Reviews for NIU Kitchen and Fork & Balls

Food critic Zachary Fagenson makes a stop at Downtown's newbie restaurant, NIU Kitchen, and finds the Catalan eatery full of promise. "Niu's food is deeply satisfying but still light," writes Fagenson, "It shuns the conventions of Miami's seemingly endless selection of middling Spanish restaurant." Raving about multiple dishes on NIU's ever-changing menu, he ends his review of what seems to be a just right restaurant thusly:

The space is perfect for what downtown is becoming. It is intimate enough for a date but not too romantic to visit with friends. It is creative enough to satisfy the thrill-seeking diner but not outlandish enough to limit clientele.
It is a bit of light in an otherwise dim downtown Miami. Let's hope it won't glow alone for long.

A ways up the road, Sara Veniera reviews The Restaurant People's latest addition to their repertoire (which include spots like YOLO and S3), Fork & Balls, and deems it "another victory." She writes:

The concept may be trendy, but the food is genuinely enjoyable. And with the Restaurant People's record for filling spaces with lively bars and eateries, it would be safe to assume this place will keep drawing crowds.

As for specifics, Fork & Balls offers not only indulgent options like spicy meatballs with creamy polenta and ricotta, but also "diet-appropriate fare" and plenty of veggie items.
· NIU Kitchen: Catalan Tapas Spot Shows Promise for Downtown Dining [SO]
· Fork & Balls Looks to Be Another Victory for the Restaurant People [CPC]