Inconsistent Azul; 3 Stars for N. Beach Peruvian Mixtura

Lee Klein checks out Azul, about which he says is "on the dull and stuffy side." As for the cuisine, Klein says chef Joel Huff has some heavy shoes to fill, and "unfortunately, Huff's dishes are ambitious but ultimately too inconsistent to match up." Entrees are "inconsistent," and, long story short, "That the two-cake cylinder is served on its side for no apparent reason — other than making it roll around as you stab at it with your fork — is emblematic of what bugs me about this place. Even the most sublime flavors can be undermined by too many intricate touches." [MNT]

Victoria Pesce Elliott visits Miami Beach Peruvian spot Mixtura, about which she writes is "a bright and bustling spot," in a setting that's "surprisingly upscale." As for the food, for the most part, "excellent," "addictive," "classic," "fresh" and "tasty," with just two things not so, including ceviche described as "kooky" and ravioli "too salty." Didn't matter, though. End result was 3 stars. [Miami.com]