As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers. This year, we asked the group eight questions, from Meal of the Year to Top Standbys. Top Newcomers dropped earlier, and all will be answered by the time we turn off the lights on Wednesday. On we go, in no particular order; all responses cut, pasted and unedited:
Clarke's, part gastropub, part Irish bar, part saloon and wholly a standby
Q: What Are Your Top Restaurant Standbys of 2009?
Lee Klein, restaurant critic/Miami New Times: Do the ice cream and cereal aisles at Publix count?
Michael Schwartz, chef/owner Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: Michy's and Clarke's
Jonathan Wright, chef, The Setai: Hakkasan
Frodnesor, blogger/Food for Thought: Hiro's Yako-San; Red Light
Jacquelynn Powers, writer/foodie: When in doubt, I immediately head to Prime Italian, Hakkasan, Sylvano's, Joe's Stone Crab or Sosta.
The Chowfather, blogger: Lola's on Harrison/Gourmet Diner.
Seth High, executive chef of da Campo Osteria by Todd English: When in doubt, when in Lauderdale, Himmarshee. Great cocktails, varied menu, decent prices.
Chef Jeremiah, chef/owner gastroPod: Five Guys, Primo Pizza, Lime.
