Coming in at number 5 would have been the excellent pasta house opened by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi, Fiolina, which, sadly, has closed its doors. So, on to 2024’s number 4.
Nashville-based J. Alexander’s on Glades Rd. (and in 15 states), has an all-American menu with a Southern accent. The high-quality ingredients, well-balanced selection and attention to detail keep loyal customers coming back. A platter of Fire-Grilled Artichokes with remoulade (mustard-caper mayonnaise) is a must pre-appetizer. Wow! The Avocado Bomb, aptly named because it is indeed “the bomb!,” is a dome of beautifully spiraled avocado covering hand-cut Hawaiian tuna, served with wonton chips and drizzled with sriracha mayo and unagi sauce (sweetened soy sauce and rice wine).
We love the incredibly fresh, crunchy salads. Our favorite is Shrimp Louie, an early-1900s California creation of jumbo shrimp, composed or tossed, with shredded iceberg, tomato, hard-boiled egg and avocado, dressed in “Kiawah Island” dressing (a Southern riff on Thousand Island). Don’t miss the Old Fashioned Cheeseburger with Tillamook (Oregon) Cheddar (chuck ground daily and hand-shaped to avoid pressure to retain natural juices), grilled on hardwood; Nashville Hot Chicken with Southern slaw; jumbo lump Carolina Crab Cakes with Dijon mustard sauce; Mr. Jack’s Crispy Chicken Platter or sprawling rack of Baby Back Ribs, both with Southern slaw and fries; and Cajun-seasoned Prime Rib. The Key Lime Pie is a “must” finale!
