I am picky about salad. I simply have no patience for produce that is less than exquisite. Lettuce should never be iceberg; tomatoes should always be bright red. And innovation is always welcome, which is what makes the salad at Boulevard Cafe, in downtown Fort Lauderdale at the corner of S.E. 13th Avenue and Las Olas, so good.

This garden salad features the highest quality premium greens and ripe tomatoes. It also comes with the Gorgonzola cheese on the side, in a little bowl. This is brilliant. I've seen lots of salads featuring cheese--it tends to go together with chopped walnuts. But leaving the amount of cheese to the customer is brilliant for two reasons. First, cheese can have a strong flavor and this allows the customer to decide how much to put in. Second, cheese left in salad can get washed down and lose its character. If you like sharp cheddar, you want added to the salad just before eating.

Setting aside the cheese is a practice more restaurants should adopt. Like dressing, it is enjoyed in varying amounts by different people.