* Across The Universe At Meatball Room-June 28th.

Here’s a heads-up for you guys.

Way back on March 8, 2014- Italian restaurant- Meatball Room did a Beatles’ dinner/show-“starring” tribute band… Across The Universe.

If you are bored and got nothing to do, you can scroll around and read Jeff Eats’ past stories on Meatball Room and Across The Universe.

Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and a whole bunch of friends were there-and Across The Universe killed it. The band has to be ranked right up there with the best Beatles’ tribute groups in America.

Now, I didn’t check Meatball Room’s books or nothing, but I’m guessing that something like 700+ where at the dinner/show…and from what I saw that evening- everyone enjoyed the food/booze/music.

Now, you don’t have to be an accountant, or mathematician to figure this one out…

This coming Saturday-June 28th from 7pm-11pm- Across The Universe is back at Meatball Room. Last time it was an “order off the menu” thing…this time it’s an all you can eat $44.95 buffet.

Now, common sense tells me, that Meatball Room must have-shall we say-done quite handsomely with Across The Universe to warrant this return appearance.

Just so you know, this is an outdoor patio event.

I will tell you, Meatball Room did a great job with staging/lighting/sound as well as table setups…and March 8th was like a big private party…

Anyway, if you are so inclined,

You can make reservations:
Meatball Room
3011 Yamato Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33434
(561) 409-4111.
Check:
meatballroom.com for video/other stuff.
acrosstheuniverseband.com for video/other stuff.

* Red Robin’s Burger Works.

Just a heads-up,

Red Robin -the national full service “American-Style” chain (which features-hamburgers) with something like 500 restaurants…has for the past 18 months been rolling-out a new fast food burger concept–Red Robin’s Burger Works.

Simple-deal, order at the counter/pick up at the counter.

For right now, 4 in Colorado, 1 in Illinois, 1 in Ohio, 1 under construction in Illinois, 1 under construction in Washington D.C.

Pretty basic menu…burgers, handful of sandwiches, fries, shakes.

You can check rrburgerworks.com for menu/prices/locations/other stuff.

Just so we are straight, Jeff Eats has yet-to eat in a Red Robin’s Burger Works.

Thought you might like to know, that several folks in the commercial real estate arena…recently told me, that Red Robin Burger Works is looking at a number of potential South Florida sites.

I know, I know! The fast food burger space is awfully crowded down here…but if Red Robin’s Burger Works wants to “come” I say “Come On Down” (courtesy of The Price Is Right).

You know and Jeff Eats knows, that one of these days there is gonna be a huge shakeout in the fast food “gourmet” burger arena. Can’t give you the exact date, but it’s coming! Five Guys-Burger Fi-Shake Shack-Smashburger-Elevation Burger-Fat Burger-Shula Burger-Bobby’s Burger Palace-Wayback Burger-etc. Oh! It’s- a coming!

Just thought you guys might like to hear about a new player with its eye on South Florida.

* Juke Box Generation Series 2014-2015.

For $105-you get 4-shows. An Absolute Great Deal!

Jeff Eats has seen all 4-shows and they are terrific productions.

Over the years, I’ve caught a number of productions at the Duncan Theatre-(located on Palm Beach State’s campus)–and every seat is A-OK. Just so you know, this series in past years has sold out, so if you want to “go” I’d suggest that you move-fast!.

You can buy tickets at the box office, by mail, by phone.

Duncan Theatre
Palm Beach State College
4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, Florida 33461
Tickets:
(561) 868-3309
www.palmbeachstate.edu.
****
2014 – 2015
Schedule

Darlene Love:
The Christmas Special
Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
8:00PM

The Doo Wop Project
Friday, February 6, 2015
8:00PM

Rave On!
The Buddy Holly Experience
Friday, February 20, 2015
8:00PM

1964… The Tribute
Thursday, March 5, 2015
8:00PM

***** Goldmans Bagel Deli, 2796 North Roosevelt Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040, (305) 294-3354.

Goldmans is a New York Kosher Style Bagel/Deli joint. Counter/booth/table seating.

Goldmans has all kinds of breakfast stuff, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads…the joint boils/bakes its own bagels-there are 12 different types of bagels.

You can check menu/prices/photos at www.goldmansdeli.com.

Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and a couple of friends recently did lunch at Goldman’s-and I gotta tell you… the pastrami on rye, corned beef on rye, chicken salad on a toasted everything bagel, tuna salad on a toasted whole wheat bagel, potato salad/cole slaw were-real good.

Based on “this” outing…Goldman’s has to- rank right up there with the best of South Florida’s bagel/deli joints.

Goldmans is a good joint to know about- if you live in Key West or just visiting-like we were.

Goldmans Bagel Deli is open Monday-Saturday 7am-4pm,Sunday 7am-3pm.

***** DISH OF THE WEEK (Sunday- 6/22/14).

One of Jeff Eats’ favorite menu items…

Veal Chop Parmigiana comes with soup/or salad, pasta side, garlic rolls…
$22

Nino’s of Boca Raton
7120 Beracasa Way
Boca Raton
(561) 392-9075
ninosofboca.com
Latest Review: 5/19/14

Jeff Eats has had this veal chop tons of times and it always blows me away. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

***** That Pie Place, 6355 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, 30328, (770) 394-4743.

You guys do know -that Jeff Eats comes across all kinds of food-restaurant “concepts” in his daily travels. With that in mind, first let me tell you, that most of the concepts that I see, read, hear about -aren’t really-all that good. Nothing for nothing, but the number of restaurant failures in this country should be telling folks, that this food-restaurant business is a real-tough industry. Now you and I both know that many things go into “failure”…location, crap food, crap service, abusive rent, crap employees, crappy management-the list goes on and on.

So,

It’s really nice to see a relatively new food-restaurant concept (about 18 months)–that has a shot to be a homerun…namely- That Pie Place- in Atlanta, Georgia.

Real simple concept on “paper”… stand alone-fast food operation that specializes in HAND HELD PIES…something like 20 different ones.

That Pie Place says about itself…
“Our menu was created using select choices of quality ingredients. Using fresh meats, cheeses and vegetables prepared in house by our skilled team of professional culinary supervisors and assembled to order by a well trained staff. Order from our premiere signature pie menu or create your own from a list of available ingredients.
Every pie is hand crafted using a unique formula containing zero trans fat. The restaurant Executive Chef has many years of baking experience and has formulated a dough, made from scratch in house with a mouth watering buttery flavor and flaky finish.
That Pie Place is a fast casual concept using recognizable foods from around the world to create an experience that is unforgettable. The pies once assembled before your eyes are then transferred to the industry’s fastest ovens to be baked to perfection within minutes, nothing fried here. Once baked the pies are beautifully golden brown and because they are self contained in the crust, they remain hot for an extended period of time, making them completely portable for on the go eaters.
Through organization, planning and executing our recipes to precision, we can make our pies a unique experience from breakfast, lunch and dinner. No matter if dining in, taking out or visiting for a late night snack after the movies or dinner somewhere else, our dessert pie selection is like no other in fast casual dining.
Also available to accompany our pies is a choice of sides, soups and salads prepared on site using the same quality and fresh ingredients as our pies”

There’s an old Croatian saying, that 1 picture is worth a 1,000 words–or something like that. Checkout the pictures below and honestly tell me-that you wouldn’t want to eat in this joint.

Mark my words, the guys behind- That Pie Place are gonna figure out that “yes” this concept works as a stand-alone business, but the real money is in America’s fast-food courts.

I’m telling you– the CONCEPT AND THE FOOD ARE DYNAMITE…the philly cheesesteak, s’mores, chicken cordon bleu pies that I “tried” were off the shelf.

You can check www.thatpieplaceusa.com for menu/prices/other stuff.

That Pie Place is open, Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm, closed on Sunday.

Paradise Shave Ice.

Jeff Eats recently caught-up with this food truck which “covers” Dade, Broward, Palm Beach- Martin Counties.

Paradise Shave Ice makes the most amazing “shave ice” that I have ever eaten. Forget about all the dumpy hold up-ridden 7-Elevens and crappy carnivals that you’ve had the pleasure to find yourself at. The stuff that Paradise Shave makes -rivals the best gelato/soft serve ice cream/yogurt/custard/hard ice cream/Italian ice that you’ve eaten.

Let’s wrap this up, Paradise Shave Ice blew me away.

You can follow this truck at www.paradisecups.com.

* Replay America.

Got something terrific for you 80’s Rock N Roll fans out there.

The reprinted PR piece has all the details that you need.

Just checked, there are a ton of good seats still available.

* Please see Jeff Eats’ June 4, 2013–Hard Rock Live -Tickets For Less Than Face…

*****

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 6, 2014) – This summer, the “Replay America” tour will celebrate the biggest stars and hits from the ‘80s at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 4 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. Fans will have access to presale tickets beginning Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. through Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s Facebook, Twitter and Google+ pages.

This is the first time in the U.S. that these revered artists will share a stage and perform the biggest hits of the iconic era. Heading the tour is much loved 1980s all-girl pop pioneers The Go-Go’s. Other artists include Patty Smyth of Scandal, Martha Davis and The Motels, Cutting Crew and Naked Eyes. The performers will play numerous hits including: Vacation, We Got The Beat, Our Lips Are Sealed, Head Over Heels, The Warrior, Goodbye To You, Only The Lonely, I Just Died In Your Arms, Always Something There To Remind Me, and many more.

Originally formed in 1978, The Go-Go’s are an all-female American rock band that made history as the first all-female band that wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard album charts.

The band is best known for such hits as We Got The Beat, Our Lips Are Sealed, Head Over Heels and Vacation.

The group’s debut album “Beauty and the Beat” topped the album charts for six weeks in 1982 and went double platinum in the U.S. The album is largely considered to be one of the cornerstones of American new wave music, and the popular album opener Our Lips Are Sealed has been named one of the “Top 100 Pop Singles of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.

Today, Beauty and the Beat remains one of the most successful debut albums, with an estimated three million copies sold. It was also included in Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.

The Hollywood Walk of Famers continue to be one of pop-rock and new wave’s top musical performers. They have sold more than seven million albums and will be inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame in June.

Patty Smyth of Scandal burst onto the scene in 1982 with a self-titled debut that turned out to be the best-selling EP in Columbia Records history, featuring the hit single, Goodbye to You. Her 1992 solo album turned out to be a career peak. Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough, a song Patty wrote and featuring a performance by Don Henley, became Smyth’s biggest hit ever. The song reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and stayed there for six consecutive weeks, and was named BMI song of the Year.

Martha Davis and The Motels self-titled debut was greeted with positive critical reviews in 1979 and exploded in Australia on the strength of the #2 Pop single, Total Control. In 1981 their sophomore effort, “Careful,” went Top 50. In 1982, the Motels released “All Four One” featuring smash single Only The Lonely which rocketed into the Top 10, and immediately propelled the album to gold status. 1983’s “Little Robbers” featured top singles Suddenly Last Summerand Remember The Nights. In 1985, “Shock” produced the Top 20 hit, Shame. In 1987 Davis released her first solo effort, “Policy”.

Cutting Crew released their debut album “Broadcast” which spawned their biggest hit (I Just) Died in Your Arms in 1986. The band follow up single I’ve Been In Love Before spent three weeks on the chart, leading to the group’s Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist in 1987.

Naked Eyes rose to prominence in the early 1980s. Originally a duo, the band is known largely for its four top 40 singles including chart topper, (There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me. Subsequent hits include Promises, Promise, When the Lights Go Out, and (What) In the Name of Love. In 2007, Naked Eyes released “Fumbling with the Covers”, an acoustic album which consisted of covers of Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Elvis Costello, along with Naked Eyes hits.

Tickets cost $64, $54 & $44;* all seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

***** Lola’s on Harrison, 2032 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020, (954) 927-9851.

For our purposes Jeff Eats is gonna call Lola’s a “semi-upscale” American Style joint…full liquor bar/indoor-outdoor patio seating.

Right off the bat you should know that- Jeff Eats really enjoyed Lola’s.

That said-I will tell you, that I found the menu a drop on the limited side… but there are enough appetizers, salads, entrees-so no body in your party is gonna starve or nothing.

You can check www.lolasonharrison.com for menu/prices/other stuff.

Just so you know, Lola’s is strictly a dinner-deal, so don’t plan on eating a leisurely Sunday lunch there.

A recent outing had Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “trying” Caesar Salad ($10), Coca-Cola BBQ Beef Ribs ($29-with onions rings and herb creamed corn), Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($14) and Pan Seared Branzino ($24-fire roasted ratatouille and garlic aioli)–the food was excellent. I will tell you, those beef ribs were worth the price of admission alone. Service was extremely competent. On the price front, not exactly one of Jeff Eats’ cheaper-dates, but I did mention at the top of this story, that this was a “semi-upscale” joint, didn’t I?

Lola’s is open Sunday 5pm-9pm, Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-11pm, closed on Monday.