***** Philadelphia Water Ice, 614 North Dixie Hghway, Lantana, Florida 33462, (561) 585-1286.

Let me start by saying…Jeff Eats loves Italian Ices–with that in mind…

This afternoon Jeff Eats “tried” Philadelphia Water Ice in Lantana. Real simple concept here–hole in the wall joint with maybe 5 seats inside and a dozen outside that MAKES ITS OWN–Italian Ices (water ices and cream ices) -figure something like 30 rotating flavors–it also has -maybe 6 hard ice cream flavors and vanilla soft-serve, which are supplied by an outside source.

Sampled water ices–lemon, cherry, pistachio, chocolate, cappuccino, vanilla chip…Do you know what a pig in sh@t is? Well, this afternoon Jeff Eats was a wild boar…and that’s BOAR not BORE-although on occasion I have been accused of being the latter…All of the ices were delicious…I especially liked the cappuccino and lemon flavors, but like I just said, they were all delicious.

To rough the ices’ prices out for you, figure a drop- less than a buck a scoop…and the counter people are more than happy to let you “try” whatever flavors you’d like.

At this stage of the game, check www.phillyiceflorida.com—flavors/prices/photos of the joint.

Philadelphia Water Ice is open Tuesady-Sunday 11:30am-9pm, closed on Monday.

* Seminole Coconut Creek Casino.

This “post” is addressed to whoever (or is it whomever) is running the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino…get your freaking act together.

Two weeks ago, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats sat in NYY Steak’s lounge (in your facility)–planning to watch 80s band Red Skies perform. Now nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats has been in more bars, clubs, restaurants, casinos, lounges than he cares to remember and this was the first time-ever, that the second hand smoke was so brutal that Jeff Eats was forced to leave the venue because my freaking lungs felt like they were on fire. I might add, that the burning sensation became unbearable during the group’s second song, that’s right second song!

Trust me, Jeff Eats saw your “no smoking” signs in various areas—but I’m telling you, something ain’t right—the smoke is all over the joint.

Get someone in there to FIX your ventilation system—because if you got one, it’s broke!

* Solid Brass

Last Sunday Jeff Eats “caught” an absolutely terrific Palm Beach based 60s-80s Rock’n Roll cover band—Solid Brass. The groups’ name, should tell you that one of its specialties is–playing the songs of such horn bands as Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Ides Of March and The Soul Survivors…and the 5 piece rhythm and 3 piece horn section came through with dead-on versions of the requisite hit records. Now for the kicker, Solid Brass isn’t just a one trick-pony…its songlist also includes covers of The Temptations, The Beatles, The Grass Roots, Sam & Dave, Santana, The B52’s, just to name a few. Now nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats has seen a ton of lead singers in his day–and I gotta tell you, Solid Brass’ frontman Fred Moore -can sing with the best of them, think Joe Cocker and you’ll be on the right page.

Of interest, although Solid Brass has only been around since 2011–it has developed a huge South Florida fan base. Recent appearances in no particular order include -CityPlace (West Palm Beach), Boston’s On The Beach (Delray Beach), Mardi Gras Casino (Hallandale Beach), Seminole Coconut Creek Casino (Coconut Creek, that figures!), Johnnie Brown’s (Delray Beach), Delray Marketplace (Delray Beach), Old Key Lime House (Lantana)…and the beautiful thing about all of “these” venues, the shows were FREE!

If you want to see a really top-notch band, go and see Solid Brass…

Check www.solidbrassband.com for schedule/videos/other stuff.

***** Nino’s Pizza & Restaurant, 6194 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, Florida 32810, (407) 253-7363.

The next time you are in Orlando…visiting the kid at UCF, or riding the rides at Disney & Universal, or doing Halloween Horror Night or shopping at some outlet mall—do yourself a huge favor and go eat at Nino’s Pizza & Restaurant–a “mom & pop” red sauce joint that will absolutely blow you away.

Jeff Eats’ poison-Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios…Mrs. Jeff Eats’ -outlet mall, as if you didn’t see that one coming!

Anyway…

Like I said 9 seconds ago, you guys gotta try Nino’s Pizza. This un-assuming pizza joint, turns out some of the most delicious New York Style Pizza -Jeff Eats has had in Florida. A large 16 inch -thin crusted/sweet sauce pie will set you back $10.95. After you and your family/friends order the pizza, figure on splitting…equally-delicious sausage/peppers/onions stromboli roll ($6.95), a veal parmigiana 10″ sub ($8.45), a meatball 10″ sub ($6.95) and some meat lasagna ($9.95). By the way, based on how Jeff Eats eats, I’m thinking that the aforementioned (that’s the lawyer in me!) family/friends are maybe 3–tops 4 people…if you got more, just order more stuff.

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

Let me wrap things up here…

Nino’s food was so terrific, that Jeff Eats “took to go” a sausage/pepperoni stromboli roll ($6.95) and a large mozzarella/ricotta calzone ($13) for a next day Boca Raton reheating.

No fooling around here…Nino’s is a must try.

The joint is open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, closed on Sunday.

* Remember This Guy? He Was So Convincing That Even Jeff Eats Bought His Books!

“CHICAGO (AP) — Jurors deliberated for less than an hour Tuesday afternoon before finding TV pitchman Kevin Trudeau guilty of criminal contempt involving inaccurate claims about his best-selling diet book.

Trudeau, 50, sat on the edge of his chair as jurors entered the Chicago federal courtroom but showed little emotion as the verdict was read. Earlier Tuesday attorneys delivered final arguments in the case in which Trudeau was accused of violating a judge’s 2004 order barring him from making false claims about his best-selling book, “The Weight Loss Cure They Don’t Want You to Know About.”

But Trudeau lawyer Thomas Kirsch argued prosecutors failed to prove their case, noting they called just two witnesses.

Trudeau could face years in prison.

Trudeau, who lives in Oak Brook, a Chicago suburb, looked on calmly as a government attorney accused him of lying repeatedly in his infomercials, which were ubiquitous on late-night television.

The core dispute revolves around dramatic claims in Trudeau’s TV infomercials about the book, including that people who followed the diet could eventually eat anything they wanted without gaining weight.

The book describes a diet of 500 calories a day and the use of prescription hormones. The truth of the claims in the book itself weren’t at issue in the trial — only the claims Trudeau made on TV as he sought to get viewers to purchase the book.

Kirsch argued that prosecutors had fallen short of their burden to prove Trudeau’s guilt. Kirsch also said prosecutors had failed to show that any possible misstatements in the infomercial were intentional.

In a related civil case, Trudeau has already been ordered to pay a $37 million judgment. The federal judge in that case said he was not convinced by Trudeau’s insistence that he was broke and couldn’t pay. Federal officials said they believe Trudeau is hiding money in secret foreign bank accounts.”

* Elvis-Motown Christmas-Hanukkah Holiday Spectacular.

Real simple…

On Saturday Night, December 21st at Olympic Heights Community High School, 20101 Lyons Road in Boca Raton–Joey Dale Productions is presenting a “Holiday Spectacular” show starring two of South Florida’s top tribute acts–David Morin as “Elvis” and Motown In Motion recreating the sounds/moves of such Motown legends as The Temptations, Four Tops and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Also on the bill. local dance group–Destination Dance and the Olympic Heights Choir.

This show is General Admission…with doors opening at 7pm, show-time at 8pm. Tickets are 25 bucks, and you can purchase them at www.bocashows.com or by calling (954) 254-0711. Tickets will also be on sale the day of the show starting at 1pm at Olympic Heights Community High School.

Now…let’s see what we got here—Jeff Eats has seen David Morin three times, twice at the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach and once at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood–the man puts on a real nice-entertaining-convincing show–backed by a 4-5 piece band. Don’t be concerned-Morin comes decked out in the expected tinted glasses, white sequined jumpsuit, sweaty scarves-and all! Jeff Eats has also seen Motown In Motion and these guys will actually have you believing that David Ruffin, Smokey Robinson, Levi Stubbs et al are in the house. These two “tribute” acts alone- are worth the price of admission. Now for the kicker, adding to the holiday-theme you also -got Destination Dance and the Olympic Heights Choir— Jeff Eats isn’t familiar with these acts—but I guarantee you, that many of the theatre’s seats will be filled with these performers’ parents, siblings, relatives and friends (talk about a great way of packing the house).

Here’s some homework for you guys, go to wwwmotowninmotion.com and www.alwaystcb.com—watch the videos, betcha a buck you’re going to want to see this show!

As for the theatre itself, years ago-Jeff Eats attended a General Admission comedy/magic show there—if memory serves me correctly (but I wouldn’t swear to it), there’s about 850 seats and every-one of them is just fine. That said, guaranteed the “fans” of the dance and choir groups are gonna be there at 7pm sharp…so you are on notice.

Nothing for nothing–but, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats will be in attendance–as guests of Dave Morin and Motown In Motion—so assuming you aren’t a deranged reader, please feel free to stop and say hello and ask Jeff Eats to sing his stunning version of “Blue Christmas.”

All in all…Elvis-Motown Christmas Hanukkah Holiday Spectacular should be a really fun night!

* I Know It’s Just A TV Show, But!

Late last night, I was using my DVR to catch up on two shows, “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife”—and like a lightening bolt it hit me…that two of my favorite television shows are borderline-absurd.

Now follow Jeff Eats here…

If I understand “Blue Bloods”correctly…no matter what NYC borough a crime happens in, either Detective Regan or Patrolman Regan catches (that’s cop lingo) the case and Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Regan prosecutes it.

If I understand “The Good Wife” correctly…all legal matters and cases no matter what they involve are resolved by the cast’s lawyers within 60 minutes.

Now, nothing for nothing-being that Jeff Eats has been a member of the New York Bar since 1974 (in good standing I may add) and in particular was a law clerk in the Kings County District Attorneys Office from May 1972-June 1973 I can attest that no matter what “Blue Bloods” portrays–the Regan Brothers and Sister in “reality” would never ever be assigned to handle every “crime” that takes place in New York City. As for “The Good Wife” -Jeff Eats’ 40 years of law practice tells me, that in the history of American jurisprudence -not even the smallest “small claims case” has been resolved from inception to conclusion in a mere 60 minutes. By the way, since there are something like 15 minutes of commercials in every “The Good Wife” episode, Alicia and her buddies have actually been disposing of cases at a record breaking pace of 45 minutes. If memory serves Jeff Eats correctly, it use to take a 45 minute subway ride just to get from my office at 660 Madison Avenue to the New York State Supreme Court building at 60 Centre Street—but then again, Alicia is in Chicago-so just maybe its transportation system is a bit swifter-than New York City’s setup. You Chicagoians can fill Jeff Eats on that…

I know It’s Just A TV Show, But!

Thanks for letting Jeff Eats opine…by the way, I find that the above mentioned tv shows and others like “Pawn Stars”–“Homeland” (though the plot-line is starting to collapse)–“Shark Tank”–and “Boardwalk Empire” are so much more enjoyable to watch -if I’m downing a large bowl or two or three of flavored popcorn from Popcorn Zone, 7044 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, (561) 447-9655…check www.baskets-bocaraton.com for products/prices–I will tell you that Popcorn Zone makes a carmel popcorn topped with milk chocolate that my Aunt Pearl would have described as “to die for.”

Popcorn Zone is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.

* Sounds Delicious (Wink Wink Wink!)

Jeff Eats just got the following pr e-mail.

Sounds Delicious…wink wink wink wink wink!
*****
TOFUTTI BRANDS LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN,
FROZEN PIZZAS:
MILLIONS OF LACTOSE INTOLERANT AND VEGAN CONSUMERS
ARE NOW FREE TO ENJOY THE TASTE OF PIZZA.
Cranford, NJ – November 11, 2013. Tofutti Brands (AMEX: TOF), the company that has pioneered a premium line of dairy-free cheeses and desserts, is expanding its frozen food line with the introduction of a new line of dairy-free pizzas, named Pizza Pizzaz®. The new Tofutti frozen pizzas will be available in stores throughout the US this month. Classic and four-cheese pizza will debut in stores immediately.
Using Tofutti’s dairy-free mozzarella cheese, combined with a delicious pan crust, Tofutti Pizza Pizzaz® offers an authentic yet healthy pizza. Great for adults and children who love the taste of pizza but are allergic or looking for a healthier alternative, Tofutti Pizza Pizzaz® is sold three squared slices to a package. In addition to being vegan, Tofutti’s Pizza Pizzaz® frozen pizzas are cholesterol-free, butterfat- free and dairy-free.
“There are an estimated 100 million Americans who are either lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive. The Vegan population in our country continues to grow. The launch of the Tofutti Pizza Pizzaz® line will give those who previously were unable to eat cheese pizza the freedom to enjoy the delicious taste of pizza in different varieties,” said David Mintz, Founder and President of Tofutti Brands.
Pizza Pizzaz® Classic Cheese Pizza offers a delicious dairy-free mozzarella cheese topping and Tofutti Pizza Pizzaz® Four- Cheese pizza is deliciously topped with dairy-free Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta and Ricotta cheeses. Tofutti is currently developing additional flavors to the Pizza Pizzaz® line and will announce them in early 2014.
About Tofutti Brands
Founded by restaurant owner David Mintz, Tofutti Brands, Inc. is a proven innovator in the food industry and has developed a full line of delicious and healthy dairy-free foods. Tofutti sells more than 80 milk-free foods including frozen desserts, cheese products and prepared dishes. Available throughout the United States and in more than 30 countries, Tofutti Brands answers the call of millions of people who are allergic or intolerant to dairy, diabetic, kosher or vegan and gives them the freedom to enjoy a healthier low-fat diet. Tofutti’s product line includes dairy-free ice cream pints, Tofutti Cutie® sandwiches and novelty bars. Tofutti also has a growing array of prepared foods including Mintz’s Blintzes®, and a Cheese Ravioli line, all made with Tofutti’s milk-free cheeses such as Better Than Cream Cheese®, Sour Supreme® and Veggie Cheese Slices. For more information, visit www.tofutti.com.

***** Kristof’s Kafe, 8912 West State Road 84, Davie, Florida 33324, (954) 475-8977.

Let Jeff Eats start by saying that Kristof’s Kafe is my kinda joint…a “mom & pop” diner–that serves terrific food, has super pleasant service/big portions and reasonable prices.

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

Jeff Eats recently tried Kristof’s for breakfast and I gotta tell you, that the- banana caramel french toast, western omelette, cinnamon challah french toast, country fried steak “sampled” were absolutely dynamite. No ifs or buts–this was one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in a very long time… Just so we are straight, I “did” breakfast—so how Kristof’s lunch/dinner stuff is-is open to conjecture—based on breakfast, I’d bet that those meals are real-strong. While I’m pontificating here, you guys do know, that Jeff Eats has never met a bagel, bialy, french toast or omelette that he didn’t like–but like everything in life-there are degrees…you got your IHOPs and then you got your Kristof’s-like I said, a matter of degrees. By the way-I take back that claim to having never met an omelette I didn’t like…check Jeff Eats 9/26/10 “story” on Cup ‘N Saucer in Lake Worth…Mrs. Jeff Eats says, I got a memory like an elephant (we’ll leave it at that).

Anyway…

Jeff Eats really enjoyed Kristof’s Kafe.

Kristof’s Kafe is open Sunday-Wednesday 8am-3pm, Thursday-Saturday 8am-9pm…breakfast served Monday-Saturday 8am-noon, Sunday all day.

* Now What?

Nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats is hearing that a few of our elected geniuses in Tallahassee are toying with the idea of charging-us when we use plastic and paper bags. Now, this latest brainchild is only in the talking-stage…but the basic idea is that every-time your purchases are packed into a paper or plastic bag, you’re gonna pay 5-10 cents for the bag. The justification for this “fee” is that it will help conservation efforts.

Now, Jeff Eats being the investigative reporter that he is, did some “hypothetical figuring here”…last week, Publix plastic bags alone coming into the Jeff Eats’ household totalled 13, so at 10 cents a shot that’s $1.30…now throw in 3 more plastic bags from TJ Maxx, 2 plastic bags from Home Goods, 2 plastic bags from Shorty’s BBQ and 7 bags from the Boys Market and we are talking a grand total of $2.70 out of my pocket…now multiply that by 52 weeks and the State of Florida would be hitting me up for $140.40. Now taking this absurd “proposal” even further, the two daily newspapers that are delivered daily to Jeff Eats’ driveway both come in plastic bags, so let’s throw another 730 dimes into the mix for another $73 yearly charge.

The above “examples” are just that…”examples.” Your plastic and paper bag useage could be higher or lower than shown…Of course you can appreciate, that in any given week Jeff Eats’ useage could also greatly vary…the bet here, is that $2.70 figure is probably on the low side if all weeks were taken into consideration.

One of the points of this exercise, is to show you guys that Florida was right to vote against Al Gore (wink wink!) as God only knows what we would be paying by now in conservation fees if he had gotten into the White House…so let’s just be glad that he made a huge fortune buying and selling some Mideast tv station and didn’t get us involved in his nutty conservation schemes.

Anyway…knowing Florida like I do, my bet is that this “tax idea” won’t see the light of day, because the majority of those Tallahassee legislators are scared crapless of losing their elected jobs…Jeff Eats seriously doubts that the Century Village crowd or you guys in The Villages are gonna vote for “legislators” who picked your pocket at the grocery store?

One final thought, today its paper and plastic bags…tomorrow it could be pizza boxes—and then we’ll be talking real serious money–at least in my house, it will be!

Anyway…printed below is a recent article from the National Conference of State Legislatures’ website that kinda explains what’s going on with this “bag” issue around the United States.
*****
Printed below is an article that State Plastic and Paper Bag Legislation: Fees, Taxes and Bans; Recycling and Reuse
Featured Items
Bans and Fees
Recycling Programs and Requirements
Energy and Environment Legislation Tracking Database
Enacted Plastic and Paper Bag Legislation Map
Enacted Plastic Bag State Legislation Summaries
2013 Pending State Legislation Summaries
NCSL Staff Contacts
Douglas Shinkle
Brooke Oleen
person holding plastic bagsJune 2013

“States are continuing to consider strategies to reduce the number of plastic carry-out bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets. Some states are targeting paper bags as well. Regulating bags can mitigate harmful impacts to oceans, rivers, lakes and the wildlife that inhabit them. Reducing bag use can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.
Bans and Fees
No state has yet to enact a statewide ban, fee or tax. However, Hawaii does have a de-facto statewide ban, as all four counties in the state now ban non-biodegradable plastic bags at checkout as well as paper bags that are not at least 40 percent recycled. Kauai and Maui counties already enforce bans, while Hawaii County’s ban takes effect on Jan. 17, 2013. Honolulu County made the ban statewide when it passed legislation in May 2012. Retailers in Honolulu County have until July 1, 2015, to make the change.
In 2009, the District of Columbia enacted a law to ban the distribution of disposable, non-recyclable plastic carry-out bags and set a fee of 5 cents for distribution of all other disposable bags.
In 2009, North Carolina banned plastic bags for the Outer Banks region, a chain of barrier islands off its coast. However, in 2011, the state passed legislation to temporarily suspend that ban due to a tornado that hit Dunn, North Carolina, which is the major distribution center for paper bags in the area. The ban has yet to be restored.
2013 Legislation Summary
Currently, 6 states – California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington- are considering banning single-use plastic bags, with California’s proposed ban including paper and other single-use bags as well. Washington is considering legislation that would create rules for localities that choose to impose a ban or fee on plastic bags. Legislation in Arkansas and Florida to ban bags failed in 2013.
Eight states – Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington— are considering a fee or tax on the distribution of bags which a shopper will have to pay, either directly or indirectly. Hawaii would impose fees ranging from 5 cents to 25 cents if the state finds that distribution of single-use bags has not decreased 75 percent by a specified date. Depending on the state, the revenue would go to state parks, school districts, community improvement trusts or other public programs. Florida and Maryland proposed fee legislation, but the bills failed.
Recycling Programs and Requirements
States have continued to propose and enact legislation relating to labeling, recycling, and reusing plastic bags. In 2010, California passed legislation that requires manufacturers of compostable plastic bags to ensure that the bag is readily and easily identifiable from other bags. That same year, Delaware enacted an At-Store Recycling Program. The legislation encourages the use of reusable bags, requires stores to establish an at-store recycling program that provides an opportunity for customers of the store to return clean plastic bags, requires that plastic carry-out bags display a recycling message and provides fines and penalties for noncompliance. Illinois passed similar legislation, The Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Act, in 2012.”