***** Kim Wu Chinese Restaurant, 4904 South Kirkland Road, Orlando, Florida 32811, (407) 293-0752.

Got a good Chinese joint for you…Kim Wu Chinese Restaurant in Orlando. Now, I’m not suggesting that you Miamians-Pembroke Pineians-Boca Ratonians (insert your South Florida “area” and add ‘ians’) schlep all the way to Orlando to eat—that said, if you work–live or happen to be in Kim Wu Chinese’s neighborhood—give it a shot.

Jeff Eats recently did dinner at Kim Wu. Applying my Brooklyn-Jewish 1950’s taste test, Jeff Eats “sampled”—wonton soup, bbq ribs, egg rolls, sweet & sour chicken, general tso’s chicken (no spice), moo shu pork, roast pork fried rice—I gotta tell you that the joint’s stuff was pretty decent. You can check menu/prices at www.asiavtour.com.

Now just so we are straight, this is American-Chinese food, so you guys looking for Hong Kong or Real Chinese stuff (whatever that is!), this joint ain’t for you.

Let me flesh this story out a bit for you…obligatory strip center location. Lunch buffet. All kinds of “specials.” Mom & Pop service/prices. On the food front, I really enjoyed the wonton soup, general tso’s chicken, sweet & sour chicken and the moo shu pork—I’d rate these dishes in total 83.354% better than “others” I’ve had in South Florida. The egg rolls, fried rice and ribs, nothing special going on there.

Let’s wrap this one up this way…

Kim Wu Chinese is a good place to know about.

Kim Wu is open for lunch-dinner 7 days a week.

***** THINGS ARE A CHANGIN’ *****

Just in case you didn’t “hear” the news…the Stage Deli is no more–
***

A Closing Ends an Era, and a Deli War

By GLENN COLLINS and FLORENCE FABRICANT

Published: December 1, 2012

A perpetual pastrami war has, at last, ended

Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

The Stage Deli on Seventh Avenue, known for its overstuffed sandwiches, closed after 75 years.

For generations, two venerable Seventh Avenue establishments, the Stage Deli and the Carnegie Deli, battled implacably for customers, newspaper ink, news crews, show-business notables, dignitaries and celebrity-sandwich names.

But with the news on Friday that the Stage Deli — known for its overstuffed sandwiches garnished with the names of show-business boldfacers — had closed its doors at midnight on Thursday after 75 years, the interminable hostilities ceased.

“I am in total shock,” said Marian Levine, the Carnegie’s owner. She pointed out that both rivals opened in 1937. Each was a half-block from West 54th Street, in what used to be the heart of what one might call Manhattan’s deli district.

Paul Zolenge, who owned the Stage Deli with Steve Auerbach, said the closing was “devastating, the end of an era, something I never thought would happen.”

Mr. Zolenge, who became a co-owner in 1986, blamed the sagging economy, a spiraling rent and a forthcoming rent increase expected when his lease at 834 Seventh Avenue ends in a few months. “It’s not a great season for Broadway, either,” he said.

“After the shows would break, we would see a lot of Playbills walking in,” he said of his post-theater customers. “And that, well — it had declined.”

In the full-fat firmament of Midtown, revered old-timers have been keeling over one by one. Two blocks to the south on 52nd Street, Gallagher’s, the 85-year-old steakhouse, a Runyonesque shrine to show business pillars and prizefighters, filed a closing notice in October pending purchase by the restaurateur Dean Poll. In June, the 30-year-old steakhouse Ben Benson’s, also on 52nd Street, shuttered when its landlord would not renew the lease. And in November, Sarge’s Delicatessen on Third Avenue near East 37th Street was ravaged by a blaze battled by 150 firefighters.

The news about the Stage Deli brought agita to its peers. “We’re sorry to hear they closed — all of us are definitely becoming dinosaurs,” said Conrad Strohl, owner of the Edison Cafe, in the Edison Hotel on West 47th Street — nicknamed the “Polish Tearoom” by its habitués. “Theater prices are getting higher, and for many, eating out is a luxury, even though we’re reasonably priced,” Mr. Strohl said. “We’re getting nervous.”

Mrs. Levine of the Carnegie said retail rents in the neighborhood “have been going up; they are tripling them, and that’s been putting people out of business. But we’re O.K. We own our building. We hope to be in business another 75 years.”

She declined to say that her delicatessen had won the primordial deli battle, “because we have no idea what the circumstances are,” she said. “There was enough business to go around, for both of us.”

And Mr. Zolenge made nice by saying that the Stage and the Carnegie “always had a friendly competition.”

“When we had a line, they had a line,” he said.

Certainly the two restaurants vied constantly for public acclaim, even if it was to their mutual advantage. For many years, the Stage had the greater reputation. But in 1979 Mimi Sheraton, then The New York Times’s restaurant critic, deemed the Carnegie pastrami superior. Then came the deli’s image-burnishing turn in the 1984 Woody Allen movie “Broadway Danny Rose.”

“That’s now our most popular sandwich,” Mrs. Levine said of the menu item named after the film (corned beef and pastrami with Russian dressing on rye for $19.95).

The Stage was a setting for a lesser-known Woody Allen comedy, the 2003 “Anything Else,” starring Jason Biggs. And Sandra Bullock spent a day there shooting the 2002 film “Two Weeks Notice.”

“They did take after take, but it all wound up on the editing floor,” Mr. Zolenge said.

The Stage kept drawing its share of names: Geoffrey Rush, Liev Schreiber, Ray Liotta and Linda Lavin were regulars, Mr. Zolenge said. “And Donnie Wahlberg was a fan,” he added.

The tumult got nasty from time to time. During a publicity-stoked “pastrami war” in 1988, the Stage claimed it drew more comedians, including Jackie Mason, because the Carnegie had replaced its famous comics’ table with a cake stand. And the Stage belittled the curing of Carnegie pastrami in New Jersey with “Secaucus water, not New York water.”

Mrs. Levine’s father, Milton Parker, who then owned the Carnegie, replied that the Stage was “living off our overflow.” Mr. Zolenge said he had not had time to ponder whether the Stage Deli brand should be sold, or to whom. “I haven’t thought of anything except getting this day over with,” he said, adding that the restaurant employed a staff of 45. “I’m saying goodbye to people who have been with me for 30 years.”

A version of this article appeared in print on December 1, 2012, on page A20 of the New York edition with the headline: A Closing Ends an Era, and a Deli War.
.

***** New York Kosher Style Delis *****

Give Jeff Eats your favorite New York Kosher Style Delis in South Florida.

Do me a favor and try and stay-away from bagel joints…

***** McDonald’s *****

Regular readers know or should know– that before Jeff Eats became one of South Florida’s most prolific food experts, I was a general partner in a group that owned/operated 29 Hardee’s… and always keep a close eye on the fast-food franchise business.

Now—don’t say that Jeff Eats never gave you nothing, but…

Last week- McDonald’s announced that it was going to “restore” its McRib pork-sandwich to its menu. From what I heard, the McRib which was nixed in 1994- did so well in “holiday” testings in 2010 & 2011, that McDonald’s decided to go for the gold and bring the sandwich back for a full-boat run.

Now for the kicker–well placed sources told me- that this week’s arrival of the McRib in South Florida is two weeks earlier than the rest of the country.

Will wonders never cease—the sandwich is back and South Florida gets it back first!

To all McRib maniacs in South Florida, rejoice!

Enjoy the two week head start…

Happy Holidays!!!!!

***** Maria’s Greek Restaurant, 2359 Southwest Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33145, (305) 856-0938.

Got an absolutely terrific “Greek” joint for you…Maria’s Greek Restaurant in Miami. Absolutely-positively nothing fancy going on here, so your tee shirt/shorts/flip flop ensembles will do just fine.
Just so you know, if this joint wasn’t something like 106 miles round trip from my house–I’d be a real-regular customer. To be honest with you, if the round-tripper was-like 40 miles, I’d be there twice a month.

A recent “dinner” netted Jeff Eats–mousaka, keftedes, gyro, lamb chops, tilapia. Now trust me here, the food is outrageously good. The tzatziki and pita bread were worth the 106 mile trip alone. Big portions, pleasant enough service, reasonable prices– most platters go for around 14-15 bucks…

Like I said a few seconds ago, Maria’s Greek Restaurant is a terrific joint.

Maria’s is open Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 5pm-110pm, closed on Sunday.

***** Best Chinese Restaurants *****

What are your favorite south Florida Chinese joints?

***** Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria, 5030 Champion Blvd, Boca Raton, Florida 33496, (561) 995-6563

Yesterday–December 3, 2012 Jeff Eats “ran” the “below” story on Boca Raton pizza joint…Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria.

Just a quick update…last night, Jeff Eats “picked-up” a 20″ plain pizza at Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria.

To close this story out…The pizza was OK!–Was it outrageously delicious? Nope! The thin crust had potential but was “undercooked”…the sweet sauce a drop on the bland side. That said, with just a drop of tinkering-and the joint’s owner could have something working here.

For the record, when I picked up my pizza, the joint had about 8 people eating in. I did notice some really nice looking salads and subs being “consumed.” As Jeff Eats just mentioned, I did a pizza pickup–so no opinion on the other stuff that this joint makes.

One final observation, while waiting for my order–Jeff Eats noticed a livery cab stop in front of Manhattan Joe’s with a guy jumping out from the backseat-running into the joint for a pickup order and then hopping back in the cab. Apparently, “somebody” really likes the joint’s food.

For our purposes, let’s call Manhattan Joe’s a work in progress.

You can check menu/prices at manhattanjoespizzeria.com.

The joint is open, Monday-Wednesday 11am-9PM, Thursday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday noon-10:00pm, Sunday noon-9pm.
_______
Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria (Boca Raton)
Posted on December 3rd, 2012 · Boca Raton Fast Food Italian Pizza Subs/Salads

* Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria

I need you-guys’ help on this one! Not to sound conceited or nothing, but because of Jeff Eats wit, good taste and style, Jeff Eats has kinda-large readership. No-bull, every day, Jeff Eats receives a number of e-mails “inviting” him to try this restaurant or that one…believe it or not, there are only so many hours in a day, bucks in Jeff Eats’ wallet and gallons of gas in his car—I just can’t get to “all of them”—but I do my best, for you guys.

Anyway…

A few months ago, Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria- a “hole in the wall” pizza joint opened at 5030 Champion Boulevard in Boca Raton, (561 ) 995-6563. To date, Jeff Eats hasn’t had a chance to try the joint -out. From what I understand, Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria is an order at/pickup at the counter operation…14 different pizzas, 6 different salads, 6 different subs, handful of other items like calzones and chocolate cake. Handful of tables inside/handful outside. The joint does slices during the day/full pies at night.

Do me a favor and check this one out for me. I promise, I’ll eventually get to it…Just so you know, this past weekend- 3 different people mentioned the joint to me—and all three raved about how delicious the pizza/salad/subs were. By the way, —one of the “ravers”- I think, really knows his pizza and if he says its a dynamite New York slice–then, the joint is probably making a dynamite New York slice.

Like I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats has Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria on its “to do list.” Based on the real possibility that this joint may-be a “homerun”—I owe it to you guys to get you there, ahead of others.

* Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria

I need you-guys’ help on this one! Not to sound conceited or nothing, but because of Jeff Eats wit, good taste and style, Jeff Eats has kinda-large readership. No-bull, every day, Jeff Eats receives a number of e-mails “inviting” him to try this restaurant or that one…believe it or not, there are only so many hours in a day, bucks in Jeff Eats’ wallet and gallons of gas in his car—I just can’t get to “all of them”—but I do my best, for you guys.

Anyway…

A few months ago, Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria- a “hole in the wall” pizza joint opened at 5030 Champion Boulevard in Boca Raton, (561 ) 995-6563. To date, Jeff Eats hasn’t had a chance to try the joint -out. From what I understand, Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria is an order at/pickup at the counter operation…14 different pizzas, 6 different salads, 6 different subs, handful of other items like calzones and chocolate cake. Handful of tables inside/handful outside. The joint does slices during the day/full pies at night.

Do me a favor and check this one out for me. I promise, I’ll eventually get to it…Just so you know, this past weekend- 3 different people mentioned the joint to me—and all three raved about how delicious the pizza/salad/subs were. By the way, —one of the “ravers”- I think, really knows his pizza and if he says it’s a dynamite New York slice–then, the joint is probably making a dynamite New York slice.

Like I said a few seconds ago, Jeff Eats has Manhattan Joe’s Pizzeria on its “to do list.” Based on the real possibility that this joint may-be a “homerun”—I owe it to you guys to get you there, ahead of others.

***** SEMINOLE CASINO COCONUT CREEK DECEMBER 2012 BAND SCHEDULE *****

Jeff Eats just got his hands on the Seminole Casino’s December 2012 band schedule…all of the performances are FREE.

Check the list, there are some really good bands working!!!

*****

MUSIC CALENDAR LISTING **

DECEMBER 2012

Media Contacts: Britta Schlager, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, (954) 283-2812, cell (954) 895-3783, Britta.Schlager@stofgaming.com

Brittany Elder, Bitner Goodman, (954) 714-7893, cell (954) 815-8274, brittany@bitnergoodman.com

Legends Lounge at NYY Steak

Dec. 1 Boombox (iconic ‘60s music), 10 p.m.

Dec. 6 Magic Bus (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 7 Sarah Packiam (pop), 8 p.m.

Dec. 8 Solid Brass (soul), 8 p.m.

Dec. 13 The Livesays (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 14 Sarah Packiam (pop), 8 p.m.

Dec. 15 The Castaways (nostalgia rock/memorable oldies), 8 p.m.

Dec. 20 Panic Disorder (alternative rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 Sarah Packiam (pop), 8 p.m.

Dec. 22 The Livesays (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 27 Jamie Rasso Band (rock/pop/folk), 8 p.m.

Dec. 28 Sarah Packiam (pop), 8 p.m.

Dec. 29 Nicole Hart (soul), 8 p.m.

Nectar Lounge

Dec. 1 Cassie Taylor and the Soul Cavalry (blues), 9 p.m.

Blue Audio (‘80s rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 6 JC Crossfire (blues), 9 p.m.

Dec. 7 Raiford Starke (rock/blues/country/folk), 9 p.m.

On The Rocks (rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 8 Nick Clemons (special guest), 9 p.m.

Black Rose (rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 13 Panic Disorder (alternative rock), 9 p.m.

Dec. 14 Boombox (iconic ‘60s music), 9 p.m.

Sucker Punch (alternative rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 15 Devon Allman (rock), 9 p.m.

Sound Junkies (alternative rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 20 The Bob Miller Band (blues), 9 p.m.

Dec. 21 Big City with Roach Thompson (blues), 9 p.m.

Chain Reaction (hard rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 22 Far From Grace (rock/pop/country/rap), 9 p.m.

Driven (rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 27 The Flyers (rock/r&b/blues/soul), 9 p.m.

Dec. 28 The Crush (alternative rock), 9 p.m.

Amped (hard rock), 12:30 a.m.

Dec. 29 Bonefish Johnny’s Roots Revue (blues/R&B/calypso/reggae), 9 p.m.

Fuse (hard rock), 12:30 a.m.

Sunset Grill

Dec. 1 The Castaways (nostalgia rock/memorable oldies), 8 p.m.

Dec. 5 Glenn Govot (classic rock/pop), 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 Furious George (rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 7 The Bob Miller Band (blues), 8 p.m.

Dec. 8 The Rodeo Clowns (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 12 Glenn Govot (classic rock/pop), 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 Magic Bus (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 14 The Rodeo Clowns (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 15 Left on Red (folk), 8 p.m.

Dec. 19 Glenn Govot (classic rock/pop), 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 JC Crossfire (blues), 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 Raiford Starke (rock/blues/country/folk), 8 p.m.

Dec. 22 The Baron Sisters (acoustic/folk/alternative), 8 p.m.

Dec. 26 Glenn Govot (classic rock/pop), 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 The New Planets (rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 28 Magic Bus (classic rock), 8 p.m.

Dec. 29 Big City with Roach Thompson (blues), 8 p.m.

About Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

The all-new Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is South Florida’s hottest place to play. With its recent $150 million expansion, the entertainment destination now features 65 table games of live Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Let it Ride and Spanish 21 plus a High-Limit area and lounge on a 100,000-square-foot casino floor. The new second floor non-smoking Stax Poker Lounge offers high stakes no-limit action including Texas Hold ‘em, 7-Card Stud and Omaha Hi Lo tournaments. More than 2,300 Las Vegas-style slots include Wide-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Three new restaurants – the upscale NYY Steak, Sorrisi Italian Restaurant and the New York-style 1st Street Deli – join the award winning Fresh Harvest, Nectar Lounge and Sunset Grill. Taking total guest enjoyment to a new level is The Pavilion, a 1,200-seat concert venue, and the revolutionary Player’s Club showcasing an innovative and immersive experience eliminating wait times. An environmentally friendly garage with solar energy and green art technology offers 2,400 covered parking spaces. An adjacent transportation hub is outfitted with valet service and a bus lounge for ultimate comfort and guest convenience. Open 24/7, 365 days, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at the corner of U.S. 441 (State Road 7) and Sample Road at 5550 NW 40 Street. For more information, call 954-977-6700, visit us online at www.seminolecasinococonutcreek.com or www.facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek. Follow us on Twitter @SemCasinoCoCo.

# # #

Alina Maria Quintana

Production Manager

Bitner Goodman, Inc.

701 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 204

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

Office: 954.730.7730 ext: 133

Direct Line: 954.703.7933

Fax: 954.730.7130

Bitner Goodman is a founding partner

in the Worldcom Public Relations Group

=

***** UPSCALE STEAKHOUSES *****

Tell Jeff Eats–your best “upscale steakhouses” in South Florida.