***** El Balcon De Las Americas, 7932 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, (954) 346-4590.

Got something really-really good for you guys…El Balcon De Las Americas—a joint that does Columbian/Latin stuff.

Just so you know, there are 4-locations…Jeff Eats “did” lunch at the Coral Springs’ restaurant.

You can check menu/prices/locations at www.balcondelasamericas.com.

The Coral Springs location has both indoor/outdoor patio seating. Not 100% sure on this, but when Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple were there last Sunday afternoon around 3pm, it-seemed that we were the only customers “speaking” English. The joint was jammed packed and I’m gonna figure that at least 75 people were eating. Now you “scared-e-cats” don’t worry, the waiters and counter folks spoke English, so Jeff Eats, Mrs. Jeff Eats & Company had no problema what so-ever ordering. Based on the fact that Jeff Eats was a straight “D” student in high school/college Spanish–the bet here is that everyone else was speaking Spanish…but then again, what does a “D” student know? Putting two and two together, I’m thinking that a Columbian-Latin food joint “warrants” Spanish speakers, but then again, Portuguese sounds like Spanish to me, so I could have been dead wrong.

Anyway…this joint is one cool restaurant. Real easy going–can’t exactly explain the décor…let’s “say” a neighborhood diner with Latin flair.

El Balcon De Las Americas’ menu has a handful of breakfast items, appetizers, salads, soups, meat/chicken/seafood entrees, desserts.

Let me tell you that the arepa de cholo ($1.75) and beef empanadas ($.99) were dynamite…Our “party” also had, chuleta calena (thinly pounded/breaded/deep fried pork tenderloin-$8.99), carne asad (grilled flat steak-$10.99), chicken fajitas ($12.99), pargo rojo (deep fried red snapper-$13.99)…every item was delicious, the portions were enormous—and the prices were very-very reasonable.

Like I said before, think–neighborhood diner with a Latin flair and you’ll be on the right page.

It goes without saying, shorts/tee shirt ensembles are the dress of the day.

El Balcon De Las Americas is open 7 days a week for breakfast-lunch and dinner.

Just got the following press release from the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek…

Take a read—sounds like a great way to “watch” this year’s Super Bowl.

*****

** CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT **

TAILGATE-STYLE EXTRAVAGANZA AND WATCH PARTY WITH PROFESSIONAL FOOTABLL PLAYERS AT SEMINOLE CASINO COCONUT CREEK ON FEB. 3

WHAT: Party in style and watch the two hottest teams in football compete for the winning title. Watch the big game with Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Larry Little along with Keith Sims, Vernon Carey and Troy Dayton at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s super tailgate party. Other professional football players attending include Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins), Chris Clemons (Miami Dolphins), Terrelle Pryor (Oakland Raiders), Sam Shields (Green Bay Packers) and Steelers great Leon Searcy. Football fans will also enjoy complimentary drinks, food and entertainment, included in their ticket purchase.

At Super Score Sunday, players can win up to $25,000! Players can earn free Super Score Sunday scratch-off cards by playing their favorite slots. For every 500 points earned, players will receive one scratch-off card and one free entry into the Super Tailgate Party. Earn points between 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31 and 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 3. Players will also receive a U-Spin bonus of up to $100 in Free Play for every 15 minutes of active play from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 3.

WHEN: Sunday, February 3 from 6:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek – The Pavilion
5550 NW 40th Street
Coconut Creek, FL
Located at the corner of 441 (State Road 7) and Sample Road

COST: Purchase tickets at the door for $25 a person.

WHO: Presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

INFO: For more information, please call Seminole Casino Coconut Creek at 954-977-6700, visit www.seminolecasinococonutcreek.com or www.facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek and follow us on Twitter @SemCasinoCoCo.

# # #

***** J. R. Pizza Bella Restaurant, 7868 West Sample Road, Margate, Florida 33065, (954) 753-1300.

Got a real good “hole in the wall” mom & pop–red sauce Italian joint for you…J. R. Pizza Bella Restaurant in Margate.

Rather than beating around the bush with all kinds of stories—J.R. Pizza Bella has to be ranked right up there with the best of the Italian red sauce “mom & pop” joints Jeff Eats has “tried” down here in sunnny South Florida. Trust me- I know that’s quite a statement for me to make–based on the number of joints I’ve hit, but what is-is! This little joint, really cranked out some delicious stuff.

J. R. has the full-boat of pizzas, pastas, hot/cold subs, seafood/chicken/meat entrees. You can check menu/prices at www.jrpizzabella.com.

Like I said a few seconds ago, this is a “hole in the wall”—handful of tables and booths, that’s it. I know it isn’t really necessary to tell you, but—your shorts/tee shirt ensembles will work well at this joint.

Tried J. R. out for dinner the other night…large cheese pizza ($13.95), veal parmigiana ($16.95), meat lasagna ($11.95), chicken marsala ($14.95), zuppa di pesce ($22.95)—every “item” was right on the money. The joint’s garlic rolls, minestrone soup, ziti with marinara sauce and house salad were also delicious. Good size portions, super pleasant service, reasonable prices—nothing really missing from this outing.

Let me close this one out by saying…J. R. Pizza Bella Restaurant is a winner.

J.R. Pizza Bella Restaurant is open Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-10pm.

*****

***** BEST SUSHI IN SOUTH FLORIDA *****

Between you, me and the bedpost, Jeff Eats isn’t a real-big sushi fan.

With that in mind, help out your fellow readers…

What are your favorite sushi joints in South Florida?

***** Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar *****

Got one for you…Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar.

Just so you know, Zinburger hasn’t opened yet–it’s coming to Boca Town Center in Boca Raton…it’s going to be a few “doors down” from the Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill. Since Jeff Eats isn’t in the construction business, my best guess based on what I saw at its site—is that it will probably open sometime in the next 4-5 months. You do know that the City of Boca Raton isn’t the easiest “group” to deal with when opening a new restaurant, don’t you?

Zinburger is a very small-full service gourmet hamburger chain…it’s got a few locations in Arizona and a few in New Jersey.

You can check menu/prices/locations/photos at www.foxrc.com.

Jeff Eats is very familiar with Zinburger. I’ve eaten in its Tucson joint something like 5 times and I gotta tell you that it turns-out some of the most delicious burgers, fries, salads, shakes that I’ve eaten.

Now nothing for nothing…if the Boca Zinburger is anything- even close to what the Tucson outpost is—this joint will be an absolute homerun.

You guys now know about a new joint—before most of your friends do!

***** Bagels & A Whole Lot More, 10281 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, (954) 575-8130.

Yesterday afternoon, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats “picked-up” some stuff at Bagels & A Whole Lot More in Coral Springs….tuna salad, low fat tuna salad, chicken salad, matzo ball soup, bagels (sesame, onion, everything, onion), flagels (everything, onion)…

The taste test:
Tuna and low fat tuna- excellent.
Chicken salad-lousy. As a matter of fact, after eating just one forkful, Jeff Eats dumped the entire 1 lb purchased in the garbage. Talk about bland! Think chalk and you’ll be on the page.
Matzo ball soup-very good.
Bagels which were boiled and then baked-okay but I’ve had better.
Flagels, like the bagels were okay-but Jeff Eats had to toast them-to achieve that “okay” status.

Bagels & A Whole Lot More…order at/pickup at the counter. Half-dozen tables inside–Half-dozen tables outside.

You can check menu/prices at www.bagelsandawholelotmore.

Bagels & A Whole Lot More is open Monday-Saturday 6am-4pm and Sunday 6am-4pm.

One final thought, I understand that Bagels & A Whole More’s owner is a native of Malverne, New York–where he owned/operated a bagel joint…now nothing for nothing, when “you” think New York Bagels–has the word Malverne ever entered your thought-process? As we say in the legal business, I rest my case.

***** My Little Greek Deli, 195 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, Florida 33166, (305) 863-9857.

Got a real good “mom & pop” Greek joint for you guys…My Little Greek Deli in Miami Springs.

Absolutely-positively nothing fancy going on here. Half a dozen or so “counter seats”—half a dozen or so tables.

When you check www.mylittlegreekdeli.com for menu/prices you’ll also find a handful of décor-photos.

The joint’s menu has the “expected” Greek appetizers, pita wraps, and dinner entrees. It also has a load of “non” Greek stuff like pastrami-corned beef-philly cheesesteak subs and hamburgers.

Anyway…stopped in there the other day for lunch and tried—tzaziki, gyro pita, pork souvlaki pita, tilapia pita—every thing was delicious. Nice sized portions, figure 6-8 bucks an item.

Let me sum up My Little Greek Deli this way…like I said about 13 seconds ago, a real good “mom & pop” Greek joint.

My Little Greek Deli is open Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm, closed on Sunday.

***** THE DUPREES *****

Wanna know something, that almost nobody else knows?

The Duprees…the mega 1950’s- 1960’s “Doo Wop” group who have sold millions of records- is going to perform a FREE SHOW at the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino on Thursady Night–February 14, 2013 in NYY Steak’s bar-lounge.

Trust Jeff Eats on this one, The Duprees are fabulous. I’ve seen the group’s show a number of times and these guys are about as good as it gets. A real class act.

So…if this “stuff” is your bag, you now know about something that hasn’t been “announced” yet.

One other thing, Whitestone Band—one of South Florida’s premier 1950’s-1960’s cover bands is gonna play sets before and after the show.

I gotta tell you, the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino has really-cooked up a dynamite event for its players.

Just so you know, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are planning on attending this one.

See you there!!!

***** 2013 BaconFest Florida *****

Got–what should be a really cool outdoor event for you guys…”2013 BaconFest Florida” which will be held at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on February 23, 2013.

Literally, I just got the details from the Casino on this thing…the press release is printed below.
Just so you know, Jeff Eats has seen both The Bacon Brothers Band and The Dan Band—and both groups are dynamite. Throw in the food component of this “deal”–some great weather and you got a terrific-dirt cheap (25 bucks) event in the making.

I’ll now let you read the “details.”
*****
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is Calling All Bacon Lovers for its 2013 BaconFest Florida on Feb. 23
Featuring Performances by The Bacon Brothers and Comedic Entertainers The Dan Band

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Making its debut in the Sunshine State, the 2013 BaconFest Florida, hosted by Chef Todd Fischer from Discovery’s Destination America network show, ‘United States of Bacon,’ will take place at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6 p.m. This event will feature performances by The Bacon Brothers and The Dan Band with frontman Dan Finnerty, who is most recognized as the wedding singer from Old School. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. BaconFest has become a highly popular event held annually in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Kansas City.

This outdoor concert will be a bacon-lover’s paradise, filled with free food sampling from a variety of vendors offering a bacon-inspired twist on fare from 20 South Florida restaurants. BaconFest will also feature a chef throw down competition with celebrity judges for the best bacon recipes in two categories – ‘Sweet’ and ‘Savory’, as well as a number of fun bacon-related activities. Festival-goers will also enjoy carnival games and a ‘Hog’ bike show. Tickets include all the delicious indulgences you can eat, with drinks available for purchase. Fans can follow all the updates on Twitter via #BaconFestFL.

The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is opening the event to restaurants/catering companies to participate in this event, with something ‘savory’ or ‘sweet’ made with bacon. Participants will be provided with bacon with which to create their BaconFest fare. For information on how to participate, email info@thebuzzagency.net.

Fittingly, Kevin and Michael Bacon, known as The Bacon Brothers, will headline the evening and perform some of their greatest hits. Long before Kevin launched his prolific stage and screen career, and before Michael became known as a go-to composer for film and television, they were just two brothers from Philadelphia born nine years apart. Now, The Bacon Brothers have celebrated over 17 years as a band and released six albums laden with their trademark gritty rock and a touch of Philly soul.

Their most recent album, New Year’s Day, kicks off with its title track that draws upon Kevin’s experiences but is not directly about him. The infectious second track “Go My Way,” with its laid back, shuffling soulful groove, was also written from a character’s perspective. Having played with the same crew of musicians for all of the band’s existence, the brothers agree that the band is just as much a part of the whole endeavor as the two frontmen. In fact, each member of the band produced a couple tracks each for New Year’s Day.

The Dan Band, a comedy band from Los Angeles created by actor and comedian Dan Finnerty, will also be on hand to entertain the crowd. Finnerty caught America’s attention as the foul-mouthed wedding singer in the hit film Old School, performing his now-infamous rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” as well as his other appearances in Todd Phillips’ movies Starsky & Hutch and The Hangover.

What started as a joke for Finnerty singing “I Am Woman” at a karaoke bar has spiraled out of control into The Dan Band – a cult hit that has garnered rave reviews from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly. Their TV concert special “The Dan Band: I Am Woman” was executive produced by Steven Spielberg, and the group has appeared on numerous television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Ellen, The Tonight Show, Last Call with Carson Daly and many more.

The Dan Band plays to sold out crowds across the country and has released two albums, The Dan Band Live followed by Ho – A Dan Band X-Mas, and is currently working on a third with Comedy Central Records titled The Wedding Album.

BaconFest Florida is strictly for guests age 21 and over. Tickets start at $25* and are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Baconfest-Florida-tickets/artist/1813999. *Additional fees may apply.

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.

***** TASTE OF CORAL SPRINGS 2013 *****

Got a terrific “charity event” for you guys to attend-TASTE OF CORAL SPRINGS 2013.
Great food, great music/entertainment, worthy charitable organizations.
Past “Tastes” have been extremely well attended.
Trust Jeff Eats on this one—based on the restaurants and bands participating—you will have an absolutely fabulous time.
Just so you know, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats are planning on “being there.”
*****
Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2013- 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Title: Taste of Coral Springs
Tickets: $40-$75.
Please note this a 21+ event.
Purchase your tickets online at www.TasteofCoralSprings.org

Don’t miss your chance to spend a spectacular evening with 750 of your closest friends and bring some Rock N Roll excitement to life with fabulous cuisine from local restaurants and caterers, 75+ wines and spirits, silent auctions, featured entertainment and 60’s themed décor. Fabulous open-air layout with a huge dance floor.

Previous Taste of Coral Springs events have contributed over $323,000 to worthwhile charities including Junior Achievement of South Florida, YMCA of North Broward and the Coral Springs Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

Address:
Coral Springs Center for the Arts 2855 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
For more information contact:
Taste of Coral Springs Committee at 954-341-7191