Chef Govind Armstrong, perhaps one of Wolfgang Puck's most renown apprentices, has found his culinary niche and creates a very unique food experience at Table 8. The setting, stuck on a very relaxed terrace on Ocean Ave and 16th St., overlooks a very calm street that gives you the feeling of the South Beach one usually sees on tv, but the tranquility of someplace else. Choose to sit on the balcony under the umbrella and there is nothing better.

The service was slow, but nevertheless appreciated. It gives the patron the opportunity to relax, bask in the ambiance, talk quietly and sip 4 dollar sodas- the restaurant was really unassuming and unpretentious, it felt like a real restaurant and not a hot spot. The reason for my attendance was the special braised short rip grilled cheese sandwich which tasted as good as it sounds. Tender, moist and perfectly complemented by the cheese, my only criticism was that there seriously wasn't enough- next time I go, and believe me, I will go just for that sandwich again, I will probably order two. All the food on the menu was elegant and extremely simple, and the pricing (most sandwiches and salads on the lunch menu were between $10-13) is very affordable. There were no embellishments and there was a simple modern approach to everything. The quesedilla I sampled was equally satisfying, and still equally simple. The greens the accomipanied my sandwich were perfectly dressed, and everything was extremely clean and fresh.

But seriously, the sandwich is incredible.

A perfect lunch spot for any person who really enjoys taking their time, it is the typefied South Beach lunch spot without the stigma of South Beach attached. It was very quiet when we went, but the lounge-decor that we passed upon entering spoke otherwise. I also suspected that it was the complex where MTV's modeling show 8th and Ocean was shot at. (There is a pool on the second story that you can see from under the walk way).

My rating for the Table 8 is AA.
But just going for the sandwich bumps it up to a AAA.