Take Me to The Greek
An Ode To The Agean Isles
In Greek mythology, Calista is a nymph who often appears as a beautiful woman and minor goddess in nature. In Coral Gables, Calista Greek Taverna (located at 150 Giralda Plaza) is an inviting bistro that offers both indoor and outdoor seating and reminds you of an afternoon lunching at a café on the island of Mykonos. Both definitions are equally delicious and worthy of devouring, although I cannot say that I have encountered many nymphs in the City Beautiful as of late.
“THERE ARE MANY AMAZING OPTIONS ON THE THREE-COURSE LUNCH MENU FOR THE TASTING…”
MARK TROWBRIDGE LUNCHING WITH AMY FEDERMAN, VP OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AT RYDER CORPORATION
On the day we visited, I was accompanied by Amy Federman, vice president of corporate communications at Ryder Corporation, a new arrival on the scene this past year. Like me, Amy is a fan of Greek fare and was eager to join me for both a catch-up and a chance to enjoy Calista’s amazing prix fixe lunch menu (only $32 for three generous courses, including dessert). When you enter, you are immediately struck by the authenticity of the décor – white and blue hues on the walls and artwork you might encounter in Santorini or Athens. The omnipresent Tomas – chef and partner – greeted us and gave us a rundown on the day’s menu once we found our seats at a front window table (for good people watching on the plaza).
We started with “the spreads,” three flavorful mini feasts served with warm pita bread. The first was a traditional tzatziki, smooth and saucy, followed by roasted eggplant with garlic, red peppers, and extra virgin olive oil (Melitzanosalata). Finally, there was a spicy feta that included both jalapeños and roasted red peppers. I wanted to bathe in each of these spreads, but I contained myself to review the menu. There are many amazing options on the three-course lunch menu for the tasting, including the keftedes (meatballs), Greek Salad, spanakpita (spinach pie), and octopus. I am obsessed with the keftedes at Calista, and the lunch portion of two meatballs is the perfect way to start a meal – moist, meaty, and memorable. Amy enjoyed the traditional Greek salad, which teemed with fresh-cut tomatoes and cucumbers and was topped with a generous piece of feta that I coveted.
The main courses we ordered were salmon (with oven-roasted potatoes on the side that had a mesmerizing hint of lemon infused into them) and grilled chicken skewers; branzino, lamb chops, and pasta are the other choices for the executive lunch. Dessert was included and featured a Greek yogurt drizzled with black cherries that was the perfect amuse bouche to close our meal. Creamy, savory, minimally sweet, and palate cleansing, I smiled at each bite.
Given that our lunch was a working one, there were no drinks for us, but plenty of fellow diners enjoyed the expansive wine menu, reasonably priced and approachable.
Part of our conversation during lunch included the amazing transition Ryder Corporation has made to the Gables over the past few months – with 800 of their employees assigned to the HQ here in the City Beautiful. Already a long-standing corporate giant that has served as a logistics leader for nearly 100 years, a global product like Ryder in the Gables is sure to create opportunities to attract other companies with its powerful brand, as well as support our local economy with employees in search of dining and shopping options.
As always, Amy was the perfect lunch date and Calista provided a memorable menu for the offering. Cheers to the next meal!
Mark Trowbridge is the president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and an afficionado of fine dining in the City Beautiful.