Friends of Eater Share Their Biggest Dining Surprise of 2017

As we put a cap on 2017, Eater surveyed a group of friends, writers, and all around experts for their take on the past year. We asked them eight questions: from top standbys to top newcomers, from best meals to restaurants they’ve broken up with. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the 2017. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments.

Amber Love Bond (Eater Miami contributor): Dizengoff. I knew it would be good, but I had no idea hummus could be an entire meal or how often I would need it in my life. Thank you Michael Solomonov for bringing such greatness our way.

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Four years late to the game, I made my way to Stanzione 87 and quickly realized what I'd been missing. Franco's making the best pizzas in the city right now, and Ashley's front-of-house enthusiasm will make anyone smile.

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami photographer): Still waiting for it...

Becky Randel (The Daily Meal/People Magazine): Pinch Miami. I wasn't expecting to love it so much. It felt like a home cooked meal in the South of France.

Belkys Nerey (WSVN 7): Cake Thai (Wynwood) closed

David Rosendorf (Food For Thought): That Hurricane Irma didn't permanently shut down more restaurants than it did. Given the damage and disruption, the usual summer doldrums, and the challenge of gearing up again in the middle of slow season, I was expecting a lot more closures than we saw.

Matthew Meltzer (Thrillist Miami): That a big-name chef in Miami hasn't been caught up in the wave of harassment claims yet. Though I have no doubt it's coming.

Stacy Moya (Eater Miami Contributor): Ghee Indian Kitchen because of the deliciously unexpected explosion of flavors you experience with all the dishes. I was also surprised by how disappointing Ariete was—bone pieces in the croquetas and hard chick peas, gross.

Virginia Gil (Time Out Miami): I went to the Strand at the Carillon recently and was shocked to hear my server say that their menu was NOT meant for sharing. That was a surprise and I think we'll be hearing more of that in the next year.

Carla Torres (Miami New Times): Nothing really surprises me anymore, but I'd say word of Thomas Keller opening a concept in Miami is pretty legendary. Let's see what happens.

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): I know this was technically very late 2016 news, but the fact after years and years of rumors — Thomas Keller making his announcement that he was coming to Miami is still crazy to me. Oh, and David Chang opening up in Hard Rock Stadium? That was one helluva surprise too.