The Forge attracts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jordan and Matt Damon. Photo/The Forge
Dine like a diva
By Jon Warech
Barton G. – Presentation is everything at this popular eatery where popcorn shrimp actually is served in a popcorn box and cotton candy – favored by Jada Pinkett Smith -- is a dessert. The eye-candy is even sweeter with diners like Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. 1427 West Ave., Miami Beach, 305-672-8881
www.bartong.com
Big Pink – Whether you’re looking for an after-party snack or to feed a hangover, Big Pink’s diner-style menu offers comfort food into the wee hours of the morning. While biting into your burger, catch a glimpse of Miami it-couple Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias. Or a politico or two, like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had the “huge” chicken Caesar salad. 157 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, 305-532-4700
www.bigpinkrestaurant.com
Café Martorano - They don’t take reservations at this 14-table joint which, until recently had no menu and where waiters scream the specials over the blaring disco music. Still, they come. This celeb magnet has attracted the likes of hip-hop chanteuse Christina Milian, wiseguy Joe Pesci and the Sopranos’ Lorraine Bracco and Steven Van Zandt, who told People magazine: “It’s the only place that makes meatballs the way my grandmother used to.” 3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954) 561-2554
www.cafemartorano.com
Casa Tua – When Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have a stop here between flights from the Bahamas to LA, they motor to this pseudo-hidden Mediterranean villa, which offers the warmth of home in the dining area and the VIPness of the velvet rope in their private upstairs club. 1700 James Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-1010
www.casatualifestyle.com
The Forge -- You probably won’t see Jennifer Lopez or Matt Damon here because they dine in the private wine cellar, but you’ll see stars like Michael Jordan, Russell Simmons and Nicolette Sheridan who do dine in the main area of this old-school steak house. Soul Kitchen Sunday brings the likes of Queen Latifah, P. Diddy, Star Jones Reynolds and Busta Rhymes. 432 W. 41st St., Miami Beach, 305-538-8533
www.theforge.com
Joe’s Stone Crab – A South Beach staple since well before nightclubs ruled the town, Joe’s regularly packs in celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Yoko Ono. If you aren’t a regular, you may wait a while to be seated since Joe’s doesn’t take reservations. The world famous crabs are worth the wait. Just ask George W. Bush, who has stopped in while in Miami. Heck, Danny DeVito doesn’t wait for his – he has the crabs shipped.
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach 305-673-0365
www.joesstonecrab.com
Macaluso’s – It’s tucked away in a hard-to-spot strip shopping center, but the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Benicio Del Toro, Billy Joel and Hilary Duff still manage to find this home-style Italian hotspot and its famous meatballs. It is, after all, where Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher were confirmed as a couple with a much-publicized kiss. 1747 Alton Rd., 305-604-1811
Nobu – Celebs love their Nobu in NYC and Malibu, so it’s no wonder they hit the South Beach locale for a taste of sea bass or rock shrimp. George Clooney, Jessica Simpson, Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey have all been spotted at the trendy see-and-be-scene restaurant inside the Shore Club. Jessica Simpson and John Mayer heated up their relationship over sushi (ok, so it didn’t last!). Shore Club, 1901 Collins Avenue, 305-695-3232
www.noburestaurants.com
O Asian Grill – Billy Joel, Mandy Moore, Francis Ford Coppola and Mickey Rourke love showing their face at this East Lincoln joint. Whether it’s the Aisan country style food or the singles-friendly bar scene, it’s a party-starting spot for celebs like Wilmer Valderrama, Travis Barker, Kristin Cavallari. 330 Lincoln Road, 305-531-2811
www.oasiangrill.com
Prime One Twelve – This place sizzles – and it’s not just the steaks we’re talking about. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Hilary and Haylie Duff, Dwyane Wade and President Bill Clinton are among the A-listers who come for the steak and garlic mashed potatoes. Get a coveted seat or watch the parade from the bar. 112 Ocean Drive, 305-532-8112
www.prime112.com
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana – Eat linguini with clams next to the Piano Man or risotto with truffles across from Gloria Estefan at this people-watching spot with delicious Italian fare. Day or night, the place is hopping as the revelry moves from the restaurant to its sister lounge Mokai. 1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-531-4833
www.quattromiami.com
Social Miami – It’s model mayhem on Friday and Saturday night at the Social party, and the best way to join the action is to snag a table in the restaurant and order Kobe mini burgers or curried lamb ribs. Yes, it’s easy to forget this is a restaurant when the weekend draws gliterrati like supermodel Rachel Hunter, Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Adrian Grenier of Entourage fame. Sagamore, 1671 Collins Ave., 786-594-3344
www.chinagrillmgt.com
Sushi Samba – Hulk Hogan can be seen chowing down on tuna rolls or churrasco steak almost nightly and don’t be surprised to see Richie Sambora, Johnny Knoxville or Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. Tuesday’s Cosplay party draws a big crowd and on weekends dinner can often turn into a late night party at the hopping bar scene. 600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-673-5337
www.sushisamba.com
Table 8 – Chef Govind Armstrong’s LA clientele includes Al Pacino, Elton John and Leonardo DiCaprio. Now, the South Beach spin-off packs in the popular crowd, such as Alec Baldwin and his brother Billy, Ryan Seacrest, Francis Ford Coppola and Ludacris. With footballer Dwight Freeney as an investor, a celebrity sighting is almost certain. Regent Hotel at 1458 Ocean Drive, 305-695-4114
www.table8southbeach.com
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Barton G, love the scene, the service, the beignets and the cocktails. Nobu, could eat the yellowtail sashimi and jalapenos daily. Casa Tua, yum-mee -- but hope someone else is picking up the check.
Posted by: CurlyGirl on Tue, 2008-01-22 12:44