Viva La Señora

We entered Miami’s trendy Design District with oohs and aahs, glimpsing the high-end stores and high design window fronts. We pulled up to a small building with umbrella-covered tables out front. As we exited the car the aroma hit us full in the nose! It was an aroma filled with promise that made us salivate.

Welcome to Sra. Martinez, the tapas restaurant owned by Chef Michelle Bernstein and her husband David Martinez. Walking inside the 1920’s building (it was originally a post office) we felt like we had left Miami and had entered a small neighborhood restaurant in Spain. Original wood floors, gigantic black plantation shutters, funky tile walls, marble bartops, cozy booths – all designed by Michelle’s sister.

We were seated at the charcuterie bar where Michelle was busily doing her thing. As we sat down she hit us with a smile that lit up the entire room. Let us just say that in person Michelle Bernstein is a stunningly gorgeous woman – TV and photos don’t do her true justice.

Okay…onto the food. Like the ambiance, the food is hip and unpretentious. Spanish wines comprise 95% of the wine list so we enlisted the Sommelier to help us choose. She recommended Luna Beberide 2007 Finca La Cuestra (ruby red color, spice & tons of fruit) and we weren’t disappointed. It was a great recommendation for the dishes we would try.

Quesos, Embutidos y Bocas (clockwise from top left) Cana de Cabre – semi-soft goat cheese; Valdeon Blue – combo cow, sheep & goat; Chorizo Cantimpalo; Marcona Almonds; Manchego – Spain’s version of Reggiano Parmigiano.

Of course we had to begin with a charcuterie and cheese platter. We moved on to mussels and seared scallops. As our culinary student daughter was eating the scallops she said, “I like how my knife just glides through the scallops. It makes me so happy.” From there we moved on to Korean-style short ribs and Butifarra – gigante white beans with foie gras duck sausage. Darlene said, “I could eat Michelle’s version of franks and beans everyday.” Dessert was a plate of homemade churros with chocolate sauce. What’s not to like?

Mussels Al Ajillo