Eating Out

The 2006 Zagat Survey was released this week. South Florida survey participants reported eating more meals out per week—an average of 3.8—more than those in any other U.S. city surveyed.

The Cheesecake Factory was rated the most popular restaurant in Broward and Palm Beach counties and the second-most popular in Miami-Dade, Joe’s Stone Crab was number 1.

I’ve eaten at the Cheesecake Factory many times, but I’m usually disappointed with my meal. For me, the menu has too many choices. I get confused and end up ordering the wrong thing. As for as Joe’s Stone Crab, I have never eaten there. For some strange reason, Joe’s does not accept reservations. I’ve heard horror stories of having to wait 2 hours for a table.

Dear Joe,
You can keep your tuxed-out waiters,
cold crab claws, and archaine door policy;
you’re way too old school for me.

Rated on food alone, the top five restaurants in Miami-Dade were Francesco, a Peruvian restaurant in Coral Gables that gained in popularity, up from number 15 in last year’s ratings; Romeo’s Café; Nobu; Chef Allen’s and Matsuri, a Japanese restaurant on Bird Rd.

In Broward, the top picks went to Sunfish Grill, La Brochette, Cafe Maxx, Canyon and Cafe Martorano. In Palm Beach it was 11 Maple St., Chez Jean-Pierre, Four Seasons, Little Moirs and Kathy’s Gazebo.

The 2006 America’s Top Restaurants guide costs $14.95 and is available at bookstores, via zagat.com or by calling 1-888-371-5440.

Related: Miami Restaurants - Online Reservations

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