***** Mr. Nice Guy *****

Recently saw “Mr. Nice Guy” an absolutely dynamite classic rock band (1960s-1970s-1980s) at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood.

Speaking of dynamite, comedian- Jimmy J.J. Walker of tv’s 1970’s “Good Time” fame, just released a dynamite “tell-all” book, “DY-NO-MITE, GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES, OUR TIMES”—that I highly recommend that tv afficianados catch. But I digress…

Trust me on this, Mr. Nice Guy “plays” some of the best Beatles, Santana, Eagles, Joe Cocker, Zeppelin and Stones covers that you will hear.

Mr. Nice Guy often reffered to as “MNG” is a local South Florida sextet having formed in 2002. If the group’s recent Hard Rock appearance is any indication-it has an enormous fan base.

At this stage of the story you can check audio/video/info/schedule at www.mngband.com.

The really beautiful thing about Mr. Nice Guy…in addition to a steady twice a month gig at the Hard Rock, you can catch the group at various South Florida clubs, restaurants, casinos…usually “sans” a cover charge.

If you enjoy this type of music, do yourself a favor and catch Mr. Nice Guy in action.

***** SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROCK ‘n’ ROLL BEER-B-QUE *****

Back on May 31 2012 Jeff Eats “ran” the story listed below.

Looks- like it’s going to be an awesome event. AND–Jeff Eats will be one of the judges.

When you read the Press Release- you’ll notice that ONLINE ADVANCE TICKETS were originally priced at $35…and, DAY OF TICKETS were priced at $45. Well, a few days ago, the sponsors lowered the ONLINE ADVANCE TICKETS to $25. If you want to buy tickets online–go to the event’s website-and put 10OFFGA in the PROMOTIONS CODE BOX and you’ll save yourself 10 bucks off that $35 ticket.

If this type of “thing” is your bag…hope to see you there!
*****

Don’t have all of the details yet…from what I “gather” there is going to be a huge outdoor BBQ-BEER-MUSIC event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Saturday, June 30th from 4pm-8pm.

Take a look at the “press release” I just received. Let me do some further checking and I’ll update you guys with details.

This one looks like it–could really be fun!!

*****

Eat BBQ, listen to R&R, drink beer! (http://www.seminoleparadise.com/beerbque/index.html)

The second annual Seminole Hard Rock Rock ‘n’ Roll Beer-B-Que, presented by New Times, gets grilling on Saturday, June 30 and if you like to have your meat smoked you’re not going to want to miss out on this event.

From 4 – 8 p.m., over 40 of south Florida’s best barbeque restaurants will compete by showcasing their grilling skills. Best of all, you get to try as many as you can — and vote for your favorite.

But meat is just one part of this trifecta of flavor because there’s no such thing as a Beer-B-Que without beer! Feel free to sample beer from a variety of popular brands, as well as craft beers from micro-breweries. Beerfest 2012 winners Misfit Home Brewers will be among the top brewers pouring their wares at the Beer-B-Que.

While all this is going on, get your groove on and rock out to live music from several local bands.

Tickets for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Beer-B-Que are on sale now and only $35 in advance ($45 at the door). A limited number of prepaid VIP tickets will be available for $70, offering one-hour early admission, seating in the air-conditioned VIP tent, access to an open bar with wine provided by Rex Goliath, special entertainment, and more.

*****
June 22, 2012 UPDATE

The word of mouth about this event is really spreading. Based on what I’m hearing here in “food blogland” is that a crowd of between 2,500 -4,000 is expected. Don’t have exact ticket numbers, but a very reliable source told me that online sales have been excellent and assuming good-weather, “day of” ticket sales will be extremely strong.

If you check the event’s website you will find an updated list of “contenders.”

The way I see it, you really can’t go wrong spending $35-$45 for all the bbq you can eat–all the beer you can drink–all the Rock N Roll music you can hear. Just last night, Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats and Son Jeff Eats ate at a sports bar. The bill $86 for 2 salads, 1 cheeseburger, 1 bbq steak sandwich, 1 chicken pot pie, 1 Coke and 3 beers. Get the picture? The only “negative” thing I see here, is the possibility of lousy weather. If the weather breaks the right way, this event is going to be an absolute homerun. By the way, I also heard that a “ton” of those $70 VIP tickets were sold. Not a bad deal, extra hour of partying–air-conditioned tent, open bar.

On the music front, I don’t have a complete list of the “entertainers” but, I understand that national recording artist and one of South Florida’s hottest bands “GHOST OF GLORIA” is scheduled as one of the headliners.

Oh! One other thing…Jeff Eats will be one of the judges.

**** Here’s a “gift” from Jeff Eats—if you want to buy your tickets online–enter 10OFFGA in the Promtions Code box and you’ll get 10 bucks off that $35 ticket.

Hope you guys can make it. AND if you aren’t a disgruntled restaurant owner, make it your business to say hello to me.

UPDATE: July 2, 2012
***** THE WINNERS *****

Here’s a list of the winners from the event Saturday:

Best Brisket: Bokampers

Best Ribs: Bokampers

Best Pork: Hard Rock Cafe

Best Chicken: Smokey Bones

Best Overall: Hard Rock Cafe

Most Unique: Whiskey Tango

Fan Favorite: Bokampers

***** Prestige Coupons *****

The other day in the mail, I got a FREE “discount” coupon book from a Boynton Beach based company named Prestige Coupons, 36 Meadows Place, Boynton, Beach, Florida 33436, (561) 573-8404.

To make a long story short, the coupon book had something like 100 coupons offering discounts at all kinds of businesses in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth and Lighthouse Point. For our purposes, there were quite a few “restaurant” coupons–and I will tell you, coincidentally-a number of the restaurants had favorable Jeff Eats’ reviews.

If coupons are your game, it may pay to give Prestige Coupons a call or contact it at www.prestigecoupons.net and have your name put on its mailing list for future coupon books.

***** The Boulevard Restaurant & Gourmet Deli, 10961 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410, (561) 776-8700.

We’ve kinda discussed the neighborhood diner concept infinitum…the premise being, that every South Florida neighborhood has these breakfast/lunch joints and everyone has their favorite.

Was up in Palm Beach Gardens the other morning and stopped by The Boulevard Restaurant & Gourmet Deli. Did a challah french toast and western omelette breakfast.

Check www.boulevardgourmetdeli.com for menu/prices/photos.

The Boulevard does breakfast/lunch 7 days a week 6:30am-3pm. Its got the “requisite” tables/booth/counter seating—tons of breakfast stuff, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, meat/chicken/seafood specials, desserts—diner waitresses and reasonable prices. Not exactly sure how the word “GOURMET” fits in the joint’s name, but I will tell you, that I really enjoyed the breakfast and the super pleasant service.

The Boulevard which has been around for something like 15 years is a perfect “example” of what a neighborhood diner is all about. Just so you don’t think Jeff Eats is going senile-or something, I know I already told you about this joint on 1/20/10-just want you guys to really consider giving The Boulevard-a shot!

Let me close this one out by saying, that if I lived in The Boulevard’s neighborhood, it would definitely be on my “go to” diner list.

***** Nicola’s Donuts, 14390 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33618, (813) 374-2396—-902 West Busch Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33612, (813) 932-1303.

I don’t know about you guys, but one of my favorite “meals” is a couple of donuts and a cup of hot coffee…to be perfectly honest, I really don’t know too much about coffee–I still remember cups going for a nickel and can’t wrap my arms around the $3-4-5 a cup that joints like Starbuck’s now fetch. On the other hand, donuts–I know. Just so we are straight, I’ve never really met a donut I didn’t like–but, I can definitely “differentiate” a top notch donut from a standard run of the mill donut.

A few weeks back, I was “up” in Tampa and stopped in at Nicola’s Donuts…

Nicola’s has been around since 1982 and has two locations…the joint makes donuts, cupcakes, muffins, turnovers. You can check menu/prices/photos/hours at www.nicolasdonuts.com.

Let me make this story short and sweet (pun intended)…Nicola’s makes some of the most delicious donuts that Jeff Eats has ever eaten. Not to bore you with every detail– I did a “takeout” dozen…glazed, apple fritter, plain cake, french creuller, cinnamon twist, chocolate sprinles—each and every donut was delicious.

You folks now know about a terrific donut joint in Tampa.

***** Tippi’s Pizza, 5778 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33417, (561) 681-9224.

Got a real “hole in the wall” pizza joint for you…Tippi’s Pizza in West Palm Beach. Think takeout here- as the joint maybe has 2-3 tables.

Tippi’s Pizza’s menu has a nice selection of appetizers, salads, hot/cold subs, pastas, calzones, pizzas, meat/chicken/seafood entrees.

A few days ago I took some stuff out from Tippi’s…large plain pizza, meatball parmigiana sub, veal parmigiana sub, sausage & peppers sub, —every item was right on the money. Now I don’t want to “intrude” on my pals over at www.worstpizza.com domain–but I think, that Tippi’s pizza could successfully be sold at any NYC pizza joint. The slice, crisp-thin crust/sweet sauce/delicious cheese and when folded and pointed down- had the requisite oil drip. The $7 subs were also “perfect”—nice hard- crusty sub roll and the messy fillings were exactly what I like when I’m in front of the tv with a 2-liter bottle of Coke to wash things down.

Let me close this story out this way…if Tippi’s was in my neighborhood, I’d be a very good customer.

Tippi’s Pizza is open Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-midnight, Sunday 11am-10pm.

***** Doc’s Diner, 99696 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037, (305) 451-2895.

Next time you are “down” in Key Largo…give “mom & pop” diner-Doc’s Diner a shot.

First things first, yes–the name “got” me in the door…and yes, before I even walked in the door, I knew in my mind’s eye as to exactly what the joint and its menu would look like. AND. my money says you to would “know”…but if I’m wrong-check www.docsdinerkeylargo.com for menu/prices/pictures. Counter/booth “formica” seating. Open 7 days a week 6am-2pm. Loads of breakfast stuff, sandwiches, burgers, salads, daily meat/chicken seafood specials, desserts.

Second things second, did breakfast at Doc’s Diner…real simple…scrambled eggs with bacon/home fries, pancakes, french toast, coffee. Exactly what I expected, good solid food, super pleasant waitress, about 7 bucks a head (with tip)–For sure, your neighborhood “Doc’s” got a different name–maybe it’s Joe’s, Tom Sawyer’s, Peter Pan, Johnny’s…but give or take—they are all the same, that-go-to local breakfast/lunch joint where you really enjoy eating “dolled up” in your tee shirt/shorts/flip flops ensemble.

All I know, is that–Madison Avenue has got it all wrong…America runs on the “DOC’S” of this world-not Dunkin’ Donuts.

***** Awesome Wicked Snackbar *****

There is an old saying- “Three times is the charm.”

First “it” was a Quizno’s sub shop, then it was a bakery and now it’s an American Style” joint named Wicked Awesome Snackbar selling craft beers, wines, soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, daily meat/chicken/seafood specials, home made desserts.

The way I got this figured, Wicked’s owner saw an empty bay in the Shadowood Square Center, 20642 State Road 7, Boca Raton, Florida-the previous tenants had already built the space out–so for a “minimal” investment he took a shot and opened Wicked Awesome Snackbar.

Now for the record, Jeff Eats has “yet” to try this joint… But I will tell you, yesterday afternoon- I stopped by Wicked and the cookies on display and the salads/sandwiches I saw coming out of the kitchen looked awfully good.

So, the plan here–In the near future I’ll eat at Wicked and make a call on it. In the mean-time, if any of you guys get there before I do, please give me your opinions. So you can appreciate Jeff Eats’ “thought process”–I was so intrigued by the Wicked Awesome Snackbar “handle” that I actually made a special trip to scope the joint out for a future-meal.

Call it a gut feeling, but based on my brief ” visual” Wicked Awesome Snackbar may-be a real sleeper with tremendous food.

You can check menu/prices at www.wickedawesomesnackbar.com. Wicked’s phone number-(561) 883-3200.

The joint is open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11:30am-midnight.

Deck 84, 84 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, (561) 665-8484.

Last night, ate at this Delray Beach “American Style” joint- which has both indoor and outdoor patio seating–on the Intracoastal.

Do you know what a waste of time and money is? Well, if you don’t…eat dinner there and then you’ll know.

Over the past year or so, Jeff Eats has been “hearing” mixed thoughts on Deck 84. Unfortunatley for me, Mrs. Jeff Eats and another couple decided to find-out for ourselves what the skinny was.

Overpriced! No way that 3 salads, 2 hamburgers, 2 crab cake sandwiches, 2 Cokes and a glass of house wine should cost $152 (with tip).

Very limited menu–and I do mean limited. Don’t belive me? If you check www.deck84.com you’ll see what I am talking about. For 152 bucks-you would kinda think that the burgers and sandwiches would have been “hot” and not luke warm. You would also think, that the sweet potato tater tots wouldn’t be cold and taste like something right out of Publix’s frozen food shelves—same for the boiled greenbeans that came with the crab cakes. By the way, forgetting about their “temperature”–the food was okay, but nothing that anyone would go running back for.

The service is okay–sport’s bar quality.

You would also think, that the outdoor patio “right on” the Intracoastal would be a dynamite place to sit—and wouldn’t have a “gasoline” smell from the various boats docked at the restaurant. You would also figure with an out door bar, there might be a band or dj “cranking out” something…not dead-silence at 8pm because, some woman living next door- got the City of Delray to enforce a noise ordinance which only allows the joint to play outdoor music from 2pm-6pm.

What I’m thinking here is-with enough beers in you on a nice Sunday afternoon, Deck 84 might work for some of you guys from 2pm-6pm sitting outside. Notice the operative word here is “might”–personally, I don’t think that my bladder could handle the number of beers it would take to convince me that this is a good joint.

My call here is- I think that Deck 84 is a big waste of time. If you are smart, you’ll — Stay away!! Leave this one to the tourists.

***** BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR *****

Got a real good one for you guys…”BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR!” -Saturday, July 14th-7PM-10PM at Sanborn Square Park, Boca Raton.

From what I’m hearing, this “thing” is gonna be something else!

All kinds of food, beer, booze, burger contest, celebrity judges, bands, live entertainment, retail shopping bazaar…

Pre-sale tickets $50, at the door $75. The price of admission includes all food and beverage tastings.

The 2012 “Burger Contestants'” preliminary list includes- in no particular order…Super Dave’s Diner (Boca Raton), Biergarten (Boca Raton), Gimme A Burger (Deerfield Beach), Big Joe’s Burger & Wings (Boca Raton), Red’s Backwoods BBQ (Boca Raton), Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries (Boca Raton), Brickyard Micro Brewery (Boca Raton), Saquella Caffe (Boca Raton), The English Tap & Beer Garden (Boca Raton), Dubliner Irish Pub (Boca Raton).

For whatever it’s worth, amazingly- Jeff Eats has “writeups” on all of the current contestants–except The English Tap & Beer Garden.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, check www.bocaburgerbattle.com for information/tickets.

I’ll keep you guys updated as new contestants and details are announced.

****June 23, 2012 UPDATE

By the way, since Jeff Eats’ “initial” writeup, Morton’s, Brewzzi’s, Smashburger and Rebel (same guys that own Charm City), Wave 2700 have been added to the contestants’ list.