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. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the week. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted and unedited herein.
Q. Name your top restaurant standbys of 2011 -- the restaurants you returned to most.
The Chowfather, blogger: Sushi Deli
Frodnesor, blogger: Hiro's Yakko-San, Japanese Market / Sushi Deli, Sakaya Kitchen, Chow Down Grill, Michael's Genuine, Sustain, Chef Philip Ho, Red Light.That's kind of a long list, isn't it?
Ryan Roman, blogger: It was a Michael Schwartz kind of year for me, shuffling between the Flagship and Harry's Pizzeria. And for the 3 months it was alive, I made regular trips to Phuc Yea.
Angelo Elia, owner/chef Casa D'Angelo: Casa Tua and The new Italian Restaurant in The Shore Club, Terrazza.
Aaron Brooks, chef, Edge, Steak & Bar: As I am new to Miami, I have only frequented a handful of places... I would have to give the folks at Pubbelly a shout out... looking forward to getting back there again! Food was awesome!
Mario Tolentino, chef de cuisine of BLT Steak at The Betsy-South Beach: Locally, I eat at Pubbelly once a week. those guys do great stuff and I love the ambiance.
Shareef Malnik, owner/The Forge: I eat lunch regularly (3 times a week) at Soho Beach House’s members’ club bar on the 2nd floor. The food is great and I like the fact that they do not allow cell phone conversations or photog: raphy onsite as it takes away the “South Beach trappings” that deter from dining. When I'm not lunching at Soho Beach House, I'm meeting my woman [Burn Notice actress, Gabrielle Anwar] for a vegan lunch at Thrive. I never dreamed I would crave a vegan meal but Thrive blends healthy and culinary like no other place I know.
Miguel Aguilar, chef, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar: Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Cafe Ragazzi, JoJo's Tacos
Ivo Mazzon, executive chef of Joey’s Italian Café: Cecconi's, Soho House in South Beach.
Richard Hales, chef/owner Sakaya Kitchen et al: Fratelli Milano, one of the few Italian places that can make an awesome red sauce; MGFD, wish I could go more; Prime 112, its a steakhouse but fuck I love this place; Jimmy's Diner.
Michael Bloise, executive chef, SUSHISAMBA dromo: 1500 Degrees is where I find myself returning to. Clean flavors, fantastic product!
Jonathan Lazar, co-owner Sustain Restaurant + Bar: Sushi Deli
Gabriel Fenton, executive chef Bourbon Steak: Hiro's Yako-San, Timo, Panya Thai and Azul--in that order.
Louis Aguirre, anchor, Deco Drive: Michy's, Zuma, Cecconi's, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
Josh Marcus, chef/owner Chow Down Grill(s): Sushi Deli, Graziano's.
John Kunkel, owner Lime, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: The Dutch, Pubbelly and of course Yardbird and Lime
