Miami Spice 2008

Miami Spice is back and better than ever! This August and September enjoy some of Miami's top restaurants for three-course meals set at a special price - $23 for lunch and $36 for dinner!

"A Fish Called Avalon" on Ocean Drive

If you are strolling down Ocean Drive and have a hard time choosing what restaurant or cafe to eat at, take my advice and try "A Fish Called Avalon" at the Avalon Hotel located at 700 Ocean Drive. Street-side, patio seating is the way to go.

The servers are very attentive and friendly. The General Manager and Executive Chef, Brian Cantrell, can be seen interacting with guests, which is always an added bonus at restaurants. The type of food is characterized as "modern American Seafood" and I honestly had a very hard time deciding what to order since there are so many great choices. Each dish on the menu, including the appetizers, has a recommended beverage listed. What caught our attention was the recommendation for the "Shrimp-in-Grits" entree: Miller High Life, the Champagne of Beers. How brilliant!

After reviewing the menu and getting some recommendations, I finally decided on the Grilled Florida Grouper with Grilled Chorizo and Yucca. We also started the meal with the "Bang Bang Shrimp" appetizer, which had a nice kick of spice. The creamy avocado that complimented the shrimp was also delicious. For dessert we had the special, which was mint chocolate cake, and a port wine from Portugal. We finished the meal with a cup of espresso and an intriguing conversation of the history of Miami Beach, since our waiter Edgar was born and raised there.

With the combination of great food, great drinks, a relaxing atmosphere and friendly and efficient service, I highly recommend "A Fish Called Avalon." I'm definitely going back to try something different!