Tuesday 21 January 2014

Miami Restaurant 'short list' as recommended by Globe and Mail

The Federal: Affordable wines, creative food with little pretense; a fun night out. 5132 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-9559, thefederalmiami.com
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink: Consistently delicious lunch or dinner in the Design District. 130 NE 40th St., 305-573-5550, michaelsgenuine.com
Khong River House:Surprisingly authentic Thai flavour combinations in the heart of tourist hot-spot Lincoln Road. 1661 Meridian Ave., 305-763-8147, khongriver.com
My Ceviche:To-go only, but you can dine at one of the tables in the adjacent youth hostel. 235 Washington Ave., 305-397-8710, myceviche.com
The Dutch:Andrew Carmellini’s creative take on American classics. 2201 Collins Ave. (at the W Hotel), 305-938-3111, thedutchmiami.com
Michy’sLocal celeb chef Michelle Bernstein’s lone restaurant, north of the Design District. 6927 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-2001, michysmiami.com
YardbirdSurprisingly authentic and delicious Southern classics like pimento cheese and fried chicken in a well-worn tourist section of South Beach; same owners as Khong River House. 1600 Lennox Ave., 305-538-5220, runchickenrun.com 
Tongue & Cheek: A little something for everyone, from tourists to serious foodies; great cocktails. 431 Washington Ave., 305-704-2900, tandcmiami.com
Bazaar by Jose Andres:Over-the-top presentation in an over-the-top room; highconcept and high prices. 1701 Collins (at the SLS Hotel), 305-455-2999, thebazaar.com/ south-beach-the-bazaar
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop: Sit among city workers and locals in a casual café where it’s nearly impossible to spend more than $10 or $15 a person, 186 NE 29th St., 305-573-4681
El Palacio de los Jugos:One of my all-time favourite Cuban restaurants is just south of Miami airport, so if you don’t have a car, you might want to visit just before or after your flight. There are several locations; this is the original. 5721 W. Flagler, 305-262-0070, elpalaciodelosjugos.com
Versailles:This is the legendary Little Havana restaurant; a Cuban landmark. 3555 SW 8th St., 305-444-0240, versaillesrestaurant.com