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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 Dr. Ken Knopf from North Miami, FL
Q: WHICH THAI RESTAURANT IS TRULY A MIAMI MUST? ANSWER: OISHI THAI RESTAURANT, 146th and Biscayne Blvd. North Miami Beach, FL Every meal, every dish is an outstanding demonstration of Chef Bee's culinary versatility and culinary art, from the presentation and creativity to the taste delights and quality of every ingredient. Oishi Thai and Chef Bee represent the BEST there is of the Art of Thai and Japanese food. OISHI THAI RESTAURANT IS DESERVING OF THE RECOGNITION OF HIGHEST RATING, WHETHER IT BE STARS OR FORKS. IT IS TRULY A MIAMI MUST! I am a patron who enjoys the highest quality gourmet cooking. Oishi is fanatastic and your public deserves to know about it.
Answered 05/17/08 13:05:37 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Thanks, Dr. Knopf: Yes, Chef Bee is very talented and has lots of other enthusiastic fans. Some locals have complained that the fare is overpriced. I find the quality of the food and cooking a step above others in Miami and the service a real pleasure, too.Submitted by Women's Preserv from Miami ,Florida
Q: Your reader asked if there was a place to eat & drink near the Opera: Women's Preservation Society is a Florida Non Profit Organization. We just moved our Clubhouse directly across the street from the Arscht Center for the Performing Arts. Many of our members frequent the PAC, so our Clubhouse is open most evenings after the Theatre closes. Our members stop by before or after the shows for a bite to eat, dessert, or just a refreshment to wait out the traffic while they "People-watch" from our 2nd Floor Terrace. You can find out more about WPS and how to join by clicking on http://womensps.tripod.com We hold periodic OPEN HOUSES so PAC Patrons can visit us for a snack, and decide if they want to join.
Answered 05/17/08 13:02:22 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Thanks so much for the tip. I will be sure to give it a try when I am next in the area.Submitted by David from Miami
Q: Victoria, In your opinion what is the most architecturally intriguing establishment to dine at?
Answered 05/17/08 13:01:33 by Victoria Pesce Elliott
A: Hmm. Architecturally intriguing. Now that is a question I don't get everyday. Of course, there are the obviously delightful art deco buildings along Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues where the sorbet colored paint jobs and whimsical details make for great views while dining. Some favorites there include The Raleigh for its incredible pool (www.raleighhotel.com) , The Delano (www.chinagrillmgt.com) for its Philippe Stark interiors and soaring ceilings, La Marea at The Tides (www.tidessouthbeach.com) and Ishq for its sweeping views (www.ishqsouthbeach.com). Beyond that, I think that the gorgeous Setai Hotel with its soothing Zen garden lines and super luxe woods and stones could definitely qualify. I also really adore the historic Biltmore hotel with its old world Mediterranean charm.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.
