Situated on Ocean Drive, Avalon has classic seafood dishes, each with a unique twist. Tuna tartar with taro chips and basil-infused risotto are two examples of this. The dishes were quite tasty, if a tad more expensive than the quality.

But the ambience of live music and people-watching made up for it. The wine list was also well thought-out, with enough quality and variety for anyone.

I'd recommend a terrace table for better visibility.

a) great food
b) ambiance
c) music
d) latest in what to wear and what not to wear
e) people watching

We had been recommended a restaurant by the resort concierge around 7th Street, but could not find it. To say that the street is jammed with cars would be an underestimation. And trying to find parking is no easy feat, and that goes for just about anywhere along Ocean Drive. After one spin around the block, we were blessed with a spot on one of the side streets. So we decided to get out and walk, and pick whatever would appeal to our taste.

We didn’t have far to go. The sight of crisp white linen tablecloths, mutedly lit candles on each table, and an irresistible latin beat beckoned us to A fish Called Avalon. We glanced at the menu which is offered on the curbside side of the outdoor dining area. We were seated immediately and began enjoying the music and the passers by.

So what was great on the menu?

I had the seafood salad, which was a delightful blend of shrimp, scallops and squid suffused in an orange ginger vinaigrette. Though this was not an entrée, it was perfectly adequate for dinner. Portions are very generous. Chuck chose the Floridian snapper, which arrived perched on a bed of lentil bean salad with a coconut vinaigrette, pre-sliced. There is a wine list, of course, and I never really get intimate with that part of dining, as I am not alcohol proof.

Have a look at some of the other items on the menu:

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with tequila cocktail sauce and avocado relish

Wild Mushroom (portabella & shitake) Salad in an 18-year-old balsamic dressing

Grilled Mahi Mahi with saffron mashed potatoes and fried basil leaves

And for vegetarians: Grilled Vegetables, Cabbage slaw in basil vinaigrette. Hungry??

Service was extremely courteous and prompt. Our server was a transplant from the Midwest, and had come to Miami on vacation and decided to remain. It’s been eight years for him.

Both of us were caught in the stream of human bodies passing by our table. One did not necessarily have to be dressed for dinner; spike heels, flip flops, mini-weenie skirts, huge bangle earrings and pendants, of course. Couples, groups of young men on the "prowl", young women probably doing the same, older couples holding hands, mothers pushing baby prams. Most everyone wore a cell phone on their ear.

While Chuck sipped his wine, I ended dinner with my favorite dessert and black tea. The tiramisu is drenched with rum, but delectable nonetheless.