It is no wonder for foodie enthusiasts that Miami Spice stopped feeling like a deal this year. Last year lunch and brunch ran a flat $35 across the whole program. This year the floor is $40. That’s a 14% bump in twelve months. Dinner climbed the same way, from $45 and $60 last year to $50 and $65 now. Unfortunately, plenty of restaurants fence that $40 lunch behind a single weekday, pushing my fellow foodie followers toward the $65 seating instead. The Miami Spice appeal has left the chat.

I had last Friday off. With an open afternoon and no plan for it, I went in search of a new culinary experience and landed on The Beauty and the Butcher, on Red Road in Coral Gables. The restaurant sits in the Michelin Guide and runs its Spice lunch on Fridays only, three courses for $40. Was it worth it?

Upon my arrival, staff was friendly and professional. I walked in on a Friday afternoon without a reservation and got a table immediately. No wait at the host stand.

Since I went with a friend, we each took three courses. To start, the Manchego and Serrano Ham Croquette with piquillo pepper emulsion and truffle, plus the Hamachi Crudo. For mains, The Beauty Chicken Sando on a pretzel bun and the Australian Wagyu Steak Frites, an 8oz Korean BBQ top sirloin with duck fat papas bravas. Dessert was the Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie with malted vanilla milk and the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake.

Here’s the part to plan for. The wagyu carries an upcharge at lunch, but it is recommended. Ask for it medium rare so the top sirloin stays soft and tender.

Everything came out well seasoned and at the right temperature. The foods size was just right. Lunch is still where the value sits.

The only downside was the time, we were there an hour and a half, and the dining room stayed half empty the entire time. If you’re fitting this into a workday, budget the full ninety minutes.

I didn’t need a reservation, but book one anyway. Friday is the only lunch day, so a full week of demand lands on a single service. Parking is available outside, so you’re not circling Red Road for twenty minutes.

Their site: beautyandthebutchermiami.com. Phone: (305) 885-4008. Address: 6915 Red Road, Coral Gables. The full Spice menu and participating days are on Greater Miami’s official listing.

Four Fridays remain before Miami Spice ends September 30. Book one.