Burt Reynolds wowed ’em at Burt and Jack’s on May 31. The 400 guests at the restaurant’s 10th anniversary fete weren’t sure Reynolds would make it. Some years he can. Some years he can’t. But after lots of sipping and nibbling, when they gathered in the downstairs party room, there he was, up near the stage.
Jack Jackson introduced his wife, Kathie, their daughter Nikki, Kathie’s parents, Betty and Bud Simpson, and his restaurant family – a wonder-working crew. But when he spoke Reynolds’ name, a hush swallowed up the room. “Look how quiet it got in here,” he said.
“They probably thought I was dead,” quipped Reynolds. Then he talked about his wonderful relationship with the Jacksons, which has lasted so long. “Unlike some of my other involvements,” he said. (That had ’em roaring.) He introduced his current interest, pretty Pam Seals, a tiny lady in red. He said he plans to shoot four feature films in Florida. “Even though I’m so old. But so is Sean Connery.”
Port commission chairwoman Many Anne Gray and port director Jim O’Brien received a plaque from Jackson and Reynolds. She got a big laugh when she thanked them, “for bringing Port Everglades glamour, prestige and notoriety.” Yup, Jackson picked a good partner for this venture. But so did Reynolds. The Jacksons host many community events at the restaurant. For the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, H.A.N.D.Y., Covenant House, the Philharmonic Society, Navy Days and many others. They do open bars and endless buffets of great food. Baby lamb chops, stone crabs, shrimp, caviar, pastries, exquisite hors d’oeuvres. And they always grab the whole tab. Happy 10th, Burt and Jack’s.
On the scene: Marti and Wayne Huizenga, Don and Shelly Smiley, Joyce and Ron Picou, Margaret Croxton, Steve and Pam Berrard, Steve Merson, George and Susu Johnson, Ron and Trudi Pecunies, Mary and Harold Garber, Paola Smith, Bonnie Barnett, Dan and Claire Marino, Phil and Jayne Lundell, Mimi and John Bauer, Leza and Lee Butler, Beverly and Ed Kennedy, Marshall and MaryJane Lytle, Nick and Sharron Navarro, Bill Zack, Tim and Kathy Brennan, Bobbi and Mel Dick, Mark Wood, Jean and Carol Fitzgerald, Pat Martz, Chuck Hale, Barry and Laura Adelson, Bob and Lynn Flint, Art and Eileen Rogo.
