Boca Raton

***** Flashback Diner, 220 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, (954) 454-8300.

Nothing for nothing…

Every day, something like 22 times Jeff Eats gets asked–“How come Florida doesn’t have 24 hour diners like there are in New York and New Jsersey?”…and something like 22 times a day, I reply–“Well, we sure got plenty of Greeks living down here in South Florida, so maybe its-got something to do with–maybe the local population isn’t big enough to support 24-hour diners, but that’s just a guess, I’m not really sure.”

Anyway…you guys do know what-an exception to the rule is? Sure you do!

Let me start by saying that on March 3, 2008 I told you guys about Lester’s Diner in Fort Lauderdale–so there’s “one” exception for you.

Now, let me tell you about -Flashback Diner which currently has outposts in Hallandale Beach and Davie which are also exceptions to the rule. Just so you know, a third Flashback Diner is set to open in Boca Raton in mid-December 2013,

At this stage of the game, you can check menu/prices/locations/photos/other stuff at www.flashbackdiner.com.

Now just so we are straight, Jeff Eats has a review (1/23/2009) for a Flashback Diner in Jupiter…different owner and story than the Boca Raton/Davie/Hallandale Beach gigs.

Now if you are still following me…

Jeff Eats has eaten exactly three times in the Flashback in Hallandale Beach–I have not eaten in the Davie restaurant. For those of you into “fine details” I did a breakfast, lunch and dinner and on my honor-can attest that the Flashback Diner will have you believing that you are in the El Greco Diner in Brooklyn, or the Blue Bay Diner in Bayside, or the Plaza Diner in Fort Lee, or the “You Fill In The Name” Diner in “You Fill In The Town”—–that said, for the record, it doesn’t hurt to squint your eyes just a drop when eating at the Flashback Diner to make your “outing” a drop more New York/New Jersey realistic.

Let me wrap this one up…

SOLID REAL GOOD DINER FOOD—and you can get it 24 hours a day–7 days a week…

One final thought, as mentioned about 32 seconds ago–Jeff Eats has only eaten in the Hallandale Beach joint…how the Davie/future Boca joints are-is to be determined down the road.

Update: December 16, 2013

Last night Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple decided to “try” the new Boca Raton joint which had opened 5 days earlier. When we arrived at the restaurant around 6:30pm it was absolutely “slammed” with people and there was a 30-minute wait to get a table. To make a long story short, many entrees and sides were “sold out”…suffice it to say, this meal was a total mess, and that’s being kind…things that should have been hot were delivered ice-cold, wrong dishes were delivered, the waiters weren’t sure which tables they were covering, one mashed potato side tasted as if had come out of an Elmer’s Glue Jar, it took 40 minutes from the moment we sat down to get our entrees—look I could go on and on, trust me, the restaurant was packed with people who were NOT HAPPY CAMPERS…throw in a manager who when “advised” of the mess could only answer “I’m sorry.”—no offer of a complimentary dessert/item or discount on the check. Look! Jeff Eats appreciates that the joint is brand-new, but my money is my money–and Flashback’s growing pains shouldn’t be mine. Hopefully Flashback gets its act together real-fast… if it doesn’t, I guarantee you that as Freddy Mercury once sang (hey I know it was Queen) “Another one bites the dust.”

***** A&G Burger Joint, 646 Southwest 109th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33174, (305) 223-0100.

Let Jeff Eats start by saying…I absolutely loved A&G Burger Joint in Miami/Sweetwater…

Just so we are straight, although A&G has wings, hot dogs and a couple of sandwiches—the game here is angus beef burgers, french fries and a real nice list of beers.

I’m gonna make this one real simple for you guys…A&G is right up there with South Florida’s best burger joints. A recent outing had Jeff Eats “doing”–cheeseburger/french fries/sweet potato fries/onion rings and I’m telling you that the char-grilled burger was amazingly delicious-same for the sides.

You are all big boys and girls here, so I’m gonna let you check all by yourselves -www.agburgerjoint.com where you will find menu/prices/photos (surprise, surprise, surprise!)…for you lazy rascals (you do know that this is a family friendly website!) A&G has all types of toppings, combos, buns for its burgers and for you non-beef eaters a turkey burger, so you-too will also have what to eat.

Just to make sure you know…A&G isn’t a fast-food/order/pickup at the counter joint…its got a waitstaff and bartender on the payroll.

A&G is a dynamite burger joint.

One final piece of business–FIU students, police officers and firefighters get 15% off the bill…so you Cornell students, lawyers, medical doctors, school teachers, plumbers and veterans-are plum out of luck. Se la vie!

A&G Burger Joint is open Tuesday-Thursday noon-10pm, Friday-Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday noon-8pm, closed on Monday.

* Now Coffee Is No Good For You–Make Up Your Minds Already!!

On May 6, 2013 Jeff Eats did a column “Who Knew!” The jist of the article, why drinking coffee was good for you. You can read that story when you get a chance, if you want to!

Now Jeff Eats reads in HealthDay the following…
***
“Friday, November 15, 2013 (HealthDay News) — Bad news for caffeine addicts: That midday coffee pick-me-up might increase your odds for a sleepless night, new research shows.
The small study, which was done with caffeine pills equivalent to two or three cups of coffee, found that taking in caffeine even as long as six hours before bedtime significantly harmed sleep.
“Drinking a big cup of coffee on the way home from work can lead to negative effects on sleep just as if someone were to consume caffeine closer to bedtime,” lead author Christopher Drake said in a news release from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, which published the study Nov. 15.
“People tend to be less likely to detect the disruptive effects of caffeine on sleep when taken in the afternoon,” said Drake, an investigator at the Henry Ford Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit.
The new study involved 12 healthy people who were normal sleepers and who were all told to continue their normal sleep schedules. Each participant, however, was given three pills per day for four days. Pills were taken at three intervals during the day: six hours before bedtime, three hours before bedtime and immediately before bedtime.
One of the three pills contained 400 milligrams of caffeine (equivalent to two or three cups of coffee) while the other two were caffeine-free placebos. On one of the four days, all three pills were a placebo.
The researchers said the participants’ sleep was disrupted no matter when they took the caffeine pill. Even when they took the caffeine pill six hours before bedtime, they lost more than one hour of sleep during the night.
Drake’s team said this is the first study to track the effects of a specific dose of caffeine taken at different times before bed. They said people should try to avoid caffeine after 5 p.m. if they want to get a good night’s sleep.
Two experts said they weren’t surprised by the findings.
“Most people have had the experience of insomnia after drinking coffee in the evening,” said Dr. Len Horovitz, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “This study shows that caffeine ingestion even late in the afternoon and in the evening definitely has a negative impact on sleep quality and quantity.”
And Dr. Steven Feinsilver, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, said “many of us are unaware of the amount [of caffeine] we consume routinely. Caffeine has an effect on both getting to sleep and staying asleep, and the effects may last up to 12 hours.”
“One of the first things any poor sleeper should do is limit caffeine, particularly after noon or least eight hours before bedtime,” Feinsilver said.
What about that morning brew to clear out the cobwebs? Horovitz said that’s probably still fine. “Morning coffee drinking does not appear to affect sleep, and should probably be the limit on caffeine intake,” he said.”

***** 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.