***** Kings County Pizza, 18228 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160, (305) 792-9455.

Kings County Pizza–real simple concept…basically a takeout/delivery joint doing pizza/subs/wings/salads/handful of entrees.

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats recently got to “try” Kings County’s stuff while watching some “March Madness Basketball” at our friends’ home in North Miami. Coming and going–I’m thinking about 25-30 people were enjoying the event. For the record, the Jeff Eats Family’s- dogs in the fight- are the University of Connecticut and the University of Arizona…and as of this morning, we are looking-good! Just in case you are wondering how we got those two “teams”–one of these days I’ll show you the student loans I’m still paying-off for Daughter Jeff Eats and Son Jeff Eats.

Anyway…

Our friends picked up a ton and I do mean a ton of food from Kings County Pizza–pizzas, calzones, stromboli, garlic knots, salads, subs, pastas.

Just so we are straight with each other…you guys do know- that “ITALIAN STUFF” always tastes good–at “events” like this…good friends, good sports, beer/liquor/soda–it’s all good!

Putting the excitement on the side burner…

“Tasted” items included–Caesar and caprese salads, margherita pizza, grandma pizza, chicken parm/meatball parm/sausage peppers subs, meat lasagna, baked ziti, garlic knots…and I gotta tell you, Kings County Pizza’s food was delicious. If this joint was by- my house, it would definitely be on my takeout/delivery list. For those of you who insist on “particulars”–the garlic knots were off the chart as were the margherita and grandma pizzas…I liked the Caesar better than the caprese, but Mrs. Jeff Eats saw it just the opposite way (see how stupid this micro-reviewing is?)…

Let me wrap this up for you…you guys in North Miami Beach got a winner! You can check menu/prices at www.kingscountypizza.com

One final thought, Jeff Eats was born in Kings County, lived in Kings County from 1949-1979, went to elementary school/junior high school/high school/law school in Kings County and my first legal job was with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office–(you guys can now show your creativity and fill-in a cute tie-in with Kings County Pizza).

Kings County Pizza is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9:30pm, Sunday noon-9pm, closed on Monday.

***** Candy Kitchen, 13711 Gulf Boulevard, Maderia Beach, Florida 33708, (727) 392-6803.

Before we-talk on this one… you should know- that geography isn’t exactly Jeff Eats’ “strong suit.” For the record, I know that Maderia Beach “isn’t” in South Florida…that said-Candy Kitchen in Maderia Beach is an ice cream/candy store that you-gotta know about.

Real simple concept…a small freestanding joint that makes its own ice cream, fudge, Italian ices–and literally stocks every nostaligic-candy that you can “remember”…order/pickup at counter, a couple of outdoor benches for seating.

I’m gonna make this short and sweet (pun intended)..the ice cream, fudge, ices blew me away. The candy selection was off the chart–when was the last time that you saw all-kinds of Pez (you do remember Pez Candy don’t you?) dispensers/refills?

Here’s a suggestion…go check Yelp and TripAdvisor-reviews for Candy Ktchen…I’m thinking that their reader-comments are pretty legit for this joint…you’ll also find a bunch of photos—with one or two exceptions–people raved about Candy Kitchen.

If you live in Maderia Beach or close-by…you probably already know about Candy Kitchen…for the “rest” of you guys–Candy Kitchen is a MUST TRY–if/when you are in the Maderia Beach area.

Candy Kitchen is open 7 days a week.

* If Jeff Eats Can Teach You Just One Thing!

You’re never too old to hold your mother or father’s hand.

***** Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory, 520 North Main Street, Kissimmee, Florida 34744, (407) 201-2509.

Back on March 6, 2014 Jeff Eats told you guys about Private Island Ice Cream Company in Orlando, Florida–I also “threw” in a small bonus discussion as to the ” business-future” of liquid nitrogen ice-cream. That “article” is reprinted below.

Anyway…

I recently “tried” Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory in Kissimmee–which is “also” in the liquid nitrogen ice-cream business.

Just like Private Island Ice Cream Company–Jeff Eats loved Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory. Real simple, the ice cream is made using liquid nitrogen–and the number of flavors/combinations is literally endless. You can check www.abracadabraicecream.com for menu/prices/info. The joint is open 7 days a week 11am-10pm.

Personally, I could eat this liquid nitrogen ice cream stuff all day long—that said, if you can’t see a disturbing “pattern” forming-then you need some heavy duty eye glasses. What Jeff Eats sees–is video stores/is self serve yogurt stores/is gourmet fast food hamburger stores/is cupcake stores…it’s call “musical chairs” and eventually the music ends and most of the “players” lose.

TOO MANY GUYS GETTING INTO THE SAME BUSINESS!!!
*****
***** 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!

* Burger Beast Burger Brawl.

Just got the “below” email from my pals over at Burger Beast www.burgerbeast.com

The email is self-explanatory…

Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are going–
*****
Burger Beast Burger Brawl sponsored by Miami Lake Auto Mall & presented by Burger Maker.
What if I told you that after 5 and a half years of writing about Burgers that I was putting together what I believe to be the Best Burger Competition line-up in South Florida ever? Yeah, that’s the idea behind the Burger Beast Burger Brawl or 4B for short.
On Friday May 9th from 7 to 10PM at Magic City Casino, come out and celebrate National Hamburger Month with us at the inaugural Burger Beast Burger Brawl sponsored by Miami Lakes Auto Mall and presented by Burger Maker.
Your vote counts! That’s right, every attendee will cast one vote for their favorite Burger Joint. Whoever receives the most will be named Burger Brawl Champion and receive a soon to be coveted one of kind trophy that can be displayed at their restaurant.
You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.
The $50 all inclusive tickets will get you:
-Samples from 20 great Burger Joints, featuring Miami Smokers‘ Bacon:
A&G Burger Joint
BITE Gastrotruck
Bread + Butter Counter
Buddha Burger
Burger & Beer Joint
Charm City Burger Company
Cheeseburger Baby
Eating House
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill
Graziano’s
Jefe’s Original Soul Shack
Jersey Dawg
Josh’s Deli
Latin House Grill
MEAT Eatery & Taproom
Pincho Factory
Shake Shack
Swine
Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox
Vega’s Burger Bar
-2013 Frita Showdown Champion El Rey de las Fritas‘ Frita Cubana
-Sakaya Kitchen‘s Chunk’d Tot Bar
-Desserts from Azucar Ice Cream Company, HipPOPs Handcrafted Gelato Bars,Marlie’s Delights, & Sugar Yummy Mama
-Beer Samplings from Samuel Adams
-CAWY Soft Drinks (Jupiña & Materva)
-Wine from Cerdà Llanos y Cià
Get Ur Tix NOW Before They Sell Out

***** The Wow Factory, 5891 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073, (954) 380-8600.

As a former CEO of a Discovery Zone franchise-company…let’s- just say that Jeff Eats is kinda- familiar with Family Entertainment Centers.

If we-forget about “national” chain Chuck E. Cheese’s- I seriously doubt that you guys can name even-one Family Entertainment Center in South Florida.

With the above in mind…

I recently came across- The Wow Factory in Coconut Creek-and I gotta tell you that I was super-impressed.

This 22,000 sq. ft. facility has all-kinds of interactive games/arcade games/food court–that will keep toddlers-10 year-olds… busy for 2-3 hours.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one…I know “my” family-entertainment-centers and The Wow Factory is a clean/well staffed/well planned out facility.

Check out www.wowfactoryfun.com for admission charges/activities/birthday parties/hours/photos/other info.

The Wow Factory is open Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm.

* Tim Hortons Inc.

Here’s a “restaurant” and a “stock” call for you guys…Tim Hortons Inc (NASDAQ:THI: $55)

We all know about Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Starbucks…but I’ll bet you a buck, that a-good-number of you guys don’t know what–a Tim Hortons “is”-and that most of you have never been to one.

Here’s a call for you…Tim Hortons (which is basically a Canadian doughnut chain) in the coming years–is going to develop into a major-force in the United States coffee/doughnuts/quick serve restaurant segment.

Right now THI is trading at 55 bucks a share. I’m looking for the stock to go much higher…as Tim Horton “stores” pop-up all over the United States.

You want a “growth story” in the restaurant business?–then you should look at Tim Hortons Inc. (www.timhortons.com).

Printed below is Yahoo’s “profile” for Tim Hortons Inc.
*****
Tim Hortons Inc. develops and franchises quick service restaurants primarily in Canada and the United States. Its restaurants provide coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, iced cappuccinos, teas, cold beverages, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, chilies, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, yogurt and berries, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, and fresh baked goods. As of December 29, 2013, the company had 4,485 system wide restaurants, including 3,588 in Canada, 859 in the United States, and 38 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Tim Hortons Inc. was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

Charlie Thomas’ Drifters

* Malt Shop Memories Cruise–2014!.

I don’t know about you, but Jeff Eats doesn’t know anyone who’s getting any younger…

With that in mind, take a look at “Malt Shop Memories Cruise” (www.maltshopcruise.com)– which is a 7-nights/ Rock N’ Roll Cruise that leaves from Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 2, 2014 and returns Sunday, November 9, 2014. Ports of Call include, Fort Lauderdale– Falmouth, Jamaica– Grand Cayman Island– Cozumel, Mexico– Key West, Florida.

Jeff Eats knows that you guys are smart…so I’m pretty sure that I’m not telling you “something” that you don’t already know about–that being, major cruise-lines holding-huge “MUSIC” events on the hi-seas. For the “younger folks” out there- Electronic Dance Music cruises…for the “sophisticated folks” out there- Jazz cruises–so on and so forth. Could say something about the Country Music cruises, but why start trouble!–let’s just leave it–that the last time Jeff Eats was on a horse (actually it was a pony) was in 1955–on a pony ride at the intersection of Cortelyou Road and East 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York–when Mr. Peters who also had a traveling-ferris wheel charged -neighborhood kids 25 cents a ride. I’m sure some of you guys remember “your” Mr. Peters, as well as your soda man, your milkman, your knife sharpening man, your ice cream man, your vegetable man…sure was a simpler time, don’t cha think?

Anyway…

Jeff Eats just wanted to tell you about Holland America’s “Malt Shop Memories Cruise–2014” …this is for the 1950s-1960s “oldies” crowd out there. Now- I’m just roughing this out for you–but figure that the cruise is gonna run you something like $2,500 (some cabins are more/some less). Now nothing for nothing–$2,500 is some heavy change, but when you really think about it- you are getting a “room” for 7 nights, 21+ meals, concerts/special events…do the math–and that $2,500 number really isn’t all that terrible–actually, it’s a bargain!…and like I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats doesn’t know anyone who’s getting any younger.

Here’s the list of the performers that will be onboard…
Dion
The Temptations
Brenda Lee
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Lloyd Price
Jan & Dean’s Beach Party starring Dean Torrence
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Charlie Thomas’ Drifters
Kenny Vance & The Planotones
The Duprees
Ricky Nelson Remembered with Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
The Legendary Teenagers
Little Peggy March
The Excellents
Al ‘Lil Fats’ Jackson
The Cameos
Elvis Tribute Artists
Comedian Joe Piscopo
Jerry Blavat

Before I wrap this one up…let’s run the “numbers” for this cruise…

Now follow me, for argument sake let’s say that a hotel room is worth $75 a night–so 7 X $75= $525…let’s figure 21 breakfasts at $10 each (too high? let’s make it 8 bucks a piece) that’s $168…let’s figure 21 lunches at $10 each that’s $210…let’s figure 21 dinners at $20 (too low? let’s make it $25 a pop) that’s $525—so right off the bat we got $1428 for room & board. That means we got to justify roughly another $1072 for entertainment. Now “fun” is -purely a subjective thing–but in checking the “internets” I found that a Dion ticket for an upcoming show at a New York Indian Casino is fetching 72 bucks–and a joint appearance with Charlie Thomas’ Drifters in June at the Beacon Theatre is going for $113—now we can play with the numbers all we want–ALL I KNOW is that none of us is getting any younger–and just maybe “you” would enjoy eating dinner with Dion and his wife SUE (you can ask her), or talking to Charlie Thomas about Ben E. King, or finding out from Llyod Price how he recorded Stagger Lee. Nothing for nothing…to paraphrase that MasterCard commercial …”Somethings are Priceless.” Capice!

Malt Shop Memories Cruise will draw something like 2,000 people for this cruise. Past-Malt Shop Memories Cruises in 2011, 2012, 2013 were sold-out affairs.

This cruise is going to be an absolute “oldies” blast.

Check www.maltshopcruise.com for itinerary/cabin pricing/other info.

* How many 4 cents stamps are there in a dozen?

Answer: 12.

Now…read this story from Huff Post/AP and “figure out” why the guy only has to pay $200,000 in restitution although he stole $460,000.
*****

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (AP) — The former public works inspector for a northern New Jersey town has admitted stealing $460,000 in quarters.

The Record (http://bit.ly/1dqaq0f ) reports Thomas Rica pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of theft. In return, prosecutors will recommend that he receive five years’ probation and pay about $200,000 in restitution to Ridgewood.

The 43-year-old Hawthorne resident lost his job with Ridgewood in January 2013, following his arrest for taking $500 in coins from its parking meter collection room. But investigators later determined that he stole $460,000 overall.

Authorities said the thefts occurred over the course of 25 months. They say Rica was not authorized to be in the room but would enter it and fill his pockets with money. They say he deposited the money more than 1.8 million quarters — in his bank account.

* THE BSTREET BAND.

Not to be too repetitious or nothing…but THE BSTREET BAND has a number of South Florida dates–coming up.

Jeff Eats is a huge “fan” of this Bruce Springsteen tribute-band and tries to catch this South Jersey based group-when it plays South Florida.

If you check, I’ve mentioned THE BSTREET BAND in several previous “stories”–suffice it to say, if you like/love Springsteen you’re gonna really enjoy this band-they are really good!

For what it’s worth-Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple are planning on seeing the band at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Thursday night, March 27th.

Printed below are South Florida dates listed from an e-mail which I just received from the band.
*****
Sun March 23 The Sandy Parrot, Fort Myers, Fla
(7:30 Start) Tamiami Trail fort Myers, Fla www.Sandyparrot.com For info Call 239-454-8454 First Appearance

Tue March 25 Tampa Bay Rays/ Boston Red Sox MLB Baseball Game Port Charlotte, Fla (11 Am and after Game) Charlotte Sports Park, Fla Concert Free w/ticket purchase: Visit our buddy Manager Joe Maddon and the Tampa Crew!

Wed March 26 Carsons Tavern Stuart Fla: Fundraiser for Volunteers in Medicine (Tickets $50 and limited) Proceeds benefit nonprofit medical clinic for indigent Martin county residents since 1995 located at Carson’s Tavern SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL For more info check this site: www.vimclinic.net/vim-events-2/rockin-with-the-b-street-band

Thu March 27 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla

Fri March 28 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood, Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla

Sat March 29 Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel/Casino Hollywood, Fla (7 Pm Start: Free Adm: All Ages) Paradise Live Outside: Hollywood, Fla