Bâoli.

The best J1 has to offer?

For your consideration, I offer Bâoli, the J1 restaurant that’s part-Miami nightlife, part-Asian-inspired outlet, and 100% a mood (ask me how I know – the hostess couldn’t have been ruder about not finding my reservation and/or allowing me a spot to sit and work while I waited for my +1). At least, this is what I’m picturing the vibe is like in the evening (more notes on that later). I was at Baoli for an early lunch, where my dining partner and I were the only ones present until a very large (and plastic) crowd arrived around 2 PM.

Tucked inside the — why did we ruin a perfectly good beach, ahem, ever-developing J1 — Bâoli stands out from its posh neighbors in a mostly positive way. Yes, it has the same stylized entrance as others on the block, but I feel like the team has taken better steps to truly differentiate their space. (Do I manage to get the valet stand wrong (again)? I do.) Upon arrival, there’s a touch of jungle opulence, but nothing feels too heavy-handed. It’s giving high…