Submitted by Laurie from Port St. Lucie, FL

Q: I would like to take out of town guests to dinner at a restaurant in the Miami area that has good food and live music, what can you suggest? Thanks!

Answered 07/03/09 12:21:44 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: For a lovely weekend evening of food and music, check out a local's favorite in downtown at Perricone's Marketplace & Cafe 15 SE 10th St Miami, FL 305-374-9449 http://perricones.com. Call to see who is playing.

Submitted by Victoria Pesce Ellio from Miami

Q: This isn't a question but a note from Victoria to let you know that I'll be out of the country on vacation and won't be able to answer your questions until I return.

Answered 07/03/09 11:30:48 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: See you after July 12!

Submitted by Carla from Brazil

Q: Victoria, I going to Miami next week and it's been a year almost since the last time. I am going with my husband and a friend of mine. I would really aprecciate if you could give me some advice about new or not so new restaurants. We are staying in the beach, but we will have a car. Thank you very much!

Answered 07/02/09 21:37:29 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: A lot has been happening since you were here last. The most exciting of wich has to be the opening of the Fontainebleau. Scott Conant's Scarpetta is my favorite new thing to happen lately. His rustic but lusty and sophisticated Italian food is thrilling. See my review: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/restaurants/story/875383.html. While on the website, look at some of the other good picks including BLT Steak and Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak. Enjoy!

Submitted by NORM from WELLINGTON, FL

Q: Could you recommend any restaurants that have small tasting portions or tapas menus, serving lunches/dinners or both? We like good quality food and enjoy multiple dishes with many tastes. We are open to restaurant suggestions for the tri-county (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)area. Thank you!

Answered 07/02/09 21:33:22 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Norm: Of course, Michy's made the small plate form most popular in Miami, but MIchelle Bernstein's newer outpost represents the best of the new Spanish themed tapas spots in Miami (Design District 4000 NE 2nd Ave; 305) 573-5474). Here the James Beard Award winning chef turns out fabulously homey renditions of Spanish classics with a superior bar and lovely by-the-glass wine selections.

Submitted by rudy from miami

Q: Dear Victoria, A few year ago one of my favorite cuban restaurants was Lila's Restautant on SW 87 Ave and 24th st(coral way) on the former westchester mall, where they served that famous steak with the mountain of fries, and for dessert, have the best flan and tres leche. Since that mall went down, whatever happened to that restaurant? Did they ever moved it to another location or went out of business? Also theres a restaurant/sports bar called Sports Grill (on SW 72 st and 100 ave and Sw 147 ave and 104 st), they have the best wings, and on wednesdays, they have the best baby back ribs. They gonna open one soon on SW 40 st(bird Rd) and 117 ave, just to inform our miami people out there. Thanks

Answered 07/02/09 21:31:43 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Hey, Rudy: Thanks for the 411 on Sports Grill. I've never been. I will be sure to spread the word. As for Lila's, I never did hear where they ended up. If anyone knows, do tell! Thanks

Submitted by Juan Mario Maza from Miami, Fl

Q: Dear Victoria , My wife and I own Alta Cocina in South Miami, we are going to go to Nappa Valley for a couple of days in the summer and I wanted to ask you if you could recomend me what restaurants are a must for young cooks like us,we never been there or any where close to there, If it is not to much to ask if you could give us some sugestions I would greatly appeciate it. p.s. the french laundry is completely booked.. Thank you!!

Answered 06/24/09 12:28:33 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: What a great trip! If you can’t get into French Laundry after putting yourself on the waiting list and calling every day the week before your visit, then check out Bouchon (707-944-8037; www.bouchon bistro.com) or Ad hoc (707—944-2487; www.adhocrestaruant.com), the more casual Thomas Keller outlets for the regular folks. Ad Hoc does a super Sunday Brunch. For sure you should try Ubuntu, a superb vegetarian spot that is part of a yoga studio. I had the pleasure of eating chef Jeremy Fox’s robust cooking when he cooked down here at Dinner in Paradise with Michael Schwartz during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Also, see: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2008/06/napa-valley-foodie-globetrotti.html for another feast option at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen in downtown St Helena every Wednesday night. Of course, there are so many amazing wineries that you should tour. Call some of your suppliers and see if they can set you up. Have a delicious time!

Submitted by Andre' Smith from Baton Rouge, LA

Q: Ms Victoria...I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami and was wondering if you could suggest some good restaurants at bayside mall/port area...prefer within walking distance....Thanks....

Answered 06/16/09 14:06:29 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Just across the street from the Holiday Inn at Bayside Marketplace is a popular eat til you drop Argentine steakhouse called The Knife (786-866-3999; www.thekniferestaurant.com) where every meal includes a bottle of wine as well as unlimited beef, chicken, salad and desserts. For a more casual and typical Cuban experience, try Latin American Cafe where you can get rice and beans alongside picadillo, ropa vieja and a killer Cuban sandwich pressed on the grill. Don't forget to sample a cortadito for a real taste of Miami.

Submitted by Saundra from North Miami Beach

Q: Are there any pet friendly restaurants in or near North Miami Beach?

Answered 06/16/09 13:52:05 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Actually, most any place that has an outside terrace or patio allows pets. And there are many in NMB. Your best bets include the very lively Prezzo (Loehmann's Fashion Island, 18831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-931-5775 www.prezzofl.com) or for a fantastic Mediterranean dinner, Timo (17624 Collins Ave., 305-936-1008; www.timorestaurant.com).

Submitted by Stacy R from Pacific Palisades, CA

Q: Dear Victoria, I will be in South Beach at the end of June with my daughter's volleyball team for a tournament. I was hoping you could suggest some restaurants for us to try that have very good food, $$-$$$ prices and are good for a group of 22 (we like to do 2 tables). The girls are 15-16 years old. Thank you, Stacy

Answered 06/08/09 02:05:01 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Wow, Stacy! That should be a fun trip. You might want to try something on Lincoln Road, where the girls can get their fill of shopping and eating. Meat Market is a good choice and has a high fun factor as well as a good selection (915 Lincoln Rd.; 305-532-0088;wwwmeatmarketmiami.com). Do check out the menu on-line. It could get pricey. For a more casual taste of Miami's Cuban culture, try David's Cafe (1654 Meridian Ave., 305-672-8707; www.davidscafe.com). Very serviceable and friendly if not exactly gourmet fare right off Lincoln Road.

Submitted by Jennifer Martinez from Fort Worth

Q: Im going a girls get away with my friend in a few days in Miami beach June 11-14. What restaurants do you recommmed for us to dine out in. We are very excited about this trip and want to make the most of it, just us girls, thank you, Jennifer Martinez

Answered 05/28/09 20:18:42 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Jennifer: You might want to try Meat Market (915 Lincoln Road, 915 Lincoln Road; 305-532-0088) for cocktails and appetizers. Stroll west on Lincoln Road and have your entrees at Alta Mar (1223 Lincon Road., 305-532-3061) and finally, taxi a quick few blocks to Quinn's at The Park Central Hotel (640 Ocean Drive., 305-673-6400) for key lime pie dessert. Another gorgeous place to check out for the view and cocktails is China Grill at The Mondrian. The Delano and the Fontainebleu are icons as well.

Submitted by Hiroshi

Q: Thank you for answering my question. I have been to all of those NYC restaurants you mentioned, including Masa. The sushi at Masa is not better than Naoe, only as good. The courses beforehand are better at Masa, but its not a fair comparison of $300-500 vs $26. But the level of taste for Naoe's $26 vs Masa's $500 is the same, even without serving the best caviar or truffle on the planet. Thats why I say the talent of Masa is only as good, but not better. Actually to say that with only a $26 meal, reasoning should sway one to say the talent at Naoe is better than Masa. I definetly have joy in NYC. I love NYC! But Naoe was a big surprise. How about if you make a reservation at Masa for $26 and one at Naoe for $500 to compare?

Answered 05/28/09 20:09:56 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Hiroshi: Thanks for writing back. Of course, I am not saying which is a better value. You are right. Frankly, I think Naoe is charging too little for such great food. Really! How can he make a living? I am going back to NYC in a few weeks. ANy suggestions for great sushi there? A place I have not been? Preferably in the less than $100 range?

Submitted by Hiroshi from nyc, tokyo

Q: Last week I went to Naoe and very surprised. I love NYC and fine dining and can only say for Japanese cuisine NYC has as good, but not better. Why does an international city like Miami not have more special dining experience restaurants like Naoe compared to other international cities? Zagat Miami's top food ratings are mostly comfort food factories or subpar fine dining attempts. Overall service in Miami is very uneducated too. Michy's has very good service but so so food and has the top food rating. Zagat voter ratings show people in Miami only appreciate big plates of cheap food. Is there a better Miami restaurant guide book for a more sophisticated diner?

Answered 05/21/09 13:40:20 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Hiroshi: Thanks so much for your note. I also was happily shocked by the incredible skill and freshness I experienced at my omakase dinner at Naoe (165 Sunny Isles Blvd.,). Still, you must not have had the pleasure of worshiping at the temple to all things perfect to put in your mouth at Masa in New York City if you say there is no better there. Speaking of which, what about the many other high-temples of pristine Japanese fare, ie; Hatsuhana, Kuruma Zushi, Sushi Yasuda etc. that serve a large variety of brilliantly paced exotica? No joy? But, that aside, I do agree with you that Miami is an extremely immature city culinarily and that the many unsophisticated diners do sometimes skew survey-based guides in print and on-line. Have you seen chowhound? Still, having worked for Zagat for the last decade I can say that the best restaurants rise to the top and the guide is a true reflection of our dining scene. I find it an indispensable tool. Miami's population is comprised primarily of immigrants from countries with very rustic food sensibilities. As for more sophisticated reviews, I suggest you stick with the Herald for coverage of the currently evolving food scene. (; Thanks again for your input! I am gunning for Chef Kevin!!

Submitted by larry mitchum from baton rouge, la

Q: Is there a great Cuban Restaurant within a decent drive time from Ft. Lauderdale? Thanks Larry

Answered 05/20/09 17:44:04 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Hey, Larry: Yes, indeed there are plenty. Ask at your hotel since there are lots of little holes in the wall that I may not be aware of since I spend so much more time in Miami where you can hardly throw a croqueta without hitting a little cafeteria. Little Havana, one of my favorites in Miami has an outpost in Deerfield Beach (www.littlehavanarestaruant.com) or you might want to try any of the Las Vegas Cuban restaurants (www.lasvegascubancuisine.com) with lots of convenient locations near you.

Submitted by Jana from Denver, CO

Q: Dear Victoria, My sister is having her bachelorette weekend in South Beach and we are staying at the Loews. I was wondering if you could recommend a lively restaurant in that area. I really appreciate your advice! Best, Jana

Answered 05/20/09 17:33:26 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Jana: Staying at the Loews puts you in the heart of South Beach's most vibrant restaurants. I think you and your sister might really enjoy Sushi Samba dromo (www.sushisamba.com) for some exotic (Japanese-Brazilian) food or Meat Market (www.meatmarketmiami.com) a modern steakhouse with a good buzz. Both are always packed with good-looking partiers fueled by severe cocktails and both are on Lincoln Road within walking distance of your hotel.

Submitted by Alex from Atlanta, GA

Q: Victoria, My fiancee (soon to be wife) are going to be celebrating our honeymoon for a few nights in Miami and then on to Key West. We love good food and keep hearing great things about Michael's Genuine in Miami. First question: what are your thoughts on Michael's and second what are your top picks in Key West. Thank you for the help! Alex

Answered 05/20/09 17:15:01 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Alex: In the case of Michael's, you CAN believe the hype. It is every bit as good as people say. As the name testifies, the food, including lovely local seafood, is real and so is the cooking. You cannot go wrong there. As for Key West, consider Pisces (1007 Simonton St; 305-294-7100; www.pisceskeywest.com) for a fancy meal and Blue Heaven (729 Thomas St., 305-296-8666) for a funky, lovely breakfast or lunch. Actually, dinner is also very good there, too so long as you don't mind some barnyard animals scurrying around beneath your feet while you eat. Other great choices include: 915 Restaurant & Wine Bar (915 Duval St., 305-296-0669; www.915duval.com) and Seven Fish ((632 Olivia St., 305-296-2777). Congratulations and best wishes for a long, delicious life together.