* Ali Knew! Liston Didn’t Know! The Beatles Figured It Out!

With the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ 1964-American debut approaching, I thought you guys might enjoy reading what sportswriter Bob Lipsyte (2011) had to “say” about the day The Beatles met Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) at his Miami Beach training camp…

Not trying to make this into a Beatles’ blog…but the way Jeff Eats sees it, The Beatles were a revolutionary “force” on American culture as was Muhammad Ali…amazing how these two iconic forces met purely by accident. Interesting that Sonny Liston didn’t see what-could be, nor did The Beatles (that’s right away) but a young brash underdog did!

“As I climbed the splintery stairs, there was a hubbub behind me. Four little guys around my age in matching white terry-cloth cabana jackets were being herded up. Someone said it was that hot new British rock group on their first American tour….A British photographer traveling with the Beatles had tried to pose them with Sonny Liston, but the champ had refused-“Not with them sissies,” he was supposed to have said-and now they were settling for a photo op with the challenger. At the top of the stairs, when the Beatles discovered that Clay had not yet arrived, John Lennon said, “Let’s get the fuck out of here.” But two huge security guards blocked their way and crowded them into an empty dressing room. I allowed myself to be pushed in with them, figuring to get a few funny quotes. Had I understood who those four little guys were, I might have been too shy to become, briefly, the fifth Beatle. But then I was also clueless about Clay. The Beatles were cranky in that damp dressing room, stomping and cursing. I introduced myself, rather importantly, I’m afraid, and they mimicked me. John shook my hand gravely, saying he was Ringo, and introduced me to Paul, who said he was John. I asked for their predictions. They said that Liston would destroy Clay, that silly little overhyped wanker. Then they ignored me to snarl among themselves again. Silly little overhyped wankers, I thought. Suddenly the locker room door burst open, and Cassius Clay filled the doorway. The Beatles and I gasped. He was so much larger than he looked in pictures. He was beautiful. He seemed to glow. He was laughing. “Hello there, Beatles!” he roared. “We oughta do some road shows together, we’ll get rich.” The Beatles got it right away. They followed Clay out to the boxing ring like kindergarten kids. You would have thought they’d met before and choreographed their routine. They bounced into the ring, capered, dropped down to pray that Clay would stop hitting them. He picked up Ringo, the bittiest Beatle. They lined up so Clay could knock them all out with one punch. They fell like dominoes, then jumped up to form a pyramid to get at Clay’s jaw. The five of them began laughing so hard their impromptu frolics collapsed. That photo op is a classic (Check YouTube; you might even see me.) After the Fab Four left, Clay jumped rope, shadowboxed, and sparred as his court jester, Drew Bundini Brown, hollered, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, rumble, young man, rumble!” Afterward, stretched out on a dressing room table for his rubdown, Clay pretended to fall asleep as reporters asked him what he was going to do after he lost. Finally, a crabby old reporter from Boston said, “This whole act is a con job, isn’t it?” and Clay pretended to wake up and he said, “I’m making all this money, the popcorn man making money and the beer man, and you got something to write about. Your papers let you come down to Miami Beach, where it’s warm.” The Boston reporter shut up. I think that was the moment when I began to wish this kid wasn’t going to get his head knocked off, that somehow he would beat Liston and become champion or at least survive and keep boxing. He would have been such a joy to cover, I thought. Too bad he’s got no chance. Too bad he’s only passing through, a firefly fad like those Beatles. We could all have had a blast.”

***** Lemon Tree Café, 5463 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073, (954) 570-8822.

Lemon Tree Café…”neighborhood diner”–table/booth/counter seating.

Lemon Tree’s menu is loaded with breakfast stuff, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, wraps, entrees.

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

Jeff Eats recently did “lunch”…cheeseburger/French fries ($7.95)–chicken Caesar wrap with sweet potato fries ($10.95)–Reuben melt with French fries ($8.95)…everything was A-OK.

Let me wrap Lemon Tree Cafe up for you–good solid diner food.

Based on lunch, a breakfast outing is definitely in the cards.

Lemon Tree Café is open Monday-Saturday 6:30am-9pm, Sunday 6:30am-4pm

* Across The Universe.

Real fast…

February 7th 2014 marks the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ 1964- arrival at NYC’s JFK International Airport…the band’s American debut-February 9, 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show.

February & March 2014…all types of concerts/shows/events/television programming are scheduled commemorating that Anniversary!

Check-out… Across The Universe- www.acrosstheuniverseband.com—definitely one of South Florida’s best Beatles’ tribute/cover bands. Jeff Eats has seen them at least a 1/2 dozen times and they are GOOD!

In checking the band’s schedule, it has a handful of February & March-South Florida dates booked—and a number of the gigs are free shows.

***** Mediterranean Blue, 435 East Michigan Street, Orlando, Florida 32806, (407) 422-2583.

Got an absolutely terrific “fast-food” Greek joint for you…Mediterranean Blue- in Orlando. Free standing building- Order/pickup at counter–inside and outdoor patio seating.

Real simple menu–sandwiches, salads, handful of entrees/sides/desserts.

A recent outing had Jeff Eats doing…gyro ($6.70), falafel ($6.70), pastitsio ($10)-and I gotta tell you, the food was dynamite. No fooling around, one of the best gyros that I’ve eaten in Florida…the sliced beef/lamb was right on the money, as was the pita bread- and tzatziki.

You guys can check menu/prices/photos/other stuff at www.mediterraneanblue.net.

Mediterranean Blue is open Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, closed on Sunday.

Johnny T.

* Miller, D’Amore, Johnny T., The Dubs.

This past Saturday night Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats saw an absolutely terrific 50’s-60’s concert at the Kings Point Theater in Delray Beach.

Just off the top of my head, I’m gonna figure that close to 1,000 people were in the audience.

The concert featured vocalists- Mike Miller, Michael D’Amore, Johnny T. and The Dubs.

For the record, both Mike Miller and Johnny T. are former members of The Mystics who back in the 60’s had the mega hit “Hushabye.” D’Amore in-Jeff Eats’-humble-opinion is one of America’s top lounge vocalists. The Dubs fronted by original first tenor -Cleveland Still had the 50’s-60’s mega hits “Could This Be Magic”–“”Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely”–“Chapel Of Dreams.”

As I mentioned 14 seconds ago, this was a terrific concert. Handling the “music” was a talented group of musicians lead by South Floridian- guitarist/vocalist Bobby Nathan who over the decades has worked with such artists as Kiss, Stevie Nicks, Steve Winwood, Prince and David Bowie.

Tickets for this show were $15 for Kings Point residents, non residents $18.

From Jeff Eats’ e-mails, I know that loads of you guys…love OLDIES music. With that in mind, keep an eye on–the following sites, for future South Florida- “shows” that might be right up your alley.

Mike Miller…. www.harmonystreet.biz.
Michael D’Amore… www.michaeldamore.com,
Johnny T…. www.johnnytunes.com.
Bobby Nathan… www.bobbynathan.com

* The Beatles’ 50th Anniversary!

It’s hard to believe, but February 7, 2014 will mark the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ landing at New York’s- JFK International Airport aboard Pan Am Flight 101 from London…for those of you too young to remember The Beatles—GOOGLE AWAY!!!

All over America- from the “2014 Grammy Awards Show” to the “The David Letterman Show”…the month of February- will be loaded with concerts-events-parties honoring the “band” that “revolutionized” the world…for those of you too young to remember The Beatles—GOGGLE AWAY!!!

One- of coolest scheduled events—is going to be held on February 16th and 17th at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach.

Printed Below is a recent Press Release that describes the event/ticket prices/info.

Jeff Eats is planning on attending the February 16th concert.

*****

“Fifty years ago, The Beatles took America by storm performing at Carnegie Hall and on the Ed Sullivan Show three times. The second performance was recorded at the historic Deauville Beach Resort where The Beatles spent nearly a week in residence. Join us in celebrating this historic event with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called “The Best Beatles Tribute on Earth” – “1964” The Tribute….

Saturday February 15th AND Sunday February 16th at 7PM.

“1964” …The Tribute takes their audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts forever. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt-Pepper era, “1964” recreates an early 60’s live Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter.

They have been featured on such nationally televised programs as The CBS Early Show, Entertainment Tonight, PM Magazine, CNN, The USA Network, and TNN. “1964” has toured around the world performing at major concert venues such as Red Rocks in Denver, Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Shea Stadium, and The Philharmonic in Liverpool, England as well as festivals, colleges, corporate events, and conventions.

Notably, “1964”performed at Carnegie Hall for an unprecedented 12th time on January 12, 2013. They will return to Carnegie for the 50th Anniversary celebration of The Beatles performances there.

“1964”…The Tribute is the only Beatles tribute band with a United States Federal Court order defining a written agreement with Apple Corps. Ltd. permitting them to perform their show anywhere in the world. Years of researching the Fab Four have made “1964” masters of their craft. Beatle boots, vintage costumes and equipment, onstage mannerisms and speaking voices, and the unmistakable harmonies of the lads from Liverpool make “1964” the most accurate and fun Beatles tribute to date.

“1964” is: Mark Benson as John Lennon, Mac Ruffing as Paul McCartney, Tom Work as George Harrison, and Bobby Potter as Ringo Starr.

“1964” will be performing in the Napoleon Ballroom (where The Beatles recorded the Ed Sullivan show). Immediately following the Saturday concert there will be a full banquet dinner in the Richelieu Ballroom.

Tickets for the concert are $64. Tickets for the banquet are $68 which includes a full dinner and two glasses of wine. Cash bar will be available. Special room rates have been arranged, so come and make a weekend out of it! Tickets for both concerts are available by calling 877-733-3130 or by clicking here:

https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/1964/Online/default.asp

Tickets for the Saturday banquet are available by calling Mark Johnson @ 970-948-6151

Special room rates are available at The Deauville. Please click here:

http://www.secure-res.com/res/vn4/checka.aspx?hotelid=1591

Enter strutpro in the Group Code Box, or call 800-327-6656 and mention Strut Productions for the rate.

Saturday will also feature special a special presentation by Andy Babiuk, author of the critically acclaimed book Beatles Gear presents a stunning multimedia presentation and lecture featuring over 100 rare photos and massive amounts of Beatle studio out take audio clips. His first hand anecdotes from practically everyone involved in the Beatles’ inner circle, are collected from over 400 interviews and eight years of research. With his amazing audio/ video presentation, Andy’s engaging and insightful lecture covers the history of band and their legendary instruments. If you’re a Beatles fan, this is one not to be missed! Tickets: $15

Please contact Mark Johnson @ 970-948-6151 or skyisle@sopris.net for additional information”

***** Jack & Mary’s Breakfast-Lunch, 2323 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, Florida 32822, (407) 281-1113.

Jack & Mary’s…”neighborhood” mom & pop diner–counter seating, booths/tables. The joint is open Monday-Sunday 7am-2pm.

Cute name, but personally Jeff Eats would have gone with Jack & Jill…but then again, the owners are probably named Jack and Mary, and I guess Mary didn’t want to go through life known as Jill. Then again how cool would it have been to have named the joint Shlomo & Mary’s Breakfast-Lunch?

Anyway, now that I’ve killed some time…

Jack & Mary’s menu is loaded with breakfast stuff, sandwiches/burgers, soups/salads, hot lunch “specials.”.

Jeff Eats recently did “lunch”…rye patty melt with french fries ($6.65), chicken salad club sandwich with french fries ($6.25), bowl of chili/onions/cheese ($3.55)…

Good solid diner-food, reasonable prices, very pleasant service.

***** 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!