New Homepage | Shireen's Favorite Things - Part 93

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

Friday, March 13, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Champagne, Hollen & Jen, Italian, Italian Food, James Woodley Photography, Jill Zaleski, Martini, Miu Miu, Outdoor, Restaurant, Romantic, Via Verde Cucina Rustica
Back to Nature

The restaurant was beautiful, but the woman sitting at the table across from me was spewing so much hate the mood instantly turned ugly. Although the music was pretty loud, her voice managed to steamroll over it: “I’m so glad I finally get to see you in person, you’re exactly what I thought you would be and I don’t like you at all,” she said.

I was shocked by her candor and a little frightened by her aggressive demeanor. Her verbal attack didn’t stop there, “You’re disgusting,” she snarled. Before she could say anything else, I immediately gathered my things, stood up from the table and told my photographer and producer, who were with me to do a blog feature on the new restaurant, that I would meet them outside.

As I walked out the door, I leaned into the woman and said: “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.” Just as the door closed behind me, I heard her say to my crew: “She’s a bitch.” My colleagues quickly came to my defense, but I didn’t stick around to hear the conversation through.

Once I was outside on the patio, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and quickly collected myself as one of the restaurant owners approached me to find out what had happened. I apologized for the inconvenience and asked if we could move to a more private part of the outdoor dining area. He was gracious and accommodating.

The shoot went on as planned, but the brief exchange between myself and the woman who decided for whatever reason she didn’t like me (despite not knowing or ever meeting me before,) lingered in my heart. The thing is…

Read the rest of “Back to Nature” at www.wsvn.com or shop the look at www.kokopalenki.com.

Learn more about the Billie Swamp Safari www.billieswamp.com
Twitter: @billieswamp
Facebook: Billie Swamp Safari

Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com

Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: @O.D.E.T.T

Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

shot by @tod_p

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things Animal Prints, Billie Swamp Safari, Koko & Palenki, Nature
Shireen’s Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

What:

Aruba Beach Cafe, 1 Commercial Blvd. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida 33308

Why:

If you like a really great frothy, fruity tropical drink, crispy Coconut Shrimp to die for and Macho Crab Nachos so fantastic, you’ll forget your name when you bite into their gigantic, gooey goodness…well, Aruba Beach Cafe is definitely going to be your new favorite place.

You’ll see me there on any given day, stuffing my face with the aforementioned delights, not to mention downing my share of their killer Margaritas. Believe you me, they’ve mastered the blend; extra salt included.

This fabulously funky seaside eatery is not only a South Florida mainstay, it’s the kind of joint that sinks into your bones and becomes part of your personality. I guess, what I’m trying to say is – it’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience and for some, a way of life.

Aruba’s laid-back beach attitude, mixed with the sun, surf and sand, is a recipe for sheer happiness. Other stand-out items on their menu include: Caicos Conch Fritters, Twin Cabo Fish Tacos, Seafood Quesadilla, Seafood Fra Diavolo and the Key West Fried Shrimp.

Each and every time I’ve dined there, I’ve had the most amazing, friendly, courteous service. If you decide to go on a weekend, make a day of it. Hang out on the beach and when you get hungry, turn around and Aruba’s will be right behind you. Surf’s up!

Where:

Aruba Beach Cafe is located in the lively little town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. It’s the kind of place that makes you wanna slow down and remember what you love about life. When you walk down the street, you’ll see people enjoying a scoop of ice cream, walking hand-and-hand with a loved one, sipping on a drink at an outdoor restaurant, sitting on one of the city’s bright colored beach benches or just hanging out to watch the sun dance its way til dusk or dawn.

Aruba’s is located off the town’s main cul de sac, right by the famous Anglin’s Fishing Pier. Street parking can be tough on the weekend, but Aruba’s has a pretty well-oiled valet that doesn’t take a thousand years (like when you dine on South Beach.) What’s more, waiting for your car isn’t so bad, because you get to enjoy the view of the bustling, beautiful beachside town.

When:

Mon-Tues 11am-1am, Wed-Sat 11am-2am, Sunday 9am-1am

www.arubabeachcafe.com
Twitter: @arubabeachcafe
FB: Aruba Beach Cafe
reservations: 954-776-0001

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. Wyland

Shirt/Skirt: Kore Boutique, Miami
Sweater: Arden B, Aventura
Jewelry: L’George Designs & Jill Zaleski
Shoes: Ted Baker

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

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Arden B, Aruba Beach Cafe, James Woodley Photography, Jill Zaleski, Koko & Palenki, Kore Boutique, L'George Designs, Margaritas, Restaurant, Seafood, Ted Baker