Shireen’s Spotlight: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

What:

Apeiro 3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and Mediterranean food with a modern twist; “Apeiro” is the place for you. With a beautiful light-colored interior (highlighted in blues and yellows,) artistic swirly chandeliers and an open-air kitchen, it’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’re in the Greek Islands (at least during the day.)

At night, it’s a different story. It’s more like, say, Miami. 😁🌴🍹 When my crew and I visited last Friday night, the outside bar was standing room only. It was like being on the beach, but with a little more panache. The staff, especially Chef David Blonsky (who hails from Chicago and most recently Siena Tavern,) was extremely affable. He’s a celebrity chef, so he gets it.

I started Spotlight off with their signature drink, “Apeiro Signature” (don Q crystal rum, cantaloupe, lemon juice, basil, rose pepper and simple syrup.) It was by far my favorite; fresh and unusual. My company would disagree, though. One of my BFF’s and stylist, Jackie Kay, was on-hand to help with tasting duties. She loved the “Mayfair Lady” (vodka infused with hibiscus rose hips, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and champagne.) Although the drink was sweet, it packed a major punch. My photographer, James, really liked the “Salted Le Melon” (melon vodka, cantaloupe and lime juice.) Warning: it goes down quick and easy.

I tried three appetizers: “Bunelo” (cheese, prosciutto, jam and puffed pastries.) Side note: this dish is served with truffle honey and I’m highly allergic to truffle oil. I tried mine without and it was still delish. The “Burrata” had a twist of sweetness (made with cherry tomato jam, arugula and toasted ciabatta.) My absolute favorite of the night was the “Akushi Steak Tartare” (with bone marrow vinaigrette, calabrian chile, served with a warm, puffy pita.) It was savory with good marbling and had a nice texture.

I tried two main dishes: “Lamb Kefta” and “Roasted Branzino.” The lamb was great, served with Tzatziki sauce, koshari rice and a green onion salad, but the whole fish (with acqua pazza sauce, koshari rice and herb oil) was pretty spectacular. I was especially full after dinner and didn’t really have room for dessert until I feasted my eyes on…

The “Triple Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!” It was a sight for sore eyes and tasted even better than it looked (hmmm…moist and delicious.) The “Bomboloni” (which is an Italian doughnut,) is served with three small squeezy bottles of Nutella chocolate, salted caramel and strawberry. You take your favorite flavor (or all three) and inject them into the heart of the pastry. Last but not least, my favorite dessert: “Waffle Cone Sundae” (your choice of gelato with chocolate hazelnut and caramel sauce, candied walnuts, amarena cherries and whipped cream.) I almost licked the bowl.

From the hip atmosphere, the chic decor, great outdoor space and modern Mediterranean food, which includes local ingredients and produce, “Apeiro Kitchen and Bar” (which in Ancient Greek means infinite or boundless,) is definitely one of my new favorite things. Cheers!

Where:

Apeiro is located in the heart of Midtown Miami. It’s just a few doors down from “Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill” and “Bocce Bar.” Street parking is always tough in this part of town, but they have plenty of self parking garages and valet in the area. If you live a little further north, you’re in luck, Apeiro is also located in Delray Beach (the restaurant’s original location.)

When:

Sunday-Wednesday 11:30am-11:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:30am-1:00am.

miami.apeirorestaurants.com
Twitter & IG: @ApeiroMiami, FB: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.Hippocrates
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer/Editor: Jessie Rosario
wardrobe: @KoreBoutique
Friday, November 20, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,

Winter Florals

Winter Florals

Winter Florals

Winter Florals

Winter Florals

Winter Florals

What:

Lilac And Lilies, 2541 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33304

Why:

I love romanticizing winter: coats, boots, hats and scarves; it’s a fashionistas dream really and then, well, I head some place cold and realize I’ve lost my bloody mind and need a respite from the chilly temperatures ASAP. So, back home I go to Miami with my fashionable tail tucked between my legs.

Lucky for me, though, there are a lot of other ways to express my cold weather fashion shenanigans. Case-in-point: “Winter Florals.” If you’re gonna work this trend, there’s no better place to help than “Lilac & Lilies” in Fort Lauderdale. It’s not just the boutique’s name that gives away its deep affection for flowers, but it’s the kind of place that can master any kind of look. Its motto: “Your fresh bouquet of fashions.”

I adore the deep, jewel tones winter brings and expressing them was easy, comfortable and romantic (and not in the kind of way that makes you wanna change your zip code.) A beautiful, long maxi with a sexy slit, a teal blouse with a black vegan leather jacket, wide-legged pant and a killer eyelet LBD were our day, night and special occasion “Winter Floral” styles. Adding fun and fall textures; a boho-inspired hat, textured clutches and boots with personality. Especially my sh*t-kickers! I love a good cowboy boot and “Old Gringo” always says it best.

Whether you’re mixing and matching or choosing one fully flowered piece, go with a darker color and you’re sure to be on-trend. Less is more when you’re wearing a bouquet; pick one piece and build around it. Happy shopping and remember to always “bloom where you’re planted.”

Where:

Revamped and remodeled, “Lilac And Lilies” is right across the street from “The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.” I adore this area because it’s chic, sophisticated and not high-octane like Dade-County. L&L’s is right by some pretty great restaurants, too. The “Capital Grill” and “Blue Martini” are perfect places to eat and/or have a fabulous drink.

Back to the revamping and remodeling thing…the ladies at L&L’s have infused their love of travel into the store; creating an atmosphere of some of my favorite shabby chic, parisian boutiques in France. The expansion is a dream come true for the fashionista that wants three things: one stop shopping (you can get an entire outfit there,) interesting and unique labels and great customer service (including personal styling.) As soon as I have some spare time, I’m making a day of it; lunch, shopping and a cocktail. What more could a fashionista ask for? (Besides more shoes 😂).

When:

Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm & Sunday 11am-5pm

See a look you like? Shop www.lilacandlilies.com or call 954-530-3109 🌸
SM: Instagram: @lilacandlilies_boutique, FB & Twitter: @LilacAndLilies

The earth laughs in flowers.Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Hair & MUA: Odett Hernandez

(wardrobe, hat, clutches & main accessories by Lilac And Lilies, cocktail ring by Josette Redwolf, fringe black boots @justfabonline and cowboy boots @oldgringoboots.)

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

What:

GK Bistronomie, 218 NW 25th Street, Miami, Florida 33127

Why:

When I write my food blog, I always hashtag my social media with #FoodIsLove, but at GK Bistronomie, #FoodIsArt and then some. The Peruvian-style eatery is creative, innovative and frankly, one of the most interesting places I’ve been to in a long time. The food is what Angelina Jolie is to the human race: breathtakingly beautiful, intriguing and sexy.

The restaurant itself has a modern feel mixed with an artsy vibe. Along with an open-air kitchen, there’s also a cool indoor/outdoor bar with an impressive selection of Peruvian Pisco’s (made in house.) Executive Chef Rafael Perez is a true artist, sculpting, mixing and plating food into colorful, decorative, delicious masterpieces. The best part? The restaurant and those who work there aren’t pretentious (no food snobs here.) Instead, they’re friendly, knowledgeable and care about your dining experience.

My “Spotlight” started with my usual drink fest (don’t hate, this is what you guys request when I’m out and about.) “Queen Mayra” (with absolut pear, passion fruit, celery and ylang, ylang,) “Linda Paloma” (pisco infuse with ginger, pear, green tea, orange, fresh squeezed lime, fresh pineapple, indian spices) and “Wynwood Sahumerio” (absolut elyx, star fruit, orange darjeeling and chamomile.)

The Queen was all kinds of fresh yumminess with a very pear-y taste with hints of essential oils. Oh, Linda! was exotic, spicy and smooth; but it was the Sahumerio that I wanted to have a Sunday brunch affair with: along with a cool dry ice presentation and a large square cut ice cube, it had this great fresh, tangy orange taste to it. If I wasn’t working, my play would have been to double down.

I tried three appetizers: “Parmesan” (grouper, parmesano reggiano, lime, chives, aji limo) “Peruvian Seafood” (corvina, octopus, calamari, shrimp, mussels, lime, cilantro, red onion, aji limo, sweet potato and choclo) and “Crab And Avocado” (jumbo lump crab, aji amarillo, papa amarilla, rocoto, caviar.) Each plate was so gorgeous, it was hard to eat; but once I dug in, my guilt wholeheartedly subsided.

The grouper was my favorite. It was smooth, creamy and cheesy (with a nice kick to it.) The Peruvian plate, which was actually a bowl, came with a top: uncapping it gave way to a rich, smokey flavor and who doesn’t love crab mixed with avocado? It was a charming balance of two of my favorite foods.

For my main course, I tried the “Black Grouper” (which is pan seared black grouper, shrimp, octopus, clams, mussels, quinoa and seafood broth.) This plate had amazing texture because of the quinoa, which I think of as more of a health food, but still, it was incredibly yummy with delicate touches of the aforementioned seafood. The broth was magical and not too “soupy.”

Last but not least, the “Nutella Mousse” is what I had for dessert, with the most amazing latte and sugar stick (a spur of-the-moment addition by our wonderful server.) The mousse (made with almonds, dark chocolate, cardamom and coffee meringue,) was decadent and rich. Oh, and that latte!? It was something else! Our waitress told us she had worked at a coffee place (awhile ago) and had mastered her coffee-making skills. Actually, she said: “I was a slave to making lattes.” Whatever she did, she has some mad coffee making skilllz. Hats off to her!

The presentation alone is enough to impress anyone who dines at GK Bistronomie, but mix that with the fact that the food actually tastes amazing and the people who run the place are really cool and you can’t go wrong. At this restaurant, food isn’t just love, #FoodIsArt and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things. Cheers!

Where:

GK Bistronomie is located in the heart of the Wynwood Art District (about a block away from the Wynwood Walls.) The artsy area is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Magic City. From speciality stores to cutting edge restaurants and bars, it’s definitely one of the most impressive and provocative parts of Miami. Street parking is tricky in this area because of the high volume of traffic (more so on the weekends,) but they have a valet right out in front of the restaurant that’s pretty quick and efficient (at least from my experience.)

When:

Monday-Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-10:30pm

www.gkbistronomie.com
786-477-5151
FB: GK Bistronomie Twitter: @GkbWynwood IG: @gkbwynwood

Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all of your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.Ernest Hemingway
Dress: @HotMiamiStyles Duster: @KoreBoutique Shoes: @alepel_byadrianaPhotographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Producer/Blogger: Shireen Sandoval

Friday, November 13, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

What:

V73, 4218 NE. 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

Okay, okay, okay…I lied! V73 doesn’t just have “The Perfect Purse,” it has a lot of them. The chic and sophisticated line, which hails from Venice, Italy (one of the most beautiful cities in the world,) has “The Perfect Purse” for every single facet of your fashionable life. Lucky for us! I mean, come on — have you ever heard a woman say: “I have too, many purses!” Uh, never.

The creator behind these luxurious but affordable bags is Elizabetta Armellin, who studied fine art in Italy. She eventually became a fashion designer for major brands and then, launched her own label in 2011. The rest is, as they say, fashion history.

Elizabetta’s vivacious personality and skilled craftsmanship, specifically as an artist, is breathed into each and every one of her creations. I found out about the line about a year ago, when I started the Spotlight portion of my blog. In fact, V73 was one of my first features. Eventually, though, that part of the blog turned into the fabulous food feature that it is these days and I didn’t get to do a full-blown blog on them until now. I love everything about these purses; the materials, textures, colors, versatility and quality. I’m especially obsessed with their latest Fall/Winter 2016 Apache backpack. You can check it out on my Instagram (@ShireenSandoval).

My second favorite is their IT bag of the season: the “Selva” (shopping bag,) which features wild and whimsical creatures. I adore the parrot, but the cougar is a close second. It’s all kinds of glamourous while being able to carry my computer, phone, make-up and even my shoes inside (don’t worry, my kitchen sink is still intact.) BTW, the hobbling continues in my “Chicks in Kicks” after knee-surgery, but at this point, I’m throwing my heels in “The Perfect Purse” for good measure because I’m finally off crutches.

I looovvveeed spicing things up with the “Ducale Xxs Red Pepper.” Even though it’s petite, it sure packs a powerful fashion punch; with luxurious leather, gold detailing and two versatile handles (the other is a chain shoulder strap.) You can carry this little firecracker like a pocketbook or wear it cross body. It’s so sassy, I can hardly stand it. It also comes in deep blue and black. I think the “Peggy Ottanio” has the same kind of pizzaz, especially with its quilted material, metallic hardware and beautiful blue/greenish color (it comes in grey, too.)

Last, but not least, the holiday’s are upon us and having a purse to carry along for a special night is a must-have for every fashionista. I collect clutches, but more importantly, I collect ones that go with just about anything and the “Stella Black” is the perfect example. I love its effortlessly chic appearance.

Venice is where Elizabetta’s inspiration comes from and 73 is the year she was born and the number of the Atelier (workshop) where she studied fine art. Voila! V73 was created and I love everything about it and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

V73 is located in the Miami Design District and believe-you-me, it’s not just a store, it’s an experience! The picturesque boutique is snuggled into the first level of a charming house, draped with vibrant greenery. The inside is warm, relaxing and feels like you’re in someone’s living room (someone with really good taste.)

Everything has a V73 flare to it: the chandelier, furniture, even the art. I’ve never been to Venice, but I’m pretty sure this is a taste of its sophistication and elegance. The best part? Each purse is lined up against illuminated walls (think a spotlight on each purse) displaying their textures, materials, colors and sizes.

Parking isn’t a problem; next to the house there’s a nice lot with assigned spaces. Also, the store is just a hop, skip and a jump away from one of my favorite lunch spots in Miami, Mandolin Aegean Bistro. Make a day of it; you won’t regret it. Happy Shopping!

When:

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm

E-shop: www.v73.us
Twitter: @V73Official
Instagram: @v73official FB: @V73

Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong.Adriana Lima

Photographer: James Woodley
Hair/MUA: Odett Hernandez
Stylist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe: @HotMiamiStyles www.HotMiamiStyles.com
Scarf: @CarlosMarrero (Marrero Collection)
Shoes: @irregularchoice & @prada

All purses are by V73 and pictured in the following order: Selva-Parrot, Ducale-XxsRed Pepper, Peggy-Ottanio and Stella-Black. Prices available upon request.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

What:

TiramesU, 101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Why:

Warm, sophisticated and Hampton-esque, TiramesU is the kind of restaurant that looks like the backdrop of a Nancy Myer movie (think the kitchen scenes in “It’s Complicated.”) Not only is it incredibly easy on the eyes, the food is delightful, interesting and provocative. I especially loved the duck; it was succulent and trimmed in a generous portion of chargrilled kale. I’m still dreaming about it. Before I get ahead of myself, though, let’s start from the beginning…

TiramesU is a Miami Beach staple, opening back in the 80’s on the corner of Ocean Drive and 5th. Eventually, the Italian cuisine eatery relocated to famed-Lincoln Road, serving locals and tourists for almost twenty years. Sometimes, though, change is good and in this case, it’s outstanding. TiramesU has revamped and relocated back to its original location: South of Fifth.

I started my Friday night Spotlight in the restaurant’s bustling bar area, perched-up at a hightop right next to a gigantic picturesque window (perfect for SoBe people watching.) I tried three signature cocktails: “MoonShine Mule” (blackberry infused grappa, ginger beer, lime juice and agave,) “Heart Beet” (pineapple infused vodka, beet, orange and lime) and last but not least, “Claudio’s Sour” (rye, raspberries, egg whites, lemon juice, rosemary and balsamic.)

The Mule was major; strong and layered with flavors. The beet drink was earthy; reminding me of something you’d get at a juice bar, with a little extra zing to it (vodka) and the sour? It was my fave. I’m told it’s named after the bartender. He or she must be fresh, sultry and delicious. It tasted like a sophisticated cosmo (with more depth and pizazz.)

I love it when an appetizer rivals a meal in taste and creativity. Case in point, the “Capesante” (scallop carpaccio with strawberries and almonds.) It was fresh, flavorful and extremely photogenic, but it was the “Polpo” that totally blew me away (mediterranean octopus, potatoes, crispy speck and salsa verde.) It was perfectly tenderized; mixed with savory potatoes, it completely stole my heart. The “Burrata” (made from local cheese, tomatoes and yummy balsamic) was an interesting twist on a classic dish.

For dinner; the aforementioned “Anatra” is a must-have (honey glazed duck breast, apple puree and chargrilled kale.) Hmmm…I’ll definitely be back for more! If duck’s not your thing, there’s the beautifully plated “Salmone” (scottish salmon fillet, red beets and sour cream,) sure to satisfy any fish-lover’s pallet.

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for…DESSERT. I bet you can’t guess what I had at a restaurant named TiramesU? Yep, the absolute mind-blowing “TiramesU Trio,” including strawberry, espresso with chocolate and red pepper and finally, mixed berries. Each flavor was smooth, creamy and decadent. I think the espresso with chocolate and red pepper was my favorite. It was so interesting and the flavors unveiled themselves in layers.

The “Semifreddo” (made with semi-frozen cassata, ricotta cheese, candied fruit and blood orange sauce) was amazing, too. I especially loved its presentation. TiramesU is a gorgeous restaurant with a first class kind-of vibe and the food is just as sophisticated; that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

TiramesU has taken up residence on Miami Beach’s South of Fifth. The neighborhood is the restaurant’s original home and it fits perfectly snuggled in next store to Red Steakhouse. Street parking is always tough on the beach, but there’s a valet front and center, as well as a public lot catty-corner from the front of the restaurant. Cheers!

When:

Sunday-Thursday 6pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 6pm-1am Bar open until 2am.

Reservations: www.tiramesu.com or 305-532-4538
Twitter: @TiramesuSOFl IG: @tiramesusofi FB: TiramesU

I think every woman should own a blowtorch.Julia Child
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
wardrobe: www.HotMiamiStyles.com
IG & Twitter: @HotMiamiStyles
necklace: @jillzaleski bracelet & rings: @lalacouturegirl
Friday, November 6, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,