Avalon

An inventive menu of small plates, sandwiches, and dinner plates takes shape in Avalon's modern bistro, offering something sophisticated to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Stop by with friends for lunch or dinner to sample a variety of petite platters, such as pow-pow shrimp with mango habanero glaze and cucumber cream ($10.50), crispy calamari served with a trio of dipping sauces ($8.50), and truffled lobster mac ‘n' cheese ($13.90; served as a small plate during dinner only). For a more hands-on feast, choose a mitt-fitting sandwich such as the salmon burger with panko breadcrumbs and dill cream cheese ($10 at lunch; $10.90 at dinner). A large plate of 12-hour braised beef short ribs with Weisenburger grits and green onion jam ($22.90; dinner only) has the ability to quell even the most raging belly-fires before they erupt out one's mouth and singe a date's hair. Top your ascent to dizzying culinary heights with a dessert of fried apple pie with sea-salt caramel and vanilla-bean ice cream ($6) or something potable from Avalon's menu of more than 40 fine wines.