***** Cool Beans Indoor Playground, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue (Downtown At The Gardens), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410, (561) 627-1782.

Got something really cool for parents/grandparents of young kids—ages 6 months-6 years…an indoor-playground named- Cool Beans Indoor Playground- located in Palm Beach Gardens.

If you read Jeff Eats’ “About Me” section, you’ll note that at one time Jeff Eats was the CEO of a Florida based Discovery Zone franchise…for those unfamiliar with Discovery Zone, think Chuck E. Cheese sans the animatronics and you’ll be on the right page…the point—Jeff Eats is extremely familiar (at least I think I am)- with all aspects of kids’ entertainment centers/indoor playgrounds from site selection- design/construction/décor/equipment/staffing/operations.

Now let me get back to Cool Beans…

Cool Beans is one of the coolest entertainment/indoor playgrounds that I’ve seen. Best way to describe it…Indoor playground meets Starbucks/Panera Bread.

At this stage of the game (pun intended) go check www.coolbeansplaycafe.com for pictures/details—the site will give you some idea as to how cool this joint looks, the play-stuff it offers and the food/beverages available. For you lazy guys…just imagine a kid’s indoor playground inside a Starbucks with Panera Bread type food offerings—there- I did the work for you, so you can stay on this page!

Long story on how I found this joint, but I will tell you…first class all the way! CLEAN–top-shelf play equipment, great looking café décor, quality/reasonably priced food/beverage offerings. Now nothing for nothing in that I didn’t interview the entire staff—but my money says-that whoever owns this joint, has a top-notch GM and “counselor” staff watching after the kids…

Now for a little secret…the trick to a successful kids’ entertainment/indoor playground is that- THE PARENTS (ADULTS) DON’T MIND BEING THERE! Let me repeat that for you slow learners…if the parents (adults) don’t mind being there, they’ll take the kids there.

Let me wrap this up for you…

Yesterday afternoon, Jeff Eats “watched” Cool Beans Indoor Playground for a good 40 minutes…no question in my mind, every kid had a blast–and every adult was as relaxed as could be.

Like I said 19 seconds ago, Cool Beans Indoor Playground is a first-class operation….if you have kids and live in Cool Beans’ neighborhood —give it a shot. If you live in the neighborhood, don’t have kids and still give Cool Beans a shot–Abogado Jeff Eats is well versed in Florida Criminal Law and can be reached/retained at www.jeffeats.com!

For those of you with devious minds, kidless Jeff Eats introduced himself to two employees before he “checked” the joint out…so there!

Cool Beans is open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.

* The Sun Sentinel Must Have Been Smoking Something!

This morning, the Sun Sentinel “issued” its 2013 “BEST OF SOUTH FLORIDA”…

Included Categories:

Food & Drinks
Casual Restaurants
Ethnic Restaurants
Service & Setting
Special Occasions
Bars & Clubs
Events
Music
Arts & Entertainment
Staff Picks

According to the Sun Sentinel, no joking here…

Publix fried chicken is the best.
P.F. Chang’s is the best Chinese restaurant.
Capital Grille is the best steakhouse.

You can check www.sun-sentinel.com for complete lists.

What’s really scary here…is that the “best this” and the “best that” were determined by 2585 people who voted in Sun Sentinel polls…other “best picks” were made by the Sun Sentinel’s staff. Just think, there are something like 500 billion people living in south Florida and the Sun Sentinel relied on 2585 GOD KNOWS WHO to basically guide the masses…sounds nuts to Jeff Eats—when all those billions got to do is read Jeff Eats and your reader comments to get the skinny on what’s really going on down here.

Not to influence you or nothing…but Jeff Eats kinda thinks that the Sun Sentinel must have been “smoking” something when it concocted its lists…and as far as the “staff picks”–just maybe, it had its eye on “future” advertising dollars—but that would be way too devious, don’t you think?

But, that’s just one man’s opinion on this 2013 best list thing!

* Jay & The Americans (Mardi Gras Casino–Hallandale Beach)

Literally, just got the “below” PR piece from the Mardi Gras Casino…
Real fast…
Tickets for Jay & The Americans (Tuesday-October 15, 2013) “just” went on sale…$10, $20, $40…all seats are good.
You can buy tickets at www.mardigrascasinofl.com.
Jeff Eats has seen Jay & The Americans—and I am telling you (if this type of music is your bag), YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS CONCERT!!!!
*****
“On Tuesday, October 15th at 8pm, lovers of musical oldies can enjoy the sounds of Jay and the Americans at Mardi Gras Casino performing live in the Grandstand followed by a spectacular fireworks display! With their doo wop-influenced vocals, some of their biggest hits include “She Cried,” “Cara Mia” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” and “Let’s Lock the Door”.

All ticket holders receive a special buffet price of $10.95 at the French Quarter Restaurant & Bar located on the third floor of the casino from 5pm-10pm.

In one of the greatest turnabouts in Rock and Roll history, the group JAY AND THE AMERICANS, started by four teenage boys in Sandy Yaguda’s Brooklyn basement 40 years ago, have bought back their rightful name in federal court, restoring the name to it’s rightful owners. Very few bands have ever reached the musical heights of JAY AND THE AMERICANS. From 1962—1971, this group charted an unprecedented “12” top 10 records. With three original band members, Sandy Yaguda (aka Deane) founding member, Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane) original member, and Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders), original member, plus the addition of “Jay” Reincke, the third Jay and probably the best yet, .. they have recreated the authentic sound of all of . . their great hits that everyone remembers.

JAY AND THE AMERICANS first record was “TONIGHT” (from the Broadway Musical WEST SIDE STORY), and their breakout hit song was “SHE CRIED”. JAY AND THE AMERICANS next chart hit was “ONLY IN AMERICA”, followed by top ten hits “COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER” and .later “THIS MAGIC MOMENT”?
Where were you when you first heard “CARA MIA”? JAY AND THE AMERICANS pay tribute to the late ROY ORBISON with “CRYING”, and no other band in history has sold . more copies of the song “SOME ENCHANTED EVENING” than JAY AND THE AMERICANS!!!

NEIL DIAMOND ‘s first hit song released, “SUNDAY AND ME”, was recorded by none other than JAY AND THE AMERICANS, who have toured with such legendary artists as ROY ORBISON, THE BEATLES, and THE ROLLING STONES.

JAY AND THE AMERICANS were a major force in starting the Rock and Roll revival with their album “WAX MUSEUM”, where they paid tribute to many great Rock and Roll artists with their versions of such great songs as “HUSHABYE”, “WALKIN’ IN THE RAIN”, and a song that reached the top ten “THIS MAGIC MOMENT”. You will hear all of these songs, which are featured in the new JAY AND THE AMERICANS’ show.

In 2002, JAY AND THE AMERICANS were inducted into the VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME, placing them among the greatest vocal groups in Rock and Roll history.

Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road. The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring 1,100 Las Vegas-style slot machines, including new-linked Progressive slots, video roulette and blackjack, and Vegas-Star Roulette; 30 action-packed poker tables; simulcast and greyhound racing; and various dining options. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit www.mardigrascasinofl.com. Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mardigrascasino or follow us on twitter at http://www/twitter.com/MardiGrasFl.”

Lisa Mizrachi
ADVERTISING SUPERVISOR
cid:3419395755_58489
831 North Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach, FL. 33009
lmizrachi@mardigrascasinofl.com | 954-924-3200 ext. 3160
www.mardigrascasinofl.com

***** Schnapper’s Hots, 1528 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida 33957, (239) 472-8686.

Schnapper’s Hots…fast-food “hot dog stand” with limited standing -room eating inside and limited outdoor seating—located in Sanibel.

Short and sweet, Jeff Eats “lives” for joints like Schnapper’s Hots.

Terrific all-beef hot dogs, burgers, wings char-broiled on a gas grill…equally delicious fresh hand-cut french fries, home-made hand breaded onion rings, pizza, fried fish sandwiches, ice cream cones and shakes—and you got a home-run in this boy’s book. Throw in the fact that the joint is located on a street named PERIWINKLE WAY…and you know you gotta try it!

Check menu/photos at www.schnappershotssanibel.com.

Schnapper’s Hots is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm.

***** Jordan’s Steak Bistro, 10140 West Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, Florida 33414, (561) 793-9394.

Got a really good “American Style” joint for you…Jordan’s Steak Bistro in Wellington.

I appreciate—that the word STEAK is featured in the restaurant’s name…but Jordan’s really isn’t a steak-house….

The joint’s got a full bar with tvs and a casual décor. When you check Jordan’s website- www.jordanssteakbristro.com for menu/prices, you’ll find a couple of photos, so you’ll know what the restaurant looks like.

Jordan’s menu covers grilled cheese sandwiches to bone- in ribeyes…so don’t worry, everybody is gonna find what to eat.

A recent outing entailed, fried calamari-margherita flatbread-grilled Caesar salad-cheeseburger-18oz bone-in ribeye…and I must-say, everything was delicious. I especially enjoyed the ribeye-ranking it up there with the stuff you catch in the best South Florida steakhouses. On the price front, let’s say “reasonable” and service was as pleasant as can be.

Just so we are on the same page here, that ribeye ran 39 bucks and the steak fries side was another 5 …so– we ain’t exactly talking neighborhood “sports bar” prices—but all in all, the bet here is, that you won’t have to rush out to some ATM when you see the bill…then again, maybe you will have to, but I don’t know, because Jeff Eats hasn’t looked in your wallet-lately!

Let me wrap this one up for you this way…

Jeff Eats really enjoyed Jordan’s…

Jordan’s Steak Bistro is open Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm.

* Need A List Of American-Style Buffets

Season…is upon us!

Need a list of GOOD- South Florida American-Style Buffets for our visiting northern-brethren.

Thank you,

* TD Ameritrade…Nothing For Nothing!

Recently got this e-mail from reader AFR
***
Hey Jeff,
I recently opened a new online brokerage account with discount broker TD Ameritrade. Had to put in $2,500 and got 500 free ($9.99) trades good for 60 days. If I’m figuring this correctly, TD gave me $5,000 worth of trades for free. I’m not a big trader, maybe I trade 2- 3 or times a month (which would be 4- 6 trades buy-sell, total). Seems like a good deal for me and especially for day-traders. Thought you might like to pass this one onto other readers.
***
Here’s Jeff Eat’s response.

AFR:

Just had a chance to read your e-mail.

If you are a DAY TRADER “on its face” the deal sounds good.

If you are just a casual trader, just think…assuming 30 days in a month, you have 44 days from the day you open the account to use all of those trades. That means you would have to make on average 11.36 trades per day to use up all of the free trades.

In your case, if you execute 4-6 trades a month the fees would be 40-60 bucks…figure 2- months and TD Ameritrade is giving you the grand total of $80- $120 in free trades. Not bad, but a far cry from the $5,000 that “initially” hits your eye when you see its 500-free trades’ advertisement. By the way, I didn’t check, but I’ll bet you have to keep that original $2,500 in your TD Ameritrade account for a certain period of time.

TD Ameritrade (unless you are a real Day Trader) really isn’t giving you as “big” a deal as it initially appears at first glance.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats has had a TD Ameritrade account for a number of years. Long ago, I negotiated an online commission rate far-far lower than the $9.99 you are paying.

Over the years, TD Ameritrade on the whole-got the job done for Jeff Eats…that said,

I will tell you, that over those same years- many of TD Ameritrade’s phone reps/supervisors gave me WRONG INFORMATION about various ‘things” in my account—so, just a word to the wise, keep a close eye on your account and don’t take what TD Ameritrade tells you as being gospel. Jeff Eats will also tell you, that on more than one occasion TD Ameritrade’s online trading system contained incorrect information/and other times the entire system “crashed” and couldn’t be accessed.

Good luck with your trading…

* Where Can I Get A Great Pastrami Sandwich?

The other day, Jeff Eats received the following e-mail from reader Lou G…

Maybe you guys can “help” Lou G out!
***
Hey Jeff,

New to the area.
Just retired and moved to Delray Beach from Long Beach, LI.
Found your site and was wondering where can I get a great pastrami sandwich down here?
Thanks, and I look forward to trying some of your picks.

* FIREFALL (Mardi Gras Casino, Hallandale Beach)

If you are a fan of oldies/classic & folk rock n roll…

Mardi Gras Casino on November 12, 2013 at 8pm is presenting the legendary group FIREFALL in concert.

For what it’s worth, Jeff Eats has seen Firefall in concert and the legendary folk-rock band put on quite a show.

The Mardi Gras Casino “2013 concert” series thus far has featured- The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Grass Roots and The Atlanta Rhythm Section and all three out-door concerts were absolutely dynamite.

Check www.mardigrascasino.com for tickets/info.

Printed below is a PR piece from Mardi Gras’ website on the band/event.
***
Firefall
Live in Concert on November 12, 2013
Top 40 Hits
You are the Woman
Strange Way
Goodbye I love You
Cinderella
Mexico
Just Remember I Love You

The genealogy and musical roots of Firefall run deep in the fertile soil of American folk/rock music. Along with contemporaries like Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Band, The Eagles and Loggins and Messina, they created a sound that defined a generation and forever changed the musical landscape. Defying industry labels, they creatively melded country, folk, easy listening, and rock n’ roll to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Firefall is one of the few surviving bands of this genre, remaining true to the founding vision throughout the bands’ 30 year history.
From 1976 through the 1980’s, Firefall saturated the radio waves with a string of Top 20 hits, selling millions of albums and earning two platinum and three gold records for their efforts. They toured the world over, sharing stages with supergroups like Fleetwood Mac, The Band, The Doobie Brothers, Marshall Tucker, The Beach Boys and America, to name a few. Their dynamic and dazzling live performances gained them a huge and loyal fan base; one that continues to grow even now. In their current live shows, the band continues to expand on their distinctive and melodic sound. Their much loved hits are faithfully recreated with a freshness rare in live performance of such classics. With their newer material, they continue to demonstrate the diversity of the band’s musical excellence. In keeping with the times, the shows often include acoustic “mini sets” and extended jams, which speak directly to the ever growing new generation of fans.
For co-founder Jock Bartley, Firefall is not only a chance to grow musically, but represents a heartfelt commitment to nurturing a musical tradition that he helped to create. Shared for the past 20 years with the same band members, this commitment has successfully carried Firefall into the 21st century. Always giving 100%, Firefall offers live shows that meet, and often exceed audience expectations. Firefall is as valid and as vital as ever; a welcome blast from the past, and focused firmly on the future.
“I think it’s great that in this day and age of trends that change overnight, a kind of music that we helped to create is still around, and growing in popularity.” Jock Bartley

***** Jupiter Donut Factory, 141 Center Street, Jupiter, Florida 33458, (561) 741-5290.

Got an absolutely amazing donut-joint for you…Jupiter Donut Factory in Jupiter.

I guarantee- that after eating this joint’s- glazed, bacon maple walnut, sour dough, chocolate glazed donuts you’ll want to enroll in Jupiter’s Police Academy. Being a drop too old to start a new career, Jeff Eats in homage to Jupiter Donut Factory- will henceforth be known as Jeff Eats Andy Sipowitz or JEAS, for short!

No fooling around, Jupiter Donut Factory makes some of the most delicious donuts that I have ever eaten. For sure, this “mom & pop” joint-has bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, smoothies but the game here is DONUTS.

Not to editorialize or nothing, but…once you have had Jupiter’s donuts, you’ll have a very serious problem eating the stuff that Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme serve-up.

Jupiter Donut Factory is open 7 days a week 6am-2pm.