Shireen’s Spotlight: The Grill at Bal Harbour

The Grill at Bal Harbour

The Grill at Bal Harbour

The Grill at Bal Harbour

The Grill at Bal Harbour

What:

The Grill at Bal Harbour, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour Florida 33154

Why:

Warm, welcoming and beyond delicious food; “The Grill at Bal Harbour” is by far one of the best restaurants in Miami. They just get it and to top it all off, it’s snuggled into one of the best shopping locations in the country, Bal Harbour Shops.

After featuring the latest and greatest in fall fashions on Shireen’s Favorite Things this week, it was kind of a no-brainer to showcase one of the newest eateries there, too. My entire team was mesmerized by its location; which is perched front and center of the open-air mall, with a beautiful outdoor space and windows that fold down in the main dining area to enjoy the beautiful South Florida winter months.

We started our experience with a plethora of pretty and pallet pleasing drinks. Here’s the list: Hand-Shaken Daiquiri, Boulevardier, Paloma, Coastal View and Italian Soda. “The Coastal View” (made with chareau aloe liqueur, bombay sapphire gin, lime juice, ginger ale and fresh rosemary) and the “Italian Soda” (made with campari, solerno blood orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and club soda) were my absolute favorites. Both were fresh, clean and unusual.

Also, if you’re a sucker for a great margarita, “The Grill” has definitely perfected its recipe; with just the right amount of sweet/sour and an amazingly frothy top. You’ll be hard-pressed to have just one. I’m originally from New Mexico, where we’ve perfected the drink, but this one is as good as it gets for me.

We started our appetizers with the melt in your mouth “Heavenly Biscuits” (with salted butter and a side of honey,) “Deviled Eggs,” better than any southerner could make, “Ahi Tuna Tartare” (served with ciabatta and avocado,) “Campechana” (mexican-style seafood with jumbo lump crab, shrimp, and octopus) and “Chopped Vegetable Salad” (with avocado, roasted beets, grapes, egg, macadamia nuts and fresh herbs.) The tartare was diced perfectly, the seafood cocktail had a great kick to it and man, the salad had the yummiest dressing.

Our main courses were just as tasty. The “Blackened Rib-Eye” (hard-wood grilled with vine ripe tomatoes and blue cheese) provided an interesting table dynamic. I thought I might lose a limb gobbling up my share. It was OUTSTANDING. The “USDA Prime Center-Cut Filet” was great, too, with a more simple straight-forward taste. The filet was served with a delicious mound of whipped mashed potatoes and a hefty pile of buttery broccoli (be still my beating heart.)

For dessert, the “Hot Fudge Sunday” (with sugar roasted pecans) was decadent, but it was the “Tres Leches” (with fresh fruit) that had everyone at the table moaning and groaning with sheer delight. From the excellent presentation, quality and taste of the food, not to mention the exceptional service, “The Grill at Bal Harbour” is definitely one of my favorite things.

Where:

Located on the second floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, it’s easy to access from both sides of the property. Parking is a breeze, too. They have valet at the front and a roomy garage in the back. Be sure and keep your parking ticket handy, though, as they’ll validate/stamp it if you’re a restaurant patron. Cheers!

When:

Sunday-Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-11:00pm

People who love to eat are always the best people.Julia Child
If you’re interested in being featured on spotlight, email me ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com.
Reservations: (786) 260-6650 or book on-line: www.grillatbalharbour.com
IG: @HillstoneRestaurants

Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe provided by @HintMiami
Special thanks to the Bal Harbour Shops PR team

Friday, October 9, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

Fall into Fashion with Bal Harbour Shops

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

What:

Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Florida 33154

Why:

When it comes to fall fashion, Bal Harbour Shops knows how to serve-up world class luxury. Along with celebrating its 50th year in the retail biz, the legendary outdoor shopping center is adding new stores like “Maison Goyard” and showcasing redesigned boutiques by “Van Cleef & Arpels” and “Valentino.”

They’re even taking a bite out of French food by opening “Le Zoo” (replacing the once-popular La Goulue bistro.) The new eatery is famed-restauranteur Stephen Starr’s second brainchild at the shops; the first is his beyond decadent and extra yummy, Makoto.

Whether it’s food, fashion or just being plain ol’ fabulous, getting the scoop on where a South Florida fashionista should be dining and what they should be donning (during our cooler winter months,) was easy with some help from Sarah Harrelson, the Editor-in-Chief of Bal Harbour Magazine.

“Lace is everything,” Sarah explains. “Whether it’s your full ensemble or just in the details, it’s definitely on trend,” she says. Speaking of, this fall clothing is simple, but details are luxurious. The “Ermanno Scervino” boutique helped me express the trend perfectly with a beautiful black cashmere/silk blended camisole and matching cardigan sweater (both detailed with lace,) paired with a flared down skirt. Bold accessories and leopard spotted shoes added major pizzaz.

Sling backs, proper heels and of course, the all-purpose bootie are must-have’s when it comes to fall footwear. “The Webster Miami” is always one step ahead when it comes to shoe trends; highlighting mixed textures (leather, grommets and suede, just to name a few.) I fell in love with their “Christian Dior” black leather bootie with a sexy, clear lucite heel. Pairing it with a petite, animal print Saint Laurent purse made sense because I wanted it to easily compliment their OMG bright red Dior coat. (Kill me now, because I’ll go straight to fashion heaven.)

Last but not least, the beautiful ladies at “Gee Beauty” schooled me on hair and make-up trends. This season it’s all about a wow brow. Not only should brows be big and bushy, they should also be warm and soft (think light brown.) For your hair, a high-pony has splashed its way across almost every major runway at Paris Fashion Week. It’s a look that’s always sleek and glamorous; complementing a variety of fall and winter clothing styles.

Contouring (thanks to the Kardashian’s,) is still at the forefront of make-up and colored eye-liner is all the rage, too. If you’re extra daring, you can wear one color on the top of the eyelid and another color on the bottom. Gold shimmery eye-shadow is also on trend. My fall must-have’s? Something lace, a cool bootie, a high-pony and a big brow. Happy fall shopping fashionistas!

Where:

The Bal Harbour Shops are located in one of my favorite places in Miami-Dade County, the Village of Bal Harbour. Tucked neatly in between Sunny Isles and Surfside, it boasts amazing condo buildings, beautiful hotels, palm tree-lined streets and well, the ocean isn’t all that bad either. 😁

The open-air shopping center is definitely a highlight; with more than a lion’s share of luxury shops, department stores and restaurants to experience. You can easily make a day of it; there’s self-parking or valet to boot (a stylish one I hope.)

When:

Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday Noon-6pm (department store hours may vary.)

The joy of dressing is an art.John Galliano
www.balharbourshops.com
IG: @balharbourshops
Twitter: @balharbourshopsWardrobe provided by Ermanno Scervino, The Webster Miami, Hint Miami
@ermannoscervino @thewebstermiami @HintMiami
Grooming tips by Gee Beauty
@geebeautystudio
(prices available upon request)

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
MUA/Hair: Odett Hernandez
Special Thanks to the Bal Harbour Shops PR Team

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , , ,

Kickin’ it with cabi (based on true events)

Kickin' it with cabi

Kickin' it with cabi

Kickin' it with cabi

Kickin' it with cabi

I was majorly hazed in college, but not in the traditional sense. I wasn’t trying out for some sorority or organization linked to a fraternity; I was simply playing a game of catch-up. After a few years of pageant/modeling life (and at the constant urging of my parents,) I returned home to New Mexico to finish my college education.

It’s what my mom and dad called “Plan B”… you know, just in case my career in front of the camera didn’t work out. Honestly, I was glad, too. I was tired of the hustle and bustle of real life and longed to be a kid again or at least a young adult trying to navigate the normal decisions of life.

When I returned to college, though, it just wasn’t the same. All of my friends had graduated, the curriculum for my major had changed and I was a completely different person. When I was on my own pursing my dreams, I had become more mature, responsible, hard-working and even a little bit jaded (because, at the time, the world around me demanded it.) The college world was so far removed from any of that, it didn’t feel real; but unfortunately, that was about to change.

After settling into my dorm (I was able to score a private room because I had re-enrolled with a pretty decent GPA,) I got my on-campus bearings back, which pretty much consisted of life split between the library, student television station and theatre. I wasn’t a party girl, I didn’t hang with a clique and although I wasn’t particularly social, I did get on with mostly everyone. That’s why I was surprised the morning that I found my old, light blue Buick that my parents had let me borrow for the semestercompletely filled with trash. It was absolutely annihilated.

Despite finding my car in complete disarray, I was due in class for a test, so I just left it and made my way across campus on foot. Luckily, I arrived just in time. Afterward, I spent the better part of the afternoon cleaning the trash out of my car. I called the campus police, but with little evidence (besides the garbage) and no real enemies to speak of, it was an open and shut case. The car reeked for weeks.

As time went on, the hazing (which in today’s terms would actually be referred to as bullying,) got worse. The only difference was, eventually there were faces to go along with the overt discretions. A girl named “Sissy” and five of her closest running mates, who had known each other since high school, had committed the majority of their free time to making my life a living hell.

At first, I didn’t know why, but quickly found out that her former high school boyfriend, who was now a big player in a popular on-campus fraternity, had taking a liking to me and she wasn’t happy about it. In fact, she wanted to reconcile with him and well, that’s not what he wanted. I’d love to say this was like something straight out of a movie, all dramatic and romantic, but the truth is, the entire experience was devastating and left me beyond distraught, feeling scared and extremely withdrawn.

No matter where I went on campus, the aforementioned group of girls would hunt me down, push me around and speak disparagingly to me. And forget about going to a social function: I was threatened with bodily harm. The group didn’t just intimidate me, they intimidated my friends and even tried sabotaging my grades. At first, I didn’t ask for help. I just tried dealing it with it the best I could and when I had free time I wasn’t spending it at school. It got to the point that…

Read the rest of the blog at www.wsvn.com or shop the blog looks at www.cabionline.com.

www.LostLegacyMma.com, FB: @LostLegacyMma, IG: @LostLegacyMma
Twitter: @LostLegacyMma, Youtube: @LostLegacyMartialArt

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

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: @Odett_herndz

Styling/Co-Producer/Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Dutch inside W South Beach

The Dutch inside W South Beach

The Dutch inside W South Beach

The Dutch inside W South Beach

The Dutch inside W South Beach

What:

The Dutch, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

My recent dining experience at “The Dutch” was so amazing; with its impeccable service, sophisticated food and chic atmosphere, it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Miami. I’ve always had great experiences there, but when I went to try their “Miami Spice” menu (which is just $39 dollars,) I was totally blown away. Although the special menu (which includes an appetizer, entree and dessert) doesn’t include adult beverages, I still had to get my Friday night drink on with some of their more popular cocktails.

The “Watermelon Crush” (made of zubrowka bisongrass vodka, watermelon juice, krogstaadt aquavit, yellow chartreuse, lime and angostura) is just as pretty as it is pink and I loved its interesting spicy aftertaste. The “Tiki Breeze” (made with russian standard vodka, rhum agricole, coconut, lemongrass, creole shrubs and lemon) was a big hit with my producer, Jessie and my photographer, James. It was a sweet, milky concoction we all passed around the table a couple of times, laughing and sipping coyly out of its cool totem pole-looking cup. Last but not least, the “Hemingway Daiquiri” (made with white rum, fresh pressed grapefruit juice and maraschino) was clean and crisp.

I tried two appetizers, starting with the “Local Burratina” (a summer medley with vincotto.) Thanks to Executive Chef, Adonay Tafur, it was almost too beautiful to bite into, but boy, am I glad I did. It was bursting with fresh, tangy goodness and it was the perfect way to start dinner. The “Steamed Countneck Clams” (served with smoked ham hocks and grilled country bread) were beyond delicious and was by far my favorite dish of the night. It wasn’t just succulent; the crispy bread added the perfect texture to the entire plate which was already exploding with personality.

OMG! The “Country Fried Chicken Drumsticks” has officially made my dead man walking list. I always ask people what they would eat for their last meal if they were about to be executed (what can I say? I’m a reporter!) Mine is usually some type of spicy pasta, drenched in red sauce and smothered in cheese. That is, until I tasted this plate of fried, yummy goodness (served with coleslaw and berbere ranch.) The “Homemade Ricotta Cavatelli” (with heirloom tomatoes and torn basil) was pretty incredible, too and I wasn’t even hungry by the time it showed up in all its colorful glory.

For dessert, the incredibly talented Joshua Gripper (Executive Pastry Chef extraordinaire of “W South Beach,”) really out did himself with the “Creamy Lemon Bar” (made with almond nougatine and raspberry ice cream.) Not only was it beautifully plated, it was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Definitely a home run in my book.

My last few Spotlights have been delicious, but “The Dutch” has a way of making people feel special and that’s really important to me. There are a lot of places you can get decent food, but GREAT food, along with EXCEPTIONAL service, is a pretty rare quality in South Florida. With just a few weeks left of Miami Spice, “The Dutch” is a must-do and it’s definitely one of my favorite things.

Where:

“The Dutch” is snuggled into the back of one of my favorite Miami properties, “W South Beach.” The hotel itself is stunning; with a mix of dark moody textures, off-set by white furniture and animal print trimmings. The art is to die for, too. The service is impeccable and the W Store is a must-visit. I actually have to close my eyes when I pass it so I don’t buy everything they sell (shoes, jewelry, clothes.) Love it! (my credit card, not so much; insert crying emoji here.)

If you’re eating at “The Dutch” walk through the gigantic, stately (automatic) front doors of the hotel and head right. It’s the second entrance on your left. The restaurant is just before “Living Room Bar.” The hotel offers a pretty speedy valet for the beach and they also have a gi-normous public parking lot right in front of the hotel. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, it’s definitely walkable.

When:

Dinner Hours are Sunday-Wednesday 7pm-11:30pm & Thursday-Saturday from 7pm-12:00am.

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.Virginia Woolf
Reservations: 305-938-3111 or book on-line.
Website: www.thedutchmiami.com
Twitter: @TheDutchMiami
Instagram: @TheDutchMiami
FB: The Dutch MiamiEditor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer/Blogger: Shireen Sandoval
Stylist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe provided by:
Dress IG: @DVF
Shoes IG: @Alepel_byadriana
My jewelry is a mix of @JillZaleski & @JosetteRedwolf
Purse (it used to be my mom’s back in the 70’s! True vintage.)

A Special thank you to Brustman & Carrino Public Relations.
If you’re interested in being featured on spotlight, email me ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com.

Friday, September 11, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Precious Metals

Unlike most of my blog topics, “L George Designs” found me; I didn’t find it. I remember the morning like it was yesterday, too, because it was such a bad time in my life. My health was a complete disaster and I had just finished a three-day IVIG infusion to treat my GBS/CIDP. The infusions were dreadful and left me feeling weak, nauseous and frail. I was feeling especially sorry for myself the day I received a box and a note from Reggie Carson.

Reggie (who is a mover and shaker in the fashion biz) had sent me the most beautiful necklace, bracelet and earrings from Lisa George, a new jewelry designer. He explained in his note that the gift was “just because” and he wanted to “pay it forward.” His eloquent words and random act of kindness made me weep. It was just what I needed at such an impossibly difficult time in my life.

I wore the jewelry on television that same night and took a picture of it and sent it to Reggie. Reggie passed it along to Lisa and she immediately noticed that the bracelet was quite big on me, as I had lost a lot of weight during my illness. The next day, she privately messaged me on social media and asked if she could adjust the bracelet to fit me and well, that’s how it all began.

Over the course of the next couple of years, Lisa and I began a friendship based on fashion, but it would turn into something much deeper when I realized the kind of women she was. Lisa is a two-time cancer survivor, who on a really bad day (like the one I described in the beginning of the blog) made her way to a bead store and lost herself for five hours making a necklace.

That’s really not so unusual for a designer, but Lisa had spent years upon years honing her on-air radio hosting skills; making her way to the top of the food chain in her respective career, designing jewelry was the furthest thing from her mind. That day, though, she was captivated by what she was doing: she lost herself in the process, allowing herself an escape from the cold, hard reality of cancer.

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the blog jewelry looks at www.lgeorgedesigns.com or the blog wardrobe at www.HintMiami.com.

Twitter: @LGeorge_Designs
Instagram: @lgeorgedesigns
Facebook: L George Designs

Twitter: @HiNTMiami
Instagram: @hintmiami
Facebook: HiNT Miami

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

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Styling/Co-Producer/Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Hair & Make-up: Tabitha Rey
IG: @makeupbytabs
makeupbytabs@yahoo.com

Hair: Jess Stuver
www.zenzensalon.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , ,