June 7, 2007 Jeff Eats told you about the “free” bands that played The Lobby Bar at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Anyway,

There is an old Brooklyn saying–Free is good… That’s if the bands are good.

Anyway,

The Lobby Bar has 3 top notch tribute bands coming in…

Friday-Saturday 5/9-5/10—7pm-10pm…Jaggered Edge (Rolling Stones).
Friday-Saturday 5/16-5/17–7pm-10pm…Nowhere Band (Beatles).
Friday-Saturday 5/23-5/24–7pm-10pm…Chris MacDonald (Elvis).

Just so you know, Jeff Eats has seen all three acts and they are all real-strong.

The next move is up to you…free is good if the bands are good!

* Brooklyn’s Best.

Every so often Jeff Eats is asked to recommend reasonably priced “music and other entertainment” for parties/restaurants/bars/events…trust me, I do my best to give you guys some real good performers.

If you check Jeff Eats under “OTHER” you will find a number of South Florida- solo acts, bands, track groups, comedians, –after I see/hear them I list them for you.

Anyway,

Last night I caught Brooklyn Best…a relatively new South Florida based- track-duo that covers the 50’s to the 80’s and I gotta tell you-these guys are really-good. I especially enjoyed Brooklyn Best’s Sinatra, Como and doo wop covers.

Brooklyn Best’s members -Ralph Roberts and Mario Russo…can be reached at (954) 756-5727 or (561) 483-2521.

* Old McDonald Has A Farm! Here A Chick There A Chick!

I don’t know about you, but Jeff Eats has a number of family members and friends (you guys know who you are) who think that eating chicken is healthier than eating beef-pork…really don’t have the time or inclination to get into a “debate” on the merits of the claim…other than to say, that Jeff Eats never meet a fried chicken wing that he didn’t like.

With that in mind- I thought that you folks might enjoy reading a recent Chicken- article which Jeff Eats read on Daily Finance www.dailyfinance.com.
*****
Understanding Chicken Labels
By Savings Experiment Staff Posted 10:00AM 05/08/14
Tags: chicken, groceries, grocery shopping, organic, shopping, savings experiment
Buying a chicken isn’t as easy as it used to be. Here’s what the many different labels really mean and how to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Choosing the Best Type of Chicken
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If you’ve ever searched the aisles for healthy chicken, you know there are a lot of options out there, but what do these labels really mean, and how can you make sure you’re getting what you pay for?
We’ve all heard the term “farm raised,” but according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this label simply means that a chicken was born and raised on a farm. It doesn’t define how they were treated. Technically, all chickens are farm-raised, so this label really has no mean Another term to watch out for is “natural.” While it’s a popular marketing phrase, this label doesn’t carry an weight either.
You’ve also probably seen the label “hormone-free.” What most people don’t know is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration already prohibits the use of any artificial hormones in the production of poultry. That means any brand of chicken can be labeled “hormone-free.”
Another term that can be deceiving is “free range.” There are currently no industry standards that specifically define what a “free range” farm is. It could be anything from an open yard to a small, penned-in area.
As a result, 99 percent of poultry labeled “free range” simply isn’t. You’ll have to go to a local farm or farmer’s market to get true free-range chicken.
Lastly, we have “organic,” which is the only label that guarantees certain standards. This term means that there are no antibiotics used, and that 100 percent of the chicken’s feed must be grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides and other genetically-modified organisms for at least three years.
While these chickens may be more expensive, they’re also much more nutritious and definitely worth the extra cost. So remember, sometimes the real savings happen when you know what you are buying.

* Balloon Masterz Entertainment, 10332 Willow Oaks Trail, Boynton Beach, Florida 33473, (954) 296-2624.

For something like 20 years, Jeff Eats has been hearing about- Bobby The Balloon Guy…last night, I finally I got to meet and watch the “MAN”- considered by many to be the best “balloon twister” in America.

Nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats is far from being an expert on the “balloon twisting” industry… What I do know, is that every time I’ve been to a restaurant, festival, party- when there is a “balloon twister”- kids and adults lineup to get one made…

Now trust me on this, there are balloon twisters and then there are BALLOON TWISTERS. The stuff that Bobby was cranking out last night was incredible–I’m talking intricate-detailed sculptures. Just so you know, this guy doesn’t make those lame- Black Magic Marker Dotted Eyed Dogs that you see all over…so if Black Magic Marker Dotted Eyed Dogs that you see all over– are what you are looking for, forget Bobby The Balloon Man he’s not for you!

In talking with Bobby The Balloon Man-I learned that he started Balloon Masterz in 1992 and has been working South Florida ever since. In addition to balloons, Balloon Masterz also provides all types of novelty services such as photo booths/magicians/face painting.

You can check Bobby The Balloon Guy out at www.balloonmasterz.com.

***** Falafel Gourmet, 4344 State Road 7, Coral Springs, Florida 33073, (954) 752-8340.

Falafel Gourmet is a Mediterranean Market…the joint has a handful of outdoor tables where “prepared food” can be eaten.

Jeff Eats has been a steady-customer since 2009 in that Falafel Gourmet is my go to place for hookah flavors/supplies…and if you believe that, I got this bridge in Brooklyn that I want to sell you!

Anyway,

To make this story easy, Jeff Eats has “attached” Falafel Gourmet’s Take-Out Menu which includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, plates.

A recent outing had me “trying” spinach pie, falafel, beef kabob pita sandwich–and I gotta tell you, Falafel Gourmet makes delicious stuff.

To wrap things up…

Falafel Gourmet is basically a Mediterranean grocery store–it also makes dynamite food that can be taken-out/or eaten outside on the sidewalk.

Falafel Gourmet is open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm and Sunday 10am-8pm.