One of the questions in my new feature Ask Karen was how I get my inspiration for blogposts. One of the best ways is just walking around and looking at storefronts, especially in South Beach, where you can find an unexpected jewel next to a tacky hookah or fast food shop. Here are some finds from recent outings, from a neighborhood Mediterranean gem and some of the best fried chicken in town to Miami boutiques offering custom espadrilles, high fashion sneakers from soon-to-be-very-hot Brazilian designer Alessandra Gold, and a Parisian import.
Mina’s Mediterraneo, 749 N.E. 79th Street, is worth a trip even if you don’t live nearby. Its Egyptian born owner and her mother, the chef, turn out homemade tasty dishes of Greek and Middle Eastern specialties, all at reasonable prices, with friendly service and a pleasant casual atmosphere. On a recent dinner with friends, everything we tried was delicious, but let me tell you about the standouts — moussaka – the Greek lasagna but with eggplant instead of pasta, potato, béchamel sauce and beef ragout; oh so flaky Phyllo feta cheese and spinach appetizer pies; stuffed cabbage as good as my mother used to make; North African tagines – stews with couscous and harissa; and a baklava – flaky pastry stuffed with walnuts and honey that was the best I’ve ever had, even in the Middle East. Solid vegetarian selections as well. There’s also whole branzino, a selection of mezze, pizzas, something for everyone. All entrees are under $20.
Brazilian fashion design doesn’t get its due in my book, so I was happy to see the accolades for Alessandra Gold, creative director and designer of sneaker brand KruZin high end sneakers who has been featured everywhere from New York Fashion Week and Vogue (Mexico) to Sports Illustrated. The super talented designs include high tops, slides, leather laceups in offbeat colors like amethyst and coral, fringed models, metallic and neons. There’s even a model called kimono boots that look like boots with soft above the ankle straps, a real conversation piece. And better yet, though these definitely look designer (could easily be Prada or Chanel), they range in price from $89 to $260. Check out the shop at its new home at 1602 A Washington Avenue (formerly in Midtown).
For more fashion finds, check out my faves on Stay.com global travel app where I’m the Miami expert on luxury fashion (food and culture too). Click here.
Fried chicken needs to have super crispy skin and plenty of it, tender juicy meat, and some spicey kick. In my book, forget the varieties in the fancy restaurants. Give me Popeye any day, or a new find, Krispy Krunchy chicken,1359 Washington Avenue. The outside says Food Mart as it’s a convenience store, so you need to look inside for a giant chicken statue to spot it . They have combos starting at $6.99, which includes several pieces and a delicious biscuit, all the way up to family meals with 25 pieces of chicken starting at $29.99. Another plus, it delivers beginning at Noon until 5 a.m. Delivery or takeout is the way to go since there’s little seating and it’s usually crowded.
