ulterior epicure

Okay, we've so gotten far off topic (Michy's), but I can't resist making this comment: WHAT?

markk... so here's the real question: chopped liver and matzo ball soup... where? You've given me bagel and deli selections, but honestly, I'd rather just get my fill of pastrami, lox and bagels in NYC.

Well, I don't mean to be indelicate here, but by any chance, any stretch of the imagination, are they interested in Jewish food? Would they by any chance (not prying you realize ) enjoy a meal of chopped liver, stuffed cabbage, etc. at one of the remaining Jewish places...? ← What's with all this 'ing? LoL! Jewish food is always of interest in my household (read as much or little into that as you will ). Why? Where's good noshin' to be had in Miami? u.e.

Has anyone heard of/been to Guy Savoy's down-scaled restaurant, Bites & Bubbles?

Have experienced the same.

Any word as to whether they take reservations? I heard (before opening) that they intend to take reservations.

Oh, that very well may be. I was actually uncertain about "a la carte" drinks. If this is so, then one could conceivably walk out of per se having never to do much math.

No, I believe what Nathan was referring to was the wine pairing that comes with the set menu. If you order the wine pairing, as a whole, the service is included in the price of the wine pairing. I think that prices of bottles/glasses separately do not include service.

If I'm not mistaken, when the service was first made compris, the price increased from $150 to $210 - and that was just a few months before my visit early last year. So, in a year, the price of the food has increased somewhere in the neighborhood of $35, as FG, I think, pointed out a little earlier. He does make a good point - I wonder if changes in products accounts for that change.

I don't know exactly what format the "Friends & Family" night took, but I don't think (correct me if I'm wrong) you need a liquor license to give out free alcohol - only if you sell it.

Is it me or does Miami have a inordinately high restaurant mortality rate. In the last year, I believe, Norman's, Pacific Time, and Mundo have closed. I've heard that Chispa is also expecting to close soon. As for lunch at Joe's Stone (there seems to be a consensus that it is best way to fit it into my limited schedule due to time and stomach power), how does their no-reservation system work? Does the party have to be complete in order to be put on the list? Is there a paging/buzzer system? Or, do they give you a time-slot to come back - so we might be able to do something else instead of sitting/standing in a crampt reception?

Well, I admire your stamina, markk... clearly, you can't get enough of a good thing when you find one. While I might not mind eating at Michy's (if I find it as pleasing as you did) three nights in a row, I'm not sure my parents, for whom this trip is really for (despite the fact that I'm being somewhat autocratic with the restaurant arrangements) would endure the same restaurant for that many back-to-back repeats. This is all of our first trips to Miami, I think we (I, especially) want to get a good sampling of the Miami food scene.

I won't venture to offer what restaurateur might open caveat emptor next...

Digging through my back-issues of Gourmet Magazine, I stumbled upon this, from the September, 2004 11th Annual Restaurant Issue (pg. 159). Under the heading "More Splurge-Worthy Restaurants" in a side box: I believe the price tag is now up to $250 for the tasting, sans wine?? I got in last year when it was at the $210 mark.

I dug up my back-"Restaurant" issues of Gourmet Magazine. Where are they now?? Were they/are they worth the press? Would love to hear what local Miamis think? 2004: Big Deal - OLA and Mundo Good Deal - Sushi Chef Roger's Restaurant & Bar 2005 Business - Bizcaya Buzz - Prime 112 Classic - Norman's (now closed) Neighborhood Gems - Captain Jim's Seafood Market & Restaurant, Pacific Time (now closed), and Tamarind Thai Restaurant. 2005 "Where to Eat Now" Issue focused on South American arepas and other latino fare from Lariana, La Crema de las Empanadas, and Moises Bakery. I think it's interesting see what you all think. Although I do enjoy the articles, I am always weary of Gourmet's restaurant issues. I know from personal experiences, that often, their highlighted restaurants are often more about the "buzz" darlings of the moment, rather than the best food, necessarily. Just thought I'd throw this out.

You certainly seemed to manage it well. Any tips? I'll also be going during the post-autumnal equinox... earlier sunsets... *sigh*

I didn't read your comment as such; everyone has their tastes and preferences. Certainly, I appreciate you noting it for my reference. I trust you, molto e.

To clarify, do you mean to say that the croquettas (as presented on your menu) is not worth ordering? ← no, I would order the croquettas but not the blue cheese, jamon , duck confit ones that were on the menu the night that I went ← Right - that's what I meant, parenthetically, by "as presented on your menu." markk - did you feel the same way about the croquettas as molto e? In theory, they sound great (especially for a blue funk lover like me). But, I would expect to taste duck, although soft molten blue cheese doesn't sound all that bad to me.

Thanks, markk, for that run-down. Well, I actually first heard about "them" from chef friends of mine three years ago... and then all over the media, and lastly here on eG.... And, I will! I've been looking forward to this meal for quite some time.

As a first-time visit (with hopefully more in the future) I've narrowed it down to: Dinners: Talula Michy's Joe's Stone Crab Lunches: Versailles Michael's Genuine... Ortanique Talula Joe's Stone Crab I only have 2 lunches (Saturday and Sunday) and three dinners (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Michy's is non-negotiable where it is. That means, I need to whittle down the lunches (and/or move around dinners to lunches with Joe's and Talula and then come up with two more dinner options).... Advice?

To clarify, do you mean to say that the croquettas (as presented on your menu) is not worth ordering?

Is Versailles open for lunch - if so, is the lunch menu vastly different from (or same as) the dinner?

markk and molto e, I could not be luckier to have you two as the fore-runners to my upcoming visit to Miami! Needless to say, I have been frothing at the mouth for the nearly two years Michy's has been open to eat there; bewitched, as so many others have been, by this half-Argentinean kitchen vixen. Question: the plates that you pictured about - are those half portions or full portions? I really appreciate the half/full order option, as it allows me to try more of the fare. Great report; I can't wait to add to this thread when I return.

I think I'm all set for the dinner. What about Sunday brunch options?

... or in the Huitlacoche Mezcal!