***** BIG ELVIS *****

Got something really cool for you guys…anyway, Jeff Eats thinks it is…

This coming Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 2pm at the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, 5555 Northwest 40th Street, Coconut Creek—“BIG ELVIS” one of Las Vegas’ coolest & hottest lounge shows will be performing in the Casino’s 1250-seat Pavilion arena. This is a General Admission seating deal and tickets go for about 18 bucks. Jeff Eats has seen this “show” and I’m telling you that if you like Elvis Presley—you will absolutely love this “Big Elvis” act.

At this stage of the game—check Big Elvis’ site www.bigelvis.biz and the Casino’s site www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com—there is a load of video/pictures/ticket/general information.

Like I said a few seconds ago, if you like Elvis, you will love this “Big Elvis” act…Trust me, BIG ELVIS PETER VALLEE is-definitely not, your run of the mill Elvis tribute artist!!!

Enjoy!

***** The Habit Burger

Burgers-Burgers-Burgers…

You guys know South Florida’s fast-food burger players—like Five Guys, BurgerFi, Shake Shack, Smashburger, Elevation—not to mention the giant chains like Burger King, Wendy’s- McDonald’s. To paraphrase the late great Soupy Sales, “There are more fast food burger joints in South Florida than there are Chins in a Chinese phonebook. You and Jeff Eats both know, that one day the giant game of fast food burgers musical chairs is going to end very-very badly for most of the players. For sure a number will be left standing, but seriously folks, do we really need a fast-food burger joint literally on every other corner? You know we don’t- but seemingly there are many “entrepreneurs” who obviously don’t.

Anyway…I recently came across The Habit Burger chain which has been around since 1969. For right now it has 60 units mostly in California with a handful in Arizona. You can check www.habitburger.com for menu/prices/locations. Betcha right about now, you are saying “Hey Jeff Eats, I never even heard about this one.” Jeff Eats will also bet you a nickel that most of you have heard about the legendary burger chain In n Out Burgers but have never been in one. I’m right aren’t I?

Now, nothing for nothing…but I would seriously “match” The Habit Burger’s char-flamed cheeseburger, french fries, onion rings that I recently had against the stuff made by any of the guys listed above.

Just imagine for a minute– how many fast food burger joints South Florida could really have if guys like In n Out, The Habit, Hardees decided to expand into our neighborhoods. It would be the greatest and largest game of musical chairs to watch.

In closing, the next time you are in California or Arizona…check The Habit Burger out. The food is dynamite!

BACK ON JULY 25, 2012 JEFF EATS ran a story on The Ultimate Thriller ‘The’ Michael Jackson Tribute. That story is printed below.

To make a long story short-

On Saturday Night- September 1, 2012 the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood—is presenting what many “music” sources describe as the most realistic Michael Jackson tribute show in the world.

From what I understand, the venue seats about 6,500. This production has General Admission No Floor Seating and Balcony Seating…this means, that a hell of a lot more than 6,500 can be handled because the arena floor will have most people standing rather than in set seats— Don’t know all of the details, but Jeff Eats has “heard” that this show’s “production’ costs are in the neighborhood of $50,000.00. Obviously the promoter of this production is expecting a ton and I do mean a ton of people. Now, nothing for nothing, but Jeff Eats is also hearing that close to 6,000 tickets have already been sold.

Anyway…Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and four of our closest friends will be there on September 1, 2012.

From what I’m hearing, this show is going to be absolutely amazing.

If this is your type of “thing”…I really wouldn’t wait too much longer to get some tickets.

***** THE ULTIMATE THRILLER ‘THE’ MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE *****

Got a good one for you guys, that’s if you like Michael Jacskon…

Tomorrow morning (July 26, 2012) starting at 10am- Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) has an internet pre-sale for The Ultimate Thriller ‘The’ Michael Jackson Tribute—which is scheduled for Saturday Night, September 1, 2012 at 8pm at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. You must use the Code: THRILLER to get these tickets.

This touring show stars E. Casanova–one of the best Michael Jackson tribute artists in the world.

If this is your type of “game”–do a quick internet search on E. Casanova and the show itself. I think-actually I know, that you will find absolutely amazing video showing this guy in action as “Michael Jackson”…Also check www.theultimatethriller.com for video/audio/photos/tour information.

Trust me on this one, this “will” be one fantastic-show.

For the record, I know two of the “shows” creators. Back in late 2010 having completed a successful European tour, they told me about their plans to schedule a huge US tour. Well! It’s finally- arrived and you got a shot to get great tickets.

Just between you and me, I’ve seen videos and—I’ll bet you a buck that on September 1, 2012 a sold-out Hard Rock Live crowd is gonna swear that they are actually watching Michael Jackson on that arena’s stage.

One final thought… you and I both know, that “tribute” bands and shows are literally a dime a dozen down here in South Florida. Trust old Jeff Eats on this one, THE ULTIMATE THRILLER ‘THE’ MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE isn’t your standard run-of-the-mill show. This is a HUGE 2 1/2 hour THEATRICAL production that plays on a whole nother level.

21 Comments to “*****THE ULTIMATE THRILLER

***** Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, 21733 State Road 7, Boca Raton, Florida 33428, (561) 852-7870.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill is an “American Style–BBQ” joint…it currently has 66 stores primarily located in 17 eastern states. For our purposes, there are a handful of locations in South Florida. You can check www.smokeybones.com for menu/prices/locations.

Just some quick background information– the original Smokey Bones opened in Orlando in 1999…rapid growth “failed” with a number of stores closing…current owner Sun Capital Partners is currently working on a rebranding plan…the chain’s original name was Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill—the current plan is to down play the bbq “aspect” and make the restaurants more “sports-bar-like.”

Not exactly sure on the date, I’m figuring 7-8 years ago…Jeff Eats “tried” the then newly opened Smokey Bones in Boca Raton…suffice it to say, the food was absolutely terrible. Jeff Eats hadn’t been back “until” last night.

To be perfectly honest with you, Jeff Eats can’t comment on whether or not the Boca Bones that I was in last night has been remodeled—can’t recall what the original store looked like. If I was betting, not many changes, if any at all. Just so you know, woody look, flat screen tvs, bar area…absolutely no problem with the look of this joint. The problem way back when was the food.

Last night Jeff Eats “tried” fried chicken wings in a sweet tangy sauce, babyback ribs, bbq chicken, french fries, corn nibblets, mashed potatoes. The report—the wings were delicious. the ribs and bbq chicken were also in a “sweet” sauce–the ribs were okay but nothing to get nuts over–the chicken was lousy–trust me, the sauce instead of being sweet had a bitter taste. The french fries were good and the mashed potatoes were delicious. The corn nibblets were okay but nothing special.

Very reasonable prices, good sports bar service.

Would Jeff Eats go back? Definitely not a boisterous-booming YES!!! but more of a lower-case “yes”…that’s assuming Jeff Eats isn’t forced to eat the BBQ chicken– it really was that bad!

As I mentioned a few minutes ago, the first time Jeff Eats was there, the food was horrendous. The second outing, the food was a “mixed bag”…

The way to “treat” Smokey Bones’ food…average at best–sport’s bar stuff.

Smokey Bones is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner.

***** Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen, 1411 Saint Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316, (954) 463-4900.

Now, it’s really not Jeff Eats’ style to bring you guys into his personal-life, but every so often…

Anyway, Steve W. a dear friend for over 40 years has a line that he mutters—“Woof, man these guys went for the cash.” Now for the tie-in…The other night, I gave Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen a “shot.”—and, if Steve was with me, he definitely would have muttered “Woof, man these guys went for the cash.” No question in my mind that the “guys” who own this joint spent some heavy duty money building an absolutely great looking indoor/outdoor patio seating sports-bar. When you check the joint’s site www.tap42.com for menu/prices-you will also find tons of photos-so you’ll have some idea as to what I’m yapping about…or should I say woofing about!

I think, but I’m not really sure- that most of you regular Jeff Eats’ folks know that I’m really an eater not a drinker. If you check, when I talk about bars/restaurants my focus is on the food with an occasional booze mention. Just so you know, Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen’s focus is on beer and alcohol…for sure- there is food, but my gut tells me, that the packed joint I was at, does a hell of a lot more in liquor sales than food sales. I’m gonna let you drink-experts figure this all out, but Tap 42’s name revolves around the number of beers on tap, throw in tons of bottled beers and other liquors and the joint is definitely moving a ton of liquid. You guys may know better, but my money says that beer and wine drinkers are going to love the selection of stuff.

Let’s talk FOOD…like I said a few seconds ago, Tap’s main “gig” is booze, however the joint’s menu has just- enough appetizers, salads, burgers and entrees so us-eaters don’t feel like decorative wallflowers. Jeff Eats’ recent outing had me trying…buffalo style wings, mac & cheese, bacon-cheeseburger, french fries, pan seared Atlantic salmon. Nothing for nothing, the food was real-good. I especially enjoyed the mac & cheese, burger and fries. Just so we are perfectly straight—don’t expect a mulit-page menu of offerings ala The Cheesecake Factory…The prices aren’t sports bar cheap-cheap—but nothing that’s gonna require you to get a second job. Service is sports-bar friendly, whatever that means!

Great looking joint. Great vibe. Drinkers and non-drinkers a-like will love Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen.

Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen is open Monday-Tuesday 11:30am-1am, Wednesday-Thursday 11;30am-2am, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-3am, Sunday 11am-midnight (people do have to go to work the next day!).

***** Knucklehead Burgers *****

There are things in life that are “certain.”

1. When Jeff Eats buys a stock, the next tick is down.
2. After someone celebrates his or her 100th birthday-the next piece of news about that person ain’t gonna be good.
3. People worry about things happening and most of those things never even happen.

Anyway…

A new fast food burger joint- Knucklehead Burgers, opened this week at 4900 South University Drive, Davie, Florida 33328, (954) 434-0013.

Jeff Eats’ buddies at Burger Beast (www.burgerbeast.com) already-got to Knucklehead Burgers and gave the 40 seater a rave review. Based on Burger Beast’s review, Knucklehead’s cool name/decor (www.knuckleheadsburgers.com) and a 20 minute phone conversation with Adam Knucklehead’s operations manager—Jeff Eats is gonna go out on a limb here and…green-light this joint for you.

Now-only certain things in this life are for certain…but Jeff Eats is feeling real good about Knucklehead. Now of course if Burger Beast’s stellar track record proves not to have been as stellar/certain) as I thought it was, Jeff Eats will have to further scrutinize Burger Beast’s picks a whole lot closer in the future.

I’ve got Knucklehead Burgers on my “to try” list.

If you get there before I do, let me know if my “gut” call on this joint was right or wrong.

Your input will certainly be appreciated.

***** Coffee District, 325 Northeast Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444, (561) 455-0541.

Let’s describe Coffee District as…a 1600sq foot Starbucks type joint with a full boat of wines & beers– breakfast sandwiches, pastries, panini, salads and karaoke starting at 8pm every Friday night.

At this stage of this game check www.mycoffeedistrict.com for menu/prices/events/photos.

As many of you guys know–as hard as I try–Jeff Eats still can’t get his “head” around the concept of a $4-5 cup of coffee…I still remember Brooklyn’s Garfield Cafeteria’s 5 cent-cups —and yes, I know that Rudy Vallee is dead, that Maris hit 61 homers, that Roger Clemons didn’t use steroids and that gas isn’t 29 cents a gallon. Let’s just say, that some things just die-hard.

Anyway…last week I gave Coffee District a shot and I gotta tell you this hybrid coffee-wine & beer concept is very interesting. You coffee drinkers, wine drinkers and beer drinkers will be like foxes in a hen house…the joint has all kinds of coffees, wines, tap and bottled beers. For the “eaters” like me Coffee District’s got a handful of- breakfast sandwiches, pastries, panini, salads, appetizers…not a huge selection, but I will tell you, that the roast beef panini, bacon cheddar flat bread melt, grilled chicken pesto panini were delicious…with a special shout-out to that flat bread melt.

Just so you know…One of the highest compliments that Mrs. Jeff Eats has every paid me and I quote…”You eat like a reincarnated truck driver.”

With “truck driver” being the operative words here—Jeff Eats’ game really is- big greasy burgers, french fries covered in ketchup, pizza, beer battered onion rings, pan fried dumplings, bbq ribs, glazed donuts…not- sitting on a couch nursing a cup of coffee or glass of wine, wi-fiing away, waiting for amateur singers to take center stage. That said, I do appreciate when a CONCEPT is well executed and Coffee District absolutely-positively has the “local non chain-coffee/wine/beer relaxed neighborhood meeting place” concept down to a tee.

The best way to sum Coffee District up…a really good joint to enjoy a casual cup of coffee, beer or wine—and maybe-even bump into Jeff Eats as he has another one of those bacon cheddar flat bread melts.

For the record, Jeff Eats does a mean version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Coffee District is open Monday-Thursday 7am-10pm, Friday 7am-midnight, Saturday 8am-midnight, Sunday 8am-3pm.

***** Crumbs Bake Shop, Inc. *****

Wanna see how people get “sucked” into a stock?

Crumbs Bake Shop, Inc. (NASDAQ: B-$3.41-A-$3.42).

Crumbs owns and operates 50 or so cupcake stores…33 of those locations are in the NYC metro area.
The Company was founded in 2003.
Based on Jeff Eats’ due-diligence- Crumbs’ business is an absolute disaster…lousy sales and definitely in the “wrong business.”
Since going public on June 15, 2010 Crumbs’ stock has traded in the $2-$16 range.

The way I see this “one”- When Crumbs went public, everyone and their mother thought it was going to be the next Starbuck’s. I guess the thinking was…it sells coffee, cupcakes and other types of pastries…so it’s the next Starbucks. Anyway…since its public debut, you could say the lustre wore off…

Yesterday morning- CRMB which was was trading around 2-bucks a share announced that it had inked a deal with Starbucks to sell Starbucks’ coffee in its stores. That announcement resulted in the stock trading up from $2 to a day high of $3.57.

Personally, I don’t think that the Starbucks’ deal is worth very much. I’ll bet you a nickel that those 33 NYC metro stores are all near an existing Starbucks store. For sure, sales may increase a drop, but if I was a betting man—not that big of an increase to turn a “bad” business into a good one. In addition, I seriously doubt that Starbucks as many are obviously hoping- will buy Crumbs out.

Right now as I “type” CRMB is trading at $3.42.

Regular Jeff Eats readers know that I consider the retail “cupcake” store business to be nothing but a fad. Like a real good game of musical chairs, there aren’t going to be too many winners, if any- when the music stops playing.

The bet here, Crumbs isn’t going to be one of the winners.

If this type of stuff interests you…do some reading-searching…

Crumbs is definitely an interesting read-NOT a stock buy.

***** Slices Pizza & Pasta *****

In recent days Jeff Eats has received 3 extremely favorable e-mails about an Italian joint named Slices Pizza & Pasta, 13750 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33181, (305) 949-5588—www.allyoucaneatpizzapasta.com. Sounds like Slices might have a very interesting concept going on–sort of like Brazilian “rodizio” which has the waitstaff in an all-you-can-eat deal bringing around 50 different pizzas and 15 different pastas.

To be perfectly honest with you, this is the first time Jeff Eats has heard about this type of “service” in an Italian restaurant setting. Of course-“novel” service doesn’t guarantee that the food is any good.

Anyway…I got Slices on my “to check” list.

If you get there before Jeff Eats does, give me the skinny and I’ll pass it along.