* 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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***** FruitFlowers, 115 Northwest 43rd Court, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, (954) 568-7089.

Got a good story for you guys…

Today-around 5pm Jeff Eats answered the front door bell to be greeted by a delivery guy holding a magnificent sculptured fresh- fruit bouquet wrapped in cellophane. I immediately yelled to Mrs. Jeff Eats who was in the house, “Who died?”—to which she replied, “Nobody died, it’s a Hanukka present from the kids.”

Anyway…

You guys gotta checkout FruitFlowers (www.fruitflowers.com) a small company that specializes in making/delivering fresh-fruit bouquets. The bouquet we got-came out of the company’s Fort Lauderdale store which services Miami to Jupiter. For right now, there are five other locations, that cover New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania and Salt Lake City…hey! -I told you it was a small company, didn’t I? By the way, FruitFlowers does deliver hand dipped chocolate strawberries/raspberries/blueberries-anywhere in the United States by overnight FedEx/UPS.

Now being the inquisitive person that he is, Jeff Eats immediately tried the bouquet’s honeydew, strawberries, chocolate strawberries, grapes, kiwi, cantelope–and I have to tell you, that the fruit was delicious-fresh and as-cold as could be. I’m guessing that the refrigerated truck that the delivery guy came in -had something to do with the fresh/cold part of the story-but that’s just an educated guess.

Having survived the “initial” shock that someone might have “passed” (died)…Jeff Eats did a drop of checking on FruitFlowers.

FruitFlowers was started something like 30 years ago in Pennsylvania. For whatever reasons, it never-really developed into a huge company–thus the current 6-locations which when you think about–don’t really cover too much geography. About a year ago, Arun Sareen- a Washington, D.C. accountant/businessman acquired the company–and will soon role out a retail store/internet franchise offering–that (if all goes according to plan) should give FruitFlowers a national foot-print in a couple of years.

Now, nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats knows that there are bigger players in the fruit bouquet space…that said, the segment unlike cupcakes/yogurt/burgers isn’t overly saturated-so, if Mr. Sareen can consistently (with the operative word here being–consistently) deliver fruit like Jeff Eats-got…the man may just have a business with-legs. As they say, “The proof is in the pudding” so we’ll just have to see how this one shapes-up!

When you check www.fruitflowers.com you’ll find something like 100 different fruit bouquets–FruitFlowers also does vegetable bouquets…prices from the $30’s-$100’s. Unlike Obama’s–the internet system/telphone ordering systems appear to be a snap to use.

Finally, just in case you’re wondering—4 years tuition at University of Arizona, 4 years tuition at University of Connecticut, 1 year tuition at Nova University and the little rats went for a grand total of 85 bucks for all 8-days of Hanukka…you do the math!

* Goodbye Plastic Water Bottle (Sung To Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”)

You guys catch this story in yesterday’s “Medical Daily”?

I’ll need you guys to write the lyrics to–“Goodbye Plastic Water Bottle”…

One quick thought–imagine what New York City’s Mayor Mike Bloomberg could-do-with-this-one, IF he had another term in office!
*****
“Migraines Linked To BPA Exposure: Plastic Cups And Bottles Increase Sound And Light Sensitivity, Startle Reflexes”

Migraines, debilitating headaches that can be so bad that they leave you bedridden, could be triggered by a chemical found in popular household products: Bisphenol A (BPA). According to a recent study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences,, BPA exposure via food packaging, plastics, and tins may increase the incidence and prevalence of migraines by causing changes in locomotion, light and sound sensitivity, grooming, and startle reflexes.

BPA is considered to be an “environmental estrogen” because it mimics the female sex hormone – estrogen – in the body. The endocrine disruptor interferes with the production, secretion, transport, action, function, and elimination of natural hormones which leads to the alteration of the structure of human cells, says Medical News Today. Over 90 percent of the U.S. population has BPA in their bodies which leads to cause for concern due to the potential health hazards associated with the chemical.

The presence of BPA in the body, especially in women, causes estrogen levels to rise and contributes to an imbalance that may lead to migraine headaches and other health problems. The Mayo Clinic says hormones estrogen and progesterone play key roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy which may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain. While steady estrogen levels may improve headaches, an alteration in those levels can make headaches worse. Researchers now speculate BPA exposure may worsen migraine systems through estrogen mechanisms.

A team of researchers from Kansas University investigated the effects of BPA exposure on locomotion, light and sound sensitivity, grooming and startle reflexes. Ovariectomized female rats were utilized as as the test model, since their headaches are similar to those of humans – they avoid light, sound, grooming, and routine movements.

The behavior of the rats was observed prior to and after the researchers administered the BPA chemical once every three days. The rats were surgically implanted with a cranial cannula as a means to produce migraine-like symptoms. Behavioral tasks modeled after the International Headache Classification (ICHD-2) – used to diagnose migraine in humans – were performed by the rodents to observe the effects of BPA exposure. Within half an hour of the dose, the rats who were exposed to BPA were found to be less active, steered clear of loud noise and strong light, were easily frightened, and showed signs of tenderness to the head. These rodents were also found to have higher levels of estrogen in their brains compared to their non-BPA counterparts. The estrogen was linked to significantly worsening their migraine symptoms.

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“Currently, migraine has no specific biomarker test, and analysis of symptoms is the only way to diagnose this disorder,” said Dr. Nancy Berman, a professor of anatomy and cell biology at KU Medical Center, and lead author on the study, in a news release. In this research project, Berman built on her own previous research which showed a connection between migraines and estrogen. Berman’s goal is to uncover better diagnostic tools to identify and treat migraines. “These findings combined with our results suggest that a clinical trial to decrease BPA exposure and levels in migraine sufferers…may reduce headache frequency and/or severity, revealing strategies that may increase the quality of life of migraines,” wrote the researchers in their report. Migraine sufferers may benefit from a change in their diet.

In a similar study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2011, researchers found using a “fresh foods” dietary intervention significantly decreased urinary BPA by 66 percent in participants just after three days. The fresh food diet consisted of organic meals with no canned food and minimal plastic packaging, and food stored in glass and stainless steel containers. However, when the volunteers returned to their conventional diets, their BPA levels increased back to pre-interventional levels. The findings of this study suggest modifications in diet could significantly decrease BPA levels and its health hazards such as migraines.

In the U.S., about 18 percent of American women and six percent of men suffer from migraines, says the Migraine Research Foundation. Migraine patients typically experience a throbbing pain on one side of their head and feel depressed, cranky, restless, or nervous. For ways to alleviate migraines, click here.

Sources: Berman NEJ, Gregory E, McCarson KE et al. Exposure to Bisphenol A Exacerbates Migraine-Like Behaviors in a Multibehavior Model of Rat Migraine. Toxiocological Sciences. 2013.

Akerman JM, Brody JE, Dodson RE, et al. Food Packaging and Bisphenol A and Bis(2-Ethyhexyl) Phthalate Exposure: Findings from a Dietary Intervention. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2011.

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***** Bruce’s Of Great Neck, 19575 South State Road 7, Boca Raton, Florida 33498, (561) 483-2331.

Here’s a heads up for you guys…

From 1970-2012 a guy named Bruce Zipes owned/operated a series of bakery/deli restaurants in Long Island and New York City under the name Bruce’s Bakery & Restaurant…talk about-terrific cakes, cookies, pastries, bagels, breads…

Anyway…

Jeff Eats has absolutely no idea as to why the last NY-Bruce’s closed in February 2012…what I do know, is that about four months ago, Bruce Zipes (“Bruce”) bought the Mitch’s Westside Bagels Too (reviewed 2/9/09) Boca Raton store, renaming it Bruce’s Of Great Neck. Like Mitch’s, Bruce’s Of Great Neck does breakfast/lunch 7 days a week–open 7am-3pm.

Just so we are straight, 1991 was the last time that Jeff Eats “ate” stuff from Bruce’s New York outposts. For the purposes of this column, I’m gonna assume that Mr. Zipes still knows how to bake- but then again back in ’91 Jeff Eats had a 33 inch waist and wore a 15-31 shirt.

To make a long story short, yesterday I stopped by Bruce’s Of Great Neck around 3pm just as the store was closing for the day. My sole purchase was a bakers dozen of bagels—and I gotta tell you, that the everything/garlic/onion/pumpernickle/whole wheat were -really good…I will also tell you, that Bruce’s display cases were filled with great looking cookies, cakes, pastries, rolls.

For those of you-not familiar with Bruce’s New York business–it was an extremely popular bakery/New York kosher-style deli. For the record, Jeff Eats “knows” about the baked goods–but never ate in any of the restaurants. Just so you know, Bruce’s was “famous” for its complimentry bread basket which had all kinds of rolls and pastries-that was served in the restaurant…now, not to get all nostalgic or nothing, but “think” Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House in Sunny Isles Beach–Senior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn–Junior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn–Cooky’s Restaurant in Brooklyn and you’ll appreciate why Bruce’s had a huge New York following.

The big question: Is Zipes’ plan to make Bruce’s Of Great Neck “like” Bruce’s Bakery & Restaurant namely 1/2 bakery–1/2 deli…or is the plan to keep the “generic” bagel formula that Westside had?

Let’s wrap this one up…first, if you are confused by all of the Bruce’s here, me too!- second, you guys now know about Bruce’s Of Great Neck a new “?” in Boca Raton.

Jeff Eats has Bruce’s on his “try” list. I’ll keep you guys posted as to what’s what!

***** UPDATE: April 9, 2014…

This morning, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats finally got a chance to “get over” to Bruce’s for breakfast.

Real simple order… western omelet/home fries/toasted-everything bagel and an American cheese omelet/home fries/toasted onion bagel–all A-OK! When we sat down, the waitress delivered a complimentary plate of “baked goods” samples–which was a real nice touch. When leaving, we purchased a chocolate babka and I gotta tell you, the babka was off the chart–absolutely delicious. We also “took home” 1-lb. of chicken salad, 1-lb. of tuna salad -really good stuff. On prices/service–South Florida bagel store-norm. One strange thing, we also took home a mixed dozen-bagels and I gotta tell you these “13” weren’t as good as the bagels we had gotten back in December. Now nothing for nothing, they weren’t terrible or anything like that- but I can name right off the top of my head 11 Boca Raton-Delray Beach bagel joints that make better ones. Sorry, but I can’t explain why the “batches” were different. Hopefully, Bruce’s will figure this-puzzle out.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, Bruce’s Of Great Neck is a real good (that’s assuming the bagel “puzzle” is figured out) bagel-deli!

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

Bruce’s is open 7 days a week 7am-3pm.

***** Fork & Knife, 99 Southeast Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 405-6542.

Way-back on November 24th- Jeff Eats did a “story” on Fork & Knife…that story is reprinted below.

Here is an update for you guys…

Last night, Jeff Eats & Company (Mrs. Jeff Eats, Son Jeff Eats, Daughter Jeff Eats–everyone is home for Thanksgiving) ate dinner at Fork & Knife…

Let me start by saying, that Fork & Knife is a great looking restaurant. When you are there, you can’t help but notice the huge black/white photos of iconic American restaurants that decorate the walls. Last night, Lee Tushman the owner explained that the photos represented various regions/food styles in the United States— Carneige Deli (NYC-), Wolfie’s (Miami Beach), Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles (Los Angeles), The Varsity (Atlanta)–there are several others and I’ll leave Mr. Tushman to give you book, chapter and verse as to what they all “mean.” Fork & Knife also has something real cool–a communal table, which seats up to 12 “strangers” if they would like to meet/eat with, well-total other strangers! Lee Tushman is an interesting guy and a realist to boot-“Look I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, I’m just doing good solid food at reasonable prices.” When you try Fork & Knife, I think you’ll enjoy talking to Tushman and his managers. Unless I’m reading this all wrong, these guys-are trying to create a “Cheers” type-deal, you do remember that tv show don’tcha? I say this, based on having watched how Tushman and two floor managers greeted and engaged every person at the bar-tables-booths.

Anyway…

Items ordered…chopped salad, wedge salad, fried chicken and waffles, cheeseburger, hot dogs, chicken pot pie, french fries, sweet potato fries, french green beans–and I gotta tell you everything was right on the money. Are we talking food “like” Jeff Eats has never ever had before, nope!–but like I just said, right on the money. A special shout-out to Detroit born/bred Tushman’s “Detroit” hot dog–not exactly like the Sabretts, Hebrew Nationals, Nathans that I grew up with in Brooklyn. Fork & Knife’s version is 1/2 pork-1/2 beef in a natural casing–grilled and topped with chopped onions/mustard/chili on a steamed bun…tastes more like a sausage than a “frank” and it was absolutely dynamite-Fork & Knife serves 2-for 10 bucks and they come with a side of hand cut fresh french fries–don’t miss this one!

Jeff Eats just told you about the items that were ordered…after eating—the waiter delivered COMPLIMENTRY desserts…ice cream puffs, fried wonton apple fritters topped with cinnamon ice cream, Smore’s lollipops and crème brulee. On the dessert front–the verdict was unanimous (very rare in the Eats’ household) puffs, fritters and Smore’s delicious with the brulee a drop too sweet.

For those of you guys who are now saying…Hey Jeff, the desserts were complementary blah blah blah.–I say, first-you don’t know how to spell complimentry and “No one told you not to have a food blog.”

Let me wrap this up this way…

I really enjoyed Fork & Knife…solid food, pleasant service, figure 25 bucks a head for dinner.

You can check www.forkandkniferestaurant.com for menu/prices/hours/other stuff.

*****
American* Fork & Knife (Boca Raton)
Posted on November 24th, 2013 · American Boca Raton · 12 Comments »
* Fork & Knife, 99 Southeast Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 405-6542.

Let’s play a-little game… “How smart is Jeff Eats?”

This morning, a new American-Style joint Fork & Knife- opened in Boca Raton…

Jeff Eats is very familar with the 6,000 square-foot spot which Fork & Knife now occupies…as it has housed- God Only Knows how many failed restaurants.

Now for the game…Jeff Eats is willing to bet you a buck (I know, real big bet!) that Fork & Knife becomes a huge success. If you want to play, mail a buck or as many bucks that you want -to Post Office Box: I Got You, Boca Raton, Florida 33496…and yes I know that Soupy Sales first thought up this idea way back in the 1960s.

Anyway…

This afternoon, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats paid Fork & Knife a visit. We didn’t eat. What we did, was tour the restaurant with one of the owners- Lee Tushman–review its menu and “discuss” his background, plans and goals for this endeavor. Now I maybe going out on a limb here, because I know that you guys are gonna be sending a ton of one-dollar bills…but based on my outing, I really think that Tushman and his partner Scott Niskar- know exactly how to create and run a successful restaurant.

Now let me tell you what Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw…Fork & Knife is a retro- throwback to the diners of the 1950s. The joint which has both indoor/outdoor patio seating (with a separate full-bar area) is an absolutely great looking restaurant. If Jeff Eats was even slightly computer literate, I’d have some photos for you to checkout, but I’m not, so you don’t. Trust me, this is one of the handsomest-coolest looking restaurants that I’ve seen in quite sometime. Just so you know, it isn’t faux black and white tiles with red leather stools and booths—think Houston’s, Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s but with a cool 50s vibe.

Now. let me tell you what Jeff Eats heard/read…the reasonably priced breakfast/lunch/dinner menu is jammed with stuff like burgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese, fried chicken & waffles–I do believe that many people call this “comfort food”…if Jeff Eats is wrong on that definition–so be it, but this type of food is sure comforting to me. Tushman and Niskar are planning on running a real family oriented/casual joint–so get your shorts/tee shirt ensemble ready to go.

Like I said at the top of this rant…the joint opened today for business. Its website www.forlandkniferestaurant.com is still under construction, but according to the owners should be fully operational tomorrow…so you can check menu/prices/photos, I guess- tomorrow.

Call it more than a gut feeling…but Jeff Eats’ bet is that 99 Southeast Mizner Boulevard has finally got itself a keeper.

Jeff Eats plans on trying Fork & Knife sometime in the 30 days or so. If you get there before I do, give me the skinny on your meal.

Finally, Fork & Knife recently put out a PR piece on its business. It’s printed below…it will give you a drop more color on the restaurant.

By the way to show you Jeff Eats’ “doubters” how smart Jeff Eats is…I’ll also go on record that Fork & Knife’s currently planned 7-days a week breakfast..will be quickly scrapped for a Saturday & Sunday only schedule. Real simple, the area’s population mix isn’t right for a 7 day operation.

Looking forward to receiving your dollars…no checks please!

***** J&J Seafood Bar and Grill, 634 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, (561) 272-3390.

Got a real good- reasonably priced seafood joint for you…J&J Seafood Bar and Grill in Delray Beach.

Absolutely positively nothing fancy going on here–just delicious seafood.

Your tee shirt/shorts ensemble will definitely work here—there is indoor/street patio seating.

Just so you know–the non-seafood guys in your party are gonna survive…a burger, bbq ribs, a chicken breast here and there, a salad or two.

You can check menu/prices/photos at www.jjseafooddelray.com.

A recent outing netted (yes, pun intended!) Jeff Eats…seafood chowder, seafood mac n cheese, lobster fra diablo, blackened mahi mahi, crab cakes, cheeseburger–and everything was A-OK. Mrs. Jeff Eats said to tell you guys, that you-should definitely get the seafood mac n cheese appetizer which was loaded with lobster/shrimp/scallops.

J&J Seafood Bar and Grill is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, closed on Sunday-Monday.

* Fork & Knife, 99 Southeast Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, (561) 405-6542.

Let’s play a-little game… “How smart is Jeff Eats?”

This morning, a new American-Style joint Fork & Knife- opened in Boca Raton…

Jeff Eats is very familar with the 6,000 square-foot spot which Fork & Knife now occupies…as it has housed- God Only Knows how many failed restaurants.

Now for the game…Jeff Eats is willing to bet you a buck (I know, real big bet!) that Fork & Knife becomes a huge success. If you want to play, mail a buck or as many bucks that you want -to Post Office Box: I Got You, Boca Raton, Florida 33496…and yes I know that Soupy Sales first thought up this idea way back in the 1960s.

Anyway…

This afternoon, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats paid Fork & Knife a visit. We didn’t eat. What we did, was tour the restaurant with one of the owners- Lee Tushman–review its menu and “discuss” his background, plans and goals for this endeavor. Now I maybe going out on a limb here, because I know that you guys are gonna be sending a ton of one-dollar bills…but based on my outing, I really think that Tushman and his partner Scott Niskar- know exactly how to create and run a successful restaurant.

Now let me tell you what Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw…Fork & Knife is a retro- throwback to the diners of the 1950s. The joint which has both indoor/outdoor patio seating (with a separate full-bar area) is an absolutely great looking restaurant. If Jeff Eats was even slightly computer literate, I’d have some photos for you to checkout, but I’m not, so you don’t. Trust me, this is one of the handsomest-coolest looking restaurants that I’ve seen in quite sometime. Just so you know, it isn’t faux black and white tiles with red leather stools and booths—think Houston’s, Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s but with a cool 50s vibe.

Now. let me tell you what Jeff Eats heard/read…the reasonably priced breakfast/lunch/dinner menu is jammed with stuff like burgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese, fried chicken & waffles–I do believe that many people call this “comfort food”…if Jeff Eats is wrong on that definition–so be it, but this type of food is sure comforting to me. Tushman and Niskar are planning on running a real family oriented/casual joint–so get your shorts/tee shirt ensemble ready to go.

Like I said at the top of this rant…the joint opened today for business. Its website www.forlandkniferestaurant.com is still under construction, but according to the owners should be fully operational tomorrow…so you can check menu/prices/photos, I guess- tomorrow.

Call it more than a gut feeling…but Jeff Eats’ bet is that 99 Southeast Mizner Boulevard has finally got itself a keeper.

Jeff Eats plans on trying Fork & Knife sometime in the 30 days or so. If you get there before I do, give me the skinny on your meal.

Finally, Fork & Knife recently put out a PR piece on its business. It’s printed below…it will give you a drop more color on the restaurant.

By the way to show you Jeff Eats’ “doubters” how smart Jeff Eats is…I’ll also go on record that Fork & Knife’s currently planned 7-days a week breakfast..will be quickly scrapped for a Saturday & Sunday only schedule. Real simple, the area’s population mix isn’t right for a 7 day operation.

Looking forward to receiving your dollars…no checks please!
*****

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Launching in Boca Raton this November, Fork & Knife restaurant has appointed award-winning brand communications firm The Gab Group as agency of record. Founded by Lee Tushman and Scott Niskar, Fork & Knife will serve modern comfort food in an upscale-casual atmosphere with friendly, sincere and professional service. Through public relations, marketing, design and social media, The Gab Group will promote Fork & Knife as the area’s go-to spot for creative comfort food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The agency will also position Fork & Knife’s Happy Hour as the best in East Boca.
“Fork & Knife is the future of old school,” says Michelle Soudry, Founder of The Gab Group. “This concept is so unique, affordable and fun, we know guests will want to dine here again and again.”
The Fork & Knife menu draws inspiration from American grilles, coffee shops and New York City diners; the owners’ roots in Michigan; and classic comfort foods. With Executive Chef Herbert Mlcak, Fork & Knife puts a modern twist on these classics, with fresh ingredients and creative presentations. Signature dishes include Detroit Coney Dogs, Turkey Meatloaf Cupcakes, The F&K Burger and Chicken & Waffles. Guests may customize their meals with side dishes and other options.
Under the direction of Bar Manager and Head Bartender Scott Heimke, the beverage program comprises refreshing cocktails and full beer and wine lists. Guests will enjoy booth or table seating in the dining room, a community table, alfresco tables and couches, and the indoor/outdoor bar. Valet, garage parking and take-out will be available.
Fork & Knife is located at 99 S.E. Mizner Blvd., #110, Boca Raton, south of the Bank of America building, near Royal Palm Place. For more information, call 561.405.6542 or visit www.forkandkniferestaurant.com.
About The Gab Group
Founded in 2004 by PR Visionary Michelle Soudry, The Gab Group is recognized for award-winning brand communications specializing in local and national hospitality, celebrity and luxury lifestyle accounts. Consistently ranked in the Top 25 PR Agencies in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, the agency’s broad scope of services includes brand-focused PR, strategic marketing, hospitality consulting services, and exceptional special events. For more information, visit www.thegabgroup.com or www.facebook.com/thegabgroup.
SOURCE The Gab Group
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* Restaurant Impossible

Have you guys every seen this tv-show Restaurant Impossible which is on the Food Network
(www.foodnetwork.com)? Real believable show…this guy shows up each week at some rundown/almost bust restaurant and has 48 hours and $10,000 to spend on construction/decor with the goal of turning the restaurant around. At the end of the show-(48 hours after he gets there) there is a Grand Re-Opening..

Now nothing for nothing, not once have I ever seen this guy or his crew get a “permit” from a City, Town, or State…between you and me, I’ve dealt with all kinds of contractors and there is absolutely positively no way that what this guy claims to do–could actually be done in real life. Anyway…according to the Food Network this show has a huge viewership.

Now unless Jeff Eats has missed something here- like the show is actually on the Sci Fi Network…I think that the show’s producer should have a disclaimer across the screen that this is a tv show and is make believe? What do you think?

While Jeff Eats is on the subject of disclaimers, I kinda think that when President Obama talks about Obama Care the same sort of disclaimer should be aired. Yesterday, to make a long story short–I got a notice from my health care insurance company that advised that the $625 monthly policy President Obama said I could keep-if I wanted to, will be discontinued on December 31, 2015 and that an enhanced policy would be substituted at the cost of $1,255.67 per month.

Restaurant Impossible is I think fiction–unfortunately this Obama Care is for real.

To wrap things up here, every so often one of these “reality tv” shows is actually real…for example, the Food Network also has a show called Carnival Food, Cooking Live—with the premise where three judges go to carnivals and four contestants cook-up their best selling fried foods and the judges pick the best of the litter. Now–this show has definitely got to be real…because each and every time Jeff Eats has watched an episode, my face has broken out during the show–requiring the use of Clearasil to get things back to normal.

Thanks for reading,

* Farmer’s Table, 1901 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 417-5836.

Got something that you guys might-want to checkout…

Farmer’s Table-a spanking-brand new breakfast-lunch-dinner “healthy” restaurant that is set to open in Boca Raton on November 27, 2013.

Now nothing for nothing, the term “healthy” is a very subjective word–so I’m gonna let you read a PR piece which Jeff Eats recently received on the restaurant…hopefully, you’ll get some idea as to what Farmer’s concept is all about. You can also check www.farmerstableboca.com for menu/prices to further enlighten you on what Farmer’s Table plans on cooking (pun intended) up for its patrons.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats plans on trying this joint sometime in the next 30 days, so if you get there before I do, write me and give me the skinny. By the way, Jeff Eats’ plan for “testing” Farmer’s Table includes having Mrs. Jeff Eats and Daughter Jeff Eats on premises–as they are huge fans of “healthy” cooking/foods (whatever that constitutes)–and will guide me in- writing a fair and accurate review for you, my beloved readers.

Before you get to that PR piece, Farmer’s Table is owned/operated by Boca Raton resident–Michael Robbins who if you do some “googling”- “binging” – “yahooing” has quite a diversified business background in real estate development, motion picture production, hotel ownership/operations. Just call it a hunch, but Mr. Robbins’ (who is also heavy-into philanthropic endeavors) latest business venture may-be more about “YOU” eating, good-fresh-healthy “prepared” food than- his making a boatload of money.

Anyway…here’s that PR piece-
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Farmer’s Table, Boca Raton’s Largest Health-Focused Restaurant, Taps The Gab Group As Agency Of Record

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Wyndham Boca Raton Hotel Owner Mitchell Robbins and Chef Joey Giannuzzi, co-founders of Farmer’s Table restaurant, have appointed award-winning brand communications firm The Gab Group as agency of record. Through public relations, marketing, branding, social media and web design, The Gab Group will promote Farmer’s Table as the healthy and affordable dining destination that the local market has long awaited.

Opening November, Farmer’s Table will serve nutritious and flavorful cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with natural cocktails. Dishes center on fresh, whole, seasonal ingredients, devoid of excess salt, fat, processing, toxins and all the other extras you don’t want. The restaurant doesn’t have a deep fat fryer or microwave. The menu accommodates diets like gluten free, Paleo and vegetarian. Wilson Wieggel serves as executive chef.

Featuring a warm, earthy ambiance, Farmer’s Table offers 200 seats, including alfresco and private dining. Robbins and Giannuzzi will host events and educational activities to establish the restaurant as a wellness hub in the community.

“Finally, Boca will have a place to go for healthy food that’s delicious and approachable for the whole family,” Robbins says. “Combined with the new wellness offerings at the Wyndham, like yoga classes and TrendTea lounge, Farmer’s Table is poised to be a true community gathering place.”

Farmer’s Table Cafe will offer quick, healthy meals to go. Customers can avail themselves of ample parking and opt for daily premade or made-to-order health-centered dishes.

Farmer’s Table is now accepting reservations for Wednesday, Nov. 27 and beyond. Farmer’s Table is located at 1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, adjacent to the Wyndham Hotel. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Farmer’s Table Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations or more information, please call 561.417.5836 or visit www.farmerstableboca.com.

About The Gab Group
Founded in 2004 by PR Visionary Michelle Soudry, The Gab Group is an award-winning brand communications agency specializing in local and national restaurant, hospitality, celebrity and luxury lifestyle accounts. Proudly ranked “Top 18 PR/Marketing Agencies in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal. For more information, visit www.thegabgroup.com.