Wynwood’s finest, The Moon and Astra, for fine dining and entertainment
Story by Terry Check
The MOON: In the heart of Miami’s pulsating nightlife, The MOON emerges as a dazzling sanctuary — a haven where each evening unfolds like a cinematic reverie. The moment you cross the threshold; you’re embraced by an ambiance that blends luxury with an inviting charm. A neon sign declares, “the moon is ours,” casting a soft glow against walls dressed in flamingo pink, adorned with figurative artwork and delicate floral patterns and butterflies that celebrate feminine grace. Crystal chandeliers dangle overhead, their light dancing across velvet sofas and matching chairs, perfectly arranged for whispered conversations or spontaneous dance.
The Visionary Behind The MOON: The visionary behind this enchanting realm is Iraklis Karabassis, a seasoned entrepreneur whose career seamlessly bridges fashion, gastronomy, and entertainment. After introducing United Colors of Benetton to North America, Karabassis turned his creative genius to hospitality, curating 14 celebrated restaurants specializing in Greek and Italian fare. The MOON stands as his latest creation — a fusion of Mediterranean heritage, refined design, and an unwavering passion for crafting unforgettable experiences.
Design and Atmosphere: Designed by the acclaimed artist Punkmetender, the space is a symphony of European elegance and contemporary flair — polished tile floors gleam, brass accents glimmer, and velvet drapes evoke a sense of theatrical opulence. Contemporary furniture feels like an eclectic narrative, displaying table settings with white tablecloths and crystal stemware.
Enchanted Evenings and Cabaret Shows: As night falls, The MOON transforms into a realm of endless enchantment. Drawing from his time in Paris, Karabassis infuses the venue with the city’s nocturnal allure. On Wednesday the “Timeless Revelry” sultry melodies float through the room, a soothing undercurrent to the gentle hum of conversation. Thursdays unveil “Cosmic,” a cabaret show where performers shimmer in sequins and silk, moving with hypnotic grace. The weekend amplifies the magic with “Temptation” and “Kosmos” cabaret spectacles brimming with glamour and artistry. Jazz singers weave through tables, feather-clad dancers twirl beneath the chandeliers, and aerialists glide through the air, their movements fluid and breathtaking.
The Connection Between Performers and Guests: The true enchantment of these nights lies in the seamless connection between performers and patrons. A dancer might extend a hand for a spontaneous twirl, or a singer might croon a ballad to a couple celebrating love, turning fleeting moments into lifelong memories. The boundary between stage and audience dissolves, creating a shared experience where everyone feels like part of the spectacle.
A Culinary Odyssey: Beyond the mesmerizing performances, The MOON’s culinary offerings are a sensory odyssey. The menu pays homage to Mediterranean flavors, with shareable plates of creamy hummus, taramosalata, and crispy calamari. The seafood shines — tender filet mignon, grilled lobster tail, and pan-seared Chilean seabass, each dish infused with sun-drenched coastal flavors. For heartier appetites, grilled lamb chops drizzled with miso sauce or the house specialty mixed grill — featuring chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs with tzatziki and warm pita — promise satisfaction. Desserts, like the decadent “Chocolate Desire Special” and the ethereal “Lover’s Cheesecake,” offer a sweet finale to the feast.
Artful Cocktails and Libations: Behind the marble-topped bar, expert mixologists craft cocktails that double as works of art. The “Selene’s Kiss” — a blend of organika, St. Germain, lemon juice, lychee, and butterfly pea syrup — is a visual and sensory masterpiece. Champagne flows with abundance, its curated selection rivaling the finest collections of wine in the city.
A Sanctuary of Celebration: The MOON isn’t just a venue; it’s a sanctuary of celebration. A place to revel with friends, toast to love, and dance beneath a canopy of stars, where Miami rhythms beat. Karabassis’s vision glows in every detail, a testament to a life devoted to creating beauty — whether through fashion, cuisine, or the beautiful allure of a night spent beneath THE MOON.
Top of Form
Astra: The sun settles over the Miami skyline, casting a warm glow across the city. Perched above the bustling streets, Astra’s rooftop terrace came alive with the soft murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the tantalizing aroma of Mediterranean spices.
A Vision of Greece in Miami
Astra was not just a restaurant; it was an experience. A haven of authenticity, elegance, and cultural richness, it stood as a testament to the timeless allure of Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean way of life. This visionary establishment was brought to life by Iraklis Karabassis, a passionate entrepreneur with a relentless drive to share the beauty of his homeland’s flavors with Miami’s vibrant culinary scene.
Karabassis, with his roots deeply embedded in Greek culture, envisioned Astra as a sanctuary where guests could immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality of Greece. His entrepreneurial journey began with a love for bringing people together through food and an unyielding belief that dining should be a multisensory celebration.
An Enchanting Atmosphere
The restaurant’s terrace was a sight to behold. Lush greenery framed the space, creating a sense of escape and serenity. String lights wove through palm trees and bougainvillea, their gentle glow reminiscent of a summer evening in Mykonos. The Miami skyline stretched out below, but up here, surrounded by the sounds of a soft Greek melody, one could almost believe they had been transported to the Aegean. The rooftop design was captivating—luminated palm trees, botanical garden walls, full-service bar, contemporary furnishings, and tiled floors echoed the charm of a Greek island villa. Hand-painted ceramics and basket lanterns added thoughtful touches, while perimeter hand railing ushered breathtaking skyline views and sunsets.
As twilight faded, Astra evolved into a lively hub of music and dance. A live DJ spun a curated blend of contemporary beats and Greek classics, inviting guests to sway under the stars. The terrace turned into an open-air dance floor, where people moved freely, their silhouettes outlined against the dazzling Miami skyline. The music pulsed in harmony with the vibrant energy of the city, while the horizon blazed with the fiery Florida sunset.
A Culinary Odyssey
With the Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, every dish celebrated the authenticity of age-old techniques and the finest ingredients. Diners began their journey with small plates— Oktapodi Sharas, mediterranean grilled octopus, onions, capers, lemon, farm greens that sizzled dramatically when served; Cheese Saganaki, pan fried kefalograviera cheese, grilled pita bread offered a delicate balance of briny and citrusy flavors or Pikilia Spreads, hummus, spicy feta, eggplant melitzanosalata, pita bread.
The main courses were a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The Paidakia was reimagined with charcoal grilled baby lamb chops, Swiss chard, gremolata; while the Kotopoulo with two skewers of marinated chicken, pita bread, tzatziki sauce was delightful. For the adventurous the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, 32 oz grilled Creekstone porterhouse with homemade fries was ideal for two.
Sip and Savor
Complementing the cuisine was a curated cocktail menu, each drink crafted to evoke the flavors of the Mediterranean. The Passion Rum combines Santa Teresa 1796 infused yuzu, canton ginger, lemon, strawberry and passion fruit puree for a tasty cocktail, while the Astra Mule blends fig infused belvedere vodka, freshly muddled raspberries and mint, ginger beer for a light, refreshing sip. The signature Moraxpres, a fusion of Casa Noble Reposado Tequila infused espresso, Kahlua, blackberries & caramel provided a uniquely Greek twist to a classic sour.
Hospitality with Heart
Karabassis believed in more than just serving food; he sought to transport his guests to the Greek islands. Astra’s attentive service embodied the famed Greek concept of philoxenia, the love of strangers. Servers moved gracefully, ensuring each guest felt at home, while sharing the stories and traditions behind the dishes. This genuine hospitality was the heartbeat of Astra, a reflection of Karabassis’ belief that food is a universal language of connection.
A Night to Remember
As the night deepened, the terrace transformed into a sanctuary under the stars. Couples lingered over glasses of Assyrtiko wine, their laughter mingling with the gentle coastal breeze. The view stretched endlessly, Miami’s twinkling skyline merging with the starry sky, as the musical beats of the DJ carried on into the night.
For Karabassis, Astra was more than a business—it was a love of his heritage. It was a bridge between two worlds—the vibrant energy of Miami and the timeless traditions of Greece. The restaurant stood as a beacon of culture, offering its guests not just a meal, but a journey through the Mediterranean.
Masquerade Magazine, www.masquerade.us, wishes to thank the Owner, Iraklis Karabassis and Veronica Fontana, General Manager, for their assistance in creating this article and providing photographs of these two amazing restaurants. For more information and tickets for the dinner show or brunch contact https://www.themoonmiami.com. For dinner reservations contact https://www.astramiami.com
