January 8, 2007 Surf and Turf Wars

Trying to be one of the gang can hurt. (Hazings. Humiliations. Bad hair.) But an appreciation for good eats is all you need to get in with The Food Gang (no iron-on decals necessary). Started by Patrick Charpentier, with Howard Kleinberg (of Ivy Restaurant and Lounge) in the kitchen, it’s a gangsta’s (er, foodie’s) paradise — part fine dining restaurant and tapas bar, part gourmet market, all sunny accents and herb centerpieces. If you’re staying, have tapas at the bar (Serrano ham, French cheese, and foie gras), followed by calamari a la plancha and rib eye with white anchovy butter. If you’re taking out, stock up on Petrossian caviar, Fauchon tea and chocolates, Cipriani pasta and sauces, and Murray’s cheeses. The reasonable prices will have you eating like a connoisseur. Do try your best to look the part. The Food Gang, 9472 Harding Avenue, Surfside (786-228-9292).