Grade: 2 out of 4 Prongs

Hm…what to say about Mr. Moe’s food. See, that’s just the thing. For me it really doesn’t warrant much discussion. It’s your typical bar sort of food. Chicken fingers,  fries, wings, some pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They also have a decent selection of beers on tap. All in all a pretty average place as far as dining goes. They do, however, attract a pretty large crowd to their bar later at night. They offer lots of “special nights”-Mechanical Bull/Country Night on Wednesdays, Karaoke on Tuesdays, College Night on Thursdays, and live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. They definitely offer a lot of things…I’m just not sure if above average food is one of them, which is fine. Sometimes you just crave a good, comfortable meal. I might go back to Mr. Moes…but it’d probably be for the bar, not the dining.

Enjoy!

Grade: 2 out of 4 Prongs

So I’ve been wanting to try Akashi for quite some time now…they have locations in both the Grove and on US-1, near Sunset Place. I finally got my chance today. I went to the one in the Grove, but wasn’t overly impressed. I’ve tried a lot of different Japanese restaurants and don’t think I’d necessarily go out of my way for this one. I had a green salad, tasted a friend’s seaweed salad, edamame, and a sushi assortment. The food was decent…again, nothing too special, but good. The service, however, was barely existent. We were greeted when we walked in. It took a little while to get our drinks, and once we received our meal, we didn’t get much help for refills. All in all, it was okay. Nothing more, nothing less. Middle of the road restaurant-many other Japanese places I’d hit before coming back here though.

Douzo meshiagare!

Grade: 4 out of 4 Prongs

I’ve had my fair share of meals at The River in downtown Miami, and I keep coming back for more. This past visit was no different. I started with a special appetizer they had that day-pinenut crusted baked clams, which were very tasty. I followed that with a skirt steak paired with yucca fries and grilled vegetables. It was delicious as well. I saved some room for dessert and decided to go with a coconut flan-a dish I’ve had before and had remembered as being the best I had ever had. Once again, it was good, however, not quite what I had hoped. This time it seemed extra sweet…of course I finished it, it was just a very powerful taste. All in all, quite a successful dinner :]

I should mention The River specializes in oysters and has an awesome raw bar. They have seafood from all over and I’ve never been disappointed. During their happy hour, the raw bar and drinks are all half priced. Pretty nice deal.

Enjoy!

Grade: 2 out of 4 prongs

Okay, okay…I know what you’re thinking. “BAJA FRESH?!”. Yes, Baja Fresh. I was hesitant to try it myself, but it’s right across the street from Perricone’s, and I’ve been curious. I tried it out today and must say I’m pleasantly surprised. Now, it’s not spectacular, gourmet food, but it was good and certainly satisfied my appetite. I ordered two chicken tacos with cilantro and spicy sauce, which came with a drink and some tortilla chips for $5.34. Not a bad deal. And it tasted good…the chicken was well-seasoned, there was just the right amount of cilantro, and the salsa was good too-could use a little more kick, in my opinion. The biggest downside was the tortillas. I may not be a tortilla pro, but I have had my share of homemade Mexican tortillas, and Baja Fresh’s just didn’t compare. Nevertheless, a satisfying, budget-friendly “restaurant” I’d happily recommend. Much preferred over Chipotle.

Buen Provecho!

Grade: 3 out of 4 prongs

One of my go-to places when I’m in need of a quick, inexpensive but delcious meal. An excellent restaurant with 2 locations-one near Miracle Mile and one on Lincoln Road. Spris is one of my favorite places in Miami for pizza. The crust is thin and crispy and just oh so perfect. When I go to Spris, however, I usually get the Gnocchi di Patate with the Pesto sauce. Just the right consistency and flavor. I like to finish with a cappuccino and the Nutellino dessert-an oven-baked calzone filled with hazelnut chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream.

Besides the tasty food, the service is pleasant and friendly. Spris also offers several daily promotions, but the best has to be their “Beat the Clock” deal, where the price you pay equals the time you place your order (@ 5:30, you pay $5.30).

Buon Appetito!

Grade: 3 out of 4 prongs

Let’s start with my place of employment. I’ve only been working here about 6 weeks, so I’m not too biased yet, and can give an honest review. I must say I am impressed with the restaurant’s popularity-not because it isn’t good-only because even during the months that are supposedly the slowest all year, the restaurant is still bustling with guests almost every day.

This may have something to do with their numerous daily promotions-Two for Tuesdays, Ladies Night Wednesdays, and $10 Pasta Thursday-however, I think it all goes back to quality food and service. When you dine at Perricone’s you are taken care of. The servers are attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful (again, this is my unbiased observation :] ).

The food is above average-pasta dishes are well portioned, sauces are good, and there is good variety. The dishes from the grill are delicious and, if you ask me, often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. The mussel special is great, but my favorite special by far has to be the whole trout stuffed with shrimp and scallops in a bechemal sauce. Mmm…

Recommended Menu:

Appetizer: Baked Brie-most popular, delicious, and perfect for a group

Salad: Salmon Encrusted Salad-generous helping of salmon

Grill: Trout-like I said before…they only have it occassionally, so call ahead. The Chicken Marsala, another special, is great.

Pasta: Fiocchi Gorgonzola-a little different and very good, perfect combination of sweet and salty

Dessert: Tiramisu, Homemade Key Lime Pie, Chocolate House Cake…all great options

Buon Appetito!