Shireen's Favorite Things

Enjoying a killer Happy Hour & delicious French-inspired tapas at “Semilla Eatery & Bar” on South Beach.

If you love a good vibe, excellent drink specials and food you can share, “Semilla Eatery & Bar” is definitely the place for you.

The restaurant, which describes itself as a Gastro pub, has a special “je ne sais quoi” to it that reminds me of a bustling European bistro mixed with an intimate Parisian nightclub. What’s more, they’re killing the Happy Hour game, especially on Friday, when drinks and tapas specials are deeply discounted until closing time.

Semilla’s open-air kitchen dominates the restaurant, giving customers an enticing view into cocktails being created and food being prepared and plated. They’ve also perfected an appealingly chic atmosphere; with moody lighting, funky artwork and a DJ on-hand mixing tunes (wicky, wicky!) It’s a tough job, but….

I started Spotlight with Semilla’s insanely good “Bonne Maman Lemonade” (made with tequila, blueberry jam and pineapple juice.) The “Organic Cucumber Garden” was fresh and fantastic, tasting like it had just been plucked out of a local garden (of course) served with an adult twist: vodka (made with lime juice, basil leaves and ginger ale.) I also sipped on a traditional “Moscow Mule” which never disappoints, especially in its rustic ice-cold copper cup.

Once the tapas started arriving, they didn’t stop: diverse, delicious and decadent, I started with the “Tuna Tartar” mixed perfectly with avocado and yuzu (which is a Japanese citrus fruit.)

If you love Croquetas, do yourself a favor and try Semilla’s. It was one of my favorite dishes of the night, made with potato, chorizo, goat cheese and garnished with a thin slice of pepperoni — I’m still dreaming about inhaling them. Sometimes, I have to remember to pace myself…

Next-up: “Pulled Pork Brisket” served in pillowy bao buns (possibly my favorite kind of bread on earth.) The “Fried Oysters” were my absolute favorite of the night, made with confit leeks and smothered in creamy tarter sauce. This tapas is served with a cool, clear ramekin that helps squeeze your lemon. Now, that’s luxury! Lol (it’s the simple things in life.) BTW, the oysters are to-die-for!

What would Friday night “Happy Hour” be without a great flatbread? The “Tomato Mozzarella” was no exception; fresh and delicious. Another stand-out: the beautifully presented “Bay Scallop Au Gratin” garnished with truffles.

Give me some tender scallops, light potatoes and cheesy sauce goodness and we’ll be friends forever. Pair it with a crisp white wine (there’s a gargantuan list to choose from) and I’ve died and gone to foodie heaven.

My cup runneth over when the “New York Steak Au Poivre” arrived; tender, succulent and juicy. If you’re a meat lover, this will satiate your carnivorous cravings.

Ending my terrific tapas tour was the “Chocolate Bomb” (with raspberry granite, chocolate lava cake and fresh raspberries.) Yes, it was as good as it sounds. In fact, it was #TheBombDotCom …

If you work hard for your money (and God knows, we all do these days) and feel like treating yourself, “Semilla Eatery & Bar” is a great choice without the guilt; with quality food and amazing drinks at CRAZY GOOD PRICES, it’ll definitely be one of your favorite things, I know it’s one of mine. Round two, anyone?

Monday-Saturday 5pm-12am (bar open until 2am)
Closed on Sunday
Happy Hour is week day from 5-8pm & all night Friday
(Wednesday ladies get 50% off the drink menu.)

Semilla Eatery & Bar
1330 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL. 33139

Reservations: 305-674-6522 — if you want more specifics on their amazing prices, click here:
www.semillamiami.com and go to Happy Hour.

Be Social:
IG: @semilla_miami
FB: @SemillaMiami
Twitter: @SemillaMiami