Shireen's Favorite Things

Falling in love with Persian food (again) and who knew Crispy Brussel Sprouts could taste soooo good!? #HolyFoodHeaven.

When it comes to Persian food, I don’t really eat it in Miami. That may sound strange coming from a girl who’s part Persian, but it’s my family’s fault. Especially my step-mom, Beth. When I go home to visit, she spoils me rotten with homemade Ghormeh Sabzi, Fesenjoon and Tahdig rice.

She also stocks the fridge with Tabouli (my favorite) which she buys fresh at a local Syrian market. When Beth’s not cooking, my dad loves treating us to Ali Baba, a Persian restaurant he’s been frequenting for more than 20 years. I always get the hummus, tahini, tabouli, Beef Shish Kebabs and Baklava for dessert. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it. Unfortunately…

I haven’t had much luck finding THAT kind of food in the Magic City, especially when it comes to quality. There’s always good Mediterranean around town, but there’s something magical about the food that reflects my heritage and it’s something my taste buds take very seriously. That’s why…

When I heard about “Fooq’s” through the foodie grapevine, I knew I HAD to try it. The intimate restaurant, which is snuggled into Miami’s Art & Entertainment District, is truly a hidden gem. Not only does it serve Persian food, it does so with European flair (mainly French.) So, with high expectation because of its excellent reputation, I showed up last Sunday night with bated breath and an empty stomach.

Softly lit, with eight or so tables, when you walk into Fooq’s it feels like you’re at a friends house. The decor, which is industrial-meets-Mid-East-Bazaar, is warm and welcoming, but what really resonated with me was the wonderful smell wafting from the kitchen. Hmmm… it smelled like home.

I started my #Spotlight experience with the highly recommend “Crispy Brussel Sprouts” which I thought could go one of two ways; really good or really bad. Lol. It’s not everyday I eat my greens because they taste good verses being good for me. Served in a beautiful bowl, the sprouts, piled high, are glazed in honey and come with green garlic yogurt. Sweet & savory, the dish is an absolute #MustTry. My server suggested pairing the appetizer with a crisp white wine (Terredora ’17 Falanghina, Campania, Italy).

Fooq’s has an amazing wine selection, that’s both sophisticated and affordable. Owner David Foulquier, who’s part Persian like me, curated the list to bring out the best in his cuisine. He’s also part French, so I’m assuming wine is one of his love languages. If not, he could have fooled me. 🍷

Up next, I had my eye on the “Local Greens and Goat Cheese Salad,” but opted for the special instead with fennel, olives, pomegranate seeds, french radishes, goat cheese and molasses. It was extremely fresh & fennel always adds such great texture. There were two pastas of the day, so I told my server to surprise me. A few minutes later, she showed up with an amazing potato Gnocchi in red sauce. I don’t often let myself enjoy carbs, but I couldn’t stop myself. I cleaned the plate. 😁

For my main dish, I went full Persian girl with the shareable “Kebab Platter” served with Kushari rice, mint yogurt and Sabzi salad. It was paired with a beautiful red wine (Remo Farina “Ripasso” Corvina Blend, Valpollicella, Italy.) I’d say it was excellent, but I think a better compliment is it tasted like something my step-mom, Beth, would make.

I was disappointed they didn’t have Baklava for dessert, but the feeling didn’t last long after the “Date Cake” was put in front of me. Hello, lovah (it’s chocolate hazelnut gelato, toffee and cream.) I’m not even a sweets eater, but this was #AMAZE.

I really dig Fooq’s and not just because it’s a nod to my heritage. It’s one of those places that makes you feel special with its quality service and fabulous food. It’s unique, provocative and not afraid to be different and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things and if you give it a try, I think it’ll be yours, too.

Tuesday-Thursday: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Friday-Saturday: 5:30pm-11pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am-4pm, Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm

Fooq’s
1035 North Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33136

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IG: @fooqsmiami
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Twitter: @fooqsmiami

www.fooqsmiami.com/contact/