***** Otentic Restaurant, 710 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, (305) 531-1464.

Every so often Jeff Eats gets a Roseanne Roseannadanna kinda e-mail that goes something like this…”Hey Mr. Jeff Eats, what do you got against French restaurants?” To which Jeff Eats always replies, “Hey______(named filled in) Jeff Eats got nothing against French restaurants.” To prove the point, Jeff Eats recently had dinner at a terrific Miami Beach “hole in the wall” French restaurant named Otentic Resaurant. Just so you know, Jeff Eats didn’t count the tables/booths/bar seating- but I’m thinking maybe 20 people at a time–thus the hole-in-the-wall designation.

At this stage of the dialogue you can check www.otentic-restaurant.com for menu/prices/video tour.

Before I tell you what was consummed, Otentic does breakfast, lunch and dinner…

Otentic is open Sunday-Thursday 9am-1am and Friday-Saturday 9am-5am—so, you now know where you can satisy your late night cravings for duck pate and chicken/ham crepes.

Like Jeff Eats said about 11 seconds ago—dinner was absolutely terrific. The French onion soup ($8.50) was one of the best that I’ve ever had—the filet mignon ($15.40) that I had and the roasted chicken ($13.50) ordered by Mrs. Jeff Eats were also delicious. A side of Otentic Linguini ($12.95–bacon/ham/mushrooms/heavy cream/egg yolk/grated cheese) was totally off-the chart–and for all these years, Jeff Eats had thought linguini was an Italian pasta—silly me, live and learn! The chocolate mousee dessert ($8.50) was magnifique (didn’t know Jeff Eats was tri-lingual, did you?)

French Schmench!…

Otentic Restaurant is a dynamite restaurant…

The joint’s got plenty of breakfast stuff, sandwiches, crepes, appetizers, meat/chicken/seafood entrees..so even if you still believe that linguini is an “Italian” pasta- you’ll find what to eat.

Jeff Eats loved Otentic and by the way—your tee shirt/shorts ensemble will definitely work there.

Bon Appetite!

* PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA SECOND ANNUAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL & BURGER BASH

Just so we are straight, Jeff Eats isn’t shilling for PGA National Resort & Spa…

Back on May 24, 2013 I told you guys about an outdoor Beer-Burger event that will be held on Saturday, June 15 2013 noon-4pm at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. The original Jeff Eats’ “story” is reprinted below…

The “reason” that Jeff Eats is bringing this particular-event to your attention-again…based on what I’ve been hearing from a number of people/vendors who attended this event last year’—is that the event was one of best burger/beer “bashes” that they had ever been to. The word– the food/beverages were great, there was no overcrowding, there was plenty of food to eat and beverages to drink, the staff was professional and the resort staged the event in a gorgeous area of the resort…

By the way…Jeff Eats is also hearing, that almost all of the 2,000 tickets for this bash are gone.

Anyway…Just wanted you guys to “consider” this outing—because I know and you know, that when “one” of these things is done right—they are loads of fun.
*****
Jeff Eats literally just got this press release.

I know it’s dated April 30, 2013—but Jeff Eats just got it…and it’s still not too late to get “early bird” tickets.

This “one” sounds like it could be an awesome event…

All the “beer” and “burgers” your stomach can handle for 40 bucks—while you party with 1,999 of your dearest and closest friends.

For those who don’t know, PGA National Resort & Spa is a world class hotel/resort located in Palm Beach Gardens.

I’ll do some “snooping” around and get you guys more intricate details…like who the beer-burger players will be!

One final thought–last year’s best burger winner Chuck Burger Joint will be “back”- so, we know that at least one of the players is top shelf..catch Jeff Eats’ 9/30/11 review for this joint–in 2011 its food and decor were absolute dynamite.

**** May 26, 2013 Update;
The following restaurants/food providers will be in attendance:
The Corner Cafe
111 Forks
Cha Cha’s
Burger Bar
Talay Tai
Chuck Burger Joint
Sweet’s Raw Bar
Burger Heaven
Vic & Angelo’s/The Office
Whole Foods
Mrs. Smokey
Four Season Resort
Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Hogsnappers
Hurricane Cafe
Miller’s Garden Ale House
CR Chicks
Rachel’s Steakhouse

****
PGA National Resort & Spa Second Annual Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash
The event gives the area’s most popular burger restaurants the opportunity to showcase their fare in addition to competing in the biggest burger throw down in Palm Beach County.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2013_craft_beer_fest_eventbrite_logo
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr. 30, 2013 – PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — PGA National Resort and Spa will host the Second Annual Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash to benefit Surfrider Foundation, Palm Beach County Chapter, on June 15, 2013 from noon to 4pm. Top burger destinations in the Palm Beaches, have been hand selected by a panel of food and beverage experts to be part of the 2013 Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash. The event gives the area’s most popular burger restaurants the opportunity to showcase their fare in addition to competing in the biggest burger throw down in Palm Beach County.
The winning restaurants chef as decided on by consumer votes by Burger Ballot votes will be presented with the “King of All Burgers” trophy to display proudly in their restaurant.The Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash expects to draw the attention of approximately 2,000 guests. In addition to great burgers, highlights include:
A Craft Beer Garden with a selection of over 80 craft beers from Florida and beyond for sampling in your souvenir 2 oz glass
Live musical entertainment
A Vendor Village chock full of shopping opportunities
A home brewing demonstration
Visit www.pgabeerandburger.eventbrite.com for more information or to purchase advanced $40 tickets. *Tickets will be sold for $45 at the door the day of the event.
*2,000 tickets available total. Your ticket cost includes unlimited craft beer and burger samples while supplies last!
Take the elevator home and stay the night with the PGA National Resort Beer & Burger Bash! Or stay the night with us and enjoy a special rate of just $169 for overnight accommodations plus two tickets by calling resort reservations at 855-896-4762 or book online (https://bookings.ihotelier.com/PGA-National-Resort-and-Sp…).
*Resort fees are additional.

Contact Email : ***@pgaresort.com
Source : PGA National Resort & Spa
Phone : 561-627-2000
City/Town : Palm Beach Gardens – Florida – United States
Industry : Event, Hotels
Tags : Beer, food, burgers, festival, palm beach gardens
Last Updated : Apr 30, 2013
Shortcut : http://prlog.org/12128458

***** Mayor’s Cafe & Bagel Emporium, 1677 North Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026, (954) 538-3636.

The other day Jeff Eats and a couple of buddies had lunch at Mayor’s Cafe in Pembroke Pines…not sure as to the exact history of this joint, but it’s owned by Frank C. Ortis who is the current Mayor of the City Of Pembroke Pines, thus the name–Mayor’s. Not sure here, but I think Mayor’s opened give-or-take in Jaburay 2012. Just curious, what happens to the joint’s name, when Ortis is no longer Mayor? Does it become Former Mayor’s Cafe, Recently Defeated Mayor’s Cafe, Recently Retired Mayor’s Cafe, Recently Deceased Mayor’s Cafe, Former Mayor Now State Senator Mayor’s Cafe? As you can see, the possibilities are endless and I’m sure–knowing you guys-that you can come up with some real beauties…Anyway.

At this stage of the dialogue you can check www.themayorscafe.com for menu/prices. The site also has a load of pictures so you’ll know eactly what the joint looks like…tables/chairs long appetizing counter.

Now- nothing for nothing, Mayor Ortis’ got a real good restaurant running here… fast- competent servers, reasonable prices—all kinds of bagels, breakfast stuff, salads, sandwiches, burgers. Question for those who live/work in Pembroke Pines…Does he run the City as competently?

A recent outing had Jeff Eats trying a western omelette, french toast with strawberries, chicken salad on/everything bagel, tuna salad on/pumpernickel bagel. I will tell you, eveything was delicious–and the bagels were really good. Not sure how Mayor’s makes theirs—but they seem to be of boiled/then baked breed.

Jeff Eats really enjoyed Mayor’s Cafe.

Mayor’s Cafe is open 7 days a week 6:30am-3pm

***** Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies, 1857 North 66th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024, (954) 989-0561.

Last Sunday night, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats were at the Hard Rock to see The Rascals in concert. Sitting next to us, were Lynee and Lou Cantor the owners of the “32 East” restaurant in Delray Beach…chit chat, chit chat—and Lou tells me, that if I want to eat great steak subs..then, I gotta try Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies in Hollywood. Real fast, The Rascals killed it, absolutely fabulous concert…and plans are being set for Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats to check-out 32 East, which if the reviews in Yelp, TripAdvisor, OpenTable and various newspapers, magazines and publications are legit– is a terrific American Style joint (by the way, last night- Jeff Eats’ pal Eben–raved about 32 East’s hamburger, but then again Eben thinks that Ted Williams was better than Joe D. so his opinion maybe suspect-here).

To make a long story short…Lou really knows his stuff.

Jeff Eats got down to Sonny’s yesterday and “tried”– steak hogie, chicken parm hogie, tuna salad hogie, meatball hogie…and I gotta to tell you, this joint’s subs aren’t just good, they are amazing-good…right up there with the best that I’ve ever eaten…and you guys know that Jeff Eats has “done” his fair share of subs. Point of interest, Sonny’s bread is baked fresh every day—it alone is worth the trip…and we’re just talking about a sub roll here!

Just a drop of color…

Sonny’s has been in the same location since 1958. In addition to hot/cold subs, its got salads, pastas, pizzas—there is waitstaff service. Back in 2009, Guy Fieri did his tv show Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives there…so, this isn’t a hidden jewel discovered by Jeff Eats…yesterday at 1pm Sonny’s was jammed.

Just so we are straight, this guy-Guy Fieri as far as Jeff Eats is concerned, isn’t the be -all and end -all when it comes to knowing what great joint- food is all about. Nothing for nothing, but I honestly believe that huge-tv money/and other factors that have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with food- “slant” Fiere’s opinions. Take this for what it’s worth…Jeff Eats has been to a number of Fieri’s “picks” and much of the food that he raved about was mediocre at best…While I’m on the “subject”–Jeff Eats for years has questioned the various “reviews” that appear in South Florida’s newspapers and other publications. You guys are smart enough to know, that you gotta-check joints out for yourselves. On the most basic level, what Jeff Eats likes, you may not like and vice versa.

Anyway- Guy made a good call on Sonny’s in that- its subs are definitely dynamite.

Real simple…whether you call them subs, hoagies, grinders or whatever your regional preference is—you will absolutely love and I do mean L O V E Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies…and no, Jeff Eats didn’t -spell hoagies wrong, that’s what Sonny’s calls the sandwiches.

You can check menu/prices/video of Guy Fieri at www.sonnysfamoussteakhogies.com.

The joint is open Monday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-8:30pm.

Finally…Jeff Eats always says, a solid given deserves a solid in return…or something like that–anyway, since Lou gave me the heads up on Sonny’s–why don’t you guys check-out 32 East at www.32east.com and “see” if it’s a joint that might be of interest to you…solid returned!

***** Bobby Rubino’s, 2501 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064, (954) 781-7550.

Haven’t really got the time or inclination to tell you Bobby Rubino’s story…suffice it to say, Bobby Rubino use to work for Tony Roma’s which was a South Florida bbq ribs/chicken chain, then Bobby Rubino in 1978 opened his own bbq ribs/chicken joint naming it Bobby Rubino’s—over the years Bobby and Tony were huge competitors each with loads of South Florida locations…not sure on Tony Roma’s dimished numbers—but today, there is only one Bobby Rubino’s location left and it’s-in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Now…

For whatever it’s worth, for something like 30 years—old Jeff Eats has been a huge Bobby Rubino’s fan…delicious sweet sauced ribs/chicken, french fries, onion rings, corn—never empty soda glasses.

Real simple…loads of food at really reasonable prices. If your looking for upscale-gourmet-fancy schmancy this joint ain’t for you. Just so we are straight, the last outpost is kinda on the dated 1970’s looking side–so like Jeff Eats said 2 seconds ago, fancy schmancy is a definite no-no here.

Anyway…

If Bobby Rubino’s sounds like something that might interest you, do yourself a GIGANTIC FAVOR and go to its website www.bobbyrubinos.com—you’ll find menu/prices, you’ll also find a bunch of coupons that will allow you to literally eat like a pig for virtually nothing.

In all fairness to you guys, Jeff Eats in recent years had lost “contact” with Bobby Rubino’s—and it was Rubino’s recent advertisement/coupons in the Sun Sentinel that reunited “us.”

To wrap this one up…my favorite coupon:

DINNER FOR 2 -$20 plus 1 beverage purchase.
Includes:
1 appetizer–onion loaf
2 entrees–full rack babyback ribs or rib/chicken combo
2 sides
1 dessert

Bobby Rubino’s is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

* Riverwalk Burger Battle (Fort Lauderdale)

If “burger battles” are your thing…and you’re at least 21–
Here’s a good one for you!
You can buy tickets at www.blacktie-southflorida.com
*****
“Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale hosts the fourth annual Riverwalk Burger Battle™ presented by Publix Aprons Catering and Cooking School on Friday, May 31, 2013 under the stars along the Riverwalk at Huizenga Plaza. This sizzling event promises to pit sixteen (16) top burger joints and restaurants against one another as they show off their creative juices and grilling skills to over 1000 guests along the scenic New River.

This 21+ event will be held rain or shine. The event will bring together burger aficionados for an evening of gourmet burger creations, cocktails, beers and fun, while raising funds to support the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s mission of building and nurturing a vibrant community connected by the New River.The Contenders:

★ Returning Champs Charm City Burger Co ★ 2x Champ Georgie’s Alibi ★ Timpano Italian Chophouse ★ 2x Fan Favorite: ROK:BRGR ★ 2012 Best Bar & Grill Burger: Rosie’s Bar & Grill ★ The Grateful Palate ★ Elevation Burger ★ America’s Backyard ★ Downtowner Saloon ★ Gimme a Burger ★ Grille 401 ★ Burger Freak ★ Burger Zone ★ Big City Tavern ★ Big Bear Brewing Co ★ American Social ★

JudgeA Chef-Driven Judges Panel will work together to award one restaurant the ‘Best Burger’ award and bragging rights. Another eatery will be chosen as the ‘Fan Favorite’ by Burger Battle™ guests. The judges will also recognize the Best ‘Burger Joint’, Best ‘Bar & Grill’, Best ‘Knife & Fork’ Burgers and the ‘Burger Nirvana’ designation (to the select few that attain this status).

Eat ★ Drink ★ Rock from 7-10pm guests will:
choose from an array of sixteen (16) beef burger samples from well-known area restaurants
receive three (3) drink tickets to choose from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly|Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey|Goose Island Craft Beer|Medalla Light|Bud Black Crown|Becks Sapphire|Bud Light Platinum There will be a cash bar with 20% of the proceeds going back to Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
enjoy The Capital Grille‘s French Fry Bar with homemade condiments
enjoy treats from Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets Dessert Table (new!)

receive H20 from VOSS our official Water sponsor
vote for their favorite burger with their custom Burger Battle™ chip
rock to the classic sounds of Sweet 903
view a local celebrity slider eating contest presented by Krystal
and best of all…support the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s Mission…Motivate ☆ Participate ☆ Activate!
The VIP Experience offers a private area with a Premier Open Bar, Lauderdale Grill’s signature “prime rib sliders”, Ommegang Brewery & Duvel Craft Beers and Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets Dessert Bar.

General Admission is $40 PREPAY and the VIP Experience is $125. Please note: This is a 21 and over event – ID’s to be checked at the entry. Underage persons (including babies) will not be admitted.”

* Jeff Eats For A Day — Tuscan Grill (Fort Lauderdale).

Over the years Jeff Eats has literally received a ton of e-mails with readers’ restaurant reviews…

This morning I came up with a simply brilliant idea…Jeff Eats is gonna publish your reviews.

So if you want to be just like Jeff Eats, send me your reviews and I’ll feature them on the site.

Just so we all know the “rules”– Jeff Eats is gonna publish reviews about joints that he hasn’t yet-covered. Reviews about restaurants already covered will be “filed” in the restaurant’s “Comment” section.

By the way, feel free to use any format that you’d like when writing your reviews.

First up…

Mike Klein’s review on Tuscan Grill—

“The Mrs. and I had a wonderful dining experience at the Tuscan Grill. First, you are greeted by the warm and friendly General Manager, David Nolasco. He will offer you a choice of dining inside or outside. I recommend outside when the weather permits as people watching is a hoot. The food was delicious. I started with the pasta fagioli and then went for the veal scaloppini. The veal was tender, easy to cut and covered with a flavorful sauce. It was accompanied by a scalloped potato thinly sliced and stacked that was very tasty and broccoli cooked to the correct consistency. Mrs. K selected from the Sunday to Thursday special menu. For $ 30 you have choices of salads, main courses and dessert. She choose the snapper francaise (I think the woman is going to turn into a fish) with the Caesar salad and tiramisi. She loved everything. There is one issue however. The bread is simply too good. It is hot, covered with garlic and oil and I was forced to eat 2 baskets full. It was only through sheer will power and embarrassment that I didn’t ask for a third one.

We enjoyed it so much that we plan to go back next weekend. Someone direct me to the gym!!

Tuscan Grill is located at 1105 East Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301. For reservations call 954—766-8700 and their website is www.lasolastuscangrill.com.”

* Dueling Pizza Joints *

Let me ask you guys something, does this make any sense to you?…

The brand new Delray Marketplace in Delray Beach…has TWO PIZZA JOINTS literally right across the street from one another…namely-the recently opened Terra Fiamma and the soon to open Bella Amici Pizzeria. Jeff Eats appreciates that Terra is a full service restaurant and that Bella is more of a self-serve/ type joint, but…

All I know, is that it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to Jeff Eats to have these two businesses so close to each other…but then again, I got no “skin” in either deal– so how they make-out business wise is of no real concern to me.

In the coming weeks, Jeff Eats will have reviews on both joints for you.

By the way, if you beat Jeff Eats “there” give me your thoughts on them.

* PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA SECOND ANNUAL CRAFT BEER AND BURGER BASH *

Jeff Eats literally just got this press release.

I know it’s dated April 30, 2013—but Jeff Eats just got it…and it’s still not too late to get “early bird” tickets.

This “one” sounds like it could be an awesome event…

All the “beer” and “burgers” your stomach can handle for 40 bucks—while you party with 1,999 of your dearest and closest friends.

For those who don’t know, PGA National Resort & Spa is a world class hotel/resort located in Palm Beach Gardens.

I’ll do some “snooping” around and get you guys more intricate details…like who the beer-burger players will be!

One final thought–last year’s best burger winner Chuck Burger Joint will be “back”- so, we know that at least one of the players is top shelf..catch Jeff Eats’ 9/30/11 review for this joint–in 2011 its food and decor were absolute dynamite.

**** May 26, 2013 Update;
The following restaurants/food providers will be in attendance:
The Corner Cafe
111 Forks
Cha Cha’s
Burger Bar
Talay Tai
Chuck Burger Joint
Sweet’s Raw Bar
Burger Heaven
Vic & Angelo’s/The Office
Whole Foods
Mrs. Smokey
Four Season Resort
Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Hogsnappers
Hurricane Cafe
Miller’s Garden Ale House
CR Chicks
Rachel’s Steakhouse

****
PGA National Resort & Spa Second Annual Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash
The event gives the area’s most popular burger restaurants the opportunity to showcase their fare in addition to competing in the biggest burger throw down in Palm Beach County.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2013_craft_beer_fest_eventbrite_logo
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr. 30, 2013 – PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — PGA National Resort and Spa will host the Second Annual Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash to benefit Surfrider Foundation, Palm Beach County Chapter, on June 15, 2013 from noon to 4pm. Top burger destinations in the Palm Beaches, have been hand selected by a panel of food and beverage experts to be part of the 2013 Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash. The event gives the area’s most popular burger restaurants the opportunity to showcase their fare in addition to competing in the biggest burger throw down in Palm Beach County.
The winning restaurants chef as decided on by consumer votes by Burger Ballot votes will be presented with the “King of All Burgers” trophy to display proudly in their restaurant.The Craft Beer Festival and Burger Bash expects to draw the attention of approximately 2,000 guests. In addition to great burgers, highlights include:
A Craft Beer Garden with a selection of over 80 craft beers from Florida and beyond for sampling in your souvenir 2 oz glass
Live musical entertainment
A Vendor Village chock full of shopping opportunities
A home brewing demonstration
Visit www.pgabeerandburger.eventbrite.com for more information or to purchase advanced $40 tickets. *Tickets will be sold for $45 at the door the day of the event.
*2,000 tickets available total. Your ticket cost includes unlimited craft beer and burger samples while supplies last!
Take the elevator home and stay the night with the PGA National Resort Beer & Burger Bash! Or stay the night with us and enjoy a special rate of just $169 for overnight accommodations plus two tickets by calling resort reservations at 855-896-4762 or book online (https://bookings.ihotelier.com/PGA-National-Resort-and-Sp…).
*Resort fees are additional.

Contact Email : ***@pgaresort.com
Source : PGA National Resort & Spa
Phone : 561-627-2000
City/Town : Palm Beach Gardens – Florida – United States
Industry : Event, Hotels
Tags : Beer, food, burgers, festival, palm beach gardens
Last Updated : Apr 30, 2013
Shortcut : http://prlog.org/12128458