Submitted by Mike from Los Angeles, CA

Q: Looking for a fun spot for a birthday dinner for a trip next month. How's havana 1957? We don't want touristy! Where can 14 guys go for cuban on a friday night? We decided trendy would be too complicated. Mike

Answered 02/01/12 17:29:41 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: I am afraid that Havana 1957 is best known for its overpriced mojitos and lots of sunburned tourists. If you want to stay on South Beach, you can go classic grunge with the iconic Puerto Sagua, or a few blocks away a recently renovated David's Cafe, which also has a location just off Lincoln Road. EIther would work for affordable, authentic and delicious basic Cuban food. My favorite dish is rope vieja (old clothes in Spanish) and a great shredded beef stew. Both have beer and wine and menus translated into English. Happy birthday, BTW!

Submitted by Dianne Goode from Miami Beach FL

Q: This was a review of a new Chinese with dim sum lunches in North Miami Beach (not exactly sure of location, new to town but somewhere north)in 2011. I cannot find it in the archives. It had a great review and I would love to find it. Can you help?

Answered 01/24/12 11:08:01 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: You might have meant Chow Down Grill? http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/25/2372843/dim-sum-for.html Or, if you have not tried it yet, consider Chef Philip Ho at 16850 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 (305) 974-0338

Submitted by Jay Fitzpatrick from Naples,Fla

Q: Victoria: We[2 couples] are staying at Beacon Hotel in South Beach in March for an overnight. I would like a rec on a happy hour bar and a Cuban and/or New Latin food restaurants in SOBE area. We are all in our 70's but foodies and world travelers. Thank you so much, Jay

Answered 01/24/12 11:03:22 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: You cannot go wrong at the delightful Cuba on Ocean by award-winning chef, Doug Rodriguez, Miami’s original Nuevo Latino star. You are especially lucky if you are in town on a Wednesday when he does a pig roast. But there is also a great happy hour every day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with $5 mojitos and $5 tapas. You might also want to consider the amazing food at The Dining Room at 413 Washington Avenue where one of his protégés cooks inventive Latin-inspired creations. For lunch you can also walk to Puerto Sagua at 700 Collins Avenue just a block from the Beacon. It’s homestyle Cuban cooking at dirt cheap prices. If you don’t go for the ropa vieja or the oxtail stew, at least try a cafecito there. Enjoy!

Submitted by Debra from Fort Lauderdale

Q: Hi, Victoria, I'm meeting an out-of-town friend for lunch in Aventura on a Sunday and wondering if you could suggest a place? We'd like to stay in the area, could take Biscayne for a bit, or try the Aventura Mall. My friend loves to eat! is adventurous and enjoys casual but likes a pretty atmosphere. Many thanks, Debra

Answered 01/09/12 09:45:49 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Best bet would be something like Bagel Cove (19003 Biscayne Blvd Ave., 305-935-4029) or maybe THe Grill on the Alley in the mall. Check menus and choose your favorite.

Submitted by Anthony Donald from NYC

Q: Dear Victoria - For a business dinner what's the best 3 Cuban restaurants you'd recommend that are a short cab ride from the Miami Beach area? Need to show a client who is a major foodie the local fare. Much thanks! - AD Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/qna-bin/submitquestion.cgi#storylink=cpy

Answered 01/09/12 09:11:10 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Anthony: You have countless options for Cuban both on Miami Beach and off. When you say a business dinner, I assume you want it to be slightly upscale--not a divey spot. So, that does limit the field. Try La Casita (3805 SW 8th St) or the iconic Versailles (3555 SW 8th St) in Little Havana for the most colorful and authentic experience. Your best bet might be to stay on The Beach and sample nouveau Cuban fusion fare at Douglas Rodriguez's (101 Ocean). See special events and menus: www.drodriguezcuba.com.

Submitted by Rachelle Gordon from Aventura FL

Q: I am opening a new gourmet kosher restaurant in Aventura. I would like to invite you to a complimentary tasting event on January the 12th, will you be available to attend?

Answered 01/09/12 09:01:03 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Rachelle Gordon Thanks so much for letting me know. While I am not able to attend complimentary tastings, I do appreciate knowing about new places. Best of luck to you and do send details: vpevpe@gmail.com.

Submitted by Joan from Hubball

Q: It is Joan Hubball again after asking you about the Fontainebleau restaurants...another question comes to mind after your answer, what is the one restaurant you would choose if you wanted to impress Bostonians about the grand state of Miami dining...again price not important?

Answered 01/03/12 17:58:16 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Hmmm? Distinctively Miami? I don't know about "the grand state" but of course, Joe's Stone Crab is iconic. Zuma, exquisite Japanese downtown (a London import) would have to be one of my picks if price is not an issue. However, for the very best of locally sourced and expertly prepared food and overall experience I would have to add Michael's Genuine in the Design District. I know. I know. You asked for one and I gave you three. How many days are you here?

Submitted by Joan Hubball from Key biscayne fl

Q: We live in Miami and friends are coming from Boston to stay at the fountainblue...we would like to have one dinner in one of the many that hotel's restaurants. Where price is not an issue, which is the best restaurant at that hotel for a great dining experience? We enjoy all cuisines.

Answered 01/03/12 14:35:10 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Joan I absolutely adore the very-upscale and sometime stupidly-expensive Scarpetta, though not everyone does. You can see my thoughts here:http://www.miami.com/the-big-review-scarpetta-article. For dim sum, you cannot go wrong with Hakkasan. It's a tough choice and one you will have to make with your guests.

Submitted by Tina from Chicago

Q: We will be traveling to Miami in early February for a week in the Turnberry area. We will have a car and also teenagers. We will likely go out every night as my in-laws don't have much of a kitchen. We like to try new things but also don't want to get too adventurous. Willing to spend for food if it is truly worth it.

Answered 01/03/12 13:28:11 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: You are in luck. There are some truly exceptional restaurants in that neighborhood. Tops among them is Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak at the Turnberry Resort (http://michaelmina.net/restaurants/locations/bsmi.php). The service, wine list and food (including great seafood) are some of the best Miami has to offer. Also, for casual, low-key spot with exceptional food, go to Timo (timorestaurant.com) where everything from a prosciutto pizza to a duck confit salad is delish. You may also want to look into Chef Philip Ho for fantastic Hong Kong style CHinese with super dim sum served daily from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.. Others include: Naoe, Adriana, Hiro's Yakko-San and Oishi Thai and Tamarind.

Submitted by Christine from Miami

Q: Hello, My family and I are looking for a nice place to eat. We will not be here on Christmas eve but would still like Christmas dinner on the 23rd. Is this possible?

Answered 12/22/11 19:03:18 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Sure. It would help to know where you are staying, but most of the big hotels will offer Christmas style dinners in the days leading up to the 25th. I suggest calling the Ritz Carlton in South Beach (786- 276-4000) for details. Or walk along Lincoln Road to see what appeals to you. Meat Market would be a good choice. Slightly further north is 1500 at the Eden Roc, a solid choice for steak and seafood. And, Prime 112, too. Menus will be alacarte but you can ask for cranberry sauce on the side!

Submitted by Restaurant that has from coconut creek, florida

Q: Need a good restaurant that also has fish (not a Japanese or Chinese one) that is not far from Coconut Creek area or Boca Raton.

Answered 12/22/11 18:58:11 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: CIty Fish Market is your best bet in that area but be ready to pay for it. Prices are high and it is usually packed and loud. It's located at 7940 Glades Rd in Boca. (561-487-1600). A little further away but more low-key and equally good food is Blue Moon Fish Co (10317 Royal Palm Boulevard, Coral Springs; 954-755-0002 )

Submitted by Mayling Lopez-Silver from Miami, Florida (Kendall)

Q: This will be the first year that we are not eating at our home or someone elses home for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). We are Cuban and would like our traditional meal. Do you know of any restaurants open on Christmas Eve that will serve the Cuban Noche Buena? Please advise it is three of us: 58, 85 and 23 years old. Thank you.

Answered 12/22/11 18:52:29 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Funny enough, in Little Havana you may have a hard time finding an authentic Noche Buena feast. However, Versailles, the most famous of the Cuban restaurants there will be serving the luscious roast pig and all the sides only until 3 pm on December 24th. Nearby and also very authentic is El Pub (1548 Southwest 8th St., 305- 642-9942) ‎, which will stay open until 4 p.m. Likewise, on Miami Beach, David's Cafe will stay open until 4 p.m. If you want to travel a bit further, head up to the restaurant called Little Havana (12727 Biscayne Blvd., 305-899-9069) but located in North Miami, which will be hosting the full deal and stays open until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Buen provecho!

Submitted by Danny from Quito, Ecuador

Q: Me and my family are travelling from Ecuador, South America, to MIA this weekend and we are staying until the 25, so we are used to have a really nice Christmas' eve dinner and since we are going to be in the Miami area, I would like you to help me with some restaurant recommendations for this day's dinner. Especially a classic american Christmas meal. Thanks

Answered 12/15/11 08:42:47 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Of course, all of the big hotels will have fantastic spreads, including the Biltmore, The Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton and the Fontainebleau among the best. However, if you are looking for a more intimate experience, you might consider Chop House Miami's pre-fixe dinner on Christmas Eve, priced at $55 per person. For the first-course, diners can choose between the roasted chestnut soup with smoked Applewood bacon or the spinach goat cheese salad with goat cheese croquette, spicy pecans and crispy shallots. Entrée selections include roasted Colorado lamp; Virginia honey glazed ham or cedar plank salmon with yellow corn grits, passion fruit beurre blanc, avocado salsa, asparagus fricassee and pickled onion salad. Desserts include sweet potato pie with crème Chantilly, bourbon pecan pie with eggnog anglaise. It is downtown at 300 South Biscayne Boulevard. Call (305) 938-9000 or visit www.chophousemiami.com.

Submitted by Marlene Hackland from Biscayne Park

Q: Thanks Victoria for suggesting Bin18 as a restaurant to try near the Arscht center. The food was great. We had pancetta wrapped diver scallops and a artichoke stuffed with dates and pancetta. Both were delicious. The service was excellent as well. My question is about a restaurant on SW8th street called Catharsis. Have you visited and or reviewed it yet? It seems like Little Havana is becoming quite a foodie area. What do you think?

Answered 12/12/11 14:12:47 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Marlene I am so glad you loved Bin 18. It is a super little find, isn't it? I did review Catharsis: http://www.miami.com/catharsis-restaurant-amp-lounge-article. The food is good (in a retro, formal kind of Culinary-school way) but the real reason to go is for the lovely music, Latin vibe and friendly service. Thanks for the report back on Bin 18! Let me know how you do in Little Havana.

Submitted by Angela Murnin from St. Louis, MO

Q: My husband and I are traveling to Miami this June to celebrate his 40th birthday. Looking for somewhere very good, sexy and fun to have his 40th bday dinner (just the 2 of us). Was thinking about Wish restaurant. Any other suggestions? We love to dress for dinner and have our senses overwhelmed. We will be staying either in South Beach, or possibly at Eden Roc ... Thanks, Angela

Answered 12/05/11 09:16:52 by Victoria Pesce Elliott

A: Dear Angela WIsh is not a bad option, though the most romantic tables are outside in the garden and in June will not really work, unless you find sweat stains sexy. A better option would be the elegant and new The Dutch in The W hotel where Andrew Caremellini's simple and delicious new menu is as alluring as the tall-ceilinged space. Or, another New York chef Scott Conant does a phenomenal job at Scarpetta. A garden setting but cleverly enclosed is the Italian Cecconi's at Soho House where Sergio Sigala does a fantastic job.