Red meat is big these days, especially with cigar smokers. And, any place that has outdoor dining has my patronage; at least, once! Well, Prime Blue Grille, a creation of 'expatriate' Smith & Wollensky executives has had it many, many times. Dining on the terrace overlooking the entrance to the Miami River, opposite Brickell Key, is dining at its best. And being greeted by Jamie Zambrana, or any of his staff, is knowing hospitality at its best.

The restaurant's bar 'passes through' the wall and is accessible from the terrace as well. And the selection of pourings is top notch, from superb single malts to the full range of fine vodkas…my beverage of choice. I particularly love ordering an 'Effen' (a new, excellent vodka from, of all places, Holland). One matronly lady looked askance at me one day, when I walked up to a bar in a restaurant and said, "Let me have an Effen vodka!"

I love a shell fish appetizer and Prime Blue has the full range, often including Dungeness crab. This time my guests and I opted for the 'shell fish tower' which easily sated the four of us. Replete with lobster, mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp it was a veritable feast.

The salads which one actually 'constructs,' ingredient by ingredient, if you are so inclined, were superb and the sliced tomatoes and onions – with Roquefort dressing – my favorite, excelled.

We chose a variety of meats between us: bone in rib eye; Porterhouse (for two) and an excellent Sirloin strip which I had with Gorgonzola crust. The meats were done to a turn, arriving precisely as everyone had ordered theirs. We chose Vidalia onion rings, truffled mashed potatoes and wood roasted mushrooms as side dishes. The portions were substantial and the flavors and preparation of each were terrific.

This particular evening we eschewed making a selection from the ample and well stocked wine cellar and continued to imbibe the drinks we had earlier chosen. Nonetheless, I can assure you that the Wine List contains the finest of wines from the U.S., Australia, France, South Africa and Italy, as well as New Zealand. And if you have yet to try a wine from New Zealand, do so at your earliest opportunity. They are all premium wines and they are all memorable.

Prime Blue offers some eclectic desserts and I had the Key Lime Mousse Cannoli, while my friends selected Peanut Butter cheese cake and Mango sorbet. We accompanied the desserts with excellent espressos.

I surprised my friends by ordering Far Niente's Dulce, a late harvest desert wine, instead of Port, and they were astounded. Try it sometime.

Least I forget, the waiter was excellent with the right mix of humor, familiarity and prompt attention to our every need. When I left, I complimented Jaime on the server, and he replied, "I wish I had a dozen of him." I'm keeping his name to myself, in fairness, to all the well trained staff. Knowing Jamie, he must have a dozen of 'him,' although not all with the same name.

Have a craving for first class food and five star service? Book a table at Prime Blue Grille.

Prime Blue Grille
315 South Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33131
Telephone: 305.356.5900
Facsimile: 305.356.5903
www.primebluegrille.com