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BEST RESTAURANT FOR A POWER LUNCH

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A POWER LUNCH The Capital Grille 444 Brickell Avenue

Miami

305-374-4500

www.thecapitalgrille.com Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and absolutely corrupt power tearing up 5-pound lobsters and ravaging through 24-ounce slabs of porterhouse is downright frightening. Yet it occurs daily come lunchtime at The Capital Grille. Located at the Brickell Avenue apex of Miami's financial center, the Grille's mahogany walls and private booths provide the proper backdrop for corporate wheeling. An award-winning wine list and aptly dry martinis set the stage for daring dealing. And quiet, gracious service minimizes distraction. Giant cuts of meat dry-age on hooks in a glass locker visible to diners, perhaps a not-so-subtle metaphor for the worst-case scenario of a deal gone bad. Still there's always the considerable consolation derived from executive chef Innocent Utomi's powerful steak-and-seafood house cuisine. How important can money be when one is presented with a wedge of iceberg smothered in blue cheese and bacon; a thick, succulent Delmonico steak; a decadent chocolate espresso cake? Only important enough to pay the hefty bill. But don't worry, the company will pick it up, and besides, lunch here is well worth the price. Delicious food satisfies, and The Capital Grille's absolutely delicious food satisfies absolutely.

BEST HOT DOG STAND

Dogma Grill

Aran S Graham
BEST HOT DOG STAND Dogma Grill 7030 Biscayne Boulevard

Miami

305-759-3433 Hot dogs are eaten in 95 percent of American homes, consumption per person averaging out to 80 franks per year. Some like the boiled, porky type, and nobody makes the soft, pink pup better than Arbetter's Hot Dogs. Those who prefer Hebrew National 100 percent beef frankfurters, not boiled but assiduously browned on a flat-top griddle, and who desire a range of dressings beyond sauerkraut, pickled relish, and chili-cheese, tend to favor Dogma Grill. This two-and-a-half-year-old southern Californian-style stand wraps around the corner of Biscayne Boulevard and 71st Street as comfortably as dog in bun -- the buns here, incidentally, are fluffy-fresh and pot-shot with poppy seeds. You can choose from among seventeen types of wieners, including a pair of New York-style (mustard/sauerkraut or sautéed onions), Chicago-style (peppers, pickles, sauerkraut, and, well, a whole bunch of stuff), and a spicy "burrito dog," which is actually two dogs, each sliced in half lengthwise and tucked in a tortilla with chili, bacon, onions, and melted cheddar -- a hefty snack for $4.75. Other dogs average three dollars apiece, while the "classic," with any-or-all choice of mustard, ketchup, relish, and chopped onion, goes for $2.45. Fat Polish beef sausages and malignant little veggie dogs are also on hand. Dogma has recently spread its frank philosophy to the corner of Washington Avenue and Fifteenth Street in South Beach. This doubling of accessibility is timely, because if you haven't already consumed at least 40 frankfurters this year, it's going to take a lot of Dogma visits to reach your statistical per-capita intake.

BEST HOT DOG STAND

Dogma Grill

BEST HOT DOG STAND Dogma Grill 7030 Biscayne Boulevard

Miami

305-759-3433 Hot dogs are eaten in 95 percent of American homes, consumption per person averaging out to 80 franks per year. Some like the boiled, porky type, and nobody makes the soft, pink pup better than Arbetter's Hot Dogs. Those who prefer Hebrew National 100 percent beef frankfurters, not boiled but assiduously browned on a flat-top griddle, and who desire a range of dressings beyond sauerkraut, pickled relish, and chili-cheese, tend to favor Dogma Grill. This two-and-a-half-year-old southern Californian-style stand wraps around the corner of Biscayne Boulevard and 71st Street as comfortably as dog in bun -- the buns here, incidentally, are fluffy-fresh and pot-shot with poppy seeds. You can choose from among seventeen types of wieners, including a pair of New York-style (mustard/sauerkraut or sautéed onions), Chicago-style (peppers, pickles, sauerkraut, and, well, a whole bunch of stuff), and a spicy "burrito dog," which is actually two dogs, each sliced in half lengthwise and tucked in a tortilla with chili, bacon, onions, and melted cheddar -- a hefty snack for $4.75. Other dogs average three dollars apiece, while the "classic," with any-or-all choice of mustard, ketchup, relish, and chopped onion, goes for $2.45. Fat Polish beef sausages and malignant little veggie dogs are also on hand. Dogma has recently spread its frank philosophy to the corner of Washington Avenue and Fifteenth Street in South Beach. This doubling of accessibility is timely, because if you haven't already consumed at least 40 frankfurters this year, it's going to take a lot of Dogma visits to reach your statistical per-capita intake.

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH Barton G the Restaurant

1427 West Avenue

Miami Beach

305-672-8881 Barton G. Weiss made his name in catering grand events, and as such he understands that dining out is ultimately about more than great food and service, it's about having a great time -- which is just what people experience when they come to his eponymous South Beach restaurant. The outdoor garden and indoor room are absolutely lovely and arguably the only dining settings around where the cuisine is greeted with audible oohs, aahs, and whoops of delight; also the only place we know of where people pull out cameras to photograph their meals. That's because there's more creativity manifested on Barton G's menu and presentations than at other restaurants in town. Combined. Heck, they exhibit more creativity on their coffee menu alone (including a bean that gets soaked in animal enzymes for extra fullness). Macaroni and cheese is served in a giant mousetrap, with a wedge of cheddar as the "bait." Shrimp gets served in a giant glass vase with dry ice releasing a sweep of smoke across the table. Duck decoys, wooden chickens, miniature lounge chairs -- just about anything goes as garnish here (no need for karaoke nights when the entertainment is built into the food). There is so much fun per plate that it's easy to overlook just how fresh and delicious the contemporary American fare is; it would be among the best even if it didn't have a great sense of humor. Service is strong too, the wine list sophisticated, desserts so over the top they go through the roof -- almost literally in the case of the towering cotton candy treat. Dining at Barton G's is a trip -- and the best one you'll take in South Beach.

Readers´ Choice: China Grill

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH Barton G the Restaurant

1427 West Avenue

Miami Beach

305-672-8881 Barton G. Weiss made his name in catering grand events, and as such he understands that dining out is ultimately about more than great food and service, it's about having a great time -- which is just what people experience when they come to his eponymous South Beach restaurant. The outdoor garden and indoor room are absolutely lovely and arguably the only dining settings around where the cuisine is greeted with audible oohs, aahs, and whoops of delight; also the only place we know of where people pull out cameras to photograph their meals. That's because there's more creativity manifested on Barton G's menu and presentations than at other restaurants in town. Combined. Heck, they exhibit more creativity on their coffee menu alone (including a bean that gets soaked in animal enzymes for extra fullness). Macaroni and cheese is served in a giant mousetrap, with a wedge of cheddar as the "bait." Shrimp gets served in a giant glass vase with dry ice releasing a sweep of smoke across the table. Duck decoys, wooden chickens, miniature lounge chairs -- just about anything goes as garnish here (no need for karaoke nights when the entertainment is built into the food). There is so much fun per plate that it's easy to overlook just how fresh and delicious the contemporary American fare is; it would be among the best even if it didn't have a great sense of humor. Service is strong too, the wine list sophisticated, desserts so over the top they go through the roof -- almost literally in the case of the towering cotton candy treat. Dining at Barton G's is a trip -- and the best one you'll take in South Beach.

Readers´ Choice: China Grill

BEST CROISSANT

La Provence

BEST CROISSANT La Provence 1627 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach

305-538-2406 Although he wouldn't reveal the exact recipe, the key to a good croissant, says La Provence owner David Thau, is the way the baker works with the dough, which should always be cold. Also, all the ingredients have to be fresh and the butter real. The result is a croissant that isn't too huge (bigger croissants tend to be airier and mushier) and boasts the perfect ratio of flaky crispness on the outside and warm, buttery softness on the inside. Right off Lincoln Road on Collins Avenue, pop in for one and a café au lait before heading to the Lincoln Road farmers' and antiques markets, which cover about ten blocks. Walk it twice -- only French women don't get fat.

BEST CROISSANT

La Provence

BEST CROISSANT La Provence 1627 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach

305-538-2406 Although he wouldn't reveal the exact recipe, the key to a good croissant, says La Provence owner David Thau, is the way the baker works with the dough, which should always be cold. Also, all the ingredients have to be fresh and the butter real. The result is a croissant that isn't too huge (bigger croissants tend to be airier and mushier) and boasts the perfect ratio of flaky crispness on the outside and warm, buttery softness on the inside. Right off Lincoln Road on Collins Avenue, pop in for one and a café au lait before heading to the Lincoln Road farmers' and antiques markets, which cover about ten blocks. Walk it twice -- only French women don't get fat.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER

La Paloma Restaurant

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER La Paloma Restaurant 10999 Biscayne Boulevard

North Miami

305-891-0505 La Paloma caters to an older crowd. That's their niche and they're sticking to it. It's evident in all the details. Early seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Complimentary valet service is offered from the (wheelchair accessible) main entrance. The décor harkens back to another era, a time before Modernism, Minimalism, Art Deco, and all the rest. Deep colors, rich fabrics, dark woods, and antique collectibles dominate the ornately appointed spaces. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the grand dining room, which, you can't help but notice, is filled with patrons of a certain age. Polite waiters dressed in black provide quiet, attentive service, delivering thoughtfully executed Swiss Continental fare to the tables. Classic cuisine served with Old World charm. This is the formula that has made La Paloma a success for 28 years. Your grandma and grandpa will be so impressed they'll be bragging about you at bridge club for weeks.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER

La Paloma Restaurant

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER La Paloma Restaurant 10999 Biscayne Boulevard

North Miami

305-891-0505 La Paloma caters to an older crowd. That's their niche and they're sticking to it. It's evident in all the details. Early seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Complimentary valet service is offered from the (wheelchair accessible) main entrance. The décor harkens back to another era, a time before Modernism, Minimalism, Art Deco, and all the rest. Deep colors, rich fabrics, dark woods, and antique collectibles dominate the ornately appointed spaces. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the grand dining room, which, you can't help but notice, is filled with patrons of a certain age. Polite waiters dressed in black provide quiet, attentive service, delivering thoughtfully executed Swiss Continental fare to the tables. Classic cuisine served with Old World charm. This is the formula that has made La Paloma a success for 28 years. Your grandma and grandpa will be so impressed they'll be bragging about you at bridge club for weeks.

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop 186 NE 29th Street

Miami

305-573-4681 Abuelita is going to lay the smack down if she finds out about this guilty pleasure. It will most certainly break her frail heart to learn about the culinary adultery that will ensue once you bite into the orgasm-inducing pressed bread, ham, cheese, and pork this tiny shack serves up. They pile it on. A super-thick, hearty portion makes the sandwiches here almost two inches thick. What really makes it special is the juicy butter they dab on the bread that leads to a moist mouthful of heaven. Note: The fact that this place is located across the way from the New Times building may lead to speculation that we've been compromised. Bring abuelita and try one before casting any stones.

Best Of Miami®

Best Of Miami®

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