Shireen’s Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

What:

The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar, 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

If you love art, atmosphere and amazing food, the Vagabond Restaurant & Bar is the newest “IT” place to be. The hotel (built back in the 50’s,) has been remodeled, revamped and re-imagined; all while leaving its original charm and sassy Art Deco attitude intact.

Even though the place is operating on the DL (so far they’ve only had a hush-hush soft opening,) they’ve still managed to attract every mover and shaker the Magic City has to offer. For good reason, too. I went on a Friday night and the place was packed with just the right amount of people, giving off just the right kind of vibe: laid-back and local.

My dining experience was an exact reflection of the aforementioned, but it also encompassed the tastes and textures of the unique and the unusual, too. I started the night with two cocktails: “East of the Tracks” (made with Milagro Tequila, smoked pineapple and Ancho Reyes) and the “Bissap Mule” (Tito’s Vodka, lemon bissap, ginger and mint.) Both drinks were smooth, easy to drink and creative. (The bright pinkish-red drink pictured in the blog was only for looks.)

The “Mango Salad” (green mango, pickled fruits, fresh milk and mint) wasn’t just pretty, it was incredibly light on the palette. The “Foie Gras Torchon” was all kinds of yummy and made perfectly (creamy with a cured sweetness) but it was the “Issan-Style Beef Tartare” (lychee, key lime mint) that really stole my heart. It was incredibly fresh, succulent and at the same time remarkably simple. I could have died and gone to heaven right then and there, but alas, there was more food to be had.

I really enjoyed the “Roasted Market Fish” of the day, which was a grouper (made with turnip dashi, pickled mustard seed and purple pac choi,) until they served the “Whole Roasted Yellowtail Snapper.” Holy fish, Batman! Not only was it massive, it tasted spectacular. I’m a sucker, though, for a great sauce and whatever it was soaking in reminded me of a full-bodied curry (made with preserved sour orange, chermoula and turnips.) It was my absolute favorite, along with the beef tartare. On the side, I gobbled up an order of “Blistered Cauliflower” (made with grilled goat’s milk and smoked trout roe.)

I passed on dessert, but made my way outside to the pool bar for a nightcap. It was a beautiful, balmy night and the cement pond was literally aglow with different shades of blue. Skinny spouts of water (reminiscent of a grand Vegas hotel) adorned each corner of the pool, giving off a tropical paradise kind of feel.

With a full tummy, I nestled into a tall, but uber-comfy braided patio chair and let the night whisper into my ear: “Come back real soon” and that’s why the “Vagabond Restaurant & Bar” is one of my favorite things.

Where:

The hotel and restaurant is located in the popular Upper East Side area of Miami, right on Biscayne Boulevard. Over the last few years, the neighborhood has undergone a major face lift, with all kinds of restaurants and stores setting up shop. This part of the city is all about the locals and you’ll relish the fact that it’s off the beach and away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

When:

Sunday 6pm-10pm, Tues thru Thur 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-12pm. Closed on Monday.

Reservations: 786-409-5635 or email reservations@vagabondrestaurant.com

The man who leaves home to mend himself and others is a philosopher; but he who goes from country to country, guided by the blind impulse of curiosity, is a vagabond.Oliver Goldsmith

Website: www.thevagabondhotel.com & www.vagabondrestaurant.com
Twitter: @VagabondMiami
Instagram: @vagabondrestaurant @vagabondhotelmiami
Facebook: Vagabond Hotel Miami

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Producer: Jessie Rosario

Wardrobe provided by www.lebeaumaroc.com.
Twitter: @LeBeauMaroc
Instagram: @LeBeauMaroc
Facebook: Le Beau Maroc

Friday, June 12, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

What:

Costa Brava, 95 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Why:

Sophisticated and decadent: Costa Brava at 95 Cordova, definitely pulls out all the stops and it does so effortlessly. Not only is the place beyond beautiful, with a rich, clean Mediterranean feel; its food matches its gorgeous aesthetics.

I dined at the restaurant after shooting a fashionably fun blog at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Not only did the historic landmark give us an amazing backdrop to feature “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets“, they also invited my crew to stay for dinner at their famed restaurant and boy, are we glad we did. It was AMAZE-ballz. We’re still talking about it and our visit was nearly two weeks ago.

Because our dinner was a little on the early side, we started out with two light cocktails; the “El Diablo”(made with tequila, fresh lime and cranberry juice) was devilishly smooth, but it was the “Blood Orange Bellini” that went down so refreshingly fast, I needed another round STAT.

We embarked on our Mediterranean style feast with a traditional “Greek Chopped Salad,” freshly plated inside a shaved cucumber ring. The amazingly tasty “Lemon, Beet & Black Bean Hummus with Grilled Pita,” added some real pow in the culinarily creativity department. I’m not a big Jose Cuervo drinker, but why shoot it when you can eat it? Costa Brava’s “Tequila Shrimp” (marinated in lime, tequila and grilled to perfection) was a pure party in my mouth! Last but not least in the starters department: the “Papas Vravas” (Spanish style crispy potatoes with smoked paprika tomato aoli) were both meaty and marvelous.

For dinner, it was the perfect mix of seafood and steak; The “Moules-Frites” (mussels steamed with coconut milk, lime curry and chili) were my absolute favorite. The mussels were cooked to perfection and its sauce was soup spoon worthy. My photographer, James Woodley, raved about the “Grilled Skirt Steak” (made with parsnip chips and chimichurri sauce.) I wish I could confirm his love and adoration of the plate, but he quickly snatched it away just as I was sinking my teeth in. James said it was one of the best steaks he’d ever had (how’s that for an endorsement?)

The “Seared Sea Scallops” (served with a lemon parsley couscous and a petite tomato salad) was my producers favorite. I loved it, too. The scallops had a great texture and the couscous was so flavorful, I could have eaten it by itself. The “Sliced 6 oz. NY Strip And Small Wedge Salad” (with jalapeño ranch dressing, bacon, feta, asparagus and basil) was the perfect balance of yummy protein goodness and girl you gotta have these greens because they’re great. How do you wrap up a meal of this caliber; with a tall martini glass filled with a gorgeous, silky berry-based gelato. It was heavenly (and if you’re a regular blog reader you know how I feel about dessert.)

Usually hotels (especially fancy ones) have the prerequisite restaurant to cater to its guests, but most of the time (from my experience) it’s a take it or leave it kind of place. When it comes to the Casa Monica Hotel and its “Costa Brava at 95 Cordova” that’s definitely NOT the case. I’d even dare to say, it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever dined in and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Casa Monica (originally built in the 1800’s,) is in the heart of St. Augustine. Not only is it one of the oldest hotels in the United States, it’s also a member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust. The restaurant, snuggled off the side of its ornate lobby, is right by the grand entrance. Valet is available (on the other side of the building) and is easy to access. I didn’t stay at the hotel itself, but I can’t wait to go back and spend the night.

When:

Open 7 days a week! Breakfast: 7am-10:30am. Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11am-2:30pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm and Sunday brunch: 10:30am-2pm.

Book reservations on line: www.casamonica.com or call 904-810-6810

Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.Erma Bombeck

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Writer & Producer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley
Assist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe & Jewelry: www.MagentaCouture.com
Shoes: www.KokoPalenki.com
Hair/Make-up: Odett Hernandez

Friday, May 29, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Ice Plant

Shireen's Spotlight: The Ice Plant

Shireen's Spotlight: The Ice Plant

What:

The Ice Plant, 110 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Why:

When you walk through the doors of this old, rustically charming restaurant you can’t help but be impressed. The two-story historic haunt, which was originally built in the 1920’s and used as an ice plant, still looks and feels very much like an old factory.

It even has its original bridge crane on rails placed above the bar, which was used to move huge blocks of ice that were eventually broken down and sold to local customers and shrimping boats in the area (back in the day.) With that being said, The Ice Plant is all about the art and craft of mixing exceptional cocktails: using fresh house-pressed juices, an assortment of bitters, homemade syrups and handcrafted ice cubes made from purified water (they even use a 300 pound block of ice to chip from.)

I started my evening off by tasting three of the bars most highly recommended cocktails. “The Psychedelic Fur” (made with rum, strawberry, fernet, ginger, bitters and cucumber,) was lovely and light with just the right amount of fizz. The prettiest and by far the iciest drink, which reminded me of a snow cone, was “The Moon And Antarctica” (made with St. Augustine New World Gin, rum, horchata, lemon and lime.) Last but not least, the classic “Florida Mule” (served with St. Augustine Vodka, ginger, lime, soda and mint.) Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible, but if someone were holding an icepick to my head I’d go with the “Florida Mule.”

After sipping on three drinks, I stayed in a bar kind of mood; opting to start my dinner off with a few fun snacks. I’m still dreaming about the sinful “Devils On Horseback” (bacon wrapped dates with buttermilk blue cheese puree.) The Blue Crab Beignets were just as sumptuous (battered with Rouille and green tomato chow chow.)

After my snacks, I had one small plate (appetizer) before my main course. I asked my friendly waiter, Guillermo (who had just started that day and was excellent,) to bring me something photogenic. I have a weakness for pretty food. This is a fashion blog after all. He recommended the “Pickled GA White Shrimp” and believe you me, it doesn’t get any better than tangy shrimp (piled on top of grilled sourdough bread with peppers, celery hearts and aioli.)

I was starting to think this place was too good to be true, especially after spotting “Ricotta Gnocchi” on the menu (made with lamb ragu, fino verde and parmesan.) I’ve always heard the true test of how great a restaurant is depends on whether or not they can cook a killer gnocchi. Be still my heart! Even though I was told to get the burger, I happily had my heart set on a dish of gnocchi and boy, was I glad I did. It was soft, fluffy and fantastic. (This was my second spotlight of the day, so I opted out of desert.) The Ice Plant, a place where history and the here and now combine; making life undeniably different and delicious…that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

The Ice Plant is located downtown St. Augustine, which is one of the oldest, most charming cities in the country. When I long to get away from Miami, I tend to drive south to The Keys, but now that I’ve experienced the “Old City,” I can’t wait to go back. It’s a great escape and extremely low-key.

I stumbled onto The Ice Plant while doing research for a blog on the Casa Monica Hotel (also located in downtown St. Augustine.) This unique gem of a restaurant sits tall and proud on Riberia street and is easily walkable if your exploring the heart of the city.

They have straightforward parking, but keep in mind this is probably the hottest spot in town and sometimes getting a place (if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday) can be a bit tricky. An overflow lot is set up in the back of the plant to accommodate busy nights. Also, once you’re inside be prepared to wait it out because it’s first come, first serve. If you have bad timing and find yourself on a long waiting list: trust me…it’s totally worth it.

When:

Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2:00am, Sunday-Monday 11:30am-Midnight
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday. Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days a week.

Reservations not accepted
www.iceplantbar.com
Instagram: @IcePlantBar
Twitter: @IcePlantBar
Facebook: The Ice Plant Bar
904-829-6553

(Pictures of the St. Augustine Distillery, which is also housed inside The Ice Plant, are pictured in the blog.)

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.Marcel Proust

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Writer & Producer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Wardrobe & Jewelry: www.MagentaCouture.com
Shoes: www.YSL.com
Hair/Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Assist: Jackie Kay

Friday, May 22, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: The District Miami

What:

The District Miami, 190 NE 46th Street, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

With sultry amber lighting, beautiful contemporary artwork and interesting Pan-American cuisine, The District Miami is one of the most sophisticated restaurants the Magic City has to offer. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt cozy, comfortable and connected. Feeling at home…

I bee-lined it to the bar: its exposed brick and stucco-colored wood walls made it incredibly warm and inviting. Because I went on a “Frid-Yay,” I was itching to start the weekend off right, which for me means something strong and something spicy. The El Limo (with tequila, grapefruit pure, lime and aji limo) definitely did the trick. It went down super-fast and super-easy.

While waiting for another round, the bar served up a plate of mini Lobster Tacos (with aji amarillo, escabeche, pickled cabbage and crispy shallots.) It may have been a small portion, but it was BIG on flavor; I loved it. Matter-of-fact, I didn’t think things could get any better, until I wrapped my hands around the Buenavista Basil Julep (with whiskey, bruised basil, lime and honey syrup.) This bold and beautiful drink, served with a mini mountain of crushed ice, is a definite must-try.

Actually, most drinks at The District Miami are worth trying because of their fabulous Monday through Friday Happy Hour. With half price drinks and affordable menu items, you get quantity and quality. If I can’t get there during the week, though, I really like their affordable bottomless mimosa weekend brunch special (for more info, see the *When” part of the blog.)

I started the sit-down part of my meal with the Colorado Lamb Tartare appetizer (with toasted pine nuts, mustard oil, shallots, capers and a quail egg.) Honestly, I’m not a big raw meat fan, but I would definitely eat this again. The taste was fresh, rich and wonderful. I washed it down with The District Passion (with light rum, passion fruit puree, muddled raspberries, lime juice and aji amarillo.) This drink was freaking fan-tab-u-lous! It’s sweet, tangy and spicy all at once! Mmmmm…

For dinner, I tasted three dishes all while sipping on the yummiest Lycheetini (made with vodka, lychee puree, fresh watermelon, St. Germain, lime and mint.) The Lamb Duo which, by the way, was my absolute favorite, totally knocked my socks off. It was beautifully plated, had a generous portion and was unbelievably succulent (made with smoked pomegranate BBQ lamb ribs, pickled purple cabbage, a grilled half lamb rack, sweet potato puree and butternut pumpkin salad.)

The Branzino (with malanga foundue, artichoke escabeche and clam mojo) reminded me of a Scandinavian dish: clean and creamy. The Caribbean Cobia (with Caribbean-jerk adobo rub, blue potato goat cheese mash and hearts of palm escabeche) was a spirited spicy dish with amazing mash! I’d never had taters look so blue and taste even better. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore…

Out came the most amazing gooey concoction. I whispered “hello lover” to the 4-Leches Parfait (with macadamia nuts, vanilla caramelized pineapples and Italian merengue.) I sucked it down like I had never eaten before. Last but definitely not least, came the sinful and sexy Black Magic (with semi-sweet chocolate mousse, homemade marshmallows, chocolate ganache, sweet potato vanilla bean drizzle, sweet potato vanilla bean drizzle, pistachio cookie and vanilla ice cream.) Okay, I can die now.

Where:

The District Miami is located on the outskirts of Miami’s Design District in the Buena Vista neighborhood. The restaurant actually used to be a house, but was remodeled and restored into this beautiful eatery. With that being said: its location has limited parking, because you’re basically surrounded by other houses. The good news, though: they provide a very affordable and efficient valet.

When:

First things first, Happy Hour! Monday-Friday 5pm-7pm with a fun bar menu featuring $5 to $7 dollar dishes and HALF OFF all cocktails. The District Miami also hosts “Wine Down Wednesdays” with 1/2 off wine bottles under $100 bucks.

Dinner is Sunday-Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-12pm. Brunch is amazing, too! I love their $14 dollar bottomless mimosas on Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4:30pm. Lunch is Monday-Friday 12pm-4:30pm.

Reservations: www.TheDistrictMiami.com
Twitter: @DistrictMiami
IG: @TheDistrictMiami
FB: The District Miami

It’s absolutely unfair for women to say that guys only want one thing: sex. We also want food.Jarod Kintz

Shirt: Koko & Palenki
Belt: @KoreBoutique (Instagram)
Vintage St. John pants: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Shoes: BCBG
Purse: JustFab

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Specials thanks: TARA Ink. Public Relations

Friday, May 8, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

What:

Ola Miami, 1745 James Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

When you walk into Ola Miami, it’s as if you stumbled onto the best party in town. A lot of locals call this hot spot one of Miami’s rare, hidden gems. I went last Friday and the scene was incredibly vibrant, the energy electric and the food? It keeps getting better with time and frankly, who wouldn’t drink to that!? So…

I started the night by tasting three of Ola’s yummiest martini’s: a sweet coconut concoction rimmed with sugar; a clean cucumber number and, last but not least, my favorite: “The Devil’s Garden,” made with cucumber vodka, fresh watermelon juice and homemade Aji Limo syrup. It’s simply amaze-ballz! For me, there’s nothing sexier than a pretty drink when you’re enjoying a night out on the town.

Even though the Latin American-inspired eatery, which is a fusion of Spanish, Pan Latin, and Caribbean flavors, is a Magic City staple (it’s been in business for over eleven years,) it continues recreating itself and is still one of the best places to eat in town. The Ceviches are phenomenal and an absolute must-try on the menu.

The Fluke (with fresh Meyer lemon, chives and basil) is zesty, clean and fresh. The Wahoo is really wonderful (with watermelon jalapeño juice, basil, diced cantaloupe, red onions and cucumber sorbet,) but it’s the Mixto that’s absolutely marrrrvvvvvvelous with shrimp, octopus and cobia (in lime, orange juice, limo pepper, cilantro, Kalamata olives, served with a side of fried yuccas.) I could eat that seafood mix everyday for the rest of my life. How do you top that?

With enough Tapas for a small army, that’s how! The kitchen sent out a feast of Kobe meatballs (with foie-gras sherry sauce, black trumpet chimi and crispy shallot,) crispy Rock Shrimp (coated with rice and corn flour with a sweet and spicy panka sauce and cilantro) and two types of empanadas; Corn (served over mushroom salad with huitlacoche and sweet corn sauce) and Short Rib (with creamy habanero sauce and smoked orange rosemary marmalade.) Both were the perfect blend of puffy, fried dough filled with gooey goodness.

Finally, I was DYING to try Ola’s campy dessert that looks like a cigar and matches. It’s an almond chocolate cake enrobed in semisweet chocolate mousse with coffee ice cream and a candy matchbox. After that, it was sweet empanadas for everyone! If you’re looking for a lively night, with amazing food and a great atmosphere, this should be high-up on your fashionable foodie list and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

(A special thank you to Brian Lieberman for always being so generous and affable toward the press! It’s very much appreciated.)

Where:

Ola is located inside the Sanctuary Hotel on South Beach, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Collins Avenue. The Art Deco boutique hotel has long been a hang-out for the fun and fabulous crowd of Miami. It’s also a big hit with tourists, who love its intimate, cozy feel. Parking is really tight in this particular area of the beach, but there’s a valet right in front of the building for restaurant customers.

When:

Monday-Sunday 6:30pm – 11:00pm

Reservations: 305-695-9125
Twitter: @OLARestaurant
IG: @OlaRestaurant
FB: OLA Restaurant

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.Luciano Pavarotti

Wardrobe: @KoreBoutique (Instagram)
Necklace & Earrings: Magenta Couture
Rings: @SerendipityBoutique (Instagram)
Shoes: Prada
Purse: Monsoon

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Friday, May 1, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,