***** Jamaica Kitchen, 8736 Southwest 72nd Street, Miami, Florida 33173, (305) 596-2585.

Right off the bat, this Jamaican hole-in-the-wall “fast food” joint- is an absolute must try…maybe its got 1 table that seats-4 and a handful of counter-seats–so don’t expect to be entertaining your future in-laws there–or holding a bridal shower, or something like that!

I think that you guys know or should know by now, that Jeff Eats is always “straight” with you…unlike many food “critics”- “bloggers”- “so called experts”- my sole goal is to find cool joints that are banging out delicious food. I really have no interest in the “hows and whys” the food got made.

Anyway, back to Jamaica Kitchen…

A number of years ago, Mrs. Jeff Eats “forced” me to do a 7-day Caribbean cruise with our kids. The two dolls (back then aged 11 and 4) played so much BINGO on the cruise, that when they got home to Boca Raton, they wanted to become Catholics…On that same cruise, Jeff Eats treated “himself” to a $5 tee shirt that said “We Be Jammin'”– Rather than going into a long winded story, let’s just say- that Jeff Eats’ knowledge of Jamaican cuisine–is kinda on the limited side–after-all, curry goat, curry ox-tail, jerk chicken weren’t exactly Thursday night staples at my mother’s Brooklyn kitchen table in the 1950s-1960s.

With that in mind, the other day I ate at Jamaica Kitchen and I gotta tell you-that the stuff served-up was fabulous. Now nothing for nothing–Jeff Eats doesn’t have a huge “file” to compare the “tried” jerk chicken/curry shrimp/fricassee chicken/mild beef patty- with…but I am telling you, the food was DELICIOUS.

From what I understand, Jamaica Kitchen (which has been around for something like 32 years) is owned by a Chinese husband-wife team who were raised in Jamaica…that’s the reason why- Jamaica Kitchen’s menu has both Jamaican and a handful of Chinese dishes like -Chinese roast chicken and suey mein listed.

Finally-you should know…Jamaica Kitchen is kind of a famous “hole in the wall.” When you check its website, www.jamaicakitchen.com for menu/prices you will find a number of newspaper/magazine articles and a September 2008 Food Network segment- where Guy Fieri of “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” gives the joint a rave review.

Like I said at the top of this tale, Jamaica Kitchen is an absolute must try.

Jamaica Kitchen is open Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, closed on Sunday.

Aruba Beach Café, 1 Commercial Boulevard, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida 33308, (954) 776-0001.

I’m gonna guess here, but I’m thinking that “American-Style” Aruba Beach Café has been around for something like 30 years.

The joint is a real-cool looking lunch-dinner spot, with indoor/patio seating right on the beach. When you check www.arubabeachcafe.com for menu/prices you’ll also find video/photos so you’ll know what- Aruba Beach Café looks like.

Just so you know, although Jeff Eats has been “down here” in Sunny South Florida for over 21 years-I’ve only eaten at Aruba twice. The reason, some 20 years ago–Jeff Eats recalls eating at Aruba Beach Café (for the first time) and being “shocked” that the joint CHARGED FOR BREAD…right there and then, I wrote the joint “off.” To make a long story short, a few days ago-Jeff Eats at the invite of his friend Mike-found himself at Aruba Beach Café for lunch. No bs-here, the joint is still charging for bread-with a 1/2 loaf going for 2 bucks and a full loaf fetching- 3.

Now to be fair, a joint that’s been open for-30 years (give or take)–probably has something- going for it! To be real, just because Jeff Eats doesn’t “see it” doesn’t mean that it ain’t there. I maybe making way too much of this bread-thing, but I hate joints that nickel and dime folks–and that’s what I think Aruba is doing. Look, Aruba draws a huge tourist clientele and I guess it “feels” that it can hit “them” up for $2-$3 without any problem–sort of like you paying $5 for a bottle of water at a Heat game in Miami…the arena and in this case- Aruba Becah Café figure that you’re a captive-audience, so they can squeeze you for a few extra shekels and you won’t bitch too-loud.

Anyway.

Aruba Beach Café has a full-liquor bar and a menu loaded with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, desserts…the joint also has a full schedule of “live” music.

That recent “Mike” lunch had Jeff Eats trying…Maryland crab cake, cheeseburger/French fries, chicken quesadilla and I gotta tell you, the food was decent enough. Putting the “bread issue” aside–my two Aruba Beach Café outings would have been memorable–BECAUSE of the fantastic location-rather than the food that I had.

Let Jeff Eats wrap this up for you…

Aruba Beach Café is a great looking restaurant in a fabulous location.
The food is ok-but that’s about it.
The joint is always busy because of its location–it’s a real favorite with tourists.
The joint’s menu has all the bases covered, but is heavy on the seafood side of the ledger.
The joint is open Monday-Tuesday 11am-1am, Wednesday-Saturday 11am-2am, Sunday 9am-1am (breakfast buffet 9am-11:30pm).
The joint’s Bimini Bread-(which by the way isn’t all that great) should be FREE.

Like I said before, I may-be reading this joint all wrong…don’t think so, but it’s possible.

So…if you get there or have been there, let me know- your take!

***** Valentino’s Italian Cuisine, 427 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 545-4881.

Back on April 28, 2013 I told you guys about Valentino’s Italian Cuisine a red sauce “hole in the wall” joint–in Pompano Beach.

Unless there is some type of conspiracy going on here… during the past 30 days or so, at least 8 different people-personally told Jeff Eats how fabulous Valentino’s pizza and food were. No fooling here-totally unrelated people on different dates picked the same joint to tell me about. That’s an amazing statistic.

With the above background story in mind, last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats ate dinner at Valentino’s-this was our second outing -and I gotta tell you, that the pizza, veal parmigiana and baked ziti with meatballs were outstandingly delicious.

Printed below is the original Jeff Eats’ review.

Trust me on this one, this joint is a must try. The food is really-that good!
*****

Posted on April 28th, 2013 · Desserts Fast Food Italian Pizza Pompano Beach Subs/Salads.
***** Valentino’s Italian Cuisine, 427 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 545-4881.

Got something really good for you guys, Valentino’s Italian Cuisine…a Pompano Beach- red sauce Italian “hole in the wall” wedged in-between a Starbucks and a Tijuana Flats.

Last night, Jeff Eats really didn’t do a head-count, but I’m thinking about 30 seats inside and 40 seats outside…the outdoor patio which faces Federal Highway is shared by all three restaurants -each restaurant has distinctively marked seating. As for Valentino’s inside décor…the obligatory Goodfellas’ posters, large standard pizza oven, large brass colored cappuccino machine, dark wood tones—no kidding around- a very cool looking joint.

Another no-kidding around- Valentino’s is owned and operated by a guy originally from the Bronx named Rudolph Valentino. For you “youngsters” out there, Rudolph Valentino (not the owner of this joint) was a famous movie actor back in the day–when motion pictures had no sound. Totally off topic, but did you guys know that Fred Astaire Dance Studios still has locations all over the United States? Amazingly, there is one in a second floor loft in east-Boca Raton…For those of you “not following” the Astaire commentary, Fred use to dance with Cyd Charise—but that’s whole nother story.

Anyway…Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple “ordered” 16″ large plain pizza ($12.75), eggplant parmigiana (garlic rolls, soup or salad, pasta side–$9.85), chicken parmigiana sub ($7.50), lasagna bolognese (garlic rolls, soup or salad–$12.95)…and I gotta tell you-the food was absolutely delicious. Trust me on this–every item ordered, was as good as the stuff served by South Florida’s best “red sauce” players. The joint’s portions were large and dirt-cheap. For those of you who like garlic rolls, Valentino’s were dynamite—and a complimentary order of sauteed green-beans (not on the menu) received rave reviews from Mrs. Jeff Eats and her girlfriend Judy. While you guys are still here, let me briefly mention the pizza…From what I understand, there are 3 chefs in the back of the house–but all pizzas are made by Rudy Valentino right in front of the customers. As he explained…”I’ll make you whatever you want, but my signature pie is a thick crust with the rest of the pizza being very thin and crispy.” For what it’s worth, when the pie was delivered to our table it looked “amazing”…just as Rudy said—a thick crust (sort of like a deep dish look) with a fabulous sweet sauce/thin crispy “triangle.”

At this stage of the game, you can check www.valentinositaliancuisine.com for menu/prices.

For a little more “color”—Valentino’s has been open something like 4-months and in addition to pies- sells pizza by the slice. All of its desserts are made in-house. Some of you guys maybe wondering why Jeff Eats & Company didn’t “get” dessert…long story short, literally minutes before eating at Valentino’s we had picked up 2 dozen freshly baked donuts from The Dandee Donut Factory which is right around the corner from Valentino’s, blah blah, blah!

What Jeff Eats found particularly interesting, was that Valentino’s is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-midnight and Friday-Saturday 11am-2am…apparently, Mr. Valentino is looking to build a late night crowd.

Valentino’s is a real good one…do yourself a big favor and give it a shot. The bet here, is that you won’t be disappointed…

Jeff Eats does have one “bitch” about the joint…on both its menu and website, Valentino’s prominently features the saying “You’ve tried the rest…now try the Best!”- hey Rudy, for crying out loud-that saying is as worn as my 89 year old Aunt Joanie’s house dress…I know I ain’t got no skin in this game, but I’d lose the phrase. You got a spanking new -great looking joint with terrific food and YOU got me thinking about my Aunt Joanie’s house dress- capice!

Finally…

For you tourists out there–your tee shirt/shorts/flip flop ensembles will work perfectly at Valentino’s Italian Cuisine.

***** Mary’s Kountry Kitchen, 15945 County Road 448, Tavares, Florida 32778, (352) 343-6823.

Now, first things first -is the city named after the R&B group or is it vice versa? “It Only Take A Minute” to figure this one out.

Anyway…got a real good “mom & pop” diner-joint for you…Mary’s Kountry Kitchen in Tavares.

Without even telling you, you know what Mary’s looks like–handful of tables/counter seating.

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

The joint is open for Sunday-Wednesday 6am-2pm, Thursday-Saturday 6am-9pm.

When you check Mary’s menu you’re gonna find all kinds of breakfast stuff, salads, sandwiches, burgers, lunch/dinner plates.

Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple recently did lunch…double cheeseburger ($7.49 with french fries), corned beef reuben ($7.49 with chips), country fried steak ($8.99-sweet potato fries and macaroni salad), BLT ($5.49 with chips) and not-one single complaint…as a matter of fact, that flat-top grilled double cheeseburger with lettuce/tomato/mayo/onion/pickle was really-really good.

Jeff Eats & Company really enjoyed Mary’s Kountry Kitchen…the neighborhood diner “concept” at its best.

One final thought…

You guys ever hear this one?

At the end of a meal in a Boca Raton restaurant-the waiter walks up to four women and says…”Was anything okay?”

***** Danish Pastry Co., 2031 Tyler Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020, (954) 362-4366.

Real simple bakery/coffee concept going on here…small store, window-counter seating/handful of tables outside—order at/pickup at the counter…

Danish Pastry’s menu has something like 25 different freshly baked pastries, danish, croissants-and orange juice/coffee/tea.

You can check www.danishpastryco.com for pastry/danish/beverage selection-prices.

Look!-based on my double chin…

It would be fair to say, that Jeff Eats in his day, has eaten his fair share of danish and croissants…with that in mind- the cinnamon swirl, maple pecan plait and chocolate bun that I recently had- were delicious.

Trust me on this one, you ain’t gonna find stuff like this at Publix or specialty markets like Doris Italian Market & Bakery or Joseph’s Classic Market.

Really have no opinion on the brewed coffee that I had…to this very day, Jeff Eats can’t quite wrap his head around the $2.50-$—(you fill in the number) cup of coffee concept…I still remember 10 cent-cups at Brooklyn’s- Garfield’s Cafeteria circa 1965–gonna sound crazy, but give or take-all black coffee tastes good to me.

While I’m on the subject of coffee-bet you a buck that in a blind taste test- Julio Valdez or whatever the hell his name is/was (I know it’s Juan) couldn’t tell one coffee bean from another-for sure this guy, Robert Schultz got a ton of people drinking the Kool-Aid… But that’s just what Jeff Eats thinks! As my late uncle by marriage Sam Ting use to say…”Jeff Eats, bet you a buck-that if I blindfold you-you couldn’t tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi.” Uncle Sam was a very bright man–who knew a-lot of “things.”

Anyway…

Danish Pastry Co. is open Monday-Saturday 7am-6pm, Sunday 9am-4pm.

***** PizzAmore, 622 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida 32757, (352) 383-0092.

Got something real-good for you guys…PizzAmore-a red sauce Italian joint in Mount Dora.

Let me start by saying, that Jeff Eats loved PizzAmore–which is housed in a free standing house, with indoor/outdoor seating.

When you check PizzAmore’s website -www.youlovepizza.com in addition to menu/prices, you’ll find pictures/video which will give you some idea as to what this joint-looks like. Jeff Eats’ “love” was based on dynamite food/reasonable prices/terrific service–and a real cool “vibe” that this casual-red sauce Italian joint threw off. Sorry, can’t “define” cool vibe for you-as it’s purely subjective in nature–but I gotta tell you, Jeff Eats really-really enjoyed eating in PizzAmore.

Just so we are straight with each other, PizzAmore’s menu isn’t all that-huge…BUT there are definitely enough appetizers, salads, pizzas, calzones/stromboli, subs, pastas and entrees–so everybody in your “party” is gonna find what to eat. The bet here, is that you’ll have a doggy bag to munch out of–during your drive back to Plantation (you can, if you like, fill in -where in South Florida you actually live).

Now-the food…

Jeff Eats’ recent outing with Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple–had us doing, Caesar salad, large plain pizza, meatball sub, calzone (ricotta/mozzarella/feta cheese/spinach), stromboli (pepperoni/sausage/mozzarella) and every-thing was right on the money. I know that some of you guys like particulars-so, the pizza was thin crust/sweet sauce/crispy and was delicious…the stromboli, one of the best that Jeff Eats has eaten down here in Florida…the calzone and sub were real-good but not in the league of the pizza or the stromboli…Mrs. Jeff Eats and her friend Susan loved the Caesar–while Jeff Eats and Susan’s husband Len passed on the rabbit-food in favor of the “real” stuff that was ordered.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…

PizzAmore is a a must try. The food is solid, the prices are right (but not dirt cheap!), the service is as pleasant as can be and the “atmosphere” is perfect.

PizzAmore is open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm.

***** Private Island Ice Cream Company, 14650 Gatorland Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837, (407) 433-9545.

Got something real cool (no pun intended) for you “Bill Nyes” out there…Private Island Ice Cream Company in Orlando.

Private Island Ice Cream Company…order at the counter-ice cream store…handful of tables inside/outside.

Kicker here–using liquid nitrogen, each flavor ordered is freshly made on the spot.

Now nothing for nothing, if Jeff Eats had paid more attention to what Mrs. Munna in 7th grade Science was talking about–I’d be in a much better position to explain to you- how, starting with a vanilla base, then adding whatever combination of fruits/candy/syrups/cereals/other stuff you’d like–then “zapping” it with liquid nitrogen, Private Island Ice Cream Company “makes” whatever flavored ice cream your mind can imagine.

Like I said 14 seconds ago…real cool.

Not going to bore you with all the clever combos Jeff Eats created–trust me, the ice cream was creamy-smooth- delicious. Otay! (courtesy: Billie “Buckwheat” Thomas) -How about this one: Nutella/fresh strawberries/pistachio nuts?

You can read all about Private Island Ice Cream Company on its website www.privateislandicecream.com.

Private Island Ice Cream is open Sunday-Thursday 1pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 1pm-10pm.

One final note…

I just wanted you guys to know that Private Island Ice Cream Company “didn’t” invent the- liquid nitrogen ice cream-business…for our purposes, just off the top of Jeff Eats’ head- I can name two similar type “operations” with Florida outposts- Chill-N and Subzero (Chill-N currently has 1 joint in Miami and Subzero has 2 joints in Sarasota). For what it’s worth, I love the concept–as it’s a new spin on the old ice-cream store game. Now, for the $64,000 question: Will this latest ice-cream concept- become an over saturated/over franchised business–that will end badly for most of its operators? “Que sera, sera” (courtesy:Doris Day), wink-wink…you smart guys out there “already” know what lies -ahead!

***** Twistee Treat, 11933 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32826, (407) 309-3878.

Twistee Treat…fast food/soft serve ice cream. Small Florida chain -8 “cone” locations-I’ll explain later!

Recently “tried” the Twistee Treat joint–located two minutes from UCF in Orlando.

Do you know what a pig in sh@t is? Well, Jeff Eats was one–while devouring the vanilla/chocolate/strawberry soft serve–and the amazing chocolate, cherry and butterscotch dips that covered the ice cream.

No ifs or buts…Twistee Treat’s stuff is major-league…and is as good if not better, than guys like Carvel and Dairy Queen. Look! This soft serve “review” business is real subjective–so let’s just say that, if you like/love soft serve ice cream–this joint is a homerun.

While I’m on the subject of “subjective” reviews–comparing Carvel-Dairy Queen-Twistee Treat is like comparing–three colorless diamonds-with one being 0, another being 0.5 and the third 1.0. First of all, Jeff Eats has absolutely no idea as to what he’s talking about diamond-wise—but you do get the point!-the differences are infinitesimal and Carvel/Dairy Queen/Twistee Treat all-get the job done. One final thing–in 1958 Jeff Eats lost P.S. 179’s “Spelling Bee” to Melody Cohen when he failed to correctly spell the word- I N F I N I T E S I M A L and she did.

Twistee Treat’s “gimmick”–its free standing stores are “shapped” like- ice cream cones/topped with soft serve. Order at window/outdoor table seating.

You can check complete menu/prices/locations/photos at…Twistee Treat’s website www.twisteetreat.com.

Twistee Treat is open Sunday-Thursady 11:30am-midnight, Fruday-Saturday 11:30am-1am.

Printed below is “History” taken from Twistee’s site.

“What’s the attraction? It’s what’s in the Cone!
The Twistee Treat cone shaped building and ice cream have been around since 1983. The 20’ high and 20’ wide fiberglass cone buildings have housed America’s favorite Twistee Treat ice cream. Twistee Treat’s long history of serving up the best ice cream experience is legendary! The Twistee Treat cone buildings will soon dot America’s landscape again, reminding us of how great ice cream can be. Twistee Treat ice cream makes you smile. Our philosophy is old fashioned – turn every guest into a fan. Over the years there have been millions!
Twistee Treat ice cream is real homemade ice cream. Its rich smooth flavors take you back to a simpler time. The menu indulges in ice cream, cones, cups and shakes. The banana splits are the best in the land. Twistee Treat also offers Malts, Shakes, Sundaes, and Slushes!
To learn more about us and get updates, like us on Facebook!”

***** Golden House Restaurant, 1280 Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33069, (954) 973-1470.

You guys do know that this food reviewing”thing” is a purely-subjective “thing.” What Jeff Eats might like, you might hate and vice versa. With that in mind…

Got a decent Chinese eat in/take-out joint for you—Golden House Restaurant.

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

For you guys looking for “real” Chinese stuff–not here. Many would call Golden House–American Chinese Food. By the way, being a Brooklyn born baby circa 1949–Jeff Eats is very familiar with this “type” of food-and actually loves it-when it’s done right.

Like I said 26 seconds ago, food-tasting is a subjective deal…applying my Brooklyn-Jewish (circa 1950-1960) Chinese Taste Test, I gotta tell you that the wonton soup, fried dumplings, bbq ribs, egg rolls, roast pork fried rice, sweet & sour pork, shrimp with lobster sauce, pepper steak, that I “tried” were all -ok…but nothing not one-item had me saying and I quote, “Hey Jeff, that ______ was outrageously good.” Now -I will tell you, the sweet & sour pork/shrimp with lobster sauce tasted 7X better cold-the next morning-but hey, this is a “dinner” review and not a breakfast one.

Golden House Restaurant is open, Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9:30pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm, closed on Sunday–this makes no sense whatsoever-as Jeff Eats thought that Pompano Beach had a large Jewish population.

* DogFriendly.com.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats–really enjoy traveling around Florida/and elsewhere with our dog Jiggy Eats. Every so often we come across a restaurant/store/business/hotel that-shall we say-is not as enamored with Jiggy as we are.

Now this may-be sharing a drop too much with you guys, but Jeff Eats can’t remember the last time that he ran from a fight-(except May 3, 1958/Brooklyn’s P.S. 179 school yard at 3:10pm when it was me against twin bullies/brothers Paul & Richard Garcia-never liked the odds of 2 againt 1, but that’s how these two clown shake-down artists operated)…trust me, I’d love to bump into either-clown today!

Anyway…

I recently came across DogFriendly.com (www.dogfriendly.com) a terrific website that has all kinds of lists/info on dog friendly restaurants/stores/businesses/resorts–by the way, the site covers all 50 states.

So…you dog lovers out there- now have a good source as to which South Florida joints want your business–and those that don’t. Could save you some hassel!