Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

What:

An early Saturday night dinner at “Bar Meli69,” my favorite neighborhood hang-out.

Why:

Warm, welcoming and unpretentious, “Bar Meli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar” is one of my absolute favorite places in Miami. I think a lot of it has to do with its owner, Liza Meli and the people she surrounds herself with.

Liza is gracious, intriguing and has spent the majority of her life exploring her passions like music, dance, travel, food and her restaurant is a direct reflection of those experiences.

Aesthetically, “Bar Meli69” is a beautiful mix of bright colors, twinkling lights and flickering candles. Even its ceiling has a rustic charm, covered in rattan wicker. The restaurant evokes a unique feeling: it seems you’ve discovered a special hideaway that only a few lucky people know about.

Coincidently, that’s exactly how this hidden gem got its start…

The eatery opened quietly in 2014 on 79th Street as “BarMeli79”. Its intimate wine bar, delicious Greek tapas and neighborhood feel made it an instant hit with the locals. Fast forward a few years later, and one of the best-kept secrets in the Magic City grew into a bonafide hot spot.

To keep up with its impressive foodie following, “BarMeli79” moved further south to MIMO, snuggling itself into a bigger and better location becoming “BarMeli69”. I stopped by last week for an early dinner to get a feel for their new digs.

I started Spotlight with a refreshing glass of Greek white wine (Tsantali Agioritikos) paired with one of my favorite appetizers, “Flaming Saganaki” (a yummy cheese set ablaze at your table with the help of a little brandy.) If you like ooey-gooey goodness, this is a must-try.

If you prefer watching your waistline, the “Amalfi” is healthy and delicious (made with grilled zucchini, goat cheese & mint.) I washed it down with a glass of Liza’s famous house-made “Exotic Red Sangria” (don’t let its fruitiness fool you; it packs a punch, you just may not feel it coming on.)

My favorite dish of the night? “Grilled Lamb Loin Chops” (made with house pesto.) The meat was exquisitely tender and the pesto added a nice flavor without overpowering the lamb. Liza paired the dish with a deliciously light red wine (a Greek one of course) called Dafnios Liatiko.

The “Whole Mediterranean Bronzino” is another one of my favorite dishes, not just because it’s healthy, it’s also to-die-for. It’s cooked with Greek olive oil, lemon juice and oregano drizzle. If you’re not into deboning fish, no worries, they’ll do it for you right at the table.

I don’t always love ending dinner on a sweet note, but “Chocolate Baklava” (filo-wrapped pistachios, walnuts, dried apricots with honey-syrup drizzle) can quickly change one’s mind. Hmmm…

There are so many wonderful reasons to fall in love with “Bar Meli69” — with its extensive wine bar, amazing food and enchanting atmosphere — my neighborhood hang-out is definitely one of my “Favorite Things”.

When:

Monday-Friday: 5-11pm
Saturday: 6-11pm
Thursday-Saturday: Bar & Tapas until 1am
Monday-Friday: Happy Hour is from 5-7pm.

Where:

Bar Meli69
6927 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33138

www.barmeli.com
FB: Barmeli69 Greek Bistro & Wine Bar

reservations: 305-754-5558

(There’s plenty of parking behind the restaurant, but I think Uber’ing is your best bet if you don’t live in MIMO. That way, you can imbibe until you’re hearts content.)

FYI — Liza has turned “Bar Meli69’s” former location on 79th Street into a wine shop with light bites (like cheese). Try it, you’ll like it!

*Shout-out to Chef Maykel Solis, he’s the bomb-dot-com.

So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.Franz Kafka
James Woodley Photography
Styling: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe: www.hauteglamboutique.com
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Ooey-gooey” Auerbach
Friday, March 31, 2017 Shireen's Spotlight , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Eat Greek

Shireen's Spotlight: Eat Greek

Shireen's Spotlight: Eat Greek

Shireen's Spotlight: Eat Greek

Shireen's Spotlight: Eat Greek

Shireen's Spotlight: Eat Greek

What:

Eat Greek 2917 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

Hello, Fried Zucchini… where have you been my entire life? Yep, that’s the first delicious dish I devoured at “Eat Greek” with a side of Tzatziki sauce and believe you me, there was no looking back…

This little laid-back hidden jewel attracted me because it’s interesting and has a hipster vibe (with graffitied walls and romantic murals). It even has a mini-Greek market smack dab in the middle of the restaurant. The best part of it, though, is the quality of the food and the fact that you can get it fast (take-out, delivery or dining-in).

After a glass of Greek red wine, I had a gorgeous, large Traditional Greek Salad (made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, gi-normous capers, olives, feta cheese, Greek olive oil, oregano and peppercinis). I love me a good Greek Salad. In fact, I eat them all the time and as most professional salad eaters know, they are not all created equally. This one is the bomb-dot-com and healthy to boot.

Side note: during dinner, a pretty and quite flexible belly dancer made her way around the room and performed some mind-bending moves. She twirled knives and danced around a fire baton. I’m not gonna lie, it was impressive. I mean, it’s not something you see everyday and she really knew what she was doing. I could’ve gawked all night, but I had work to do…

The Lamb Chops were the perfect compliment to my salad. I’m really picky when it comes to meat (especially lately, because I’ve been on a bit of a health kick and lamb is an acquired taste), but these were tender, succulent and seasoned to perfection. I tried the Lamb Gyro, too (stuffed with french fries and topped with Tzatziki). OMG, it was a whole lotta yummy goodness. If meat isn’t your thing…

The Greece Bronzino (grilled whole and topped with fresh lemon and greek olive oil, capers and oregano) is pretty amaze. It’s white, flaky and just falls off the bone. It’s a decadent plate that’s safe if you’re watching your weight and if you’re not…

They have the best Baklava (a greek pastry made with walnuts and honey). Last, but not least (cue the harp playing angels), I had the Bougatsa served with chocolate Nutella. I didn’t even know they made chocolate Nutella! This dessert is by far one of the best things I’ve ever had since starting my food blog. It’s creamy, sweet, and beyond delicious.

With late night hours, quality food and a hip laid-back atmosphere, and with a belly dancer on the weekends, “Eat Greek” is definitely one of my favorite things. Cheers!

When:

Monday through Sunday 11am-11pm

When:

They have three locations: South Beach, Brickell and the one I went to in Wynwood (which has parking in the back and on the side of the building). This busy little area has a clothing shop and Starbucks, too. You can check out their website for deets on their different locations www.EatGreek.org.

FB: Eat Greek Souvlaki IG: @eatgreek.miami

Conversation is the enemy of good wine and food.Alfred Hitchcock
James Woodley Photography
Hair & Make-Up: Odett Hernandez
wardrobe by www.bgbg.com
Blog Editor: Matthew “Tzatziki” Auerbach
Friday, June 10, 2016 Shireen's Spotlight , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

What:

Apeiro 3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and Mediterranean food with a modern twist; “Apeiro” is the place for you. With a beautiful light-colored interior (highlighted in blues and yellows,) artistic swirly chandeliers and an open-air kitchen, it’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’re in the Greek Islands (at least during the day.)

At night, it’s a different story. It’s more like, say, Miami. 😁🌴🍹 When my crew and I visited last Friday night, the outside bar was standing room only. It was like being on the beach, but with a little more panache. The staff, especially Chef David Blonsky (who hails from Chicago and most recently Siena Tavern,) was extremely affable. He’s a celebrity chef, so he gets it.

I started Spotlight off with their signature drink, “Apeiro Signature” (don Q crystal rum, cantaloupe, lemon juice, basil, rose pepper and simple syrup.) It was by far my favorite; fresh and unusual. My company would disagree, though. One of my BFF’s and stylist, Jackie Kay, was on-hand to help with tasting duties. She loved the “Mayfair Lady” (vodka infused with hibiscus rose hips, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and champagne.) Although the drink was sweet, it packed a major punch. My photographer, James, really liked the “Salted Le Melon” (melon vodka, cantaloupe and lime juice.) Warning: it goes down quick and easy.

I tried three appetizers: “Bunelo” (cheese, prosciutto, jam and puffed pastries.) Side note: this dish is served with truffle honey and I’m highly allergic to truffle oil. I tried mine without and it was still delish. The “Burrata” had a twist of sweetness (made with cherry tomato jam, arugula and toasted ciabatta.) My absolute favorite of the night was the “Akushi Steak Tartare” (with bone marrow vinaigrette, calabrian chile, served with a warm, puffy pita.) It was savory with good marbling and had a nice texture.

I tried two main dishes: “Lamb Kefta” and “Roasted Branzino.” The lamb was great, served with Tzatziki sauce, koshari rice and a green onion salad, but the whole fish (with acqua pazza sauce, koshari rice and herb oil) was pretty spectacular. I was especially full after dinner and didn’t really have room for dessert until I feasted my eyes on…

The “Triple Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!” It was a sight for sore eyes and tasted even better than it looked (hmmm…moist and delicious.) The “Bomboloni” (which is an Italian doughnut,) is served with three small squeezy bottles of Nutella chocolate, salted caramel and strawberry. You take your favorite flavor (or all three) and inject them into the heart of the pastry. Last but not least, my favorite dessert: “Waffle Cone Sundae” (your choice of gelato with chocolate hazelnut and caramel sauce, candied walnuts, amarena cherries and whipped cream.) I almost licked the bowl.

From the hip atmosphere, the chic decor, great outdoor space and modern Mediterranean food, which includes local ingredients and produce, “Apeiro Kitchen and Bar” (which in Ancient Greek means infinite or boundless,) is definitely one of my new favorite things. Cheers!

Where:

Apeiro is located in the heart of Midtown Miami. It’s just a few doors down from “Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill” and “Bocce Bar.” Street parking is always tough in this part of town, but they have plenty of self parking garages and valet in the area. If you live a little further north, you’re in luck, Apeiro is also located in Delray Beach (the restaurant’s original location.)

When:

Sunday-Wednesday 11:30am-11:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:30am-1:00am.

miami.apeirorestaurants.com
Twitter & IG: @ApeiroMiami, FB: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.Hippocrates
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer/Editor: Jessie Rosario
wardrobe: @KoreBoutique
Friday, November 20, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

What:

The Greek Place, 9561 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL. 33154

Why:

Fresh food, wonderful people and an unpretentious atmosphere: “The Greek Place” in Surfside is truly one of my favorite things and my absolute go-to neighborhood hang-out.

I first discovered the hidden jewel about ten years ago, while I was out and about running my usual errands. When I walked in, I was greeted with a friendly “hello” and made to feel right at home despite being alone. The food was incredibly fresh and the atmosphere was totally laid back and relaxing. I immediately became a regular and yes, just like the television show “Cheers,” it’s a place where everyone knows your name.

These days, when I have a brief respite from my crazy-hectic schedule, I make my way to “The Greek Place” and just chill at their basic bar. I’ll sit there for hours before I order their amazing signature “Greek Salad,” with grilled shrimp, a healthy helping of Tzatziki with pita bread (when I’m counting calories, I dip with cucumbers instead) and a glass of their yummy house red wine.

Some of their other stand-out dishes include “Octopus Salad” (it’s tangy and beyond tasty) and the “Lamb Chops” fall off the bone and marvelously melt in your mouth. If you get really lucky, the daily special will be a “Greek Beef Stew” that’s to die for. It’s succulent, flavorful and boasts secret Greek ingredients.

Even though I’m not really a dessert person, when I’m at “The Greek Place,” their Baklava Cheesecake is a must-have. It’s probably the only sweet treat I truly enjoy. My mouth is watering just writing about it! I guess I know where I’m going tonight.

Where:

The Greek Place is in the quaint little seaside town of Surfside right on Harding Avenue (which is one of the main roads that runs through North Miami Beach.) Surfside has a lot of nice shops and restaurants worth visiting. “The Greek Place” is located on the east side of Harding (which is opposite the popular and always busy Starbucks.) You can park curbside or find one of the many pay to park lots around town. Every lot nearby is within walking distance.

When:

Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm.

Website: www.greekplacesurfside.com (under construction)
Takeaway: 305-866-9628
IG: @TheGreekPlaceSurfside
Twitter: @The_Greek_Place
FB: The Greek Place

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Woolf

Dress: Vintage Betsey Johnson
Boots: Valentino (Red) www.Kokopalenki.com
Coat: Bebe
Purse: BCBG

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer/Producer: Shireen Sandoval

Friday, February 27, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , ,