It’s no surprise to you all that there’s a restaurant explosion in Miami-Dade County. What’s happening now on the restaurant scene, the good and not so good, and how I am approaching this in MiamiCurated. That’s the topic of this blogpost.

First, the what’s happening. Just when one thinks there can’t be yet another sushi or ceviche place opening, voila another entry. I can’t imagine what the next wrinkle will be in that category but then again, there are lots of very creative people out there. French restaurateurs are also coming in larger numbers, especially from the South of France. Though instead of casual brasseries, they’re more about fancy food and a party vibe. Joel Robuchon who started his L’Atelier de Robuchon in Paris will be opening 4 dining spots in the Design District soon (a good friend who knows fine food went to his dinner benefit for the Wolfsonian Museum and proclaimed it superb). Could more Parisian based restaurants be on the way?

Now the big thing over the past 9 months has been Asian cuisine, with Zuma alumni opening up their own eateries. Talde, Bazi, Komodo, NaiYaRa and Jaya (both recently reviewed), Pao, and the latest, KYU,  Sushi Garage and Tanuki to open in May. What’s next? Michael Whiteman, one of the top US culinary trend watchers predicts Jewish food would enjoy a revival and there are glimmers of that here (fortunately, for my tastes).  Zak of Zak’s Bakery is going on to new challenges with a kosher deli on the way later this year. As reported in the Miami New Times, he hopes to keep alive dishes such as p’tcha and other  Ashkenazi culinary traditions that Jewish immigrants brought from Eastern Europe.

I’m also happy to see that there ‘s more locally grown talent and chef owner/operated restaurants now along with imports from New York, London, and other world capitals.

Yet another big trend is dining combined with all sorts of entertainment to appeal to a variety of senses. There’s El Tucan cabaret with various entertainers on a given night and big band music (see my earlier post); Musimelange with music, food, and a concert all in an art gallery;  Kaori by Walter Martino; and from Young Arts, Ted’s, that combines small bites with entertainment. More on these in a later post.

What is notable is how prices have increased at the top restaurants. These days you can expect to easily pay between $125 and $175 a person for dinner, and that’s with cocktails, a modestly priced bottle of wine, tax and tip. But along with that, we’re seeing more reasonably priced restaurants popping up, neighborhood eateries with good food and solid value for the money. Since many of us dine out frequently and can’t afford (or don’t want) to pay those prices on a regular basis, I decided to feature more of these eateries in Karen’s Kudos . For a restaurant to qualify, diners have to be able to have a sit down, well served lunch for about $20 to $25 a person including tax and tip and about $35 to $40 a person for dinner (generally more on South Beach). And depending on the restaurant, that can be with a glass of wine.

Speaking of wine, it seems that prices have greatly increased, possibly even more than food. Glasses that used to cost $12 to $14 are now running $17 to $25 on average, and a bottle for $35 to $40 is increasingly difficult to find.  And check the size of the wine pour. In some establishments, the former standard of a 6 ounce pour is now down to 4 ounces. So, whenever available in the restaurant, I will now start mentioning corkage fee.

To capture business from diners at a different price point, pricey restaurants are increasingly offering happy hours and prix fixes lunches at $22 to $25 for 3 courses, solid values. From now on, I’ll be mentioning whenever the special offers are on the menu so to speak.

At the end of the day, isn’t it wonderful we live in a place with so many good dining options that are befitting the world capital that Miami is becoming, even with the traffic!

P.S. Just a reminder about my Ask Karen section where I welcome questions about where to go, what to see and do, and even service providers in Miami. So ask away!