The Village Chalet Restaurant

The Village Chalet Restaurant works on several levels. Visiting the quaint place hidden inside the Cauley Square Historic Village is like traveling back in time to an Old South restaurant. Service and setting are reminiscent of less harried days. At night, the Village Chalet turns into an underrated entertainment venue with live music. The atmosphere is so un-Miami that you'll consider discarding your city-slicker ways for good. Most important, the food is worthy of the rest of the eatery's qualities. There's a varied menu, both in terms of items and prices. If you make the trek down south for lunch, you'll be rewarded with a special $9.95 menu that includes an eight-ounce sirloin steak grilled to order, as well as pasta, chicken, and seafood dishes. For dinner, try the chicken Marsala ($15.95) or a delightful sea bass alcaparra ($16.95), which is prepared with a creamy caper sauce. The Cajun-style rib eye ($22.95) is pricey compared to other entrées but should sate patrons who like their meat with a kick. For most Miamians, getting to the Village Chalet means a significant drive, but doing so reaps culinary and cultural rewards.