***** Vandy’s 5 Brother Sports Bar and Italian Eatery, 1089 North Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, Florida 34145, (239) 394-5100.

Let me start by saying…Jeff Eats absolutely loved Vandy’s 5 Brothers.

The best way to describe Vandy’s Brothers—sports bar meets red sauce “mom & pop” Italian joint.

You can check menu/prices at www.vandys5brothers.com. When you’re on the site, there is a short video which tells you the story of how a “so-so” sports bar acquired a “dynamite” pizza joint—you’ll also see what the joint looks like. One bit of “color” one of the owners was a first rate NFL place kicker…you’ll get details from the video.

Vandy’s has the requisite huge bar…flat screen tvs up the whazoo (every booth has one), young energetic wait-staff, bands, tribute shows (5 bucks a head), karaoke, Texas holdem poker.

The joint’s menu is loaded with appetizers, pizzas, pastas, burgers, wings, hot/cold subs, salads, wraps, meat/chicken/seafood entrees. Just so you know, although the emphasis is on Italian “stuff”—everyone in your party is gonna find what to eat.

Now for the biggie…Is the food any good?

A recent outing had Jeff Eats “sampling”— large Greek salad ($8.50), large plain pizza ($15.75), large chicken-parm sub ($9.50), large meatball-parm sub ($9.50), meat lasagna ($15.50), broiled grouper sub ($11.99), large sausage/peppers/onions sub ($9.50). Let me make this short and sweet, the food was really good—and was a whole lot better than what many South Florida sub shops and pizza joints turn-out.

Vandy’s 5 Brothers is a homerun or should I say field-goal!

I strongly recommend that you give this one a try.

Vandy’s 5 Brothers is open 11:30am-2am 7 days a week.

***** Just Because You Are A Billionaire! *****

Back on May 31, 2012 Jeff Eats did a “story”…”Time For New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg To Retire.”

To make a long story short…

Back then, Mayor Bloomberg was trying to “pass” a law- which in essence “limited” the container size of certain beverages sold in New York City. Jeff Eats thought that the proposed law was absolutely absurd. Despite “guys” like me, the law was passed and was to go into effect this morning at midnight. Yesterday morning-the New York State Supreme Court “saw” what Jeff Eats saw—and declared the law unconstitutional and stopped it from being enforced.

Below is the original Jeff Eats story…and all I can say- is that because you are a billionaire doesn’t mean that you aren’t an idiot. Time for Bloomberg who incidentally was going to hold the New York Marathon a few days after the Super Storm Sandy Disaster (public out-cry stopped him) call it a day and just leave NYC alone. I’ll bet the people of NYC can’t wait to elect a new mayor come this November.

********** Time For New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg To Retire *****

Do a quick Google-Search… you’ll find a ton of stories about Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s latest “idea” to pass a NYC law that prohibits the sale of sugary soft drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces. For the sake of fairness- there are “various” exceptions built into the proposed law which is intended to help fight obesity.

Is Bloomberg nuts or what?

I don’t know about you, but Jeff Eats is perfectly capable of deciding for himself how much Coca Cola or Pepsi or Sunkist Orange Soda I can “handle” at any given time.

Talk about the Government “getting” into your daily life. The next thing you know this guy Bloomberg will be looking to limit NYC residents to only 6 Lay’s Potato Chips a day and require them to take 10-minute showers/4-times a day.

No question in my mind…time for Bloomberg to call it a day–and retire to one of those 11 homes that he owns.

***** HUGO CHAVEZ *****

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez died yesterday.

Found this “interesting” Huff Post article.

Whatcha think?

“American flags at many Citgo facilities across the country are flying half-staff today for a reason that’s raising a few eyebrows.
The oil company, owned entirely by the government of Venezuela, has dropped the flags as a tribute to late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who passed away March 5 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Chavez had a contentious relationship with the United States, and at one time, Slate recalls, the leader famously suggested that former U.S. President George W. Bush was the devil.
The intensity of Chavez’s anti-American rhetoric has left many questioning the decision to lower the American flag in his honor.
ABC affiliate KTRK reports the American flag at Citgo’s Houston headquarters appears to be slightly above other flags — including a Texas state flag and a Venezuelan flag — at the facility.
Citgo released a statement to KPLC-TV in Louisiana Tuesday, detailing its sense of loss for the leader, yet not directly explaining the decision to drop the American flag.
Via KPLC:
President Hugo Chávez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela leaves behind a legacy of support for the underprivileged and promotion of social justice that transcends geographical boundaries. We at CITGO Petroleum Corporation are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Venezuela in this time of grief.
Per Title 4 of the U.S. Code, the American flag may be flown at half-staff following the death of “other officials or foreign dignitaries” if indicated in presidential instructions. However, private individuals and organizations are not legally bound to follow provisions regarding flag etiquette.
Legal or not, Citgo’s decision has incensed many in the social media sphere”

***** SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES—HALL & OATES *****

Two outrageously great Rock- bands are set to play the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood March 7-9.

Jeff Eats has seen both Southside Johnny and Hall & Oates and I’m telling you guys, it really doesn’t get any better than these two Rock-bands.

If this type of stuff is your bag, here’s a press release which I just got from the Hard Rock about a terrific Thursday-Saturday (March 7-9, 2013) of music.

Here’s the press release….

Enjoy Jersey Shore Blues Rockers Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Philly’s Rock ‘n’ Soul Duo Hall & Oates and Atlantic City’s Jerry Blavat with the B Street Band

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (March 6, 2013) – The Northeast heads South to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to kick-off Spring Break Weekend, March 7 – 9. Guests looking for a slice of hot, home-style entertainment can get their famous familiar fix at Hard Rock Live with Jersey Shore blues rockers Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Philly’s sizzling rock ‘n’ soul duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Atlantic City/Philly staple Jerry “The Geator with the Heator” Blavat with the B Street Band.

On Thursday, March 7 at 8 p.m., Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will kick-off the weekend at Hard Rock Live with their signature rock and blues sound made famous on the Jersey Shore. The Jukes have more than 30 albums on their resume, thousands of acclaimed live performances across the globe, and a vibrant legacy of classic songs that have become “hits” to their large and famously-dedicated fan base. Their latest album Men Without Women: Live 7-2-11 (Leroy Records), produced by John Lyon, Jeff Kazee and Joe Prinzo, was recorded live in Asbury Park, New Jersey at the Jukes’ Stone Pony performance with Little Steven Van Zandt in attendance. The 2012 release features a track-by-track performance of Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul 1982 album of the same name, along with three classic Asbury Jukes bonus tracks featuring Van Zandt performing with the band: “This Time it’s for Real,” “Broke Down Piece of Man” and “It’s Been a Long Time.” Tickets are $49, $39, $29 and $19.*

For two shows on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 8 p.m., Philadelphia-based rock ‘n’ soul duo Daryl Hall & John Oates return to bring four decades of chart-topping favorites to Hard Rock Live. Starting out as two devoted disciples of earlier soul greats, Daryl Hall and John Oates are soul survivors in their own right. They have sold more albums than any other duo in music history and boast hits including “Rich Girl” “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), “Maneater,” “Out of Touch,” “Sara Smile” and many more. Their artistic fan base includes Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and MTV hipsters Gym Class Heroes who had dubbed their tour “Daryl Hall for President Tour 2007.” One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies, to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion. Tickets are $89, $69, $59 and $49.*

In addition to the headlining concerts at Hard Rock Live, renowned oldies DJ and Atlantic City Weekly columnist and Philadelphia native Jerry “The Geator with the Heator” Blavat and the B Street Band, the longest-running Bruce Springsteen tribute band in the world, will take the stage at Center Fountain Thursday, March 7 through Saturday, March 9 from 7 – 11 p.m. The Jersey powerhouse greats will keep the crowd cranked with live classic rock hits and popular recorded favorites from decades past.

*Additional fees may apply. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com and www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors to Hard Rock Live open one-hour prior to show start time.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino invites you to PLAYHARD! Play, stay, dine, and shop at South Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination. Over 90 tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold ’em Bonus Poker, Casino War and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Additionally, over 2,600 slots include the Native-American Casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room, are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player’s Club members also have access to the exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and VIP Chef’s Table show kitchen. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise hosts various games and tournaments of Limit and No Limit Texas Hold ‘em, 7-Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Cafe -Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 141 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants. The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 18 restaurants, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, Rock Spa, 21 boutique shops, 13 bars, nightclubs and lounges, the 350-seat Paradise Live theater and the 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. Located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com or www.facebook.com/seminolehardrockhollywood .

***** Tavolino Della Nonna, 10181 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, (954) 509-0046.

Back on July 18, 2009 I told you guys about a terrific “semi-upscale” Italian joint Tavolino Della Nonna in Coral Springs. The original writeup is reprinted below.

Since that “story” appeared some- 4 years ago–Jeff Eats has eaten in Tavolino something like 4-5 times. In all honesty, until last Friday night, the last visit was probably well over a year ago.

Anyway- to make a long story short, last Friday night Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple ate at Tavolino. The food was as good as the “first” outing and the owners and staff just as engaging and competent. The “update” here is–that Tavolino’s owners recently spent some-big bucks expanding the joint having added an entire “wing” dedicated to entertainment. The night Jeff Eats was there, a jazz group was entertaining a huge crowd.

Let me end this thing by saying, I highly recommend that you guys try this joint. It really has everything going for it…delicious food, terrific service, very reasonable prices–and now, a “night-club” atmosphere for those of you looking for something that you normally don’t find in an Italian joint in the heart of Coral Springs.

Posted on July 18th, 2009 · Coral Springs Italian
***** Tavolino Della Nonna, 10181 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, (954) 509-0046.

Last night I ate in Tavolino Della Nonna…a terrific white tablecloth Italian joint located in Coral Springs. Just so you know…A couple of you guys wrote to me and told me that I had to try this joint…so, old Jeff gave Tavolino a shot.

Anyway…Tavolino has been in business for something like 2-years. For you GPS types out there, it is located on Sample Road, within short walking distance of both Pizza Time and DeSalvo’s the well known “red sauce” joints. Tavolino is-not a pizza joint…it’s a semi-upscale restaurant with both indoor and outdoor patio seating…but don’t worry your tee shirt-shorts ensemble will work. At this juncture take a look at Tavolina’s website www.tavolinorestaurant.com for menu/prices/photos.

Like I said before, semi-upscale, but the guys running this joint make you feel like an old friend…when you eat there, you’ll see what I am talking about. The owners–shall we say, are very visible and make sure that everything is running just right. Last night, I watched as they made the rounds to each and every table, kibbitizing (in an Italian restaurant?) and making people “try” this and “that”…

Before I talk food, let me tell you about a cute “idea” that the joint has decor-wise…one little side room, is decorated Ralph & Alice Kramden, 328 Chauncey Street…there is a formica table circa 1955 that seats 6-maybe-8…so if this type of thing floats your boat, call ahead and reserve that “table.”

Onto the food…last night I “tried”– meatball appetizer ($11), tortellini appetizer ($13), veal parmigiana ($23), chicken scarpariello (on bone) ($21), snapper almondine ($23), grilled chicken/pasta ($17)…the food is absolutely delicious.

Just so you know…Tavolino isn’t a $13.95-$16.95 soup or salad-entree-pasta side-garlic rolls joint…there is no pizza, subs, calzones or stromboli. Figure on spending–something like 40-50 bucks a head for a great meal. Trust me on this one, the food runs absolute circles around most of the Italian joints down here. I know that the ala carte menu may “scare” some of you guys…the house salad is big enough to feed two as are the side pasta dishes, so if you order the “right way” you won’t have to get a second-job to pay the tab. Our waitress was super-helpful on “picks” etc…last night, they had a “strolling” magician who worked all the tables…how he changed those $1 bills into $100 bills is beyond me.

Since I am on the Hollywood Cookie Diet, I passed on dessert. I will tell you, that the dessert tray looked absolutely incredible and that everything including the joint’s bread are made in house.

You guys know that I eat in Italian joints all the time…I am telling you, that Tavolino is one of the better restaurants in South Florida. You definitely want to try this one.

Tavolino is open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 4pm-11pm and Sunday 4pm-10pm, the joint is closed on Monday.

***** El Tamarindo Pizza & Continental Cuisine, 614 Southeast 10th Street, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441, (954)480-9919.

Got an interesting “one” for you guys…El Tamarindo Pizza & Continental Cuisine in Deerfield Beach.

To make a long story short…a Salvadorian guy named Nestor Amaya comes to South Florida in the late 1990s—and today…his wife, his brothers, his sister, his sons and daughter own 3 restaurants and are currently developing 4 other locations. The current locations are, El Tamarindo Pizza & Continental Cuisine, El Tamarundo Bistro & Bar Latin Café (this was the first location which opened in 2003 and is located on State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale), El Tamarindo Coal Fired Pizza (Hallandale)…

You can check menus/prices/locations at www.eltamarindocafe.com. The restaurants in development are in Lighthouse Point, Aventura, Miami Beach, Pine Crest. Very interesting concept, all of the restaurants feature Italian, Mexican, Salvadorian dishes–but the menus although very similar- are all also “different”—for example, one joint has coal fired pizza, while another has “regular” New York Style pizza, while another location has no pizza at all. When you check the website, take a look at the menus—and you’ll see what I’m talking about…The planned Lighthouse Point joint (El Tamarindo Café)-which is set to open in two weeks-will be the “family’s” first venture into adding sushi to the menu-mix.

Anyway…last night Jeff Eats “tried” the El Tamarindo in Deerfield Beach. First, let me start by saying, the staff of this joint is one of the friendliest most hospitable crews that I’ve ever encountered. The “brother” Jackson who runs this particular outpost is one of the most pleasant and welcoming people I’ve had the pleasure to do business with. Now—the NY Style pizza was thin-crisp-delicious sweet sauce…the penne ala vodka was right on the money…the chicken soup was as good as anything Jeff Eats’ mom use to turn out (and trust me, that lady really knew how to make chicken soup)…the grilled tilapia was dynamite…the mixed salad as fresh/crisp as could be…the prosciutto/mozzarella panini was off the chart. On the price front, figure about 11 bucks per dish and the entrees come with two sides.

I am telling you that El Tamarindo Pizza & Continental Cuisine is a homerun.

Just so we are straight, this “story” is about the Deerfield Beach joint (it opened about 8 months ago)…Jeff Eats hasn’t tried the other locations. Call it a gut feeling, but my money says that the other locations are probably just as good- food/service-wise as the joint I was in. The passion that Jackson and his staff “have” is definitely a family-thing…

El Tamarindo is a must try.

The joint is open 7 days a week 11am-11pm.

***** REGARDLESS OF CATEGORY *****

What are your favorite restaurants in South Florida?

Some “color” on your picks would be nice.

***** Delray Marketplace *****

Finally, Delray Marketplace a 258,000 square foot “center” opened in Delray Beach at the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road.

Check www.delraymarket.com for a list of stores/businesses that includes Publix, Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille, Chico’s, White House/Black Market, Jos. A Bank and Burt & Max’s Grille.

Here’s a “call” for you guys…the Delray Marketplace will prove to be an absolute “white elephant” and a financial disaster for most of the tenants that took leases.

Just for starters- stop and think for a second…
Do we really need another Jos. A Bank men’s clothing store peddling–buy 1 suit and get 3 suits and 9 ties for free?
Do we really need an upscale candy store named IT’SUGAR where candy sells for “an arm and a leg?”
Do we really need another White House/Black Market a women’s chain which literally has stores in every major American shopping mall?
Do we really need another Chico’s a women’s chain which literally has stores in every major American shopping mall?

Look! Jeff Eats could go on and on–telling you that Delray Marketplace is just like that movie “Groundhog Day”—but I won’t.

Real simple…America’s retail-space is OVERBUILT. In this particular case, Delray Beach–doesn’t need any new retail businesses. Trust me, every one of its residents has seen it-done it.

I’m hearing that some “tenants” are paying 50 bucks a square foot…to be part of what will prove to be Armageddon.

Only time will tell, but my money says that most of Delray Marketplace’s tenants will dread the day that their lawyers said it was “ok” to sign their leases.

***** Bacon Bites *****

Last Saturday night– Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and something like 5,000 of our closest friends attended Baconfest Florida 2013 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek…food, drink and music galore.

Didn’t really get a count, but there must have been 25-30 vendors “passing out” all types of finger foods (burgers, wings, shrimp, sandwiches, salads, ribs, desserts) that incorporated bacon into their respective recipes.

Midway during the event, awards for the “best this” and the “best that” were announced…

Of note “1st Place Best Dessert” went to a New Jersey based company named Bacon Bites for its Peanut Butter Bacon…think-nice crisp strip of bacon–covered in delicious dark chocolate and topped off with a racing stripe of peanut butter–and you’ll be in the ballpark.

You guys do know that Jeff Eats is a VIP- don’t you? Well anyway, in addition to the “aforesaid” peanut butter bacon, Jeff Eats was also allowed to sample Bacon Bites’ “Oreo” (Oreo Cookie covered in Bacon/Dark Chocolate), “Original” (bacon covered in dark chocolate) and “Carob” (bacon covered in carob)—and I gotta tell you, the stuff that Bacon Bites is making is absolutely delicious.

Bacon Bites is an online company…www.baconbites.com. (201) 724-0303.

The suggestion here, check-out the above website. The Company has some very unique “bacon” dessert products that it ships all over the country. When you are on the site, you will also find a whole list of retail stores that currently carry Bacon Bites’ products. For our purposes, Bacon Bites has yet to crack the Florida retail store market –that said, based on my “sampling” I wouldn’t be surprised to see its stuff on Florida shelves real soon.

Let me wrap this one up…very-unique delicious products!

Next time you’re thinking—fruit basket, flowers, candy basket, cheese tray (assuming the intended recipient isn’t kosher or vegetarian)—Bacon Bites’ stuff will definitely be appreciated.

***** Texas Tony’s BBQ Shack, 4519 Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112 (239) 732-8392.

Got a real good bbq joint for you—Texas Tony’s BBQ Shack in Naples.

When you check www.texastonys.com you’ll find menu/prices/loads of food-décor photos.

Before Jeff Eats tells you about the delicious stuff I recently had–a quick comment to Texas Tony’s owner…You got a great concept going-on. Please explain to me, with all of the apparent hard work that you put into this business, why your website has two “spellings” for your joint? In one place on the site, you have Texas Tonys BBQ Shack and in another spot you have Texas Tony’s BBQ Shack…I know it’s a very slight difference–but it would just seem to me, that spelling your restaurant’s name correctly would be a no-brainer. So which is it–Texas Tony’s or Texas Tonys? Thanks…Jeff Eats

Anyway…like I said a few seconds ago…real good bbq. The stuff is “lightly” smoked…Texas Tony’s has 3-different sauces—hot-spicy, sweet tomato, mustard. Tried all 3 and thought that sweet tomato and mustard were dynamite, the spicy-not my cup of tea.

Recently “sampled” baby-back ribs, bbq chicken, brisket sandwich, sausage sandwich, French fries, onion rings, macaroni & cheese…suffice it to say, Texas Tony may not be the best speller-going, but “he” sure knows how to make bbq and sides.

Jeff Eats absolutely loved the food.

Texas Tony’s or Texas Tonys is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.