Pinxtos XVIII.

Short reviews, updated regularly (with a bonus spa review).

If you’re new to the series, find previous versions I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, and OO.

Miu Miu x Villa 515 (pop up)

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chef Sara Aqel for several years and have enjoyed her food on several occasions. When I realized her pop-up with Miu Miu at Villa 515 was coming to a close, I knew I had to get myself over. With gorgeous plating and a traditional Jordanian/Palestinian touch, there was plenty to enjoy. Fresh tomatoes feature heavily across the menu, and, as a solo diner, there was simply too much food to enjoy. However, as far as favorites go, the decadent olive oil cake catches my attention. For a pop-up, I’d say this was an overwhelming success in a charming venue, and had I the time, I might have come back to try the all-day breakfast, which seemed to be doing brisk business across the crowded venue. In a city where sometimes style leads over substance, this meal was an excellent reminder that simple is often best.

Wo…