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BARMELI69 6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-754-5558 barmeli.com "We're not saving lives here. We don't take things too seriously," says owner, Liza Meli. But her joyful spirit may just be saving lives! Liza's sparkling personality shines throughout her lively restaurant. Recently relocated to a new, larger space, the Greek bistro was packed all night --full of chatter and laughter. Everything pops here. Strings of lights and multi-colored furnishings add to its appeal. Masters of the grill, all of the grilled fare we tasted were crisp on the outside, and tender and supple on the inside. The pitas, with light char, are served with housemade dips including smoky hummus, sundried tomato, creamy tzatziki, juicy eggplant and, spicy feta with caviar. The diverse tastes and textures are irresistible. And the tapas are spectacular. The Vegetarian Stuffed Piqullo Peppers offer a kaleidoscope of flavors. Stuffed with manchego, pine nuts, pepper, and mint, these small peppers are bright and flavorful. The charred, juicy grilled octopus is a house favorite. The tasty, succulent grilled lamb chops are nicely balanced with a pungent pesto. Everything on the menu has clearly been fine-tuned. Throughout the evening, Liza pitches in everywhere and is constantly greeting guests by name --all seemed right at home. Join Liza at BarMeli69, evenings only, Monday- Saturday. With such a large, happy crowd, an even larger space seems inevitable. XIXÓN SPANISH RESTAURANT 2101 SW. 22nd Street, Miami 305-854-9350 xixonspanishrestaurant.com Get your Spanish-food fix at Xixón. No fusion here, Xixón is 100% Spanish. The 2,000 wine bottles, as all ingredients here, are strictly Spanish. Owners, Carlos Mattos and Begoña Tuya, take great pride in their restaurant's purity. Opened in a small place in 2001, Xixón now fills 6,000 square-feet and boasts four distinct spaces: a basement vinoteca, main floor, terrace, and mezzanine. The gourmet Spanish market offers everything from legs of serrano ham, craft cheeses and candies to paella pans. Chef Tomas has a gift for combining textures and tastes --bringing the humblest dishes to the next level. Start with a cold glass of sangria and a tasty assortment of crispy croquettes. The light, delicately fried appetizers hold creamy, mouthwatering morsels within. The shrimps and baby eels in garlic sauce are a Xixón specialty. You'll fall in love with this spaghetti-like dish. Pretend it's pasta and the shrimp and baby eels slide right down. Foie gras is served up creatively. We enjoyed it on toast with a sweet reduction and grapes, and then later, seared atop tender beef dressed with passionfruit and a sweet & sour reduction -- a stunning contrast. Save room for dessert. The Leche Frita is deliciously decadent, you'll savor every mouthful. And the fried chocolate balls with tiny scoops of mint ice cream are rich and delightful. The service and food here is exemplary. VIENNA CAFÉ AND WINE BAR 9100 W. SR 84 between Pine Island and Nob Hill, Davie 954-423-1961 viennawinebar.com We arrived at 8 p.m. on a Wednesday evening and had to search for parking as the cafe is very popular. Refined but relaxed, the ambience is cozy and inviting. Restaurant owner Per Jacobsen, who began his career as a chef in Denmark, is passionate about serving up classic, high-quality European fare using nothing but top-quality ingredients. Chef Courtney serves superbly crafted prime cuts of beef and seafood, traditional schnitzels and sides, and exquisite desserts. We recommend you start with the rich Duck and Mushroom Gnocchi with Gorgonzola or the Braised Danish Pork Belly with Apple Bacon Jam and Caramelized Onions. The tasty Beef Stroganoff is a must --featuring pappardelle pasta and cremini mushrooms coated with demi-glace and cream, topped with seared tenderloin. The substantial Mushroom and Walnut Bread Pudding with a cinnamon undertone is a great vegetarian entrée option. For dessert, indulge in the Chocolate Soufflé, but know that you will be dreaming about its crunchy top and puffy, gooey center for weeks afterward.