Audio By Carbonatix
Much of America thinks of spring as a time to start anew. In South Beach, though, it just means that
droves of drunken college students roam the streets and
gawk at topless women lying on the beach.
Thank God South Beach locals can find refuge in
places off the beaten path.
Clarke’s is a little neighborhood bar and grill on First Street where you can throw back a Guinness or two and chat with the
colorful regulars. Its cozy Irish décor is complete with a mahogany bar, brick
walls, a small interior, and a laid-back atmosphere. A few of the
servers and bartenders even have Irish accents.
The menu offers traditional Irish favorites such as bangers
‘n’ mash or shepherd’s pie for $13.95. For $14.95, you can enjoy fish
‘n’ chips
or corned beef and cabbage. But the stunners here are the
French fries. They come with many sandwiches and are perfect for late-night munching or helping you sober up after daytime drinking. They’re fresh-cut and
come as regular fries, sweet potato fries, or fries with Parmesan and
truffle oil.
Bridget the bartender suggests the truffle oil and Parmesan
fries. Asked why they are her favorite, she brilliantly replies,
“Well,
they have truffle oil and Parmesan on them. What more do you want me to
say?
They’re delicious.”
The fries were phenomenal. The truffle oil flavor
was not
overpowering but strong enough to give the spuds some real kick. The Parmesan
cheese added a salty zest and was melted oh-so-slightly by the time the
fries
reached the table. They weren’t particularly crunchy, but they
were
fattening, flavorful, and filling. Two thumbs up for Bridget the
bartender’s
recommendation.
— Beth Swanson
