*
Burgers & 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).

* St Coleman’s 31st Annual Italian Festival.

Back on January 15, 2014 Jeff Eats did a story on St Coleman’s 31st Annual Italian Festival. That story is reprinted below.

Just wanted to remind you guys that the Festival is this weekend…Friday-Saturday-Sunday.

Jeff Eats loves this festival..I’ve been to 9 of them–great food, music, rides–loads of arts & crafts/other stuff to buy.

If your busy schedule “allows”–do-this one, you’ll have a lot of fun. By the way, just checked Pompano Beach’s 3-day weather report and it looks like great weather is in the cards!
*****
* St Coleman’s 31st Annual Italian Festival (Pompano Beach)
Posted on January 15th, 2014 · American Fast Food Other Pompano Beach
* St Coleman’s 31st Annual Italian Festival, 1200 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, (954) 942-3533.
Jeff Eats- LOVES the annual St Coleman’s Italian Festival…been to 9 of them and had a blast each and every year!
You know the deal…rides, games, arts & crafts, entertainment and f o o d.
This year, 2014′s- will be held (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) February 21st–1pm-11pm, February 22nd–noon-11pm, February 23–noon-8pm.
Admission is FREE. You buy tickets for rides and food. Entertainment is FREE.
Not going to bother telling you about the food offerings. Suffice it to say, in the past- Jeff Eats was like a pig in sh#t, eating more fried stuff than any rational human being should be allowed to.
You can check www.italianfest.com for info/tickets/other stuff.
Finally, 4 of my favorite South Florida cover/tribute bands are booked…you should definitely catch them in action!
2/21/14…5:00pm The Fabulons– www.fabulons.com (50s-60s Rock N Roll- Rev. 7/2/10).
2/21/14…9:30pm Anthology Beatles Party Band–www.anthologytheband.com (Beatles- Rev.10/1/08).
2/22/14…9:30pm The Long Run–www.thelongrun.info (Eagles Tribute- Rev. 12/1/08 as The Shindigs).
2/23/14…4:30pm Orange Sunshine– www.orangesunshine.bz (60s Rock- Rev. 5/18/12).
Jeff Eats’ plan…gonna be there on Friday night–2/21/14.
Got my fingers crossed for great weather that weekend!
As a side-bar…I thought you guys might like to know a-bit about the saying “crossed fingers.” Here’s what Wikipedia has to say on the matter:
*****
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crossed fingers
A hand gesture in which the middle finger of either hand is crossed over the top of the index finger of the same hand. Also, a written or spoken phrase associated with the gesture. There is some evidence to suggest that the origins of the gesture are founded in early Christianity, both as a plea for divine protection and as a covert signifier of Christian belief. Modern usage however is almost exclusively secular and considerably more diverse in meaning,[1][2][3] including:
A hand gesture denoting a hope for good luck.
A verbal wish for luck, as in: “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you”.
A means of nullifying the binding nature of a promise or oath, as in: “You promised!”, “I had my fingers crossed so the promise didn’t count!”. This is predominantly a childish usage.
A means of allowing or lessening the negative connotations of a lie, as in: “You said your name was Steve, you lied, your name is Paul!”, “It doesn’t count, I had my fingers crossed!”. This is predominantly a childish usage.
To cross one’s fingers was a hand gesture commonly used to implore God for protection, as well as to wish for good luck.[4] The gesture is referred to by the common expression “keeping one’s fingers crossed” or just “fingers crossed” and has also been historically used in order to allow believers to recognize one another during times of persecution.[5]
In the time of the early Church, Christians would cross their fingers in order to invoke the power associated with the Christian cross for protection, when faced with evil.[4] Moreover, Christians, when persecuted by the Romans, used the symbol of crossed fingers, along with the Ichthys, in order to recognize one another and assemble for worship services.[6] In 16th century England, people continued to cross fingers or make the sign of the cross in order to ward off evil, as well as when people coughed or sneezed.[7]
Modern use[edit]
Modern use of the fingers crossed gesture has little bearing on its religious origins.[1][2][3]
A hand gesture denoting a hope for good luck
A physical gesture to indicate a wish for good luck.
A verbal wish for luck
As in: “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you” to signify that the speaker is wishing good luck for the recipient. Sometimes hyperbololised, for instance: “I have crossed all of my fingers and all of my toes” to lend emphasis or to communicate additional sincerity.
A means of nullifying the binding nature of a promise or oath
A belief that crossing one’s fingers invalidates a promise being made.[8][9]
A means of allowing or lessening the negative connotations of a lie
Some people, mostly children, also use the gesture to excuse their telling of a white lie. This may have its roots in the belief that the power of the Christian cross might save one from being sent to hell for telling a lie.[10]

* And You Wanted To Be A Doctor! In My Case A Stagehand!

Just read this…in the Huff Post-
Live and learn!- if Jeff Eats had only known–I wouldn’t have passed up the part of Emile de Becque (in my 6th grade play)-to be a stagehand, oh well! To save you the trouble–show/movie “South Pacific.”

*****
“It’s as tight a race as ever at the Oscars this year, but even if actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence lose in their respective categories, they can at least console themselves with the prospect of an $80,000 goodie bag.

Distinctive Assets, a Los Angeles-based marketing firm, has been offering “celebrity swag” for 15 years now to non-winners in the Best Actor, Best Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Best Director categories, according to a press release. Past recipients include Meryl Streep, Hugh Jackman, Helen Mirren, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.

So what exactly goes into this lavish bag of treats?
•Wine-infused chocolates from Chicago-based Chocolatines.
•10,000 Halo natural pet food meal donations made to the loser’s pet charity of choice.
•Hydroxycut protein shakes, bars and gummies.
•Swiss-made Slow Watches.
•Betty Jane candies.
•Acure Organics “cutting-edge” skincare products.
•Jan Lewis bracelets and silk ties.
•Cannonball wine.
•A wearable camera by Narrative Clip.
•Polar Loop activity tracker.
•Bee Free Honee organic apple honey.
•Blossom Blends “bespoke” teas.
•Mace pepper spray gun.
•Fine art from Gizara Arts.
•Jitseu Handbags.
•The LOADED book series.
•Steamist Total Sense home spa system.
•Aviv 613 luxury vodka.
•Wrag Wrap luxury sustainable gift wrap.
•Dosha Pops.
•VETVIK “The Covert” leather iPhone case.
•HISY Bluetooth camera shutter remote for Apple devices.
•Mane ‘n Tail haircare products and Conceived by Nature styling products.
•The Green Garmento Gargantote and dry cleaning bag.
•Le Petit Cirque aerial lessons.
•Epic Pet Health electrolyte therapy.
•M3K Beauty products for “exceptionally vibrant skin.”
•DrainWig.
•Acupuncture sessions with Heather Lounsbury.
•Personal training sessions at Huntley Drive Fitness.
•Rouge Maple “best maple syrup you’ve ever tasted.”
•Slimware portion-control plates.
•Coolway “no damage” Go Pro blow dryer.
•Simon’s Happy Pet Shampoo.
•Wonder Glow Organic Lipgloss from Makeup Studio by Diane Capt.
•Knit & Co. cable knit mittens.
•Krystal Klear Water whole house water filtration system.
•The O-Shot procedure by Dr. Charles Runels.
•ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System performed by Dr. William Yates.
•Max Martin luxury American-made shoes.
•Deluxe vacation packages to the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico and Japan.”

***** Sweet Dogs, 4749 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33134, (305) 448 448-4900.

Sweet Dogs-real easy concept—fast food/grilled Nathan’s hot dogs-topped literally with what ever you’d like/French fries/soft ice cream-shakes.

Look!

Jeff Eats was born in Brooklyn in 1949. Now-no fooling around here, over the years I’ve probably been to Nathan’s in Coney Island something like 500 times. Helping me to achieve that number-(If you promise not to report me because- the last thing that Jeff Eats needs is for this to be on his permanent record)—I, Marc Nadel, Andy Gold and Mike Rappaport use to cut school (J.H.S 62 & Erasmus Hall High School) on a pretty regular basis- eating at Nathan’s and riding the rides at Steeplechase Park (we especially loved that horse race ride)…just so you know, we weren’t really fans of Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone or the Parachute Jump.

Anyway…

The other afternoon- I gave Sweet Dogs a shot. Like I said a few seconds ago, grilled Nathan’s hot dogs in a nice warm/soft bun-you pick the toppings. The owner’s “gimmick” various dogs–named after Florida’s professional/college sports teams… like- Heat, Panther, Marlin, Dolphin– You can check menu/prices at www.sweetdogs.net.

Now…

I don’t know about you guys, but the way I was “taught” to eat my dogs—100% beef, never boiled/only grilled-or charbroiled, warm soft bun, topped with mustard/warm sauerkraut–one thing for sure NEVER EVER EVER EVER use Ketchup. Some of you former New York-guys may also be into- the “standard” toppings–raw onions, caramelized onions, relish. Now that I’m thinking about it, you guys from Detroit, Chicago and “elsewhere” USA may have your own thoughts on how to dress a dog…so Jeff Eats (knowing I won’t be able to convince you) is going to move on-to other things-rather than telling you why, you don’t know how to “dress” a dog.

Finally…

Jeff Eats loved Sweet Dogs.

No matter how you do your dogs…Sweet Dogs can do it! You want boiled, you want grilled, you want fried—loads of toppings…this joint has you covered.

Keep a secret? “The Mac” mac & cheese/parmesan cheese/garlic croutons–was outrageously delicious, as was “Mr. Chill” beef chili/chopped onions/cheddar cheese…but that’ just between you and me.

Sweet Dogs is open…7 days a week 11am-10pm.

* No Way! Karl Koppertop.

Read on AOL.com that America’s got a clown shortage…think- tv reality shows, your HOA Board, the US Congress, your next door neighbor, your cable company, your brother-in-law Joe, …now, do you really think there’s a clown shortage? I don’t! Anyway, the “story” is printed below for your perusal.

While Jeff Eats is “on” the subject of-clowning…I gotta tell you about Karl Koppertop– who has to be one of the best up-close magicians/balloon artists/jugglers/clown comedians that Jeff Eats has ever seen. Recently caught the guy in action-working table to table-amazing well over 250 people. Jeff Eats -loved the act. By the way, Karl does a “thing” where he turns one dollar bills into 100 dollar bills, that I definitely gotta learn to do at home! Simply amazing!

Check Karl Koppertop out at www.karlkoppertop.com-he works casinos, resorts, festivals, events all over South Florida.
*****

“It might make you laugh, but this story is no joke. “Fox & Friends” reports the U.S. is suffering from … a clown shortage.

‘Over the past 10 years there has been a drastic decrease in membership at the country’s biggest clown organization,’ “Fox & Friends” explains.

Say it ain’t so! According to the World Clown Association, the country’s largest organization of its kind, membership has fallen from 3,500 to 2,500 clowns in the past decade.

KCTV says the reason is rather sad: they’re actually dying off.

‘As older clowns die, there aren’t enough younger clowns enrolling into clown school to take their place. But it looks like so much fun,’ KCTV reports.

The association president told New York Daily News, ‘What happens is they go on to high school and college and clowning isn’t cool anymore. Clowning is then put on the back burner until their late 40s and early 50s.’

So, bad news for those of you planning a birthday party.”

***** French Deli & Bakery, 6250 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308, (954) 368-4068.

Got a real good one for you guys…The French Deli & Bakery order at/pickup at the counter–handful of tables inside/a couple outside.

Real simple menu…breakfast items–handful of soups/salads/sandwiches/crepes–breads/pastries.

Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and Daughter Jeff Eats recently “did” lunch at French Deli & Bakery and I gotta tell you–the food it turned out was delicious…onion soup, ham croissant (don’t tell Rabbi Silvers), French Caesar salad, chicken cordon blue sandwich, quiche florentine–were all right on the money.

To be perfectly honest with you…despite the fact that France didn’t join President George W. Bush’s Coalition of the Willing in Iraqi–the meal served-up had shallow- Jeff Eats saying-forgive and forget.

All kidding aside, French Deli & a Bakery is a home-run!

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

French Deli & Bakery is open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, closed on Sunday, breakfast is served 8am-10am.

* Mardi Gras Mania (Mardi Gras Casino-Hallandale Beach)

Got something for you guys…

In a nutshell, February 28-March 4, 2014–the Mardi Gras Casino is holding- Mardi Gras Mania Extravaganza— free bands/circus acts/concerts/fireworks show- food/drink specials.

Sounds like it could be a load of fun, plus-you can play slots/cards-

Printed below is a PR piece which Jeff Eats just received from the Mardi Gras Casino..

*****
HALLANDALE BEACH – (February 17, 2014) Keeping within its theme and tradition, Mardi Gras Casino will hold its annual Mardi Gras Mania featuring live bands, Cajun buffet, fireworks, and fun! Beginning on Friday, February 28th through Fat Tuesday, March 4th, there will be non-stop excitement and entertainment throughout the casino including bands like The Bad Apple Brass Band, Porchdogs, and the Blues Brothers with Matt Guitar Murphy (available to sign autographs with the Blues Brothers Car).
But the party doesn’t stop there! Stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians, and mimes will roam the casino floor throughout the five-day extravaganza and on Fat Tuesday, guests will enjoy a delicious Cajun buffet from 5pm-9pm, $3 Hurricane drink specials, and live entertainment in the Grandstand from 7pm-10pm followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
And a casino just wouldn’t be complete without offering tons of cash and bonus play! From 9am-12am, players who earn 50 points their favorite slot machines will have a chance to play the Mardi Gras Madness Game to win a share of over $40,000!
It’s Always a Party at Mardi Gras Casino!
Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road. The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring over 1,000 of the hottest Las Vegas-style slot machines, including Progressive slots, virtual roulette and blackjack, as well as The Dog Pound, Mardi Gras’ smoker-friendly slot area; 30 action-packed poker tables; simulcast and greyhound racing; entertainment; and various dining options. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit www.mardigrascasinofl.com. Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mardigrascasino or follow us on twitter at http://www/twitter.com/MardiGrasFl.

***** A little Bit Of Philly, 3940 Curtiss Parkway, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166, (305) 456-0481.

Real simple concept here…order at/pickup at counter joint, that makes pizza, calzones, stromboli, hot/cold subs.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats was turned onto -A Little Bit Of Philly by my pals at food blog Burger Beast www.burgerbeast.com who did a story on August 20, 2013.

You know and I know that pizza/sub joints are like Chins in a Chinese phonebook…literally, one in every South Florida strip center…not sure if the Chins/Chinese phonebook/strip center “theme” is working here–but you guys know what I mean.

Anyway…

The other day Jeff Eats gave -A Little Bit Of Philly a shot-and I gotta tell you that the plain pizza, sicilian pizza, philly cheese steak sub, meatball sub that I “sampled” were off the chart. No fooling around, everything-was amazingly delicious.

Let me wrap this up for you…this joint is an absolute grand-slam must try–that’s assuming, that you enjoy great subs and pizza…and other than my friend Hank (a story for another day)-who doesn’t?

A Little Bit Of Philly is open Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm.

***** Barone’s La Pizzeria, 5632 West Sample Road, Margate, Florida 33073 (954) 968-4396.

Call it crazy, but at least once a week -Jeff Eats gets asked among other things-to name his favorite south Florida Italian/pizza joints…very flattering -to think that so many of you guys actually believe that I know what I am talking about…

Anyway…

Way back on June 28, 2010- Jeff Eats “reviewed” Barone’s La Pizzeria…and I gotta tell you, that over the ensuing years, Barone’s has become one of Jeff Eats’ “go to joints.” Personally, I would match Barone’s food/prices/service up-against the best “mom & pop” red sauce players in South Florida.

So…you now know where Jeff Eats goes when he is craving -outstanding New York Style pizza, amazing garlic knots, fabulous minestrone soup, delicious veal marsala—so forth and so on.

One final thought…Barone’s has been around for something like 40 years…that should tell you something!

The original (6/28/10) review is reprinted below.
—-

***** Barone’s La Pizzeria, 5632 West Sample Road, Margate, Florida 33073 (954) 968-4396.
Barone’s La Pizzeria is a “Mom & Pop—red sauce” pizza joint located in Margate.
You can check its menu/prices at www.lapizzeriamargate.com.

You know and I know that “Mom & Pop” pizza joints are a dime a dozen-down here in old South Florida. I think the way it works…the strip center landlord first signs Publix, then Walgreens, then a Chinese takeout, then a pizza joint, then a dry cleaners…then a —-(you fill in the blanks)….then half of the businesses go bust…

Anyway, the other evening, I gave Barone’s La Pizzeria a shot- and I gotta tell you, the food is real-good. My party did pizza, shrimp scampi, veal parmigiana, meat lasagna, chicken & shrimp alfredo, penne ala vodka—and like I just said, real good.

As you know– over the past few years, old Jeff Eats has eaten-in his fair share of “mom & pop” Italian joints…and, to be perfectly honest with you, most of them barely get the job done, but then again, that’s the nature of the beast…”cheap is cheap”….”you get what you pay for”…”one if by land, 2 if by sea.” Trust me on this one, Barone’s La Pizzeria is REAL GOOD…if you live or work near the joint, I highly recommend that you give it a try.

By the way, Barone’s La Pizzeria is right across Sample Road from the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and is maybe a 3-minute drive (west) from the Festival Flea Market on Sample Road.

Barone’s La Pizzeria is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm

* Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox & Market, 1101 South Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, (954) 708-2035.

The best way to describe Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox & Market…a table service–gourmet hamburger/sandwich shop.

For the record, Tucker Duke’s has 2- Florida locations…1- in Valpariso (Fort Walton/Destin area) and 1- in Deerfield Beach…

Just so you know, Jeff Eats hasn’t eaten in Tucker Duke’s…as a matter of fact, the Deerfield Beach location just opened for business 2-days ago.

You regular readers know or should know, that one of Jeff Eats’ favorite South Florida food blogs is Burger Beast-www.burgerbeast.com–with that in mind, the other day- Burger Beast gave the Deerfield Beach-Tucker Duke’s a terrific write-up…the review was so good, you’d swear that Burger Beast was one of the owners or at- the least, a relative of one of the owners. When you get a chance, checkout that review.

Anyway…

Based on Burger Beast’s accolades, Jeff Eats did some “research” which included checking YELP and Trip Advisor-reviews for the Valpariso location …and give or take one or two reviews–people absolutely “loved” the joint. From what I understand, the Valpariso restaurant is a converted gas-station-which sounds pretty cool- to me.

After doing my “internet search” on the Company, Jeff Eats took a ride over- to the Deerfield Beach location and met owners John and Jay. After that “meeting” I also spoke by phone with–third owner, Brian who created the Tucker Duke’s concept.

As previously mentioned, Jeff Eats has not yet eaten in Tucker Duke’s. I will tell you, that during my meeting with John/Jay, I saw some absolutely great looking- burgers/sandwiches come out of the joint’s kitchen. If you are wondering, the Deerfield Beach joint is real casual–with a woody look– like you find in bbq joints. By the way, Tucker Duke’s is located in a very small strip center (between a Subway and Dunkin’Donuts)–and has both inside/handful of outside tables.

Let me wrap this up for you…based on Burger Beast’s review-alone…the joint is worth a try. Throw in those “other” reviews and Jeff Eats’ reconnaissance—and I think that Deerfield Beach may have just given birth to an amazing-burger/sandwich joint.

Check -Burger Beast www.burgerbeast.com—for review/loads of photos/menu prices/info.