Gastric Redemption

Call us eat-out-aholics, but our workdays are nothing without the anticipation of biting into an eight-dollar sandwich for lunch. And be honest, you agree that special occasions are meaningless without some chain restaurant serving up huge plates of forgettable cuisine. Never mind the constant disappointment we endure; we have issues! But we’ve decided to get some help for our problem, and we’re eschewing therapists and support groups for a few sessions with Coral Gables Restaurant Week. From June 2 to 8, nearly 20 of the City Beautiful’s hottest eateries are offering three-course prix fixe gourmet lunches and dinners to the poor-taste-budded, the weak-dollared, and the hungry.

We’re starting out with a lunch of Caicos Island conch fritters, butterflied rainbow trout, and crème brûlée at Ortanique on the Mile (278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-446-7710) for just 25 bucks. And since dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-569-7995) is usually a mooching affair, you’ll find us noshing on spicy tempura shrimp, blue-cheese-glazed filet mignon, and a fresh fruit tart for just $33.95. Visit www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com for a list of participating restaurants and their menus.
June 2-8, 2008