THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Prelude by Barton G.

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Prelude by Barton G. Restaurant Review:

Considering Prelude's location inside the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, one would expect this to be the most theatrical of the three restaurants of Barton G. Weiss, South Florida's most over-the-top restaurateur. It's actually the most restrained --- no lobster Pop Tarts served in an actual toaster, or similar food-as-performance-art. The meal, a $49 prix-fixe "Diners' Decision" (any three courses, whether the usual starter-entrée-dessert thing or the ultimate childish choice: three desserts), really is just a precision-timed 90-minute prelude to the evening's entertainment, not the entertainment itself. While this may disappoint those who had looked forward to seeing the G-man stretch his imagination, dishes are beautifully presented, solid (sometimes even inspired) in concept and preparation, and, in the case of desserts, generous in size. Since starters and entrées are smaller, the best tactic for hungry couples is to share one sweet --- particularly any dessert containing house-made crème fraîche ice cream (an adult taste that makes growing up seem worthwhile) --- and add an extra starter. Top entrées: pastry-topped short ribs with roasted root vegetables and brandied cream sauce; soft chèvre-chive-filled tortellini, with sweet red pepper cream, asparagus and portobellos. To accompany, the wine list is extensive, with scores of selections available by the glass (in several pour sizes).