* FloridaMarijuanaInfo.Org.

I don’t know about you, but in recent months Jeff Eats’ e-mail has been bombarded with different articles pro-con concerning the legalization of marijuana in Florida. The latest e-mail received- is from a pro-legalization organization known as FloridaMarijuanaInfo.Org. Jeff Eats found the site to contain some very interesting and thought provoking articles!

Now follow me,

We all know that- Jeff Eats is primarily a “food blog”…that many believe that marijuana causes the “munchies”…that “munchies” are food…(you can run the string out for yourself).

On a serious not, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is a very serious question. There are strong arguments on both side of the fence.

I thought that you some of you guys might like to follow the “issue”…and that www.FloridaMarijuanaInfo.Org would be a good site to get the ball rolling.

* The Beatlemaniax.

Jeff Eats is gonna give you two guesses as to what “type” of tribute band–The Beatlemaniax are-the first guess doesn’t count.

You know and I know that Beatles’ tribute bands are like Chins in a Chinese phonebook…a ton of them. Just a hunch, but I’d be willing to bet -that there has to be something like 500,000,000 of them worldwide.

To the point,

Jeff Eats recently caught South Florida based- The Beatlemaniax and I gotta tell you that the “lads” were really good…The band covers The Beatles 1962-1966– dresses the part, got the haircuts, got the right brand equipment and has a left handed bassist.

The Beatlemaniax play clubs/bars/restaurants/festivals all over South Florida…the group also works for cruise lines and Florida casinos.

I don’t know about you, but Jeff Eats “loves” The Beatles. No question in my mind, they “are” the greatest Rock N’ Roll band of all time. For what it’s worth- I find the bands’ music absolutely infectious.

To wrap this one up…

Over the years, Jeff Eats has seen a number of Beatles’ tribute bands (as a matter of fact, I first saw The Beatlemaniax in 5/2011) and every time-the crowd had an absolute blast listening/ dancing to the music.

If you’re a “fan”–check www.beatlemaniax.net and see if The Beatlemaniax have an upcoming date that works for you.

Just a quick note, if you enter The Beatles in Jeff Eats’- SEARCH BOX…it will bring up- other Beatles’ bands/shows that have been “reviewed” by Jeff Eats.

The Beatles-stuff is all good!

So Enjoy!

* Blues Brothers Soul Band At Meatball Room on May 10th 2014.

Jeff Eats gotta hand it to the owners of relative newcomer- Meatball Room…they are really trying to differentiate their “semi-upscale” Boca Raton-Italian restaurant from the rest of the competition…

Here’s what I’m talking about-seemingly every night–the restaurant has some type of live music entertainment…from djs, to duos, to solo acts, to tribute bands, to revue shows–Meatball Room has a constant lineup of local South Florida acts-performing inside/outside during the evening. Most of the “performances” are complimentary–while others are tied -in with Dinner-Deals.

Take a look at Meatball’s website www.meatballroom for menu/prices/entertainment schedule.

To the point…

On Saturday Night-May 10th…

Meatball Room on its outdoor patio has the “Blues Brothers Soul Band”–one of the premier Blues Brothers’ tribute bands in the country. Trust Jeff Eats on this one-I’ve seen this “act” (see Review 11/26/10) and it will have the crowd eating (pun intended) from the palms of its hands. From what I’m hearing–this 3 hour show will be tied to an All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet priced at $34.95 per person. You can check www.bluesbrothersoulband.com for the band’s complete schedule/videos.

For what it’s worth-Jeff Eats knows that in the end -THE FOOD makes or breaks a restaurant…so it’s up to Meatball Room to cover all the bases…with that in mind, based on the plain pizza/penne ala vodka/chicken parm that Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats had last night– the bet here is that Meatball Room has the winning formula.

* The Headliners Band.

Every so often Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats get invited to a wedding or other social event-where my tee shirt/shorts ensemble doesn’t quite work. It’s -dressing for those events that Jeff Eats is reminded that he no longer wears a 15/32 shirt or a 40 regular suit/tuxedo.

Anyway,

A couple of weeks ago, we caught -The Headliners an 11-piece Florida based wedding/corporate event band in action and the group blew both Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats away. Now I’m no Randy Jackson or nothing, but Jeff Eats knows who can sing and who can’t sing-and these “guys” covered everything from the 40’s-2014 right on the money.

The Headliners Band- definitely one of the best wedding/corporate event bands down here in Sunny South Florida.

You can check the band’s schedule/other info at www.theheadlinersband.com.

So, if “elopement” isn’t in the cards…you now know a band that should definitely be looked at.

***** Stoupsy’s of Athens, 320 Southeast 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33131, (305) 372-3663.

Stoupsy’s of Athens…fast food Greek joint in Miami. Order at/pickup at counter. Handful of tables inside/handful of tables outside.

Stoupsy’s menu not exactly on the huge side-but trust Jeff Eats, you’ll definitely find what to eat from its salads/sandwiches/platters.

A recent outing had me “doing” gyro sandwich ($6.50) and mousaka ($5.50) and I gotta tell you–Stoupsy’s makes some real good stuff.

Just so you know, Stoupsy’s isn’t exactly a Jeff Eats’ “undiscovered gem”–I was there on a Tuesday afternoon around 12:30pm and the line to order–was out the door with literally every office worker in Miami waiting to chow down.

Let’s wrap (pun intended) Stoupsy’s up for you…real good stuff, big portions, fast service, reasonable prices.

Stoupsy’s of Athens is open Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8:30am-3pm, closed on Sunday.

***** Swifty’s Market Grill & Deli, 2001 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33431. (561) 395-7131.

Now, let’s be honest with one- another…

Have you ever met a sub-hoagie-grinder-blimpie (you- fill in your favorite regional “term”) that you didn’t like? Now for sure, some subs (that’s what Jeff Eats calls them) are better than others…but I can’t ever recall saying…”Boy this sub stinks. I’m not going to eat it. Let me just throw it in that garbage can over there.”

Anyway,

Not sure on this…but over the past few years- I must have driven by Swifty’s Market Grill & Deli something like 25,209,849 times without ever stopping. From the outside-and actually from the inside too–it’s basically a “hole in the wall” convenience store. As the old saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”–well- in the back of the convenience store is- a take-out-only- sub-counter that makes the full-boat of hot and cold hoagies..

For what it’s worth, I just got back from Swifty’s Market Grill & Deli and as I type–I am enjoying one of the most delicious grilled Philly Cheesesteak Subs (chopped steak/American Cheese/grilled onions/peppers) that I’ve ever had. Really just that simple!

Based alone-on its Philly Cheesesteak Sub…Swifty’s Market Grill & Deli is a must try.

For the curious, Jeff Eats was “tipped” this morning (while walking Jiggy Eats) to- Swifty’s by a Comcast serviceman who was working down the block from my home.

Let me wrap this up…

Finally-Comcast did something right!

Swifty’s Market Grill & Deli is open Monday-Saturday 7am-10pm, Sunday 9am-9pm.

* THE NEXT BIG TV SHOW?

I kinda think that “we” all have seen or know about talent/reality tv shows like- American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice, The X-Factor, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance…to say that the rating numbers for these shows are huge–would be an understatement!

Take a look at the press release that Jeff Eats just got from SFX Entertainment…

In a nutshell, SFX Entertainment-Syco Entertainment-T Mobile US are joining forces to produce “Ultimate DJ” an electronic music dj contest using- the internet and live concert venues to-discover the winner. Now, for right now…it appears that the project is an internet/live venue production. Jeff Eats is thinking, that if it “works”–you may soon be seeing “Ultimate DJ” on network tv.

If this kinda stuff interests you…pay close attention to the players in this game…SFX-Syco-T Mobile USA…if these 3 entertainment/media/telecommunications powerhouses can’t make “Ultimate DJ” an internet/social media success-Jeff Eats seriously doubts that “anyone” can!

Jeff Eats gotta run…got to get my old Victrola out of storage to start practicing for the contest!

*****
SFX Entertainment, Inc. (SFXE), Syco Entertainment and T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) today announced they’re joining forces to produce a pioneering television show revolving around the booming electronic music culture and showcasing and cultivating fresh new EMC DJ/producer talent and creative event production skills.

“Ultimate DJ” was developed by the Simon Cowell-led Syco Entertainment, one of the world’s leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for many of the world’s most successful global TV and music franchises, and SFX, the largest global producer of live events and digital entertainment content focused exclusively on electronic music culture (EMC) and other world-class festivals. T-Mobile, the fastest growing U.S. wireless company, is joining the pair to bring the innovative new show to viewers.

Electronic music is the fastest growing music genre, with the EMC market valued at $4.5 billion. SFX streams more than one billion minutes of video every 90 days from its media sites, which include Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Mysteryland, Sensation and Rock in Rio. Launching initially online, the music event competition will feature producer-challenges where DJs will be invited to submit recordings for fan voting via social media. From there, the competition will move on to live challenges and performances in SFX event venues, integrating next-generation production design from SFX partner companies.

“Bringing EMC to the world is our goal,” said Robert FX Sillerman, Chairman & CEO of SFX Entertainment, Inc. “And building a TV franchise in the USA is a key part of that strategy. It’s always exciting to work with Simon Cowell, and the creative power of the Syco organization is undisputed. They are the perfect partners for our vision. And we couldn’t be more excited to partner with T-Mobile US. John is the most exciting CEO of this generation, and I am personally inspired by the mobile revolution he and the team at T-Mobile are driving. Together, we share a vision of challenging the status quo and pioneering new territory in business, media and entertainment.”

Simon Cowell of SYCO Entertainment said, “We have been developing this concept for a while but our partnership with SFX has been a real game-changer for this format. It made complete sense for us to collaborate with SFX with their access to the best up-and-coming DJs and their great marketing platform to build new DJ talent. And I’m delighted to have T-Mobile on board with their brilliant vision and innovation.”

“In the same way we’re revolutionizing wireless to empower customers everywhere, we look forward to working with Syco and SFX to showcase and promote a fresh, new generation of DJ/producer talent,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. “Our customers spend a lot of time listening to music on their devices, so you can expect us to take on entertainment and music in our typical bold and aggressive, Un-carrier style.”

Kelly Belledegrun, Senior Syco Producer added, “This show will represent a visual and musical revolution and we can’t wait to showcase this to the world with our exciting new partners.”

About SFX Entertainment: SFX Entertainment, Inc. is the largest global producer of live events and digital entertainment content focused exclusively on electronic music culture (EMC) and other world-class festivals.

SFX’s mission is to provide electronic music fans with the best possible live experiences, music discovery, media and digital connectivity. SFX was borne out of the technology revolution and produces and promotes a growing portfolio of live events that includes leading brands such as Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Mysteryland, Sensation, Stereosonic, Electric Zoo, Disco Donnie Presents, Life in Color, Rock in Rio, Nature One, Mayday, Decibel, Q-Dance and React Presents, as well as the innovative ticketing service Flavorus.

SFX operates Beatport, the principal online resource for EMC DJs and a trusted destination for the growing EMC community to discover and stream music, follow DJs and keep abreast of news, information and events, in addition to offering year-round entertainment to EMC fans around the globe through other digital assets.

Additionally, SFX manages FX1, an internal marketing solutions agency for consumer brands targeting the millennial culture.

About Syco Entertainment: Syco Entertainment is one of the world’s leading music, film and television production companies. Responsible for the most successful global TV and music franchises in the world, Syco is the most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the UK’s number 1 music label for sales and A&R. Syco is label-home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Sam Bailey, Little Mix, Il Divo, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson and Alex & Sierra. Syco’s Television assets include the global hit franchises “The X Factor” and “Got Talent.”

The Got Talent format is now officially the world’s most successful reality TV format, breaking the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of adaptations, having been commissioned in an impressive 58 territories worldwide, which has now already risen to 63. America’s Got Talent airs in 193 countries worldwide and was the #1 summer reality series of 2013, maintaining the leadership position it has held with NBC for the last four seasons. The eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent got off to an incredible start, launching with an overnight audience of 11.1 million viewers and 50% share, making the 2014 season the highest rated launch across all eight series to date with the show maintain its position as the UK’s top-rated Entertainment series.

Local versions of “The X Factor” are commissioned in 46 countries and around the world “The X Factor” is now watched by more than a half billion people. Artists discovered by the “X Factor” worldwide have sold more than 160 million records with the X Factor format creating more international stars than any other TV competition singing format.

In 2013 Syco produced it’s first movie (directed by Morgan Spurlock) the global box office hit “One Direction: This Is Us with Sony Pictures; an international all access look at life on the road with music phenomenon One Direction.

About T-Mobile US, Inc.: As America’s Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: “TMUS”) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The company’s advanced nationwide 4G and expanding 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences for customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. It currently serves approximately 46.7 million wireless subscribers and provides products and services through 70,000 points of distribution. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com

* Maggiano’s Little Italy.

Way back on a July 24, 2008 Jeff Eats told you about Maggiano’s Little Italy- a national Italian chain -which for our purposes currently has 4-Florida locations. If you check that initial writeup- you’ll find that Jeff Eats really enjoyed Maggiano’s food/service/decor/prices. To be perfectly honest with you-in the ensuing years, maybe I ate there (Boca Raton) again 2-tops 3 times. Just so you know, no particular reason for only 2-3 visits in 6 years- just giving you the facts.

To make a long story short…

Earlier this evening, Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and a bunch of other folks- watched the Heat v. Bobcats game at a mutual neighbor’s house… The neighbor did a little catered-thing and had food delivered from Boca’s Maggiano’s. Not gonna bore you with the details- but the salads, pastas, entrees, desserts were terrific- now, I know these were free eats, but trust Jeff Eats-free or no free, the stuff was real good.

Anyway,

This neighborhood outing got me thinking about Maggiano’s…and low and behold- I found out that if you go to www.maggianos.com and sign up for its E-Club it sends you a $10 Welcome coupon, a $10 Birthday coupon, a $10 Anniversary coupon and periodically a bunch of other discount coupons.

The way Jeff Eats is thinking here, if I’m gonna eat at Maggiano’s anyway, why shouldn’t the money be in my pocket and not -the joint’s pocket!

So… If this “couponing” stuff is your bag…go for it!

* I Write The Songs.

Jeff Eats just picked up 2-tickets for..I Write The Songs -for this coming Saturday Night-May 3rd at 8pm at Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33445 -(561) 880-0319 -www.DelraySquareArts.com.

In a nutshell, I Write The Songs- is a 25 song revue featuring the music of Barry Manilow. The latest production of I Write The Songs which first premiered in 2003 -is scheduled for the Delray Square Arts from May 1st -May 11th.

Heard -rave reviews from folks who saw a recent rehearsal.

As I said a few seconds, Jeff a Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats will be “there” this coming Saturday Night.

If this type of thing is your bag- you can call the box office at (561) 880-0319 for tickets.

*. White Manna.

For the past 15 years Jeff Eats has been getting his haircut at Joe & Mario’s Barbershop in Boca Raton. For years, the shop’s owner Rosa (don’t ask) has been telling Jeff Eats about White Manna her Hackensack hometown -favorite hamburger/slider joint…

To make a long story short, Jeff Eats finally got to White Manna and I gotta tell you that its sliders-are now the yardstick for Jeff Eats when eating sliders. So, if you ever find yourself in Hackensack- this joint is a “must try.”

By the way, what’s the difference between a good and bad haircut? Two weeks,