Shireen’s Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

What:

Klima Restaurant & Bar, 210 23rd Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

Klima is one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve seen in a long time. I would even go as far as to say, it’s one of the most gorgeous restaurants I’ve ever seen in my life (and I’ve been around the globe a few times.) Its interior is a wonderful blend of Scandinavian modernity mixed with the warmth and flair of a Spanish villa.

It’s the kind of place people linger in to fully enjoy their dining experience, not just eat and head for the door. I started my evening off at Klima’s inviting, open-air bar, where I tried a few specialty cocktails. The Pisco Sour was delicious and the Mint Julep knocked my socks off. Both were refreshing and unique, which seems to be the best way to describe everything on the menu.

Even though the place is touted as a “Spanish” style restaurant, it seems to be influenced by a myriad of places, especially the Mediterranean. I eagerly tried two appetizers: The Tuna Toast (flavored with chipotle, leek and lime) and the Oysters (with Ponzu Sauce and Salmon Roe.) Both were clean, fresh and delicious.

My favorite, though, was the Fennel Carpaccio Salad (made with burrata cheese, kalamata olives and dried tomatoes.) I loved it because it was zesty and crisp. For dinner, I let the powers that be choose, which always scares me a little because I’m such a picky eater, but the Veal Stuffed Paccheri, Porto & Parmesan did NOT disappoint. I’m not big on veal, but the flavor and texture of the plate was amazing. Even though the sauce appears to be hearty, it was actually light and fluffy.

My entire experience at Klima was really so delightful. I enjoyed the interior, the amazing art and the delicious food. I think this place has what it takes to stay around for a long time and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Klima is located in South Beach, but away from the madness of Ocean Drive. It’s on the sleepy corner of 23rd and Collins (right where Tosca used to be.) They say it’s a tough area, as in there’s not a lot of foot traffic, but the place was jammed packed with high-spirited customers when I was there. The restaurant offers valet, but there’s also a public parking lot beside the building that always seems to have space and that’s always a special treat in Miami.

When:

Monday-Sunday 6pm-2am (the kitchen closes at 12:30am)

For Reservations call: 786-453-2779 or email reservations@klimamiami.com
IG: @klimamiami
FB: Klima

My weaknesses have always been food and men – in that order!Dolly Parton

Blouse & Skirt: Ted Baker
Belt: BCBG
Shoes: Koko & Palenki

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

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

What:

Bagatelle, 2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

If you yearn for yumminess on every level, lean close and let me tell you a secret: Bagatelle Miami is THE place to be. It’s one of the hottest spots in the Magic City right now. What’s more, it’s mastered the perfect going-out-to-eat-and-having-an-amazing-time recipe. On any given night of the week, the fabulous new French Mediterranean restaurant not only serves up fantastic food in a killer club-like atmosphere, it also hosts some of the most beautiful people in the city.

I went on a Friday night and the place was off the chain with captivating energy and eye candy (both men and women.) The staff was amazing and boy, do they love to feed a journalist! Everyone who works there (at least, the people I came in contact with) really believes in the food and as you know, that can go a long way. Plus, they’re incredibly accommodating and the service is immaculate. That’s not always the case on South Beach.

I started dinner with several fun cocktails. Although the “Sangria Bagatelle Rose” was my favorite, I also fell in cheeky love with the “Girl From Lima,” “Berry Lust” and the quirky, but surprisingly refreshing “Bootie Call” (made with Belvedere Vodka, rosemary, fresh watermelon, elderflower and lemon juice.)

Next up; some mind-blowingly fresh appetizers: “Salade de Crabe aux Agrumes” (crab salad,) “Tartare de Thon Bagatelle” (tuna tartare) and my all-time favorite, “Tatin de Tomate” (tomato fondue tart, goat cheese, olives, onions, pine nuts and basil oil.) I was impressed by how everything was plated, but perhaps more awe-inspiring was the freshness/lightness of it all. All three plates were succulent and satisfying. It was by far my favorite part of the meal.

For the main course, I dined on Snapper de Floride en Papillote (cedar-wrapped Florida red snapper filet, quinoa tabouleh, avocado and a tropical sauce.) It came with a side of Pommes Frites, Wild Mixed Mushrooms and Spicy Charred Broccolini. The fries were sinful, the mushrooms totally divine and the broccolini was charred to perfection.

If you’re a regular blog reader, you know how I feel about dessert: I can take it or leave it, but at Bagatelle Miami, they don’t let you leave anything behind, especially the sweet stuff. I caved when I saw the three divine dishes they encouraged me to eat: Panna Cotta Ricotta, Cheesecake Napoleon and Banana Cream Tart. The cheesecake was amaze-balls! Come to think of it, everything I dined on was amaze-balls. Bagatelle Miami is definitely one of my favorite things.

Where:

The lively restaurant is on the corner of 21st and Collins on South Beach. It’s just a block south of the W Hotel (one of my all-time favorite properties on the beach) which, by the way, has a big public parking lot right in front of it. You can try to score a parking space there (it’s metered) or settle for Bagatelle’s valet.

When:

Mon-Thurs 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-1am, Sunday Brunch 6pm-11pm, Sunday Dinner 12pm-6pm.

www.bistrobagatelle.com
Reservations: 305-704-3900
Executive Chef: Matthieu Godard
IG: @BagatelleMiamiBeach
FB: Bagatelle Miami Beach

Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like.Mark Twain

Black Jumper: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Butterfly Earrings: Magenta Couture
Purse: Tory Burch by Koko & Palenki
Shoes: BCBG Aventura Mall

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

Shireen’s Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar (connected to Coconuts)

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

What:

G&B Oyster Bar, 429 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

Why:

Two words for you: “Deadliest Puppies.” Don’t call PETA — these are crab claws, dipped in hush puppy batter and fried. Thank you Lord, sweet baby Jesus! They’re quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth and I’ll definitely be back for more and then some. The funny thing is…

I actually ended up at the sleek and charming “G&B Oyster Bar” by mistake. I was headed to Coconuts (its sister property in the same location,) by way of the Bonnet House (where I was working on my “Shireen’s Favorite Things” fashion blog.) The volunteers at the museum recommended the place highly. Plus, it has a great intracoastal waterfront view.

Instead of waiting for a seat at Coconuts, though, I was immediately attracted to “G&B”‘s lively bar. Especially after a friendly bartender made me a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary. From there, my crew and I snuggled into a comfy hightop and that’s when we were informed the Bar was a separate place. It didn’t matter; we were so ready to get our grub on after a hard day’s work and boy, did we ever!

Stand-out menu items include: The Philly Lobster Cheese Steak, Lobster Ceviche Martini, Crab Empanadas, Dark and Stormy Ribs and Ahi Tuna Poke. Because “G&B” is indeed a fresh seafood bar, I decided to order half a dozen oysters on the half shell. They were yummy and more importantly, fresh. I would have ended with a dessert, but I had so much to eat, I had to limp out of the restaurant.

Despite its great food, what I enjoyed most about “G&B”‘s is its motto, which is: Be Nice. Even though it’s not something you can order and eat off the menu, a server’s attitude can really make or break your dining experience and ours was amazing.

Where:

“G&B” is located right off of Fort Lauderdale’s popular Seabreeze Boulevard, which partially runs alongside the ocean. It’s connected to its sister restaurant, “Coconuts,” another popular seaside eatery right next to the Swimming Hall of Fame.

They have a really crowded, kind-of crazy valet, but they’re friendly and always willing to make it work. I went this past Saturday (during spring break) and despite the madness, they found me and my Spotlight crew a spot. Valet is tip only, but if you leave the property, they charge twenty bucks.

When:

Monday-Sunday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm.

www.gandboysterbar.com
IG: @GB_OysterBar
FB: G&B Oyster Bar Seafood Restaurant

There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore line, no matter how many times it is sent away.anonymous

Dress: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Jewelry: Serendipity Consignment
Purse: Tookata People
Shoes: Emilio Pucci

Editor Matthew Auerbach
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Shireen’s Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Siena Tavern Miami

What:

Siena Tavern, 404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

At night, it’s dimly lit and bolsters a hipster vibe. I was hypnotized by the drop chandelier in the foyer of the restaurant and the long, voluptuous couch that whispers: “Sit here, you know you want to.”

On my new, long, cushy love (the aforementioned couch,) I sipped on three interesting specialty drinks. First-up, the refreshingly sweet “No. 3,” made with honey, lavender and lemon. The “No. 9” (made with white tequila, sage, cucumber and lime,) was bold and completely unusual. Last but not least, the No. “11,” with basil, lemon, sage and watermelon, was the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

I started my dinner with the “Coccoli;” (which is basically crispy dough bread, stracchino cheese and prosciutto.) It was all kinds of heavenly salty, gooey yumminess. Next up, something light and clean, the “Torched Salmon” (with salsa verde, cherry tomatoes and crispy leeks.) It was a small portion; I could have indulged in another one. It was by far my favorite.

For my main course, Siena Tavern pulled out all the stops with its baked lasagna. The almost pot-pie looking creation (filled with ricotta meat ragu and parmesan cheese) was decadent and delicious. Even though I was full, my good friend and Spotlight producer, Jessie Rosario, insisted I try the restaurant’s famous meatballs and believe you me, they didn’t disappoint. With succulent, roasted tomato sauce, bellweather ricotta and shaved basil, I was one happy camper.

Where:

Siena Tavern is on South Beach right off of Washington and Fifth Street. It’s a busy intersection, but there’s valet in the front of the restaurant and a parking garage on Fourth Street (although, the self-parking cost more.) Your best bet (especially on the weekend ) is to Uber or cab it.

When:

Monday-Friday 6 pm-close, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-close, Weekend Brunch on Saturday & Sunday 11 am-4 pm, Happy Hour is daily from 6-8 pm.

Website: www.sienatavern.com
Twitter: @SienaMiami
IG: @SienaMiami
FB: Siena Tavern Italian Restaurant American Restaurant Wine Bar
Reservations: 305-534-5577

Wine is bottled poetry.Robert Louis Stevenson

Dress: Serendipity Consignment Boutique
Shoes: Elie Tahari
Purse: Bagghy, Miami
Jewelry: (my own)

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

Shireen’s Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

Shireen's Spotlight: Via Verdi Cucina Rustica

What:

Via Verdi 6900 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

I immediately fell in love with this rustically romantic new hot spot, with it’s sprawling outdoor patio, ivy covered trellises and charming indoor seating. Not only does Via Verdi have a really great vibe, it has amazing food, too. Which has everything to do with its owners; twin chef brothers, Nicola and Fabrizio Carro and mixologist extraordinaire, Cristiano Vezzoli.

The three Italian-born, fun-loving guys have years of restaurant experience between them and you can totally tell. Upon my arrival, my wish was their command. They want everyone to be happy and enjoy their dining experience. First, I was served a drink called “Caipiwi 69” and yes, it blew my mind. With fresh kiwi, lime, sugar and champagne, I couldn’t stop sipping. Thankfully, there was an “I wanna taste it, too” intervention. Next, a martini called “Bitter,” but how could you be mad at something with aperol, campari, bitters, orange juice and a splash of gin?

While the drinks were tasty, the food was nothing short of mesmerizing. I started with a yummy assaggi platter with fresh cheese, smoked prosciutto, salami and mascarpone/gorgonzola mousse. I really hit my stride, though, with the “Brazino Al Forno” (roasted sea bass with clams, olives, cherry tomatoes and capers.) It was so succulent, clean and fresh, I became an official Via Verdi convert. As if that didn’t do the trick, they served me up some of their amazing Strozzapreti. The lamb ragu, with fresh peas and pecorino flakes is to DIE FOR (all pictured in the blog.) If it was a boy, I would have asked him to marry me.

If you long for romance, go to Via Verdi at night; the twinkling lights surrounding the restaurant give it a Nancy Myers movie set-like atmosphere. If you wanna dine during the day, the patio (draped with fresh greenery) will give you just the right amount of shade to make your day. Monday is a great night to go; they offer 50% off selected plates from their “All Day Menu.”

Where:

Via Verdi is in what’s considered Miami’s Upper East Side off of Biscayne Boulevard and 69th street (east of Little Haiti.) My crew and I giggled with glee when we saw the restaurant’s free parking sign. There’s a parking lot in the back of the building with plenty of spaces to spare (and I went on a Friday night.)

When:

Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12pm

www.viaverdimiami.com
Twitter: @ViaVerdiMiami
IG: @ViaVerdiMiami
FB: Via Verdi Italian Restaurant
Reservations: 786-615-2870 or online

Age and glasses of wine should never be counted.Italian Proverb

Vintage Dress: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Shoes: Miu Miu
Jewelry: Jill Zaleski – One of a Kind Jewelry

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