It’s Greek To Me! Star chef Michael Mina and company bring classic Mediterranean flavors to our shores.
So, what exactly is a fish sommelier? Miami diners can find out when they visit the new Ornos Estiatorio, the newest concept from celebrity chef Michael Mina to hit town. A collaboration between Mina and Las Vegas chefs Girair Goumroian and Nikolaos Georgousis, the 160-seat eatery at Aventura Mall’s new outdoor oasis is Greek to the core. As for the aforementioned position? That would be the man or woman in charge of sourcing the fish and crustaceans from the Aegean Sea that are delivered to the venue overnight, as well as dealing with merchants who provide them from local waters. The menu is as straightforward as it gets with specialties such as lavraki (imported sea bass), fagri (Mediterranean snapper), astakos (lobster), grilled octopus, of course, and raw bar favorites, as well as land proteins including lemon chicken, lamb shoulder and grilled filet mignon. “It’s not just about re-creating the dishes we grew up with in Greece,” says Georgousis. “Every bite counts and every ingredient has a purpose.” The vibe is laid-back, complete with a wood-fired grill and a Mykonos-inspired soundtrack. As for the design? Think white wall planks, hanging modern lights and a symmetrical wall mural with splashes of vibrant blue. “Growing up and having the Greek culture as part of my everyday life, food was always at the center of our family gatherings,” says Goumroian. “Ornos brings us back to the traditional cooking techniques where you’ll feel as if you’re eating from yiayia’s [Grandma’s] kitchen.” 19565 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 786.697.1681, @ornosmia
The limited-edition Hennessy X.O. 150th Anniversary Masterpiece by Frank Gehry (hennessy.com) makes the ultimate gift for both spirits and architecture aficionados. The liquor brand tapped the renowned architect to create a run of 150 decanters to commemorate its landmark birthday, and Gehry delivered with a bold gold and glass masterpiece that envelops the cognac like gold lava and ice. Gehry’s inspiration was the Charente River and Cognac soil in France that surround the Hennessy estate. The cost? $17,000.
Photography by: Photos courtesy of Ornos Estiatorio & Hennessy
