Mandolin Agean Bistro's Ahmet Erkaya On Chat Chow TV (VIDEO)

Mention Greek food to anyone in Miami, and they'll likely point you to Mandolin Agean Bistro in the Design District.

But true to its name, there's more to Mandolin. Though his wife is Greek, Ahmet Erkaya and his partner are Turkish; all three toss aside the longtime regional rivalry to create a menu that's thoroughly Agean -- and thoroughly throwback. "There are many moments that I call my mother and take her opinion about the dishes she learned from her mother," Erkaya said. "My partner does the same, he calls his mother and asks her about the recipes, and so does my wife...we try to stay as true as possible to the concept."

That concept now includes Mandolin's Back House, a romantic cottage where sangria is made with rosewater and fresh ginger cardamom-infused white wine spritzer is always on the menu. Check out the Back House above as Erkaya takes Chat Chow TV behind the scenes.

Originally published on Chat Chow TV.