***** Rainbow Palace, 2787 Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306, (954) 565-5652.

House of Chan, if you like, you can go and “look” it up.

Suffice it to say, in the 1950s-1960s-1970s, the House of Chan located at 52nd Street and 7th Avenue, NYC- was one of America’s most famous upscale Chinese restaurants.

Old history (isn’t all history old?), Jeff Eats’ father had a “business” house account, so Jeff Eats, his brother, father and mother–enjoyed a number of meals at the House of Chan.

The House of Chan had fabulous food. The House of Chan had superb service. The House of Chan had a fabulous management team. The House of Chan had “style.”

No question in my mind, those House of Chan outings-shaped Jeff Eats’ thoughts on what upscale-dining is “suppose” to be.

Long story short,

The Rainbow Palace has fabulous food. The Rainbow Palace has superb service. The Rainbow Palace has a top shelf management team. The Rainbow Palace has “style.”

If you want TOP NOTCH CHINESE FOOD, TOP NOTCH UPSCALE SERVICE, A RESTAURANT WITH STYLE then get yourself over to the Rainbow Palace in Fort Lauderdale.

For those of you wondering as to what Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “had”-house wonton soup, crispy steak, sesame chicken, chef’s fried rice.

For what it’s worth,

Both Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats found the food off the chart-but please keep in mind that you and us-Eats may-be polar opposites- on what constitutes good-great-lousy etc. That’s why Jeff Eats and you should never bet the farm on what some “critic” has to say about any particular restaurant or dish.

Anyway,

Jeff Eats thought the food was terrific…

By the way, Rainbow’s prices aren’t exactly cheap. Just a word to the wise, the joint’s portions are large- so figure on sharing stuff- and don’t over order,

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

Rainbow Palace is open Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-10pm, Thursday noon-3pm & 5pm-10pm, Friday noon-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Saturday 5pm-11pm.

One final thought on this “food reviewing” thing…

How many times have you asked a total stranger who was leaving a movie theatre “What he or she thought about a picture?” See where Jeff Eats is going with this? As my Uncle Sam Ting (by marriage to my father’s sister) use to say…

* Third Annual Hot Dog Fest.

Literally, just got the below e-mail PR piece from the Mardi Gras Casino.

In a nutshell–on Sunday July 13th from noon-4pm the Mardi Gras is hosting a hot dog eating contest. In addition to the “contest”- there will be numerous food trucks serving up food to the crowd. The email indicates that Burger Beast www.burgerbeast.com is “running” the event. All I know- if Jeff Eats’ pals over at- Burger Beast are involved, then some of South Florida’s best food trucks are gonna be there. I’ve been to a number of Burger Beasts’ food truck events and they were terrific.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats -plans on being there…no, not as a contestant, but as a watcher-eater!

Looking forward to seeing you guys out there.
*****
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Mizrachi
lmizrachi@mardigrascasinofl.com
954-924-3160
CALENDAR LISTING
WHAT: Third Annual Hot Dog Fest hosted by Mardi Gras Casino, presented by Burger Beast

Food Truck Invasion hot dog vendors, along with other specialty food vendors will be onsite.
PLUS
Mardi Gras Casino 3rd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest
Participants will compete for the “Top Dog” prize of $500 and the winner’s belt for consuming the most hot dogs!
WHO: Steve Harmon, Big105.9’s on-air talent and Paul & Young Ron Morning Show Executive producer will be onsite to MC the Hot Dog Contest
DATES: Sunday, July 13, 2014
TIME: 12pm-4pm
FEE: $10 contest participation fee. To enter, please visit now through July 10th at Mardi Gras Casino Players’ Club.
WHERE: The Veranda at Mardi Gras Casino
831 North Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
877-55-SLOTS
For more information visit www.mardigrascasinofl.com or www.thehotdogfest.com

* Washington Redskins’ Trademark To be Canceled.

Just read this “news” on the AP-wire…

Since Jeff Eats is a Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and New York Giants fan—this Redskins’ “thing” is of no real concern to me–on a “basic” level…

That said, my money says that some Federal Court is gonna say that the US Patent Office can’t do this…

I was just thinking -based on the public “out cry”-the State of OKLAHOMA may have to change its name, the folks over in England may have to stop calling cigarettes FAGS, the Kansas City Chiefs may have some problems and atheists may not be too thrilled with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. Come to think of it, if somebody was real clever-they could even find fault with the Green Bay PACKERS name.

You- know what a Pandora’s Box is?
*****
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Patent Office ruled Wednesday that the Washington Redskins nickname is “disparaging of Native Americans” and that the team’s federal trademarks for the name must be canceled.

The 2-1 ruling comes after a campaign to change the name gained momentum over the past year. The team doesn’t immediately lose trademark protection and is allowed to retain it during an appeal, which is likely.

Redskins owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the team’s name, citing tradition, but there has been growing pressure including statements in recent months from President Barack Obama, lawmakers of both parties and civil rights groups.

The decision means that the team can continue to use the Redskins name, but it would lose a significant portion of its ability to protect the financial interests connected to its use. If others printed the name on sweatshirts, apparel, or other team material, it becomes more difficult to go after groups who use it without permission.

The case involves six registered trademarks that involve the use of the word Redskins, but it does not apply to the team’s logo.

The decision by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board is similar to one it issued in 1999. That ruling was overturned in 2003 in large part on a technicality after the courts decided that the plaintiffs should have filed their complaint soon after the Redskins registered their nickname in 1967.

The new case was launched in 2006 by a younger group of Native Americans, and was heard by the board in March of last year.

The group argued that the Redskins should lose their federal trademark protection based on a law that prohibits registered names that are disparaging, scandalous, contemptuous or disreputable.

Suzan Shown Harjo, one of the plaintiffs who testified at last year’s hearing, said she was “thrilled and delighted” with the decision. Snyder declined to speak to reporters as he walked off the practice field, but the team said it planned to release a statement later in the day.

In Washington, lawmakers who have pushed for a name change applauded the decision. In May, half of the Senate wrote letters to the NFL urging the team to change its name.

“Daniel Snyder may be the last person in the world to realize this, but it’s just a matter of time until he is forced to do the right thing and change the name,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has said previously he will not attend home games until the team changes its name.

***** Burgers & Shakes, 7401 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33141, (305) 866-1145.

Hole in the wall fast food hamburger- joint. Very limited indoor/outdoor seating. Order/pickup at counter. Handful of wines, 11 beers on tap/30 or so bottled.

For some reason, today- everybody plays Albert Einstein when it comes to hamburgers. This was too fatty, this was too pink, this was too soft. Enough with the TOOs…trust Jeff Eats on this one, there is way too much analyzing going on. To tell you the truth, I can’t recall the last time I had a burger that was so bad, that Jeff Eats didn’t finish it. For sure, some burgers are better than other burgers-but like 6 degrees of separation they are all kinda related.

Absolutely loved Burgers & Shakes’ flat top grilled cheeseburger, french fries, hot dog, onion rings and chocolate shake.

Not much more to tell you other than the joint is open 11am-4am 7days a week, plays classic rock and its website is www.burgers-and-shakes.com.

***** 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



— WE PAID OUT $1,351,117.36 YESTERDAY, DID YOU GET YOUR SHARE? — COME PLAY OUR SLOTS, VIDEO POKER, VIDEO BLACKJACK, AND ROULETTE! OR TRY YOUR HAND IN THE BIG EASY POKER ROOM! WE ALSO FEATURE LIVE GREYHOUND RACING AND YEAR-ROUND SIMULCAST WAGERING! — WE PAID OUT $1,351,117.36 YESTERDAY, DID YOU GET YOUR SHARE? — COME PLAY OUR SLOTS, VIDEO POKER, VIDEO BLACKJACK, AND ROULETTE! OR TRY YOUR HAND IN THE BIG EASY POKER ROOM! WE ALSO FEATURE LIVE GREYHOUND RACING AND YEAR-ROUND SIMULCAST WAGERING!

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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.”