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Miam Miam: Charming & Delicious

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By Ron & Lisa - FJN Restaurant Critics

This week’s review is for Miam Miam, a French Restaurant in the once again trendy downtown Hollywood area, on Hollywood Boulevard between Dixie Highway and Young Circle. As parking was not easy to come by, we parked a block away and walked to the restaurant. There, amongst the many bars and nightclubs, we found Miam Miam.


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Initial Impressions: We stepped into the restaurant and were pleasantly surprised to see a large gleaming dining room, perhaps the cleanest I have ever seen. We chose to sit inside, although you can sit out on the sidewalk amidst the hustle and bustle of the downtown scene if you so choose. The beautiful and tasteful chrome tables have black lacquer accents and are glass topped. Both the silverware and china are artistic and pretty, and have a fancy look and feel. Comfortable black and white padded chairs match the impeccable black and white tiled floor. Fun, hand painted motifs of various Jewish cities worldwide liven the walls, and even the ceiling. There are comfy couches on either side of the door with floor-to-ceiling window views of the passers-by. This area is perfect for tea, desserts and cozy conversation. Overall, the room is fairly spotless, while at the same time unpretentious.



A very friendly waitress brought us the menus and took our drink orders. The menu is written in both French and English and, while certainly offering many interesting menu choices, is lacking in the appetizer department. The only real starter on the menu is the soup du jour (which was minestrone that evening - $5.90), and as it was too warm for a hot soup, we took a pass. However, we were not without accompaniment while waiting for our entrees, as we were brought a complimentary basket of warm and delicious homemade rolls with margarine, and a salad boat of black olives, gardeneria and chick peas.

For our entrees Lisa chose the Couscous Maison Au Poulet (Homemade couscous with chicken - $13.90) while I opted for the Grillade Melangees (Mixed Grill - $24.90). The couscous was of the perfect consistency but by itself was a bit bland. It did, however, come with a gravy boat filled with Arisa (a Mediterranean hot pepper sauce) which did wonders for the flavor. The grilled chicken and steamed vegetables were both tasty.

The Mixed Grill was quite a spectacle. Two chicken breast filets and two links of merguez (spicy sausage), along with two choice pieces of steak and a lamb chop, both grilled to your liking, and served over pasta, rice or French fries with a side salad and chimichurri dressing. All the meats were very savory, but the merguez, which is homemade by Chef Charles Torres, was outstanding. The Chef even took the time to stop by our table and ensure that I had requested the meat cooked medium-rare (which I had) and that we had enjoyed his hand created dishes (which we did).

Other entrée choices include the Aubergines Ou Poivrons Farcis (Stuffed Eggplants or Sweet Peppers - $15.90) the Spaghetti A L’Orientale Poelee (Oriental Sautéed Pasta - $14.90) and the Pizza Au Salmon Fume Ou Au Thon (Salmon or Tuna Pizza, cheeseless, of course - $11.90) There are a few dinner salads ranging from $12.90 to $14.90 and a whole couscous section, from the Couscous Vegetarien ($12.90) to the Couscous Royale (with vegetables and all grilled meats - $24.90). There is also a Children’s Menu offering chicken nuggets or meat balls ($6.90 for either) which is served with spaghetti, rice or French fries, or a mini burger with fries ($7.90).

Desserts generally include a selection of homemade pastries ($5.00 each), and fresh fruit plate or salad ($5.50-6.90). Unfortunately, after a busy weekend, our only option was soft almond cookies ($1.50 each) which, while pleasing, didn’t satisfy my sweet tooth. We did share a pot of mint nahnah tea ($2.00), which was wonderful, and served in very creative mugs.

I would be remiss without reiterating that the staff was extremely polite and friendly. Everyone from the owner to the chef took the time to make sure we had what we needed. Couple this degree of service with the spotless tables, floors and restrooms, and it becomes quite obvious how much pride management takes in their restaurant.



Bottom Line: Miam Miam is a lovely change of pace from most traditional Kosher eateries. Whether your party is large or small, intimate or professional-casual, the restaurant’s ample space and overall charm is sure to be a crowd pleaser. While the menu is not as diverse as one might hope, the portions are large, well presented, and moderately priced. Rediscover the charm of downtown Hollywood and the charm of Miam Miam right with it.




*Ron and Lisa look absolutely nothing like the couple in the photo. If you have a suggestion for a restaurant you’d like them to review, send an email to: editor@floridajewishnews.com

Posted by Ron & Lisa - FJN Restaurant Critics on 05/18 at 04:43 PM • Hits: 270



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