Symcha's Not Worth the Wallet Shock; 3 Stars for Trio on the Bay

Lesley Elliott at the Miami New Times checks out South of Fifth spot Symcha's, where, upon arrival, "things are exceedingly quiet." A few days later, there was a "notably livelier scene." As for the decor, well, "it's a room that makes you want to return often," says Elliott, who then adds, "If only the food did the same." A former Hell's Kitchen contestant, chef Joshua Wahler takes "appropriate measures to ensure that pricey dishes exit the kitchen dressed to kill." Pork belly "was dry and improperly rendered with a stringy texture," "entrees didn't quite live up to their price point," but a "garlic-and-herb braised Kurobuta pork shank . . .easily fell from the bone." Sides, however, "are a standout here." Desserts are "spectacular." Bottom line: "In its current form, Symcha's is simply not worth the wallet shock." [MNT]

Over at Miami.com, Jodi Mailander Farrell reviews Trio on the Bay, which she says delivers "well prepared, water-side dining" where diners are "in for a treat." Chef Klime Kovaceski's "small-plate menu steals with show," including "fresh and perfectly cooked sesame-crusted tuna," "charmingly misshapen, thin-crust pizzas," and "a mini skewer trio--mouth melting steak along with chicken and shrimp." Only a few things didn't do it for the reviewer, including "plump but bland lamb chops," "bland Gruyere mac and cheese," and "disappointing roasted beet salad with only three slices of beets that tasted neither fresh nor roasted." That aside, bottom line was three stars. [Miami.com]