It's that time of year when we count down to New Times' Best of Miami
2012 issue in June. Until then, Short Order will serve up 100 of our
favorite dishes in the 305. If you have any nominations of your own,
please send them to [email protected].
42. Clams with Black Bean Sauce at Tropical Chinese
Although it's easiest and most delicious when eating-in, you can also decide to do take-out from Tropical Chinese (these clams travel surprisingly well). The only issue with this decision is that the ride home can be slightly painful. After acquiring a big brown bag of food, you are forced to sit with it in the car with it. The smell of pan-fried dumplings, roasted pork, ginger, scallion, garlic and a multitude of other sensations makes for a Chinese food car-bake (or in this case of this favorite, a true 'clambake') and these aromas don't simply trigger the mouth watering reflex, it's more of a "pull over on the highway I have to eat at least a little bite now" syndrome.
Although there are many dishes to praise here, the clams simmered in black bean sauce ($15.95) are a particular standout. The sauce itself has a slight oil slick to it, just enough to help it coat the inner and outer shell and stick to the surface without congealing. Firm Chinese black beans cling to the clams, and if you dig deep to the bottom, you'll find a pool of them just waiting to be claimed. The clams are always plump and fresh, there's no scrawny seafood at Tropical Chinese.
100 Favorite Dishes
43. Ackee Empanadas at Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin
44. Seafood Orgy at CVI.CHE 105
45. Rio Acai Bowl at Apple A Day
46. Aji Amarillo Ceviche at My Ceviche
47. Lunch Boat Special at Benihana
48. Victoria Station at The News Lounge
50. Gnocchi "Romana" at Cecconi's
51. Minuta at La Camaronera's The Fish Box
52. Carolina Piggie Platter at Austen's
53. Salted Lime Pie at the Dutch
54. Chicken Parmesan at Vesper
55. Cheese Plate at The Cheese Course
56. Egg Salad BLT at The Daily Creative Food Co.
57. Strawberry Pie at Fireman Derek's World Famous Pies
58. Pork Belly and Clams at Pubbelly Sushi
59. Poached Duck Breast at Rusty Pelican
60. Bacon and Blue at Ms. Cheezious
61. Spicy Scallop Roll at Toni's Sushi Bar
62. Chicken Tikka Masala at Bombay Darbar
63. Empanadas at Go-Go Fresh Food Cafe
64. Gabby's D'Lorean Burger and Tots at the Filling Station and Garage Bar
65. Pear Apple at The Federal
66. Carne Asada Fajitas at Cinco Cantina & Tequila Bar
67. Tres Leches at Havana 1957
68. Corn Bread at Peoples Barbecue
69. Truffle Artichoke Soup at Villa Mayfair
70. Portobello Mushroom Sandwich at the Café at Books & Books
71. Grilled Wings at Shuckers Bar & Grill
72. Turkey and Prosciutto With Fresh Mozzarella at La Sandwicherie
73. Creamy Tahini With Hummus at Broken Shaker
75. Brie Mozzarella Sticks at the Local
76. Paleta de Elote at La Michoacana Paleteria
77. Strawberry Fields Roll at I Love Sushi
79. Pork Rillettes at Buena Vista Deli
80. Chicken Fricassee at Le Bouchon Du Grove
82. Wagyu Gunkan at SushiSamba Dromo
83. Grilled Tiger Prawns at Mare Nostrum
85. Porchetta Sandwich at Salumeria 104
86. Nitro Ice Cream at Haven Gastro-Lounge
87. Red Burger at Red Restaurant
88. Carnitas Torta at Mercadito's Taqueria
89. Bone Marrow Ropa Vieja at Eating House
90. Mushroom-Crusted Grouper at the River Seafood & Oyster Bar
91. Crispy Pork and Onion Salad at Hiro's Yakko-San
92. Moqueca Brazileira at Pearl Restaurant & Lounge
93. Corvina at Edge Steak and Bar
94. Spiked Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
95. Egg Custard Tart With Black Truffles at Philip Ho
96. Soft Pretzels at Mister Collins
97. Serrano Ham Croquettes at Crazy About You
98. The Elena Ruth Sandwich at Sergio's
99. Chow Fun at Chow Down Grill
100. Grilled Artichoke at Peacock Garden Cafe
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