Bistro Gastronomie (Boca Raton).

Let Jeff Eats do a “mitzvah” here…

To the owner of Bistro Gastronomie which is currently under construction at the intersection of Long Lake Boulevard and Yamato Road in Boca Raton…unless you are planning on washing money or something like that in the upscale French restaurant that you have been spending money like crazy on during the past 8 months or-so…stop everything right now and cut your losses.

Now this is just an opinion, but the demographics for the area tells-Jeff Eats that there is no way in hell that an upscale French restaurant in “your” location has any chance whatsoever of making it. The spot that you are building in ~originally housed a Moe’s Bagel joint and Back Street a moderately priced “American-Style” joint-that had 1-2-3-4 owners before finally calling it a day. Now! If “they” couldn’t move enough bagels/coffee or 4-sliders with French fries for $8.95 to pay the rent, then logic tells me -that your braised rabbit ain’t exactly gonna be flying off the shelf-either.

Sorry I didn’t get to you sooner, but I’ve been busy “studying” why the bay two doors down from yours has had something like six different businesses during the past 3-4 years.

Anyway…good luck!
*****
UPDATE: January 13, 2014

This evening Jeff Eats received an e-mail from Bistro Gastronomie’s owner, William Walden. In addition the Jeff Eats’ site received a number of “Comments” from the same William Walden.

Suffice it to say, Mr. Walden believes that his new restaurant- scheduled to open in February is going to be an extremely successful endeavor.

Since Jeff Eats has no skin in-the Bistro Gastronomie game…how the restaurant fares is of no real concern to me.

Jeff Eats really does wish Bistro Gastronomie and Mr. Walden all the best…that said, Jeff Eats stands by his opinions expressed in my 12/13/2013 story.

Mr. Walden’s e-mail is printed below.
From: William Walden
Subject: Bistro Gastronomie
Message Body:
Hello Jeff and Happy New Year! Bistro Gastronomie is slated to open this coming
February. Hopefully you received one of our flyers in the mail this past week. I
just discovered your Blog from a colleague that emailed me the link. WOW. I hope
to get a chance to meet you in the coming weeks and I certainly hope that you
will try my restaurant. Noteworthy is that it has taken an extremely long time
to build out due to the extensive renovations. We plan on being here for years.
Until shortly, Thank you! Executive Chef/Owner William Walden–
This mail is sent via contact form on Jeff Eats http://jeffeats.com

***** Santino’s Pizza-Pasta, 18267 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33029, (954) 441-0080.

“Look what they did to my boy. Look what they did to Santino!”

Anyway…

Got a real-good- Pembroke Pines’ “mom & pop” red sauce Italian joint for you…Santino’s Pizza-Pasta. You can check menu/prices/photos/other stuff at santinospizzaandpasta.com.

Now, straight up I’m telling you that…Santino’s Pizza-Pasta has definitely not reinvented the wheel-here! With that in mind, Jeff Eats really enjoyed the large pizza ($12.95)-gnocchi with meat sauce ($11.75)-veal marsala ($14.95)-zuppa di pesce ($20.95) that made their way to the Eats’ table. Throw in the fact, that all of the entrees came with a house salad/or soup, pasta side and delicious garlic rolls and you gotta-know that Jeff Eats was an extremely happy camper.

Santino’s is what I call a no-brainer…tons of good solid red sauce stuff and loads of Coca Cola (ice tea or is it iced tea?- in Mrs. Jeff Eats’ case) for tops 50 bucks a couple…and of course, your tee shirt/shorts ensemble will be in fashion.

Santino’s Pizza-Pasta is open Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 1pm-10pm.

* Kings Point Theater– “Voices Of Legends.”

Got something for “some” of you guys…

On Saturday Night, January 18, 2014-at 8pm…”Voices Of Legends” is in concert at the Kings Point Theater in Delray Beach.

The show’s headline act…

The Dubs who in the 50s-60s charted with the hits “Could This Be Magic”–“Chapel Of Dreams”–“Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely.”

The show also features former Mystic- Johnny T…one of America’s top-50s/60s Rock N Roll tribute artists—who covers such greats as Dion, Paul Anka, Bobby Darin…you can check www.johnnytunes.com for videos/schedule.

Now, for the real kicker here…

Also on the bill, Michael D’Amore—one of Jeff Eats’ all-time favorite “Adult Contemporary” artists. Right about now, you may (or may not) be saying…”Who the hell is Michael D’Amore, I never heard of the guy?” To which Jeff Eats replies…”Go to www.michaeldamore.com and click on the videos and you’ll see–actually hear why I absolutely love this guy. Nothing for nothing, New Jersey based D’Amore rarely-if-ever plays South Florida, so you gotta know that Jeff Eats will definitely be at this show.

The particulars on venue/tickets:

Kings Point Theater Voices Of Legends
Concert Series 8pm Show
7000 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL
For tickets call (561) 499-3335 Ext 225
Residents: $15, Non-Residents: $18.

***** I Love Tacos Restaurant & More, 17722 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33029, (954) 447-6262.

Got a really good “hole in the wall” Mexican joint for you…I Love Tacos Restaurant & More in Pembroke Pines. The reason for the hole-in-the-wall designation, maybe there are 10 tables that seat 4 each–and a small bar that handles maybe 7…One other piece of business, I Love Tacos blah blah–has another location in Weston- 2203 North Commerce Parkway (954) 515-0120. Jeff Eats’ tale is about the Pembroke Pines’ joint…

I Love Tacos looks like every other “mom & pop” Mexican joint that you’ve ever been in…I’m assuming, that you know what I’m talking about décor-wise, if not…when you check menu/prices at www.ilovetacosrestaurant.com you’ll also find a photo or two on the décor front.

I love Tacos does breakfast Monday-6am-11am, breakfast Saturday & Sunday 8am-11am…lunch Monday-Sunday 11am-3pm…dinner Monday-Sunday 4pm-10pm. So if Jeff Eats got this right, you’re plum out of luck if you want to get something to eat Monday-Sunday from 3pm-4pm.

Anyway…

Like I said 34 seconds ago, I Love Tacos is a really good joint—A recent dinner outing had me “doing”- guacamole & chips ($9.90), shrimp taco (3-$11.90), steak quesadilla ($10.50), Mexican lasagna ($12.90)—and I got to tell you, Jeff Eats absolutely loved the food. For the record, I’ll even go as far-and say, the stuff I ate- was right up there with the best that I have had in sunny South Florida.

For you inquisitive minds…I Love Tacos has the full-boat of tacos, tostadas, flautas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tortas—so if Mexican food is your bag, you’ll definitely find what to eat.

To close, Jeff Eats highly recommends that you give I Love Tacos Restaurant & More a shot, it’s really good.

One final note, Joey the guy who turned me on to this joint, told me that every so often on Friday-Saturday nights the joint has a Mariachi band. If that’s the case, you may want to have a few singles in your pocket–to give “them” so they’ll go over to another table. Just a thought!.

* The Manhattans’ New Year’s Eve Concert (Mardi Gras Casino, Hallandale Beach)

Got something terrific for you guys…”The Manhattans'”-New Year’s Eve Concert at the Mardi Gras Casino is a FREE EVENT…
Starting at 7pm on December 31st- Reserved Seat Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis at the Will Call Desk.

Just a suggestion, you guys should keep a close-eye on Mardi Gras Casino’s website (www.mardigrascasino.fl.com) so that you can follow the Casino’s entertainment schedule. This way, you won’t be-beholden to Jeff Eats when “you” get cheap tickets or free tickets to some absolutely terrific concerts/events.

Here’s a PR piece from Mardi Gras Casino’s website.
The Manhattans
December 31, 2013, 10:30pm – In the Grandstand
Legend has it that George “Smitty” Smith, Edward “Sonny” Bivins, Winfred “Blue” Lovett, Kenneth Kelly and Richard Taylor came to call themselves the Manhattans because, as teenage singers in Jersey City, New Jersey, they’d dream about the big time while gazing across the Hudson River at the Manhattan skyline. It’s a nice story, but unfortunately it is not true. In fact, the quintet took its name from a cocktail known as the Manhattan that’s made from whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Still, the name suggested class, something the Manhattans have epitomized throughout their long career. First tenor Bivins, who characterizes the group’s elegant style as “progressive doo wop,” first got together with baritone singer Taylor while they were serving with the Air Force in Germany during the late 1950’s. After being discharged, Bivins, Lovett and Smith formed the Dulcets in 1960. In 1961, The Dulcets recorded “Pork Chops” on the Sue Label. In 1963, with the addition of Kelly and Taylor, they formed The Manhattans.
Although they began making records in 1963, the Manhattans didn’t strike it big until the mid-1970’s, when they successfully bucked the disco trend with a series of romantic ballads for Columbia Records. They had eight songs in the R&B Top 10 between 1973 and 1978, with the composition “Kiss And Say Good Bye” going to Number One on both the R&B and Pop Charts in 1976 and placing in the top five in England and Australia. “Shining Star”, which won The Manhattans their first Grammy Award in 1980, made it to number five on the Pop Charts, staying on the charts for 14 straight weeks.
The Manhattans continue to bring their smooth, classy live sound to their fans, with over 100 shows worldwide last year alone. With Edward “Sonny” Bivins at baritone, Al Pazant at bass, Lee “The Reverend” Williams at lead vocal and Charles “Charming Charlie” Hardy and Harsey “The Candyman” Hemphill sharing 1st and 2nd tenor, The Manhattans continue to be one of the most sought after live R&B units of the day.

* 7th Annual Sweet Dreams (Seminole Casino Coconut Creek).

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “did” the 6th Annual–last year and it was FABULOUS!—that’s assuming that you were into eating some of the most amazing-delicious desserts that you ever had!!! Throw in a sensational Winter-Wonderland décor and top notch musical-entertainment…and you had the “making” of a great charity-event.

Well…#7 is set to go-on Friday, December 13, 2013 and Saturday, December 14, 2013—and the bet here… another great event is just around the corner.

Tickets go for 15 bucks plus a Ticketmaster fee—so figure on spending about $23 a head.

No fooling around here…Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats attend a “ton” of charity events and I gotta tell you, Sweet Dreams is right up there with the best of them.

If you guys can make it–then make it!…you’ll have a terrific time!

Here’s the PR piece for–7th Annual Sweet Dreams.
*****
7th Annual ‘Sweet Dreams’ at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Friday, December 13, 2013 6:00 pm -10:00pm
Saturday, December 14, 2013 6:00pm- 10:00 pm

The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s Pavilion will transform into a sugary winter wonderland during its 7th annual Sweet Dreams festival on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, from 6-10 pm. Tickets are $15 per person, per day, and the event’s charity partner is Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. The Casino’s Sweet Dreams event will sponsor two wishes for the organization.

Sweet Dreams will feature two-dozen dreamy dessert stations, along with coffees, teas, tastings from Pearl Vodka, and live music from Swing City Quartet on Friday, and City Limits on Saturday. A backdrop featuring stunning décor, strolling carolers and a spectacular tree of life will add to the holiday ambiance.

Special Celebrity Chef appearances are also on the menu. On Friday, Food Network Host Chef Keegan Gerhard will showcase his talents on the Pavilion stage demonstrating the art of Swiss Meringue. Chef Gerhard has been named one of the nation’s top 10 pastry chefs, and is host of “Food Network Challenge” television series.

On Saturday, December 14, nationally acclaimed pastry chef and James Beard Foundation Award Winner Chef Gale Gand, former host of Food Network’s “Sweet Dreams,” will demonstrate how to make two of her special holiday treats – Chocolate Mousse and Ricotta Doughnuts.

Guests can indulge in everything from cake pops, mini Belgian waffles, fudge, cannolis, cookies, cakes, shaved ice, cappuccino, flavored teas, and a spectacular chocolate fountain. Participants include A Chocolate Affair, A Flair for Fudge, Best Darn Kettle Corn, Cappuccino Express, Cold Stone Creamery, Cookies by Design, Corner Bakery Café, Edible Arrangements, Gelato Petrini, It’Sugar, Jodi’s Cupcakes, La Marquise Desserts, Mozart Café, Palm Beach Cakes, Restaurant Beverage Service, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Sicilian Oven, Stork’s Bakery and Café, Susy Pops, The Gluten Free Cookie Jar, The Melting Pot, Too Jay’s, Waffy’s, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Catering, and more.

Sweet Dreams is strictly for guests age 21 and over and will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Tickets are $15 per person, and can be purchased at http://Ticketmaster.com. Guests are invited to make a night of it and enjoy all the casino fun following the Sweet Dreams event.

* NATIONAL DO NOT CALL (888-382-1222).

Just got this e-mail…

Now nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats did some checking–and this “particular” e-mail has been circulating since 2004. Based on my research, it would seem that “we” aren’t about to be overloaded with tons of telemarketer-calls. That said, every so often—some telemarketer “calls” Jeff Eats and either gets me–live or leaves a message. To be perfectly honest with you guys, I really don’t need or want these calls…so rumor or not, Jeff Eats just “registered” his and Mrs. Jeff Eats’ cell-phone numbers with the National Do Not Call registry.

Consider this “maybe” a public service announcement!

*****
From: gaylesok@bellsouth.net
Sent: 12/9/2013 1:29:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: Cell phone numbers go public this month

You may all have done this already, like I have, but just to let you know.
I thought all should know!
REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.
REMINDER….. all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and you will start to receive sales calls.
…. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It
blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number
you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.
https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON. It takes about 20 seconds

* Grillit Inc.

Recently got the following e-mail…from MNH.

Hey Jeff,

Have you ever heard of this new Miami based fast food grilled chicken/meat restaurant Grillit which has a few locations? It is a public company GRLT around $1.58 and recently got a brand new CEO who seems to have awesome credentials to really build this one into a huge chain? Would appreciate your thoughts on the chain’s potential and its stock. Here’s a blurb from a recent pr release. “GRILLiT (GRLT) is a growing Latin-Caribbean fusion restaurant concept that marries fast casual to nutritious and healthy food. The company opened its first location in Miami in 2011 and specializes in chef-inspired custom crafted rice bowls, pasta and wraps as well as salads. GRILLiT utilizes domestic growers and delivers healthy cuisine using only fresh proteins, such as never-frozen chicken and Angus beef. Restaurants offer an inviting and comfortable atmosphere with an open kitchen and contemporary, industrial design. For more information, visit http://www.grillitinc.com.” Thanks MNH.

*****
MNH,

Took a quick look at GRLiT…personally, I wouldn’t buy the stock. Too undercapitalized for Jeff Eats. Too many big-players who can do the same-thing. As for its food, can’t comment because I haven’t tried the joint.

* Respect A Musical Journey Of Women.

Last night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw “Respect A Musical Journey Of Women”…at- Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre in Boca Raton. In a nutshell, 4 -fabulous female singers/dancers and a 3 -piece band takes the audience on a musical journey using the “hits” from 1900-today to explain the empowerment of the American woman. I know-I know it sounds kinda “serious” but trust Jeff Eats—you guys will love this show/revue. Didn’t really count the number of songs-covered, but standout numbers like “Bobby’s Girl”–“You Don’t Own Me”–“Respect”–“What Ever Lola Wants” were worth the price of admission alone.

The show Respect–has been around since 2004 and has played to audiences all over the United States. The “latest” version–Studio Theatre from Decemeber 5, 2013-Januray 5, 2014. You can check performance dates/buy tickets/other stuff at www.respectthemusical.com and www.brtg.org/Respect.html.

To be perfectly honest with you, before last night’s performance Jeff Eats had never been in the Studio Theatre…Absolutely- gorgeous state of the art theatre that seats something like 250…every seat is good.

Very nice change of pace for the- Jeff Eats—check this show out, it was a fun night out.

Printed below is a show synopsis from Respect’s website…

From “Someone to Watch Over Me” to “I Will Survive.” It’s the journey of women, told through Top-40 music in the new musical production RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women. From the codependence of “I Will Follow Him” to the anger of “These Boots are Made for Walking,” to the cynicism of “What’s Love Got to Do with it,” and finally to the strength of “Hero.” Combining excerpts of 60 songs with women’s own stories about finding dreams, lost love, relationship issues, entering the workforce, gaining independence, and more, this show is “exhilarating!” It’s more than just a story worth telling, it’s a must-see and must-hear.

For more than the first half of the last century, the voice of women in Top-40 popular music has been one of neediness and dependency. I’ll do anything for you; just be my baby, even if you’re no good and treat me bad; just LOVE me and I’ll stand by my man. By the end of the century, things were quite different. Popular music had come far enough so that women looked for the hero within themselves, were urged to get on their feet and make it happen, ready to stand on her own with or without a man. Messages encompassed “I am woman-hear me roar,” to “I will survive” and encouraged women to find their own dreams.

LadiesVanderbilt professor Dr. Dorothy Marcic created the show based on her book, RESPECT: Women and Popular Music, where she analyzed all Top-40 female song lyrics since 1900. Recent feedback from audience members includes: “Your show is one of the best things I have ever seen, period.” -Shawn Johnson, Kansas City. “This was one of the most inspiring performances I have attended in my life.”-Vladimir Brajkovic, Melbourne, Australia; “It was the musical history of MY life,” Sheri Bewitt, Orlando.

Join us for the journey of women from codependence to independence–from “Someone to Watch Over Me” to “I Will Survive.” See the progress of women from property of their husbands to presidents of countries in the 20th century–hear it through a dramatic musical presentation.

* The Zombies–April 8, 2014, Mardi Gras Casino (Hallandale Beach).

Assuming that you are a fan of 1960’s Rock N Roll…and even if you-aren’t-

GOT SOMETHING THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST SEE!!!!!

On Tuesday night, April 8, 2014-the legendary group… The Zombies will appear in concert at the Mardi Gras Casino.

Nothing for nothing…

Jeff Eats-considers The Zombies to be one of the greatest rock n roll bands of all time…Trust me on this one, over the past few years–I have seen The Zombies in concert and the group sounds/looks as good today as it- did way back in the 60’s… I am telling you, YOU don’t want to miss this show. Just so you know, the group is fronted by original members/rock-legends Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone.

Last year, Jeff Eats attended a number of Grandstand concerts at the Mardi Gras- catching, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Grass Roots, Atlantic Rhythm Section, Jay & The Americans and I gotta tell you…the venue is great for a live-band concert. Every seat in-the-house is good and tickets ranged from $10-$40 with no absurd Ticketmaster charges attached. Not sure what The Zombies’ tickets are going to fetch–but I’m thinking the $10-$40 ballpark.

According to Mardi Gras’ website- tickets go on sale in March 2014…so you’ll need to keep a close eye on www.mardigrascasinofl.com and grab some tickets when they become available.

Printed below is Mardi Gras’ PR piece on the event:

THE ZOMBIES
featuring Colin Blunstone & Rod Argent

Performing April 8, 2014 at Mardi Gras Casino FL (Tickets Go On Sale March 2014)

THE ZOMBIESThe second UK group following the Beatles to score a #1 hit in America, The Zombies infiltrated the airwaves with the sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles like “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No”. Ironically, the group broke-up in 1968 just prior to achieving their greatest success – the chart-topping single “Time of the Season”, from their swan-song album “Odessey & Oracle” (recently ranked #100 in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”). In the intervening years, while lead singer Colin Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career, and keyboardist/songwriter Rod Argent rocked ‘70’s arenas with his eponymous band ARGENT, the legend of The Zombies took on a life of its own. Generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, including such artists as Neko Case and Nick Cave (who have recorded “She’s Not There” for the popular HBO series True Blood), She & Him, Beck, Belle and Sebastian, The Black Angels, The Fleet Foxes, Beach House and The Beautiful South.

Decades later, Blunstone and Argent have resurrected The Zombies, recruiting bassist Jim Rodford (formerly of ARGENT and The Kinks), Rodford’s son Steve on drums, and renowned session guitarist Tom Toomey. 2013 marked a major year for the band, with three U.S. tours (which included six SRO performances during the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, plus stops at NYC’s Central Park SummerStage, Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival and Milwaukee SummerFest)…the American release of their new album, “Breathe Out, Breathe In”… the debut on RollingStone.com & VEVO of their first-ever music video for “Any Other Way”…and the announcement of their nomination to the 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

THE ZOMBIESThe ten songs that make up their new album, “Breathe Out, Breathe In”, are impeccably crafted; the harmonies are rich, the melodies full, the arrangements exquisite, the organ and piano fresh and the production intuitive. The Huffington Post’s David Wild called the album “inspired” and said “some songs recall the haunting melodic heights of the group’s 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle.”

thezombies.net
facebook.com/thezombiesmusic
twitter.com/TheZombiesMusic
youtube.com/user/ZombiesThe

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