New Yard, New Grill

Interior view of The Grill on the Alley.

I received two press releases today regarding a pair of upcoming dining establishments. One announced that The Grill on the Alley, a Beverly Hills hangout for Hollywood’s movers and shakers since 1984, would be opening in Aventura this October. The ambiance promises to mimic clubby (not grubby) grill houses of the 1930s and ‘40s, while the fare will reflect a slightly more updated American grill house: USDA Prime steaks and chops, fresh seafood, and specialties such as lobster martini appetizer, John Dory with lemon butter sauce, braised short ribs, chicken pot pie, and Crab Louie.

The other release trumpeted the coming of Yard House Restaurant to the Village of Merrick Park. It informed that this will be the first Yard House in the Miami area, but 22nd overall; that there will be a vast library of classic rock music played on a state-of-the-art sound system, and plasma TVs, and an abundant selection of draft beer “ranging from classic ales to more obscure lagers and stouts.” Of the 1,192 words devoted to Yard House RESTAURANT in this statement, only 41 concern dining:

“Executive Chef Carlito Jocson’s menu features more than 100 items, incorporating updated classics, and melding flavors of the Pacific Rim with more traditional fare, reflecting his Filipino heritage.”

“American Fusion fare that is both classic and inventive”; “eclectic menu”; “exceptional food”.

Makes me think the Yard House menu might be like those movies of dubious merit that don’t get pre-screened for critics. Meanwhile, guess we’ll just have to wait to find out what updated traditional classic Pacific Rim Filipino American fusion fare tastes like.

-- Lee Klein