How's this for 3 nights in South Beach

[Villeny]

2 NY Foodie couples going to South Beach for a weekend of beach and food. Staying at Ritz-Carlton. Here's what I've booked:
Table 8
Quattro
Talula
Michy's

do those seem like good choices? if I had to drop one of those -- which one should I let go?

we love Pacific Time, Joe's and Nemo's but been there so many times that I thought we should try some new things. Other ideas that I didn't book were Karu & Y, Evolution and Mark's South Beach -- should I book any of those in place of what I have/

thanks for your input!! I love this board!

[lax2mia]

May I offer my services as consultant/guide on you visit? Nevermind, looks like you wouldn't need it. In seriousness, those are great choices. The only outlier I see is Quattro. I haven't been, but just walking by it almost weekly on Lincoln Road I just get a bad vibe from it. You might want to add a somewhat Miami/Caribbean type restaurant to the mix. On the beach there's OLA, although I haven't been to it's new location at the Sanctuary. If you're willing to drive to Michy's (it's on the Miami side of the causeway but a quick drive), then you'd possibly make the trip to Coral Gables where there's Cacao (more of a Venezuelan bent) and Ortanique (still popular after over 10 years).

[happy]

Just back from 3 nights in SOBE, our first night was at OLA. Thursday night, and it was not very full at 8:30pm. Greeted at the door very warmly. Really interesting small plates menu with ceviches and entrees as well. We opted for a mix of small plates and weren't disappointed. The Sanctuary Hotel is very close to the Ritz (short walk). Service was attentive and friendly. We especially enjoyed the tuna tacos and the lobster empanada.

[tpigeon]

Their meatballs are the best thing they got.

[Frodnesor]

How is OLA's space at the Sanctuary? I went shortly after they moved from Biscayne to the Savoy hotel, which was a really sterile disappointing location - especially compared to the Biscayne spot, which I thought was fantastic/

Now I see that Barton G has a banner up on the former OLA space on Biscayne. What a shame - great spot, but Barton G's food is all show no substance.

[tpigeon]

Ola seemed a bit cramped to me. I did not love the space. Biscayne spot was much better.

Re Barton G. You got that right.

[lax2mia]

What happened with Richard Blaise and Barton G? I heard they had a falling out. Any idea who replaced him (if anyone)? I was hoping he'd up the quality of the food, but I don't think he even got to create a menu. I just hope someone does something with that space on Biscayne, it's too unique to let slide.

[Frodnesor]

Was that the molecular gastronomy guy? I remember seeing some stories a couple months ago that he never got to do anything with the menu and was relegated to playing mixologist and making up goofy martinis, and parted ways. It's possible he had some sort of non-compete in his agreement and has to lay low or go elsewhere.

[tpigeon]

I have been to every place you mentioned except Karu & Y who no one I know thought was exceptional except for the high prices.

Chocolada is correct on quattro. Quattro is good but not worth the price and not in the class of the other restaurants on your list. Replace Quattro with Osteria del Teatro if you are looking for Italian. It is the best on the beach. If you do Osteria, I would recommend the lobster pasta dish they have on special or the osso buco. The paperdele on the special menu is also very very good.

I had a very good meal at evolution but some dishes were hit or miss. If you do go to evolution, the chicken main course was a superior dish.

In my opinion you will be very happy with the rest of your choices. Good work.

If you decide to go to Michy's, you must have the baked alaska.

[Frodnesor]

Talula is among my favorite places on the beach (though the vibe is not as "South Beachy" as many other places if that's what you're into), and Michy's is up there too - very good but possibly a tad overrated. Mark's on the other hand I think is underrated and overlooked by many. Dishes are consistently well-prepared, nice focus on local ingredients, perhaps a bit subtle but always good.

Table 8 we've had one pretty good but somewhat hit-or-miss meal at. Haven't been to Quattro. Evolution has gotten mixed reviews though I don't know anyone personally who has been, have not heard many positive reports about Karu & Y. Quattro would be the one I'd pass of those 4 you listed.

If you're willing to venture off the beach (which you must for Michy's anyway). I might add to your list to consider Michael's Genuine in the Design District. Michael Schwartz is former chef from Nemo. We've had 2 very nice dinners and one good lunch there since they've opened, which was very recently. Unfortunately the website I give below is not fully functioning but at least gives the address and phone:
http://www.michaelsgenuine.com

If you've done Pacific TIme, Nemo's & Joe's already I wouldn't suggest a return over any of the above places. They're still good but are stuck in time. This is fine for a place like Joe's which is an old-school institution but a bit disappointing for places like Pacific Time or Nemo.

[scubadoo97]

I've heard good things about Karu but have not been there. Michys was excellent and the prices were reasonable.

[chocolada]

Avoid Quattro- it's nothing special.