Shireen's Favorite Things

An early evening dinner on the garden terrace of Isabelle’s inside the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove. Pass the signature Pineapple Mojito, please! And don’t forget to share that mouth-watering Beet Salad. 🙂

If casual elegance mixed with the intimacy of a garden oasis sounds inviting, Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden inside the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove should definitely be on your foodie radar. Not only will you fall in love with its laid-back sophistication; their delicious dishes and creative cocktails will leave you wanting more. Speaking of…

I started my #Spotlight experience with a bubbly “Aperol Spritz” (mixed with Prosecco.) It’s a refreshing drink that’s all the rage right now. Isabelle’s version is a deep, yummy pour with just the right amount of sweetness. It also happens to pair perfectly with the “Salmon Tartare”…

Which is deliciously mixed with onions, capers and smoked mascarpone. The best part of the plate? The toasted slice of ‘everything bagel’ it’s topped with. Just crumble, mix and munch. The “Beef Carpaccio” is just as fresh and flavorful, served with crispy mushrooms, arugula, pecorino cheese and horseradish. If you’re a carpaccio fan, either dish is divine.

Before trying Isabelle’s amazing salads, I sipped on their signature “Pineapple Mojito” which is LIFE. 🙌 I’ve been on a pineapple kick lately because it’s filled with loads of healing properties like Bromelain, so why not have it in a cool rum cocktail? It’s #HeavenOnEarth with pineapple juice, mint, sugar, soda and lime.

“The Roasted Beet Salad” isn’t just beautiful, it’s incredibly tasty, too, with bite-sized apples and oranges placed on a bed of Greek yogurt. The sprinkling of pickled mustard seeds on top is the crescendo to a delightful symphony of flavors. It’s definitely a must-try on the menu.

More of a traditional herbivore? “Isabelle’s Salad” is filled with romaine, radicchio, arugula and nuggets of candied pecans, craisins, pears and pecorino. It’s tossed in a light honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s this deep, endless bowl of delicious greens, which is great to have before…

The delicate “Branzino” — served in a cherry tomato beurre blanc; think creamy butter sauce. It comes with a side of spring vegetable couscous. I gobbled both up like it was my last supper. I washed it all down with “The Peacock,” which came highly-recommended. The chic drink is made with Absolut Elyx, lavender, lemon and blood orange puree. The presentation made me feel like a Hollywood glamour girl.

The highlight of dinner was a perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth “8 OZ. Filet Mignon” served with two sides: creamed spinach and Isabelle’s mac & cheese. #HelloLovah #ComeToMama
#FoodieDreamsDoComeTrue Is that too many #hashtags? 😁

I didn’t think I’d have room for dessert after my decadent dinner, but I rallied when the “Creme Brûlée” with vanilla & raspberries arrived with a glass of dessert bubbly. Which reminds me, they have an extensive wine selection worth exploring. Whether you’re a vegan, seafood lover or live for a great steak, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for at Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden and you’ll be surrounded by style and class while doing it — that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Bon Appetit!

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
3300 SW 27th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133

Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm-11pm
for more on breakfast, lunch & brunch: www.isabellescoconutgrove.com

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