SOUTH BEACH. As polished and gracious as is the Ritz, so is Americana. Dressed in sleek mid-century style and peppered with stainless steel, the restaurant is a beauty. Its menu is just as well composed, if not a little more bold in approach. Classic comfort foods are the kitchen's realm, but they're taken to new heights of invention. As a result, you'll find phyllo fried chicken, lamb cassoulet, braised veal ravioli and Dover sole presented in four different preparations. Steaks with lush sauces of truffles and cognac can also be had, and desserts are similarly delicious. In addition, Sunday brunch is an extensive, spectacular event.

SOUTH BEACH. Former figure skater and production designer Barton G. Weiss has distinguished himself for years as a Miami event planner. Now his penchant for spectacle makes its way to the culinary world. Within the sleek dining room, showmanship joins flavor and innovation, resulting in a menu of reinvented American favorites that relies as much on appearance as on taste. Popcorn shrimp is served in a popcorn box on a bed of popcorn, and sea bass is steamed in a paper bag and then unveiled at the table. Lamb chops, a NY strip, glazed duck, fried chicken and a trio of seafood pot pies also figure into the broad menu. Plus, intriguing desserts are as dramatically plated as any you'll find.

AVENTURA. This popular chain's New American menu features a broad array of dishes, from avocado egg rolls and Mexican chicken pizza to Jamaican shrimp and shepherd's pie. However, desserts really steal the show, and it's easy to see why once you've taken a gander at Linda's Fudge Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake, and Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Cheesecake. An attractive garden patio offers the perfect setting for a late-afternoon respite, accompanied by gourmet coffee, good conversation, and, of course, one of 40 delectable cheesecakes.

CORAL GABLES. Christy's is a long-standing local favorite in Coral Gables, with a cozy dining room, attentive service and perfectly prepared, classic Continental cuisine. A favorite for business lunches and power dinners, the steaks are especially popular. Try the huge prime rib with horseradish sauce or the filet mignon in a flavorful teriyaki marinade. Lighter appetites will love the Caesar salads and tasty baked sweet potatoes. The grand finale? Impressive Baked Alaska or dense Blackout Cake are two outstanding options. Reservations recommended. Business casual attire.

SOUTH BEACH. Adjoining Ocean Five Hotel, this chic restaurant features outdoor dining and an attractive cocktail bar. A delectable calamari trio of buttermilk fried calamari, grilled squid and baby octopus cocktail kicks provides a satisfying introduction to Fifty's cuisine. When it comes to the main course, diners have their pick of homemade pastas, tender steak and chops or a delicate seafood dish. Try the goat cheese gnocchi with sweet garlic, forest mushrooms, baby broccoli and roasted tomatoes, or the Key West yellowtail snapper with Creole black bean succotash with bacon and plantains. $36 pre/post-theater menu available.