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Victoria Pesce Elliott makes a career of eating and drinking. In addition to reviewing Miami restaurants for The Herald, she is a contributing editor for the South Florida Zagat Survey and a member of the U.S. Sommelier Association board of directors. She writes for a number of national magazines including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Executive Travel and Wine & Spirits. She was raised in an Italian family who taught her the value of good food and wine.
Submitted by Dave Canyon from Ft Lauderdale Fl
Q: What is the story behind the closing of Marks in Ft.Lauderdale ? They were doing a great business and were the corner stone of that street.
Answered 05/17/08 12:31:20 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Dave: Mark Militello had been trying to sell his namesake restaurants for many years without success. Though he has declined to comment on the reason behind closing the 14 year-old Las Olas spot, I suspect he was just burned out. He says he is going to be doing some traveling. I'll be continuing to keep on eye on that prime spot and him. Thanks for your question. Sorry I don't have any more details right now.Submitted by Robert Goldstein from Miami, FL
Q: What restaurants would you recommend for dinner..in the North Miami Beach/Aventura area. Have you heard of Pilar Restaurant on Biscayne Blvd.? Enjoy your columns very much.
Answered 05/17/08 12:25:27 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Robert: Thanks so much. Yes, I have heard of Pilar and think it is very good. The chef/owner Scott Fredel runs a smart operation with moderate prices, super fresh seafood and a lively vibe. It can be loud but it is a worthwhile catch in the area. Hiro's Yakko-San (17040-46 W Dixie Highway) is a real divey treat with super authentic Japanese food, including the best tempura I have ever eaten. I also really like Timo (17624 Collins Ave., 305-936-1008) where the Mediterranean menu is constantly updated and always features lots of seasonal vegetables and delicious breads. For a super splurge, consider either restaurant in the newly revamped Turnberry Isle resort and club (www.fairmont.com/turnberry). Bourbon Steak is one of the best restaurants in South Florida bar none and La Cascata with executive chef Hubert des Marais is also divine.Submitted by Vane from Miami
Q: I am looking for a restaurant/ lounge to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. Somewhere thats open late has a full bar and moderate prices. It can be somewhere in the beach, brickell area, or gables. Hope to hear from you soon!
Answered 05/04/08 23:03:51 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Vane: One of the best moderately priced spots with locations on The Beach, Brickell AND The Gables is Novecento, where you can get a great steak or pasta and a drink for less than a night out at the movies. Check out www.novecentomiami.com for a menu and more details.Submitted by Elvi Fernandez from Homestead, FL
Q: Hello Victoria! Mother's Day is fast approaching and I was wondering if you could recommend a few Restaurants were I could take my mom. Her favorite type of food is French and Italian. But she also enjoys a good Brunch with Int’l food and Champagne. Can you help me? I called the Biltmore Hotel b/c I know they have a very good Brunch but they were booked since January. Please Help!!!
Answered 05/04/08 22:57:39 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Elvi: Please see my response below.Submitted by Glenda from Miami, Fl
Q: Hi Victoria, Wondering if you have any good ideas for a nice Mother's day brunch/lunch option that won't break the bank since we'll be going with a large family. Thanks for any input!
Answered 05/04/08 22:56:52 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: The truth is I get a bit queasy when it comes to Mother's Day brunches. Frankly, I'd rather my kids serve me runny eggs, burnt toast and bitter coffee than endure the lines and pressure of most restaurant brunches on the day when moms ought to be relaxing. Still, that said, if I absolutely had to go out on the most hectic day of the restaurant year, I would choose a place I have been before, where I feel like a regular. If you have no such place, think about South Beach's Table 8 (1458 Ocean Drive; 305-695-4114) where they are hosting a reasonably priced $35 per person brunch or maybe The Royal Bavarian Schnitzel House (1085 NE 79th St.; 305-754-8002) with a diverse menu and, of course, awesome schnitzel.Submitted by Munkyjam from Miami
Q: Thank you for answering all my questions. Your help has helped me tremendously. I was tring to search your archives to get a list of all your 4 star rated restaurants. I had trouble finding it. Can you please give me your list. Many thanks
Answered 05/04/08 22:29:27 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: The truth is I have awarded precious few four stars in the more than more than six years that I have been reviewing in South Florida. Ones that come to mind include Michy's, Palme d'or at the Biltmore and Hiro's Yakko-San in North Miami and Escopazzo on The Beach.Submitted by sonia viertl from coral gables
Q: not really a question...on april 10/08 in the dining Q&A the question was about soups/salads in the gables, i am sorry to see that you missed us, sacha's cafe in the courtyard (behing fleming's steakhouse)on valencia, check us out next time you are in the area, we are a word of mouth operation worth a try, since 1994 in the gables, initially on the mile hope to hear from you soon, thank you
Answered 05/04/08 21:35:16 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: I will put it on my list of must-visit spots. Thanks for the details. Also, feel free to send my your menus and other information at vpevpe@gmail.comSubmitted by thomas kryl from vienna,austria europe
Q: dear victoria! 4 of us are coming to miami beach on may 21st and as one of us has birthday that day wanna have a nice and cosy diner with a never forget ambiance -- maybe you´ve got a few suggestions for us!thank u
Answered 05/04/08 21:33:46 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Hey, Thomas: There are some real Only-In-Miami hot spots on South Beach that you will want to consider for that very special day. How about Casa Tua, super luxe and very special with Italian food that really is consistently great? Or, there is Prime One Twelve for high-end steak and a very lively vibe. Or, the always special Table 8? let me know how it works out. Cheers.Submitted by Dewey from Miami Beach, FL
Q: I Love everything. I overheard you won't be doing Zagat anymore. Why not? You're great! Who will be the new editor for Miami Zagat? I'm very curious why a great restaurant like Oishi Thai (www.oishithai.com) isn't printed in Zagat? They must be open for like 3 years already. I dont see any reviews by the Miami Herald either. Am I missing it? What's the link?
Answered 05/04/08 21:14:04 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Dewey: Wow! I love an enthusiastic reader. I am still a consulting editor for Zagat and still do their online reviews every two or three months. The yearly book rewrite of some five hundred restaurants every summer was murder! As for Oishi, I do love it. Funny! I just posted it on-line for www.zagat.com buzz. When it opened I was only really doing the super high-end spots for The Herald. I would like to include it in a review or round-up soon if one of my colleagues does not do it for something else. Thanks for your input.Submitted by Lori from Cooper City
Q: Victoria- Love your writing-love your taste!! Need a suggestion for a surprise b-day venue for my husband (a milestone). Great food, great ambience with a little twist, anywhere in Dade or Broward for a small group of 12. Thanks :}
Answered 04/19/08 09:30:59 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Thanks, Lori: For an over-the-top splurge for a dozen of my husband's closest friends I would consider Bourbon Steak at Turnberry (786-279-6600; www.fairmont.com/turnberry). The food at the Michael Mina outpost is exquisite and I have not seen better service anywhere in Miami. The tab, however, is also off the charts. I am not sure how big a milestone this is! If you want to have a few dollars left over to buy him those cufflinks you were looking at, you might really like Brosia (163 NE 39th St., 305-572-1400;www.brosiamiami.com) in the Design District where the seating under beautiful white oaks is stunning especially when the weather is breezy. I have also liked Andu off of Brickell Ave. (141 SW 7th Ave., 786-871-7005;www.andurestaurant.com). Both have talented chefs and seemingly decent management teams. Check out their menus and see what you think. As for the twist...I will leave that up to you. Enjoy and congrats!Submitted by Tina from Pinecrest
Q: Just an FYI! If you love Cuban food and are in the Pinecrest area (I know Pinecrest and Cuban food no way) I have found the place! Havana Spice, just south of Kendall Drive on US 1.It is awsome! I've been going there for months and every single time the food is perfect, no matter what I order!! The prices are great too.Hope you get to try them!
Answered 04/16/08 14:09:23 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Thanks so much, Tina: I always love a good tip. I will make sure I get down there some time soon. Plus, I'll shoot a quick email to some of my colleagues at the paper to let them know about it.Submitted by Donna from Miami Beach
Q: My 25 year old niece is visiting. She is a vegetarian. Do you have any restaurant suggestions for a vegetarian, preferably near South beach?
Answered 04/16/08 14:06:29 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Gee, I wish I could list a dozen super vegetarian spots for you and your niece to enjoy on The Beach but there really aren't. The best I can do is suggest a few places where you will find some non-meat options in a nice setting. My top pick for a splurge meal is the always delicious Escopazzo (1311 Washington Ave., 305-674-9450; www.escopazzo.com). Here the all organic Italian menu emphasizes fresh local ingredients and handmade pastas. Other more casual spots for lunches and snacks are Oasis (976 Arthur Godfrey Rd., 305-674-9005), Tamarind (946 Normandy Dr., 305-861-6222) for exquisite Thai food and a soothing ambiance and also, consider Guru International (232 12th St., 305-534-3996) for Indian eats.Submitted by Barbara from Miami Beach
Q: Can you recommend any place to have drinks and a light meal near the Arsht Center? We are attending the Opera which is over at 11pm on a Thursday night. Several of my friends are driving from different directions so we wanted to go somewhere close after the Opera.
Answered 04/16/08 13:54:59 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: One of the best places I can suggest within walking distance is Bin 18 (275 NE 18th St., 786-235-7575) where you can get fantastic Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices. The chef Alfredo Patino was top toque at The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove before opening this modest but recommendable newcomer. I also suggest calling for a reservation since the under-the-radar spot is getting better known all the time. Check out the website for a full menu: bin18miami.com. If you want to drive just a couple of dozen blocks north to the Design District, consider Michael's Genuine Food & Drink (130 NE 40th St. 305-573-5550) where the ever-changing offerings always include a mix of lovely imports and lots of organic and local products, too. Or, Brosia (163 NE 39 St., 305-572-1400; brosiamiami.com), another delicious Mediterranean hotspot with gorgeous outdoor seating under hundred year old White oaks and expertly prepared meals by chef Arthur Antiles.Submitted by Reinaldo Romo from Miami, Florida
Q: Victoria: I was involved with Romo, the Restaurant at 1444 S. W. 8th Street in Little Havana. I am no longer affiliated with the restaurant and have not been there since October 2007. There have been several attempts to continue without me trying a different concept, etc. The restaurant still bears my name and I see that people have been telling you that they have been there and it is nothing like you described and the menu is way off of what ROMO, the restaurant used to serve. I am in the process of looking for another location to open up ROMO, the restaurant again the way it should be opened and how people remember it was when I was there. I will keep you posted when I open the doors again.
Answered 03/26/08 09:22:04 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Reinaldo: Thanks so much for the heads up. Please do let me know when you find a new spot. I will look forward to dining with you again. Best of luck,Submitted by Melissa Adams from Washington DC
Q: Hi Patty, I am hosting a dinner for a group of 12 CEOs and Wall St. types in May. I am looking for excellent food, ideally within walking distance of the Lowe's Hotel in South Beach. Want it to be special but not too pretentious and outdoor dining and/or a fun vibe would be a plus.
Answered 03/26/08 09:19:18 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Melissa: Though it does not offer outdoor dining (which you may not really want in May anyway when the average humidity is over 80 percent), Nobu in the Shore Club (1901 Collins Ave., 305-695-3232) should be exactly what you are looking for. The scene is always happening and the food exquisite. Prices are a bit out of hand but it sounds like that is not an issue. My backup would be the very cool Table 8 (1458 Ocean Drive., 305-695-4114), where chef Govind Armstrong does wonderful things, especially with local seafood. Both are walking distance from the Loews and should impress even the most jaded banker type.Submitted by DEBORAH from MIAMI BEACH, FLORDIA
Q: VICTORIA CAN YOU SUGGEST A COUPLE OF RESTURANTS IN THE MIAMI AREA FOR A SURPRISE SATURDAY LUNCH/BABY SHOWER FOR ABOUT 20 PEOPLE, THAT IS ALSO KID FRIENDLY,NICE FOOD AND WON'T BREAK THE BANK? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Answered 03/02/08 15:07:03 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Dear Deborah: When you say the Miami area do you actually mean The City of Miami? If so, two excellent and reasonably priced options come to mind. Canela Cafe (5132 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-3930) is a great spot whose young owners are eager to please with tasty tapas and a Spanish/Latin menu. Similarly, Uva 69(6900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-9022) is a cheery spot (though mostly outdoor seating) with hip servers who are also super friendly to kids. A pricier option would be Michy's across the street. Though it is not usually open for lunch they might be willing to do a special event. Give them a call at 305-759-2001.Submitted by Enrique from Madrid
Q: I live in Madrid and I would be travelling to Miami in one month. According to you, what are the top 5 restaurants in Miami? No matter style, concept or price. Thank you very much
Answered 03/02/08 14:59:04 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Enrique: How about I give you six? A bonus! Sardinia on South Beach for its excellent antipasti, salads, pastas and wines, The Palme d'or at The Biltmore for its exquisite French fare and fine service, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink for its incredibly delicious and not overwrought food, especially the local seafood; Michy's for its lively vibe and fun parade of small plates; Hiro's Yakko San for the best Japanese food in town, especially their tempura and finally the brand new Michael Mina in the Fairmont Turnberry Resort. Have a great time and feel free to write in again for more input.Submitted by Gilda from Miami, FL
Q: I need to find a nice restaurant for a wedding rehearsal dinner for July 25, 2008. The parents of the groom are from out of town and they are inviting all their relatives that are coming for the wedding besides the wedding party. (about 60 to 65 people). In December they saw St Michael and they liked it, but it closed!. In January they came and we found that the City Cellar had a private room and it could hold the whole group. Now that one has closed too! They went to Diego's and it is too loud. Las Palmas is too small and also has live music that would make conversation imposible. What can you recommend, in the Gables area (the out of town guests are staying at the Westin)that would be appropiate? That can seat so many people, that won't be too loud and that has good service and food? AnaCapri in the Gables has a second story private room but no elevators and we have elderly people and maybe a wheelchair bound person. Thank you, Gilda Harden
Answered 03/02/08 14:50:49 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Wow, Gilda. How frustrating. They should be very happy at Graziano's (394 Giralda 305-774-3599), an excellent, upscale Argentine restaurant with predictably wonderful steaks but also a full menu and a fantastic wine list. Best of all, they have a lovely private room that should be able to accommodate the whole crew. Best of luck.Submitted by Paula from Coral Gables, FL
Q: Hi Victoria, this isn't really a question but a comment regarding the cheese course question you received. I recently dined at the soon-to-open Fratelli Lyon in the Design District and it will have cheeses on its menu.
Answered 03/02/08 14:41:58 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Hi, Paula: That's great news. Thanks! Last time I stopped by Fratelli Lyon by the talented Ken Lyon at 4141 NE 2nd Ave. it was still not open. I will be back soon. I still remember fondly his old Lyon Frére on LIncoln Road. The Design District sure is getting interesting.Submitted by Ron from Gulfport, MS.
Q: For years when I came to Miami I would go to sunday brunch at a place called Sundays by the Bay, I was there last in Dec 2005 and the place was closed due to a bad storm that damaged the place. Called there phone number I found by google today and it said it was still disconnected. Did they open back up? If not can you recomend a place that had the same water view with boats and good sunday brunch. Or if Sundays is planning to re open...THANKS
Answered 02/21/08 21:12:00 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Hey, Ron: I remember Sundays for their fun reggae parties, but, alas, they are no more. Also on Key Biscayne with spectacular views in The Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, 305-361-3818). Their popular Sunday brunch buffet comes with unlimited mimosas or champagne. They the big display with omelette stations, pastas, seafood and more. The price is $29.99 But, be sure food is not the main attraction, the view is. I'd be curious how you make out. See my other posts about Barchetta and The Lido Spa at The Standard for other restaurants with awesome views.
