65. Apricot Tart at Essensia at the Palms

Gabriela Garcia | March 31, 2011 | 9:00am

As we count down to New Times' Best of Miami 2011 in June, Short Order will serve up 100 of our favorite dishes in the 305 in random order. If you have any nominations of your own, please send them to cafe@miaminewtimes.com. After the jump, find our other choices.

photo by billwisser.com

65. Apricot Tart at Essensia at the Palms

If you head to organic and healthy eatery Essencia at the Palms during domestic apricot season (spring through summer), there's no better finish to a light and dainty meal than a rich fruity tart from pastry chef Gail Goetsch, who studied under Hedy Goldsmith, the acclaimed Michael's Genuine Food & Drink dessert creator.

Goetsch's buttery, crisp yet flaky, warm folded pastry holds slivers of lightly glazed velvety, juicy, slightly acidic baked apricot. A scoop of almond-ginger ice cream and spiced, roasted almonds come alongside and provide smooth, cool, and crunchy textural contrast. It's a fresh spin that turns a rustic pie into an elegant, harmonious treat.

100 Favorite Dishes:

66. Vegetable Red Curry at Yuga

67. Cinnamon Bun at Solo

68. Herb-Crusted Salmon at Lulu

69. McBelly at Pubbelly

70. Queso de Cabra al Horno (Baked Goat Cheese with Tomatoes) at Tapas y Tintos

71. Tapas at Xixón

72. Mac 'n' Cheese Pancake at CheeseMe Mobile

73. Yum Yum and Earth Day Tacos at Nacho Bizness

74. Vegetarian-Smoked Duck at Shing Wang Chinese

75. Steamed Local Snapper In-A-Bag at The Forge

76. Gouda Tater Tots at Meat Market