4312 NE 2 AVE., MIAMI | MANDOLINMIAMI.COM
BY VANESSA C. GUZMAN
Transported to Taverna
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a 1930s-era house with patio seating that sets the stage for refined versions of Greek and Turkish cuisine. They take pride in the consistency and quality of their food. Recreating recipes while respecting the seasonality and freshness of Aegean cuisine, which is inspired by the coastal towns and seasonal cuisine of the region that unites Greece and Turkey, eating here at Mandolin Aegean Bistro is where family and friends can gather for love, laughter, and spirited conversations.
Mediterranean Masterpiece
After my guest and I were seated, we decided to toast the night with a glass of wine. Mandolin has a variety of wines that include sparkling, Champagne, rosé, white, red, and orange. After toasting the evening, we ordered their Roasted Cauliflower, which is prepared with Aleppo peppered garlic yogurt, toasted almonds, and golden raisins. We fell in love after my first bite with the combination of all these flavors. For the main course, I ordered the Chicken Kebab with Orzo Pilaf and Maroulosalata, which was exquisite. The chicken kebab was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The orzo pilaf complemented the chicken kebab, and the maroulosalata salad gave it freshness with shredded Romaine lettuce, dill, scallion, and feta. My guest ordered and appreciated the Stuffed Tomato and Pepper, which is another delectable dish prepared with ground beef, rice, and feta.
Turkish Finish
At last, I had been craving dessert and now it was time to order it. I ordered their Baklava, a lusciously rich and very sweet honeyed pastry composed of multilayers of paper-thin phyllo dough brushed with melted butter and interspersed with ground pistachio nuts that were soaked in honey. After taking my first bite into all the different layers of the Baklava, I was in food heaven. I adored the sweetness of the honey with the crunchiness of the nuts and the light and airy texture of the phyllo.
