Ellek and Cortes met in the mid-1990s while they earned MBAs at Harvard Business School. Both had Middle Eastern backgrounds and a passion for excellent food, so Ellek conceived a business plan for a restaurant combining their interests and tastes.

After graduation, Ellek and Cortes moved to Miami and brainstormed a complete approach combining menu, architecture and branding.

Last year, those ideas became a reality and they opened Pasha's on Miami Beach's Lincoln Road. Two locations have since followed, in Miami's Design District and on Brickell Avenue.

Ellek explains the concept, which stems from a word that originated with the Ottoman Empire: ``To live like a pasha is to live like a king . . . someone who knows how to live well and eat well.''

At the Pasha's on Lincoln Road, a Mediterranean theme for the decor is completed by arched columns and triangular windows. Walls are painted in shades of deep blue, giving Pasha's a cozy feel, while chrome chairs with white leather seats and matching tables add an Art Deco touch.

An escalator leads to a lounge on the mezzanine. It's almost like a VIP area, but without the hassle or having to pay exorbitant fees. There you can enjoy great food, conversation or just relax and enjoy international and Middle Eastern tunes while sipping on a cold drink or an exotic tea.

Fortunately, they paid as much attention to the food as the decor.

''All our food is made from scratch and with all-natural ingredients,'' said Ozan Baran, Pasha's general manager. ``At the end of the night we throw away any leftovers and start the procedure the next day, all over.''

For starters, try the mezze (appetizers), served with Pasha's homemade pita bread and olive oil.

Indulge on the creamy hoummus ($2.50), made of chick pea and tahini; labneh ($3.10), a natural yogurt cheese spread; or muhammara ($3.50), a walnut spread.

If you're undecided, try Pasha's Spread Sampler ($8.90), which includes hoummus, labneh, muhammara, baba ghanoush, served with three pita breads.

The main dishes include the Mixed Grill Shish Kebab ($9.95), a combination of filet mignon, chicken and beef adana; Salmon Shish Kebab ($9.95), char-broiled marinated pieces of fresh salmon; and the Vegetarian Kebab ($6.95), with falafel and adje.

All platters are served with grilled tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions and tahini or tatziki (yogurt) sauce, long-grain white rice and pita bread.

You can top your meal with a silky smooth Chocomousse ($3.25); or Nido ($3.25) a lightly sweetened shredded wheat with pistachios.

''I'm on a low-carb craze when it comes to food,'' said Flor Molina, who eats lunch at Pasha's whenever her schedule permits. ``I love the fact that I can eat anything from this place, from their shish kebabs to their salads. I feel guilt-free and the best part is that I don't have to sacrifice the flavor.''

Pasha's is ideal for first dates: You can enjoy great food, exotic music and ambience without going over budget. A three-course meal and soft drink can be had for under $20 a person. Prices are the same at lunch and dinner.

Quick Bites is a regular feature surveying dining spots in the Beaches and Northeast Miami-Dade. Fiorella Sarmiento dines anonymously at Herald expense. This is not a review -- the purpose of the feature is to let readers know about new or newly discovered restaurants or cafes.

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