Chipotle.

Food Type: "Southwestern"

Origin: Mexican-american

website: www.chipotle.com

location: several

Upper-division fast food. Is this the real name for it? probably not, but this type of place is becoming way more common and popular among young people, and for good reason. In the nice middle ground, Chipotle as well as its two competitors are tastier, healthier, and overall better (also more expensive) than Taco Bell without becoming the classic mexican restaurants of years past. My choice at chipotle is a Chicken burrito with: white rice, black beans, cheese, lettuce, and the costly quacamole. If chipotle has a kryptonite it would be the extra charge for the "quac". Worth it however, chips and soda also added will set you back just under $10. No waiters. Seating is fast-food style with fountain drink refill machine by the wall and somewhat modern wood/stainless steel furniture. There's no luxury here, just good burritos.

-Nick

Lan Pan asian cuisine.

Food Type: Pan Asian

Origin: Japanese-thai-chinese

website: www.lanpanasian.com

location: Dadeland Station

Today was a little break from the cheaper alternatives, and i went to Lan Pan asian in Dadeland station. Over time, as public relations for my school's Asian Student Union I have been to quite a few asian restaurants in Miami. This place ranks up top among the plethora of choices, a popular birthday spot, and a nice combination of taste and price!

Let me start by saying that my favorite Japanese dish is Unagi Don. A fairly cheap dish to make in Japan (ironically), Unagi Don consists of strips of bbq eel over a bowl of white rice. Now as my favorite dish, I have tasted it at many of Miami's restaurants and Lan Pan takes the prize.

The lunch hour is the best time to come to Lan. Kitchen closes at 3pm sharp so get there before their hour-long break to get the cheaper, better menu. The Unagi Don at lunch brings:

Miso soup (tofu & seaweed in chicken broth, delicious):

Salad:

and the Eel over rice.

All for $11!

Soda and tip will set you to about $15, not too shabby for a 3 course meal eh?

also try:

-Spicy Korean BBQ (Kimchee):

[also with soup & salad during lunch]

-Various Noodle Dishes:

[also with soup & salad during lunch]

-Various sushi combinations [try Rainbow roll!]

-Nick