Industry Experts on Their 2014 Restaurant Grievances

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. We've already covered the restaurant standbys, top newcomers, 2014 in one word, best dining neighborhood, biggest dining surprises, and the single best meal of the year. Now, it's time for restaurant breakups. Readers, please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Q: What is your biggest restaurant grievance of 2014?

Matt Meltzer, Miami Editor of Thrillist

"Craft cocktails" being made with simple syrup. Ain't nothin' "craft" about using pre-made sugar water in your drinks. Might as well give me a vodka and Kool-Aid at that point. Also, the term "farm-to-table." Like, really? Did you all go out to the farm like it was a Portlandia sketch and pick this stuff up and cook it today? Unless you're growing this stuff in your back yard that term means absolutely nothing.

Carla Torres, Miami New Times
Nina Compton broke a lot of hearts when she left Scarpetta. I was quite sad about New Chinatown Restaurant closing after 30 years. I remember going the with my parents as a kid on Christmas.

Gio Gutierrez, Executive Producer, Chat Chow TV
The closing of the barely open Prost Miami and sad to see the eclectic wanderlust known as NeMesis Urban Bistro close as well.

Steven S. Editor-In-Chief of The Chowfather
Brunch especially on Saturdays. Bust. Just do a proper lunch.

Olee Fowler, Eater Miami contributor
The complete overuse of "farm-to-table" and "local" in dining. As someone who used to work in the distribution side of things, I know for a fact that’s BS 8 months out of the year. Please tell me which South Florida farm you’re buying your produce from in the middle of July when absolutely nothing is growing outside? Because I would like to see this magical place and I’ll make sure to bring my pet unicorn with me.

Ashley Brozic, Racked Miami editor and Eater Miami contributor
Hands down it was Sandbar's tragic transformation. I lost my college drinking buddy. Also, Taperia Raca's life was cut short. Wa-aaay too short.

Carissa Chesanek, Local Editor at Zagat Miami
I was sad to see Escopazzo close on Washington Avenue. That was an iconic spot with amazing food that will be missed. The overdone tapas trends, however, is something I'd be happy to say "goodbye" to. I'm all about sharing with the table, but who says you can't do that with normal size plates?

Kathy Buccio, Eater Miami contributor
Goodbye Benchwarmers. Why do we have to make sports bars "cool"? I'm definitely not going there for the food.

Sara Liss, Restaurants contributor, Miami.com and Miami Herald
Of course kale was everywhere. As were roasted chicken, Brussels sprouts and old-fashioned's. In other words, places attempting to replicate the farm-to-table thing but without much innovation. Also, what's up with the high prices for wine-by-the-glass? I am tired of looking at new places with zero options under $12 a glass.

Galena Mosovich, Nightlife and Visual Arts Editor for miami.com
I’m so over buns.