2..5 Stars for Chow Down Grill

This week, Jennifer Lebovich takes over VPE duties and visits Surfside's Chow Down Grill, whose "moderate prices and unpretentious setting are a departure" from [chef/co-owner] Josh Marcus's "fine-dining past." Menu "focuses on seasonal ingredients and simple preparations," and there's no "MSG or added sugar, and the fryer is used sparingly." Dumplings were "plump," and "clear winners," and Chow Fun was "tasty and generous, especially for $8." BBQ beef rib special "was a little fatty and nothing out of the ordinary." Steak and duck were "flavorful," but tofu in spicy garlic herb sauce was "marred by the taste of burned garlic." Bottom line and 2.5 stars later, "Chow Down is still working out the kinks, but it's a good neighborhood spot for a Sunday dinner." [Miami Herald]