For Anastasia Koutsioukis, Miami is where her Mediterranean dreams come true. First, in 2009 she opened her dream restaurant, the popular Mandolin Aegean Bistro with her husband and now in 2018, her dream store, Mrs. Mandolin. Named after the moniker that Anastasia was given by the locals and travels who frequent the restaurant over the years, Mrs. Mandolin is a café and lifestyle store inspired by travel, global markets, culture and the effortless ease of the Mediterranean way of life.
“The heart and soul of every city around the world is the marketplace. It is the meeting point where people gather and where all of our senses are stimulated. The sounds, the smells, the colors and textures are what inspire me,” Anastasia says. “Whenever I travel, I seek out the marketplace so that I can fully experience the culture at its best. I wanted to transport the feeling of this magical place by selecting some of my favorite finds made by artisans. In the market, people offer a lot more than just an exchange of product, but rather an exchange of ideas or personal gestures, it is this experience that I want to retell, the personal stories behind each beautifully made product. Each product has a story by its maker and it's this that creates the personal connection with the items we bring home with us.”
The boutique, just a block away from the restaurant, is home to fashion pieces from Greek and Turkish designers that offer chic, effortless everyway wear, home goods and gifts inspired by her Mediterranean roots and international travels. You’ll also find local Miami designers, or as the shop refers to them “friends of Mandolin.”
If you’re looking for unique pieces, the “one-of-a-kind” section known as Mrs. Finds are where to start. Here you’ll find special items sourced from Anastasia’s travels such as a jewelry and peshtemals from Turkey. hand loomed pillows from Greece, and other ceramics and vintage home accessories.
While you shop or if you just want to pop in for a treat, Mrs. Mandolin’s café offers coffees as well as in-house baked goods inspired by the Greek pantry.
Mrs. Mandolin is now open at 4218 NE 2nd Avenue.
