134172 Wed Jan 25 13:22:54 -0800 2006 5 10 Florida 0 721512 6 of us from the northeast (DC< NY and BOston) are meeting in Miami in late April to celebrate 40th birthdays. Suggestions for 3 don't miss dinners, at three different price points: budget, moderate, fancy we like all kinds of food; especially looking for great sushi using local fish if that's possible. I'd probably want a great cheap Cuban place as well, maybe for a lunch. If anyone would like to take on a complete food itinerary, I'd love to see it. Ideally the places would be walkable. We're willing to walk quite a long way. Thursday Dinner Friday Bfast, L and Din and a cafe or bar Saturday Bfast, Lunch, Dinner and cafe or bar Sunday -- fantastic brunch Also, we are looking to stay at the Savoy Hotel, just north of South Beach (not far from Pearl etc.). Anyone have an opinion on the hotel? beach front, 2 pools, all suites? There is a restaurant there as well that has an interesting menu...nuevo latino cuisine or something. Thanks for your help! Wed Jan 25 13:22:54 -0800 2006 0 pam h 1 721513 The Savoy is the new home of OLA which was formerly on Biscayne Blvd in Miami proper. The chef is one of the original nuevo latino guys (in NYC he had Patria, OLA and other restaurants). I haven't been to the new location but enjoyed the old place. Drove by on Friday and they had a large happy hour crowd so if you like people and noise this would be a good choice. Down the street and within walking distance you've got Joe's stone crab, Nemo and Prime 112. I'd recommend them all with Joe's being the most touristy and Prime the biggest pain to get into (reserve now). A little further down is a Smith & Wollensky which has a great outside bar with views of Government Cut. Ideal around 4 or 5 on Friday and Sunday to watch cruise ships leave. There's also Clarke's which is just an Irish pub but it gets a nice crowd. There are tons of places opening south of 5th St. near where you're staying so ask around. Wed Jan 25 14:01:46 -0800 2006 721512 0 lax2mia 1 721514 Please do continue the discussion about the food in Miami, and the food at the Savoy in particular. Please do not discuss lodging, that is not on topic for the narrow focus of this board. Thanks. Wed Jan 25 14:56:33 -0800 2006 721512 2 The Chowhound Team 1 721529 I am assuming driving is out of the question. I will not give bar suggestions unless you tell me the kind of place you are looking for, except for one happy hour suggestion below. Thursday Dinner Prime 112 or Joes -reasoning -- walking distance from your hotel and excellent food. Both are a pain in the @ss to get in so saddle up by the bar and start drinking and eating free and very good bacon in the case of prime 112. as lax said reserve now for prime 112. Joes does not take reservations. Friday Breakfast: Front Porch - food is very good, large portions and not expensive. A favorite of locals despite its ocean drive location. Lunch: El Chalan - Get seafood there. Cheap, great. Happy hour: Smith and Wollensky Dinner: Osteria Del Teatro Saturday: Breakfast: Balans. Their eggs benedict with ham is the single best breakfast on the beach. Their other breakfast dishes are good. You get really good people watching as well and exposure to lincoln road. Cafeteria is anoter alternative. They have a very good breakfast and are also on lincoln road. Lunch: Puerto Sagua - Best Cuban on the beach. Dinner: Talula if you want to go expensive, otherwise go Alta Mar which is moderate priced but very good. Sunday Brunch: Nemo is my first choice (and very convenient for you). The Delano is my second. If you are willing to drive some of these answers change, notably brunch would be at the Biltmore. Wed Jan 25 22:21:51 -0800 2006 721512 0 T. Pigeon 2 721532 I didn't read your whole message, as in one moderate, one expensive and one cheap dinner. This is a very difficult request given where you guys are from. Frankly your food is more diverse and better than here. That being said: Friday Night Dinner: Tap Tap - Cheap, very good, I would stay with chicken and fish dishes here. Their mojitos are the best I have ever had. So, you go expensive on Thursday, cheap on friday and moderate (alta mar) on saturday. Thu Jan 26 06:57:31 -0800 2006 721529 0 T. Pigeon 1 721544 Are u going to have a car? are u willing to drive 30 min into Miami proper? Thu Jan 26 10:59:49 -0800 2006 721512 0 Mario