“What is your favorite restaurant?”

Why is that such a hard question for me to answer?  It’s the one question I receive time and time again, and it is almost impossible for me to answer on the spot. There are many variables I always consider before answering. I suppose I could compose several basic lists using different criteria for each. For example, I could rate dining spots by price range, food type, location, and ambiance, but my blog post might end up looking more like a book. For now, I have chosen to keep it simple (read: simpler) and to the point. The South Florida dining scene is really growing by leaps and bounds. That growth makes me very happy, but it also makes narrowing my favorites down excruciating. The restaurants I chose are those I visit often and rave about. They are restaurants offering dishes that haunt me. If they made my list, you can bet I know most of their menus by heart. Perhaps I experienced culinary perfection while dining there, or the chef’s creations had me at the first bite. Whatever the reason, I could not post a FAVORITES list without these restaurants (listed below) on it:

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

16. Yardbird

15. The Federal Food, Drinks, and Provisions

14. Chef Adrienne’s

13. Mister Collins

12. TIE: Macchialina and PB Steak

11. JG Grill

10. NAOE

9. Caffe Vialetto

8. Michael’s Genuine

7. DB Bistro

6. Bourbon Steak

5. Khong River House

4. Nobu

3. Catch Miami

2. Scarpetta

1. Hakkasan

BROWARD COUNTY

16. Blue Moon Fish Co.

15. Jimmie’s Chocolates

14. Market 17

13. Solita Las Olas

12. Timpano Italian Chophouse

11. Cafe Vico

10. 3030 Ocean

9. Valentino’s Cucina Italiana

8. Lobster Bar Sea Grille

7. Cafe La Buca

6. Thai Spice

5. Pasta And

4. Eduardo de San Angel

3. Mustard Seed Bistro

2.  Ireland’s

1. Casa D Angelo

These restaurants truly shined in 2013. What do you think? Did any of your favorites make my list?

I am truly looking forward to the new adventures 2014 will bring.

Have a wonderful, healthy, and happy new year!