Opening Act
Your First Look Inside Prelude by Barton G.

It's time to celebrate.

The weather's finally cooled down, the season's kicking into gear, and Art Basel is just around the corner.

And there's no one better suited to usher in the party than the city's P.T. Barnum of dining. Say hello to Prelude by Barton G., now taking reservations for its Friday debut at the Arsht Center.

You're already familiar with Barton G.'s over-the-top food presentations—the lobster pop tarts served in toasters, mile-high towers of cotton candy, the nitrogen cocktails—but for this outpost, located on the second floor of the Ziff Opera House, he's toned down the theatrics a bit and gone for a sexy supper club feel. (That's not to say there isn't still plenty of flair, from the hand-blown glass plates and oversized desserts to a massive onyx bar where you can work your way through 90 wines by the glass.) It's where you'll go before catching a performance at the center, or when you're in the mood for a quick dinner downtown (they guarantee to have you in and out in 60 minutes).

He's also toned down the prices, offering a $39 three-course menu that lets you pick and choose from dishes like Butter Poached Shrimp Salad, Duck Leg Confit and desserts like grape jelly gelato with peanut butter mousse.

Just like Mom used to make.