***** Leo’s Diner, 333 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 423-5367.

Now, let me ask you something…

Do you seriously think that Jeff Eats would pass on trying a “mom & pop” diner–named Leo’s Diner on a recent Orlando sojourn? If you answered yes, YOU ARE WRONG!

Let me start by saying, that although Leo’s has only been around since April 10, 2010…8 counter seats/16 tables/black & white checkerboard tile floor décor–gives off a nice 1950s-1960s vibe.

Leo’s Diner is open Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Sunday 8am-1pm, closed on Saturday. Now, nothing for nothing- closed on Saturday? Maybe a Sunday, maybe a Monday, but Saturday! AH! The mysteries of the restaurant business!

Anyway…

You can check menu/prices at www.leosdiner.net.

Jeff Eats recently did lunch at Leo’s–and as you would expect, its menu is packed with breakfast stuff, burgers, salads, soups, sandwiches/subs, desserts.

“Items tested”– meatball parmesan sub ($7.95 came with French fries)…chicken salad on a Kaiser roll ($7.95 came with baked potato)…1/2-lb bacon cheeseburger ($7.95 came with French fries)…5 cheese grilled cheese sandwich ($6.95 American, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, parmesan–came with French fries). No fooling here, everything Jeff Eats had was delicious–with the grilled cheese sandwich and meatball sub getting special shout-outs.

So there is no confusion, Leo’s does breakfast Monday-Friday from 7am-11am and Sunday 8am-1pm…and no breakfast or for that matter lunch on Saturday.

Let me wrap this up for you,

Jeff Eats has eaten his fair share of diner-lunches–and I gotta rate Leo’s food right up with the best of breed.

This joint is a big time winner!

* Let The Games Begin–Nutella v. Hershey!

Caught this story on AP this afternoon…

Gonna be a major slugfest here…sort of like Ali v. Frazier…

Jeff Eats’ bet…Hershey ends up with the lion’s share…
*****

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans apparently like smearing their foods with chocolatey spreads.

The Hershey Co. on Wednesday said it was introducing a line of chocolate spreads, including a hazelnut variety reminiscent of Nutella, a spread made by the Italian company Ferrero.

The move points to the strong growth in the category; over the past five years, sales of Nutella in the U.S. have more than tripled to $240.4 million, according to market researcher Euromonitor International.

In 2012, J.M. Smucker Co. also got into the game with its Jif hazelnut spreads.

Anna Lingeris, a Hershey spokeswoman, noted that the most common uses for chocolate spreads are pairings with fruit. But she says Hershey will feature the “endless possibilities” for its spreads in national TV ads set to start airing on Monday.

“People are seeing the permission to try it on carrots and try it on celery,” Lingeris said, noting that chocolate is “one of America’s favorite snacks.”

A Hershey statement also suggested pairings with pineapples and pickles.

As for Nutella, fans use it in a variety of ways, with some even saying they just eat it straight out of the jar. On its website, the spread is shown in a wholesome light on what appears to be a slice of whole wheat bread, alongside a fruit and glasses of orange juice and milk. Hershey’s site meanwhile features a jar of its spread amid apples, strawberries, pretzels and celery.

Lingeris said Hershey’s spreads have been available since early December, although national marketing is just now starting.

The spreads have chocolate flavor, but aren’t primarily chocolate. Nutella’s ingredients, for example, include sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa and skim milk. A call to the Ferrero’s U.S. headquarters wasn’t immediately returned.

Adding chocolate spreads clearly make fruits and vegetables more indulgent snacks, with two tablespoons containing about 200 calories, 12 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar for both the Nutella and Hershey varieties.

Meanwhile, Hershey recently touted its efforts to reduce the calories in its products. The Hershey, Pa.-based company is part of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a collation of 16 major food makers that has said it will work to reduce obesity. For its part, Hershey says it has reduced the calories in its products by offering portion-controlled packaging, changing recipes and developing new products, such as offerings with reduced sugar and fat.

____

***** Argentinian Deli, 501 Northeast 20th Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 672-9003.

Go figure!-and Jeff Eats thought that…Argentina was only-known for hiding World War II Nazi war criminals and a Broadway show about some dictator and his wife.

Well, you live and you learn-

The other day, Jeff Eats had an absolutely terrific-lunch at an Argentinian “fast food” joint- Argentinian Deli in Boca Raton. Just so you know, Argentinian Deli is part grocery store/part deli/ part fast food restaurant with a handful of tables.

Right off the bat, I gotta tell you that Argentinian Deli makes some of the best empanadas that Jeff Eats has ever eaten…The joint has 9 different “fillings”-with a $6 special that gives you 3 plus a can of soda. Jeff Eats had- ham & cheese, beef, chicken with vegetables—and like I said, I can’t recall eating better ones down here in South Florida.

Argentinian’s menu also has all kinds of breakfast stuff, appetizers, salads, sandwiches/subs, entrees, desserts.

Being the reporter that he is, in addition to those empanadas- Jeff Eats also “tried”- 6″ chicken milanesa sub ($6.99 inludes one side plus soft drink) and 10oz. vacio steak plate ($11.90 includes one side plus soft drink) and I’m telling you, like those empanadas- the food was amazingly good.

You can check www.argentiniandeli.com for menu/prices/photos.

Let me sum Argentinian Deli up for you…

Part grocery store/part deli/part fast food restaurant.

The food is dynamite and dirt-cheap.

The joint is a HOMERUN!

Argentinian Deli is open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 8am-2pm.

Finally, if Argentinian’s food is indicative as to what food in Argentina is/was all-about—Jeff Eats can appreciate why those Nazis ran there!

* 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]

Michael D’Amore

* Voices Of The Legends–January 18th–Tickets Still Available!

Back on December 12, 2013 Jeff Eats told you guys about a terrific “50s-70s” concert scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2014 (8pm) at the Kings Point Theater in Delray Beach.

Just checked with the box-office and there are a handful of tickets still left for the show.

In a nutshell, the show is headlined by The Dubs who had the huge hit–“Could This Be Magic.” There are also three other acts on the bill…Johnny T., Mike Miller and Michael D’Amore. Just so you know, both Johnny and Mike are former members of The Mystics of “Hushabye” fame. T., Miller and D’Amore are well known tribute artists who perform all over the United States covering such great singers/acts as The Righteous Brothers, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Skyliners, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra and Dion & The Belmonts. Jeff Eats has seen all of the scheduled artists and I am telling you–this is going to be an absolutely dynamite show.

If you are a resident of Kings Point…tickets are 15 bucks…non residents, 18 bucks.

For tickets, call the box-office (561) 499-3335 ext. 225.

Check www.jeffeats.com for the original 12/12/13 article about the show.

***** Junior’s Diner, 2920 Corrine Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803, (407) 894-8871.

Junior’s Diner is a “neighborhood” diner…long/narrow setup—maybe 10 counter seats, maybe ten booths. Its been around since 1997.

Junior’s Diner does breakfast/lunch…Tuesday-Saturday 6:30am-2pm, Sunday 7:30am-2pm, closed on Monday.

Jeff Eats loves the Junior’s Diners of this world…call me a wild and crazy guy (I know- Steve Martin) but I love mom & pop joints- like this one. No matter what you say, I’d rather eat in a- Junior’s Diner than an IHOP, Denny’s, First Watch, Perkins, “You Name The Chain.”

Now, unless you’re a recent transplant from Venus, you know exactly what this- Junior’s Diner is all about. Decent enough food, reasonable prices and pleasant-sassy- charming waitresses. You also know, that Junior’s “grill man” ain’t winning no prize money on that cooking-show Chopped.

Junior’s menu is loaded with breakfast stuff, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and entrees.

A recent outing had Jeff Eats doing…western omelet ($7.09), French toast with sausage ($5.59), biscuits with sausage gravy (2-biscuits, $3.69)…and I gotta tell you, that everything was diner-good. Are we talking “curing cancer” good, come-on, don’t be silly…

Let me wrap this up for you…

Unless you are a real-strange dude or dudette–you “got” your own–Junior’s Diner. For sure, yours maybe called Leo’s, or Tommy’s, or Jimbo’s, or Nick’s…but you got one! You know, the joint- where you go for breakfast and the coffee is-coffee and not some pumpkin spice latte concoction.

Finally, just in case we go on the “Newly Wed Game”–Jeff Eats’ all-time favorite Junior’s Diner was “The Federal” which was located on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn…I can’t begin to tell you how many times my Father, Mother, Brother and I were in that joint from 1949-1957-but it was -a lot…and if memory serves me right, The Federal had an almost identical layout as Junior’s Diner has…the one big difference, Junior’s is into mahagony colors while The Federal had a red & white decor.

Posted September 25, 2011
***** Junior’s Diner, 2920 Corrine Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803, (407) 894-8871.

Junior’s Diner…”mom & pop”–cash only–booth/counter seating diner in Orlando.

I love neighborhood-diner joints, like Juniors. Nothing fancy, just good solid breakfasts, burgers, fries, sandwiches—what makes these joints special is–that they have personality. Unlike chains like IHOP and Perkin’s, the Junior’s of the world have a down-home style and personal touch that only local-owners can generate.

Now, we all know that Orlando is a tourist “mecca”—I seriously doubt, that there are any national restaurant chains without at least one Orlando outpost. If you want to eat where the “locals” eat…you gotta try Junior’s Diner. The joint is open Monday-Saturday 6:30am-2pm and is closed on Sunday.

* The Good Pie Company, 5665 South Uiversity Drive, Davie, Florida 33328, (954) 562-4760.

Let me start by saying that–Jeff Eats is flying blind here…

Yesterday, I heard about a “start-up” retail/wholesale business-The Good Pie Company that “apparently” bakes amazing sweet and savory pies. So you “know”–sweet would be like- apple, pumpkin etc., savory would be chicken pot pie, zucchini etc. (so now you guys can be bakers).

Following-up on a friend’s call-about incredible apple, boston cream and chicken pot pies—Jeff Eats did some GOOGLING, BINGING, YAHOOING–and came-up with an interesting “picture” about a 50ish married couple who started The Good Pie Company after driving round trip–Florida to California studying/tasting all kinds of pies along the way. If I got this right, this Good Pie deal- is their first pro-outing in the bakery business. The joint which opened on November 5, 2013 is basically a “working-kitchen” located in a Davie strip center. When you walk in, there are no retail counters/displays–you are in a kitchen. From what I gather, the space formerly housed a pizza joint-and has enough room to allow a retail outlet to be built-out.

At this stage of this story–check Good Pie’s website www.thegoodpiecompany.net for products/and other stuff.

As I mentioned 23 seconds ago-most of the info-I have on The Good Pie Company came from the “internets” (you do know that Jeff Eats is a computer illiterate)… there are a number of stories on the company and a really cool YouTube Video about the Florida-California sojourn.

Now, nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats has no personal knowledge of what “these” pies taste like or what the bakery/store really looks like. What I got, is a gut feeling that owners Marti and Frank Reich–in addition to making delicious pies, may have a business that if “backed” by the right folks-could be HUGE.

By the way, on January 25, 2014 The Good Pie Company is going to have its official “Grand Opening.”

Jeff Eats is definitely going to- personally check this joint out…

We’ll talk about this one-again, real soon!

***** The Unemployed Chef, 2030 South Douglas Road, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (305) 441-2433.

For our purposes…we’re gonna call The Unemployed Chef-a fast food (order at/pickup at the counter) “American” joint…handful of tables–breakfast stuff, salads, personal pizzas, burgers, sandwiches/wraps/subs. You can check menu/prices at www.theunemployedchef.com.

First let Jeff Eats get this off his chest, I think that the joint’s name s-u-c-k-s. Too cute for my taste, but since I got no skin in this game, the owners can call the joint whatever they -like. I’m thinking a name like Gables’ Luncheonette, or SB Luncheonette (sisters Sandy and Barbara are the owners)—has so much more pizzaz, but that’s just me.

Anyway…

The Unemployed Chef is an absolutely dynamite breakfast/lunch joint…or shall I say luncheonette?

A recent outing had Jeff Eats “trying” Caesar salad ($4.69), 2 black angus beef sliders/with french fries ($5.29), 10″ plain thin crust pizza ($6.99), philly cheese steak hoagie ($6.69) and I gotta tell you–this joint turns out some really delicious food.

No matter what Sandy and Barbara call it, this joint is a homerun.

The Unemployed Chef is open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, closed Saturday & Sunday.

* THE BSTREET BAND.

THE BSTREET BAND is one of America’s top Bruce Springsteen tribute bands. The band based in New Jersey-has been around for something like 20 years and plays all over the country. Unlike most “cover-tribute” bands, the guys in BSTREET do this Springsteen thing-full time…so you would think-they gotta be pretty good at playing Springsteen’s music.

If this “stuff” interests you…

BSTREET will be performing FREE SHOWS:

1/18/2014——–Seminole Coconut Creek Casino (Coconut Creek).
1/23,24,25/2014–Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Hollywood).
2/6/2014———Seminole Tampa Hard Rock (Tampa).
2/8/2014———Orlando Hard Rock Live (Orlando).

Jeff Eats has seen this band a number of times…they are really good.

Check www.bstreetband.com for schedule/times/other stuff.

* Shadows of The 60’s–Still Time To Get Tickets!!!!

On March 20, 2012 and then again on June 28, 2013 I told you guys about- Shadows Of the 60’s- a Motown tribute “show” that was an absolute must see…

Last Wednesday night -at Century Village in Deerfield Beach…Jeff Eats and something like 1,300 others got to see this 11-piece (6 vocalists/5 band) act perform a non-stop 90-minute show featuring the music of such legendary artists as The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and The Drifters. To say that the audience loved the show-would be an understatement…unless clapping, singing, dancing and yes-screaming in the aisles isn’t what I think it is. The evening was capped off by 25 audience members, that’s right 25–joining the performers on stage for some Motown “style” dancing and vocals.

Look, Jeff Eats has been around the music/entertainment business for a very-long time. I’ve seen the “stars” -all kinds of bands/singers-and all kinds of tribute artists…and I gotta tell you, Shadows Of The 60’s -is one of the best tribute acts that I have ever-ever seen. The ensemble doesn’t use tracks and plays the songs “note for note” exactly and I do mean exactly as they were originally recorded.

Just so you know, Shadows Of The 60’s has 5 “shows” left on its current Florida tour-schedule…January 11th (Delray Beach), January 12th (Sunrise), January 14th (2-Hernando), January 15th (Sun City Center)—so if you like this kinda thing (and who doesn’t?) check www.shadowsofthe60s.com and see if you can catch a ticket.

Printed below are the 3/20/12 and 6/28/13 write-ups…
***

Shadows Of The 60′s
Posted on June 28th, 2013
* Shadows Of The 60′s
FINALLY…SOMEBODY LISTENED TO JEFF EATS–
Back on March 20, 2012 Jeff Eats told you guys about a sensational Motown revue show–”Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” that I had recently seen.
The original “writeup” is reprinted below.
Anyway…in that article, I urged you guys to “get” this NYC act down to South Florida-and although it took awhile– earlier this week, Dave Revels advised me- that the act now called “Shadows Of The 60′s” has signed a contract from January 2, 2014- January 16, 2014 to play various South Florida country clubs/condos/venues.
If you are a fan of Motown music…I am telling you–you don’t want to miss this act when they are here in South Florida. No fooling around–Dave Revels’ “singers” are as good-if not better than the guys-girls currently starring in the smash Broadway hit “Motown The Musical.”
Check the group’s website www.shadowsofthe60s.com and see if your social director or your friend’s social director or your cousin’s social director was smart enough to book “Shadows Of The 60′s” for their respective communities.

***** Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops *****
Posted on March 20, 2012.
I am a huge Motown fan…Just so you know, Smokey is my favorite singer and I absolutely love The Four Tops. Now with that in mind—
I recently caught an 11 piece act..”Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” that absolutely blew me away. I’m telling you– You’d swear, that The Four Tops (Levi, Duke, Obie and Lawrence) were in-the-house circa 1965. Dead on and I do mean dead on versions of the group’s greatest hits.
To be perfectly honest with you, over the years, literally- I have seen countless cover bands and tribute acts down here in South Florida. No fooling around, “Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” was right up there with the best that I’ve seen, anywhere. Terrific staging, costumes, music, dancing—this group had it all covered. In addition to The Four Tops’ tribute, the act also did amazing covers of such 50s-60s-70s artists as The Drifters, The Platters, The Supremes, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.
The reason that I am mentioning “Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” is that the New York based group is currently scheduling a number of 2012-2013 Florida appearances. So… if this type of “entertainment” is your bag–be on the lookout for advertised performance dates.
Just a little heads up…the leader of the group- Dave Revels ain’t exactly a rookie in the entertainment business. Years ago, he was a member of Charlie Thomas’ Drifters and is a current member of the legendary acapella group-The Persuasions (who by the way, tore the house down this past Sunday night at The Broward Center). To say that this guy can sing, would be an understatement. He does a Levi Stubbs and Marvin Gaye—that would have the originals thinking that- they were singing on stage.
Like I said, “Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” is something you gotta see—you can check schedule/audio/video at www.daverevels.com & www.standingintheshadowsofthefourtops.com. You can also You Tube–Dave Revels and you should come-up with a ton of videos.
One final thought, I’m sure that a number of you guys live in condo communities, country clubs, etc…that have entertainment directors/committees. “Dave Revels Tribute To The Four Tops” would be an absolute homerun–so maybe you should make an introduction!