It's that time of year again when we count down to New Times' Best of Miami 2012 issue in June. Starting today, 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].
100. Grilled Artichoke at Peacock Garden Cafe
It seems so basic, but the grilled artichoke appetizer ($12) at Peacock Garden Cafe is curiously enticing. First marinated in olive oil, the artichoke itself is infused with an amazing level of smoky goodness from the grill. It's served with a chunky blue cheese-lemon dip that's not the usual mayo based gloppy mess. Instead, this side of sauce has a nicely textured tart buttermilky base that mixes with the oily surface, melting into little pools of oil and cheese in the grooves of the hot artichoke leaves. It's never easy or particularly pretty to eat artichoke leaves, this isn't a date night dish; only the truly dedicated will scrape at the edges of flesh with eager teeth. So, share your artichoke with friends and family, or someone who already loves you and wants to see you naked regardless of how you look as a vegetable vulture.
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