* VIVA (Delray Marketplace Amphitheater: May 15, 2014–Delray Beach).

Way back on September 28, 2009–I told you guys about VIVA–one of South Florida’s premier 1950s-1980’s cover/tribute bands. That “original” story is reprinted below.

Since that story appeared, Jeff Eats has seen VIVA something like 10 times and I gotta tell you, this quartet is about as good as it gets…every cover the group performs– is right on the money-when compared to the original hit recording.

An interesting story (Well jeff Eats thinks it is!)…two years ago I matched VIVA up with Ron Dante (www.rondante.com) who was the lead singer of The Archies -who had the mega hit “Sugar Sugar”–Ron Dante also produced Cher, Pat Benetar, Barry Manilow and the Broadway shows…”Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Children of a Lesser God”–suffice it to say, Dante knows the music “business.” Anyway, VIVA was to back Dante who they had never met-for a 1 hour show in Boca Raton…Dante (who lives in Beverly Hills) and VIVA some weeks before the show agreed (via phone) to a playlist/keys etc. and scheduled a run-through 1 1/2 hours before showtime…Dante met VIVA and rehearsed for about 30 minutes…when Dante came off the stage, he said to me, “Jeff, I could take these guys on the road right now, they are absolutely dead on.”

The point of all of these VIVA accolades…

VIVA is going to perform a FREE SHOW at the Delray Marketplace Amphitheater on May 15th from 5pm-7pm. The Amphitheater is located at the Delray Marketplace at the intersection of Lyons Road and West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. There is some chair seating…but you may want to bring a beach chair-just in case a lot of people read Jeff Eats!

If you like 50’s-80’s Rock N Roll…you’ll want to catch VIVA (www.vavarockband.com) in action.
*****

***** VIVA *****

Last Saturday night (9/26/09) I attended a private “Woodstock” party at the Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, something like 280 people were there. The dance music was provided by VIVA a Miami based quartet that covers the hits from the 1950′s-today. Good, would be an understatement. In my day, I have seen a number of legend-tribute-cover rock bands…these guys are right up there with the best. I am telling you, that when they did Joe Cocker, if you closed your eyes, you’d swear that old Joe himself was there. Absolutely amazing Beatles-Rascals-Dion & The Belmonts-Jefferson Airplane-Four Seasons covers. These guys can play anything and play it well.

If this type of music is your bag, I would suggest that you check Viva’s website www.vivarockband.com (for gig-schedule) as they play numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, resorts in South Florida

* AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (The Wick Theatre: 5/8-6/1-Boca Raton).

One of Jeff Eats’ all-time favorite musicals- is AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.

I maybe a bit biased here, in that my good buddy Ron Dante (www.rondante.com) who in addition to being Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar’s producer- who sang lead on the hits- “Tracy” and “Sugar Sugar”…produced Broadway’s-The Fats Waller Musical Show AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’–but I don’t think so! Just for good measure, Tony Award Winner-Ron also produced Broadway’s “Children Of A Lesser God.”–talk about a talent!

When you really think about it-a show revolving around 1920’s-1930’s Black Harlem musicians and featuring songs (see below) can’t be anything but terrific…

Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
Lounging at the Waldorf
The Viper’s Drag
Mean to Me
Your Feet’s Too Big
That Ain’t Right
Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now
Find Out What They Like
Fat and Greasy
Black and Blue
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Two Sleepy People
I’ve Got my Fingers Crossed
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love
It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie
Honeysuckle Band
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Lookin’ Good but Feelin’ Bad
‘T Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness
Honeysuckle Rose
Squeeze Me
Handful of Keys
I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling
How Ya Baby
Jitterbug Waltz
Ladies Who Sing with the Band
Yacht Club Swing
When the Nylons Bloom Again
Cash for Your Trash
Off-Time
The Joint is Jumpin’

Anyway,

If you want to catch this fabulous show–here’s the info. you’ll need:

May 8th-June 1 South Florida run:
The Wick Theatre
7901 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33487
(561) 995- 2333
Matinees: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at 2pm.
Evenings: Thursday, Fiday, Saturday at 7:30pm
www.TheWick.org

* ROVER.COM.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats don’t know you or your dog- but our dog JIGGY JEFF EATS is a member of our family. The bet here, is you treat your dog the same way!

No fooling around, but Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats get “pre-with-drawl” pains just thinking about leaving Jiggy Jeff Eats “home” when we have to make a trip that doesn’t-allow us to bring him along.

Lucky for us, we have found a number of responsible-trustworthy folks in our neighborhood-who for a “fee” care for him in their homes.

Just so we are straight, there a number of companies-that “board” dogs…Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats aren’t interested in cages and group-care…so these type of operations never enter our thought process when it comes to Jiggy Jeff Eats.

Now to the point of this story…

Jeff Eats recently heard of ROVER.COM. (www.rover.com) which is a national listing service of individuals who will “take care” of your dog.

To be honest with you, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats haven’t used the service…that said, a review of ROVER.COM’s website and some research tells-me that this ROVER.COM could be a terrific business for both the parent listing service/individuals who are listed on it.

Jeff Eats knows that some of you guys love to hear about new businesses/ideas…that’s why I’m mentioning ROVER.COM to you.

* 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.