DB Bistro Moderne: Classy Experience, Exquisite Fare; Plus, Heavy Burger & Roxy Miami

Lee Klein says that DB Bistro Moderne is doing much better than David Bouley's failed South Beach experiment of several years ago "thanks at least in part to location" and "word of mouth about exquisite fare." He also says dining there is "a classy experience from start to finish." Staff is "smooth, polished, and extremely well informed about the cuisine." The pâté de campagne, Klein writes, "was the best rendition I've had in years." vichyssoise de lettue "wowed," and the pasta in the ricotta cavatelli was "perfect." Entrees, however, "were not as universally impressive" as the appetizers. Duck confit was a "solid plate of food, but one you could find similarly plated at a less heralded bistro." Desserts are "composed plates of petite, sometimes scintillating components." Bottom line: "an elegant dinner."[MNT]

The Herald's Jodi Mailander Farrell checked out two new(ish) burger joints--Heavy Burger and Roxy Miami. At Aventura's Heavy Burger, whose decor is "frat house meets nightclub," the "pancake-sized patties are juicy, cooked the way you ask and overflowing with messy toppings like chili, sautéed mushrooms, grilled pineapple and avocado." The crowd, she says, looks like it stepped out of a Poison video, and overall, Heavy Burger warrants 2.5 stars. Roxy gets two stars, "is cheaper," and "in this case, you get what you pay for." The Juicy Lucy and the wings impressed, but the burgers are "overcooked and dry" giving the Johnson & Wales hangout 2 stars.[Miami.com]