***** Straight From New York Bagels, 4550 Executive Drive, Naples, Florida 34119, (239) 596-9933.

Got a real good- order at/pickup at the counter bagel joint for you…Straight From New York Bagels in Naples.

Real simple menu…bagels, pastries, breakfast stuff, salads, sandwiches.

Since the joint is “called” Straight From New York Bagels–let’s chat first about the mixed dozen I got…everything/asiago/pumpernickle/onion/garlic—Straight From New York Bagels’ dozen =15 bagels for 15 bucks. The bagels were kettle boiled and then baked. Straight From New York Bagels were good, actually real good—so as for the bagel-front, the joint was strong. Now, as for Straight From New York Bagels’ pastrami-corned beef-chicken salad and tuna salad–I am pleased to report, that everything was delicious–actually, I’d rate each listed item right-up there with the best that I’ve had in Florida’s bagel bakeries/restaurants.

You can check menu/prices at straightfromny.com.

Straight From New York Bagels is open 7 days a week 7am-2pm.

***** Yakko-San Restaurant, 3881 Northeast 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160, (305) 947-0064.

Jeff Eats knows, that a ton of you guys love top-shelf Japanese food…so I went out and found Yakko-San in North Miami Beach for you. I also know that a load of you guys aren’t (just yet!) in the geriatric category—so you’ll- really enjoy that Yakko-San has separate bar-sushi bar-restaurant areas and is open Monday-Sunday- noon-3am. At this stage of the story, you can check www.yakko-san.com for menu/prices/loads of photos. By the way, for you younger folks out there–just so you know, Jeff Eats’ older “crowd” is also usually up at 1am, 2am, 3am…just not out at joints like Yakko-San. If you aren’t following me here–ask your older friends where I was/am going with this.

The joint is great looking with a semi-upscale vibe. Its got a menu packed with all kinds of soups, appetizers, sushi, sashimi, nigiri, tempura, grilled meats/fish, noodles—that your little hearts desire.

Personally, I know that Jeff Eats is well qualified to “judge” Yakko-San’s food in that I have seen-“What’s Up Tiger Lily?” (1966- saw it twice) and “The Bridge on the River Kiwi” (1957- saw this sucker at least 7 times)—so, I gotta tell you, Yakko-San served up some pretty impressive stuff. A recent dinner (6 people) had us doing…shrimp tempura roll, king crab roll, sashimi (2-tuna, 2-salmon, 2-hamachi), cucumber wrap, grilled Chilean sea bass, ginger chicken, shrimp tempura, beef fried rice, fried cheesecake roll—and not one thing came even close to missing. While we’re on the topic of food critic credentials, Jeff Eats was/is a huge fan of “Hogan’s Heroes” so-figure on seeing a German joint write-up and a discussion of Bob Crane’s death sometime in the near future.

Takko-San is a really good Japanese restaurant.

Definitely one of the best that Jeff Eats has been to- down here in South Florida.

* Speeding To Your Favorite Restaurant.

Just read this on AOL Autos…thought you guys might like to know that–

“A federal judge in St. Louis ruled Monday that a driver flashing their lights to warn other drivers of an impending speed trap is protected free speech.

On November 22, 2012 Michael Elli received a ticket for flashing his lights to warn fellow drivers of a speed trap, according to Fox 2. The American Civil Liberties Union helped Elli fight the $1,000 ticket all the way to federal court.

Judge Henry Autrey of St. Louis ruled a driver has the right to flash their lights under the First Amendment. Autrey issued an injunction to stop Ellisville Police from enforcing the policy.

“If you’re at the gas station on the corner and someone says ‘Hey be careful over there, there’s a speed trap,’ that’s protected speech. You can’t be ticketed for that. This is no different,” Tony Rothert, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, told Fox 2.

A lawyer for the police in Ellisville said the department isn’t affected by the ruling, as this kind of ticket has only been issued five or so times in the last decade. Across the country, however, the ruling will be considered the benchmark for such cases.”

Filed under: Driving Laws

* All That Jazz Café & Grill, 3491 Hiatus Road, Sunrise, Florida 33351, (954) 572-9399.

Got something for you guys that may-be really cool and terrific…but then again, it may-be just the opposite (not really cool and not so terrific).

Hear Jeff Eats out…

The other day -I was talking to Greg Steiner -the bass player of Across The Universe (one of South Florida’s premier Beatles’ tribute bands) about the group’s plans for “celebrating” The Beatles’50th Anniversary (American debut- February 1964). Greg told me that on Sunday, February 16th-Across The Universe is scheduled to perform 2-dinner shows (4:15pm & 7pm) at All That Jazz Café & Grill in Sunrise. Greg also told me-that during the day, All That Jazz is a music academy and on Friday & Saturday 5:30pm-11:30pm and Sunday 10:30am-2:30pm–the joint transforms itself into a 100 seat restaurant (beer/wine) with live music performed by the academy’s students and various guest artists.

Now stay with me…

Jeff Eats checked out- All That Jazz Café & Grill’s menu and it definitely had the right mix of Italian, Mexican, American appetizers/salads/ sandwiches/entrees–to warrant further investigation.

Just so we are straight…Jeff Eats has never been to or eaten in All That Jazz. I will tell you that Greg swears that the joint’s garlic bread and meatballs are off-the chart—now, keep in mind, this “review” comes from some guy who plays Paul McCartney for a living and not from some hot shot Brooklyn born entertainment attorney—so buyer be-ware!!

Anyway…

Jeff Eats “gut” says that All That Jazz Café & Grill is definitely worth a shot down the road.

Finally…

Based on how good–Across The Universe is (Jeff Eats has seen the group a number of times) …the bet here is- that the February 16th- $28 dinner/show will be an absolutely fabulous event…with a good time being had by all!

You can check-out All That Jazz Café & Grill’s menu/prices/Beatles Dinner-Show at- www.allthatjazzcafe.com.

You can check-out Across The Universe at www.acrosstheuniverseband.com.

***** DelVecchio’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, 2060 South University Drive, Davie, Florida 33324, (954) 476-2211.

DelVecchio’s…a small South Florida “red sauce” chain—with 1-joint in Coral Springs, 1-joint in Weston, 1-joint in Sunrise, 1-joint in Pembroke Pines, 2-joints in Davie.

Jeff Eats recently did “dinner” at the DelVecchio’s on South University Drive in Davie—so can’t comment on what’s what about the other 5 locations.

DelVecchio’s as expected- had a menu packed with appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, subs, entrees. You know the game, entrees come with soup/or salad, garlic knots, side pasta.

You can check menu/prices/locations at www.delvecchiospizza.com

Food ordered…large pizza, veal parmigiana, eggplant rollatini, shrimp scampi, penne ala vodka–with everything being A-OK.

Just so there is no misunderstanding, no one item actually blew Jeff Eats-away…but all-in-all, a decent enough outing.

DelVecchio’s is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm.

***** China Casa, 3300 West 84th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33018, (305) 698-3881.

Got a real good Chinese “take-out” joint for you…China Casa in Hialeah.

You know and I know that Chinese take-out joints are a dime a dozen down here in South Florida…you also know that give or take a handful, most Chinese take-outs are OK, but that’s about it…you also know that the next morning’s microwaved leftovers always taste great. Now that we are done with Jeff Eats’ South Florida Chinese tutorial–let me tell you about China Casa.

The other day I and Mrs. Jeff Eats were looking “for” some marble for a renovated kitchen that “she” is envisioning…you do know that Hialeah is like the “marble capital” of the world? sure you do!–any way-one of the store-owners hearing that I was Jeff Eats, told me that we had to try China Casa…blah blah blah. Before I tell you about the food… I was just hit with a flashback—when I was a kid, my father would always say to me…”Who’s she? You mean, your mother!”–when I would refer to my mother as- she…

Anyway…

Let me tell you, this little joint makes some absolutely dynamite wonton soup, bbq ribs, roast pork fried rice, sesame chicken, pepper steak with onions. To be perfectly honest with you, and I’ve eaten a ton of Chinese take-out food in my day, China Casa’s is right up there with some of the best outings that I’ve had here in South Florida.

So, if you live or work or are looking for marble in China Casa’s neighborhood- you now know where to get some really good Chinese stuff…

China Casa is open Monday-Thursday 11am-9:30pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday noon-9pm.

***** Carrollwood Cafe & Deli, 11606 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33618, (813) 964-9008.

Real easy…soups, salads, sandwiches.
Table service.
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-3:30pm, closed on Sunday.
You can check www.carrollwooddeli.com for menu/prices/photos/video of the joint.

The corned beef on rye, the pastrami on rye, tuna/chicken salad platter, chicken noodle soup—all big time winners.

Absolutely loved Carrollwood Cafe & Deli.

Only problem Jeff Eats-got with this joint…it’s 235 miles from my Boca Raton home-base.

If you live or work anywhere near Carrollwood’s neighborhood—you’d have to be stupid or something-not to go there for lunch.

***** Yummy House, 2202 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33604, (813) 915-2828.

Go figure!

Some of the best Cantonese Chinese food that Jeff Eats has ever eaten- is being served up by Yummy House–a “typical” mom & pop-decor Chinese joint in Tampa.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, I’d match Yummy’s–eggrolls, wonton soup, fried dumplings, bbq ribs, kung po shrimp, hong kong roast duck, sesame chicken, orange pork chops, roast pork fried rice -up-against the best joints that I’ve eaten in/taken out-anywhere in Florida-not to mention New York City and San Francisco’s Chinatowns.

I ain’t playing here…amazing delicious food, huge portions at real reasonable prices.

Just as a point of reference, Jeff Eats knows that there are a boat-load of you guys who swear by Silver Pond in Tamarac—Yummy House’s food v. Silver Pond’s food, would be like having matched Joe Louis in his prime against your 87 year old Uncle Joey (by marriage to you Aunt Marlene) who has glaucoma in both eyes…I know, overly dramatic, but definitely not even close.

Look I know that a ton of Jeff Eats’ audience is in Dade-Broward-Palm Beach—but what is, is! I am telling you, this Yummy House joint is really in a league-of its own. Unfortunately for us (you guys and Jeff Eats), it isn’t in our backyard. But like I just said, what is, is! By the way, that “what is, is” is about 235 miles away/figure 4 hours–unless you’re flying (in a plane, that is).

So! If you live or work in Yummy’s neighborhood, you now know about a great Chinese joint.

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

Yummy House is open 7 days a week…11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm.

One final bit of housekeeping…there are 3 Yummy restaurants in Tampa and 1 -in Sarasota. They are owned by the same folks, but each has a slightly different name. For example Yummy House Bistro, Yummy Noodle House…This review is for the Waters-Tampa location. Jeff Eats has not yet tried the others-so no verdict on their respective food etc.

* I’ll Spend The Extra Money!

Just read this “piece” on Daily Finance (www.dailyfinance.com).

Don’t know about you guys-but I think that Jeff Eats would rather just “go for the extra cash” and eat-out/pick-up than follow this advise.
*****

“Buying lunch during the workweek can quickly add up. Find out how to make convenient meals at home and truly savor the savings.
Lunch for Less

If you’re burned out on soups, sandwiches and salads, steamer lunches are a great alternative. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re healthy, delicious and super easy to make, too. All you need are two 10-pack boxes of Ziploc Zip’n Steam bags ($6); three to four small bags of your favorite frozen vegetables ($5); two to three packs of pre-cooked, microwave-ready meat or meat substitute ($10 to $15); and one bottle of a preferred sauce ($5). To make your meals more filling, buy a box of instant rice, as well.

To make your lunches, take one bag and add two hands of vegetables, one handful of meat, a little sauce and a half cup of rice. Repeat until you’ve used all of your ingredients, and then pop the bags into the freezer. They’ll be ready to microwave and eat the next day. If you want to switch things up, buy a mix of different vegetables and/or different sauces. You can even invite your friends to make their own bags and swap a portion of them to give your daily lunch some variety.

Making these rice bowls will cost you just $23 to $30 for two weeks of food. If you’re spending an average $10 per day for your takeout lunches, you’ll save 70-80 percent off the cost of eating out. So, before you overspend during the workweek, try making these steamer lunches for a cheap and delicious option.”

* Terry Johnsons’ Flamingos.

If you are a 50s-60s Oldies-fan…Jeff Eats got something really terrific for you…

On Saturday Night-February 1, 2014–Terry Johnson’s Flamingos will be in concert at the Kings Point Theater in Delray Beach. The Flamingos’ appearance is part of the “Voices Of Legends Concert Series” that Kings Point has on its entertainment calendar. The beautiful thing about Kings Point is that residents pay $15 for tickets and outsiders only pay $18…no Ticketmaster charges or other such shenanigans.

The Flamingos’ show will also feature appearances by Mike Miller and Johnny T.–both are former members of The Mystics of “Hushabye” fame…Johnny T. is also rated by Billboard Magazine as one of America’s TOP 10–tribute artists.

To help refresh your recollections…The Flamingos had such hits as—“Lovers Never Say Goodbye”-“I Only Have Eyes For You”-“Mio Amore”…

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…I recently saw Terry Johnson’s Flamingos and they put on a dynamite show…I’ve also seen Mike Miller and Johnny T. and they are terrific entertainers.

As a point of reference, a couple weeks ago–Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats attended a “Voices” concert that starred The Dubs, Johnny T, Mike Miller and Michael D’Amore and I gotta tell you, we had an absolute blast. The Kings Point Theater probably seats something like 1,000–with every seat being just fine…the theater has real good sound/lighting systems. The way this one “worked”–in addition to performing the hits of folks like Sinatra, Martin, Anka–Johnny T. served as the master of ceremonies and really got the audience engaged in the various performances. At The Dubs’ show, the entire audience “participated” in a closing “Shout” number performed by The Dubs, Miller, Johnny T., Michael D’Amore and special guests- William Cintron of The N.Y.S.E. Guys and Ken Brady-the lead singer of The Casinos who had the 1967 mega-hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.” I’m telling you–the Theater was rocking n rolling just like you see on those T.J. Lubinsky Public TV Oldie- Shows.

Just so you know, I just checked www.kingspointdelray.com and there are only a handful of seats left for this show. So! If “this” is of interest to you, you gotta move fast.