September 09, 2016

NISI RESTAURANT IMPRESSES WITH MODERN GREEK FLAVORS AND FLARE

Nisi

(Photo Courtesy of Cortney Cates)

Nisi Restaurant brings a new concept to a familiar spot. Located in the former Thasos space at 3330 East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, the cuisine at Nisi, under the auspices of Chef/owner Joshua Wahler, is a contemporary mix of Greek influences and global flavors. It comes by way of one of the most dynamic duos around: Chef Wahler and hospitality pro Andy Tsavos, who together led the front-and-back-of-the-house at Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach and, in addition to Nisi, now co-own and operate children’s health food delivery service BORN FOODY.

The team behind making Estiatorio Milos one of the hottest spots in South Beach has elevated the space to transform it into Fort Lauderdale’s next top dining destination. In keeping with the updated concept, the restaurant has undergone a subtle redesign, including the installation of a beautiful raw bar. Decked in white and inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, Nisi offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Chef Wahler, a former Hell’s Kitchen contestant and veteran of restaurants such as Gramercy Tavern, Spice Market, and Nobu, has crafted an ambitious menu for Nisi. Meze selections – appetizers in Greek cuisine – include mouthwatering enticers such as Grilled Mediterranean Octopus served with gigante bean puree; addictive lightly fried Zucchini Chips accompanied by tzatziki; and Feta Sticks – feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, fried then drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. Entrees with modern Greek touches include a Wild Icelandic Cod Filet, pan fried and served with organic quinoa tabbouleh and a quintessential-yet-polished Moussaka – ground lamb, béchamel sauce, potato, and eggplant. Nisi boasts an impressive selection of Daily Catches on display; guests would be prudent to order their fish with a salt crust supplement. Chef Wahler bakes a whole fish encased in a salt shell, and then carefully removes the crust tableside for all to see. This baking method allows the salt to seal in moisture and create even more succulent flavors – a unique option that will no doubt become a popular feature at the restaurant.

Since no meal is complete without dessert, Nisi delivers an abundance of traditional Greek sweets with a modern spin. A delicious Baklava with chopped almonds, pistachios and cinnamon sugar is a must-have, in addition to Galaktoboureko – orange-vanilla semolina custard wrapped in phyllo dough – and Loukoumades – fried Greek donuts soaked in syrup and topped with chopped walnuts.

Cocktails also play an important role in Nisi’s menu, with drinks using ingredients from lavender and thyme to chamomile to ensure that guests receive a complete Mediterranean experience. Patrons will feel as if they’ve been transported to the Greek Islands while they sip stimulating cocktails like the Chios Mist – FOS Mastiha, Bombay gin, lime juice, and fresh sage – and the Mediterranean Tea – Absolut Wild Tea vodka, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, and fresh ginger.