Shireen’s Spotlight: Michael Mina 74 inside the Fontainebleau Hotel

Michael Mina 74

Michael Mina 74

Michael Mina 74

Michael Mina 74

What:

Michael Mina 74, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Florida, 33140

Why:

Mysterious, dark and glamorous; Michael Mina 74 is my kind of hang-out. The place oozes fabulousness by way of one of my favorite Miami Beach hot spots, the Fontainebleau Hotel. It’s snuggled into the lower level of the “Rat Pack”‘s former stomping grounds: think old school Hollywood Charm meets modern day sophistication. Friday night Spotlight, here I come!

I started my evening with a crisp and refreshing “Pimm’s Cup 74” (made with plymouth gin, pineapple, Pimm’s no. 1, lemon and mint.) I’ve always been a big Pimm’s lover, especially as I’ve frequented London (UK) a lot during the summer, but finding a drink stateside that compares is almost impossible. Until now! “MM74” hit the nail on the head big time with its version. It’s a definite must-try!! Yes, I’m a writer and I just used two exclamation points (insert crying emoji here.) Oh, how I love breaking the rules.

“The Kramer” (a new spin on the cosmo) was interesting and fizzy with a pretty aftertaste that lingers on the tongue (made with vodka, st. germaine, elderflower, aperol and lime.) It came complete with a lovely flower-pressed ice cube. Beautiful and delish; love it. Austin Powers would totally be jelly to know I was drinking the fanciful “Goldfinger” without him (made with bombay sapphire east, hangar one straight, tempus fugit kina l’avion d’or.) Don’t ask me about that last ingredient I just rattled off, all I know is this drink is decadent, mind-blowing and I savored every last drop. Can you say “another round, please?”

BTW, “MM74” has a really cool “Social Hour” where you can dine on complimentary snacks and drink for less; I tried a few things from that menu first. Everyone in my crew loved the “Lamb Brochettes” (little lamb meatballs with date chutney and onion yogurt,) but my heart belonged to the “Mini Caprese Salad” (made with toybox tomatoes stuffed with whipped burrata, topped with aged balsamic and basil pistou.)

For Miami Spice, “MM74” gave me a divine sampling of its menu: the meaty “Summer Crab Roll” (made with alaskan king, jumbo lump and snow crab with sambal aioli and warm ponzu butter) was extra decadent and the “Scallop Ditalini” (made with bay scallops, ditalini pasta, pesto and aged parmesan air) was my absolute favorite. The texture was lively and the pasta itself was unbelievably buttery. This dish absolutely melted in my mouth. I was smitten from the first bite.

My first dessert was a glass filled with “Churros” (topped with cinnamon sugar and served with dulce de leche.) It was total yummy goodness. Next was the decadent “Blueberry Clafoutis” (with vanilla anglaise and lemon crumble.) Hmmm….hello, lover. It must have been good because that’s how I usually address my designer shoes.

From the atmosphere to the presentation (and let’s not forget about the top quality taste,) “Michael Mina 74” is definitely one of my favorite things. Matter of fact, I can’t wait to go back. Especially to celebrate Miami Spice! (Yes, another exclamation point.)

Where:

Inside the uber-trendy and fabulously chic (aforementioned) Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach. It’s just to the right as you walk inside the old school, Art Deco entrance. You’ll see a sign with the restaurant’s name and a winding staircase that leads down. Just follow it.

The hotel always has valet, but pack your patience as it’s always a bit of a waiting game on the beach. Street parking just isn’t an option unless you’re willing to walk. There’s a garage about four long blocks away. Maybe it’s worth walking off dessert, but I prefer the valet. It’s some of the best people watching the Magic City has to offer.

When:

Sunday-Thursday 6pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 6pm-2am.

I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.W.C. Fields

reservations: 305-674-4636
website: www.michaelmina.net
Instagram: @chefmichaelmina
Twitter: @MM74Miami
FB: Michael Mina

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario

Dress: Chloé
Shoes: Bebe
Jewelry: Koko & Palenki
Purse: a gift from my mom!

Wanna dress me or provide accessories for Spotlight and get your boutique some exposure? If so, private message my stylist, Jackie Kay, on Instagram @JackieKay2013 (serious inquiries only.)

Special thanks to Brustman Carrino Public Relations

Friday, August 7, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

Right off the Bus

This may sound a little odd, but I love me a good bus. Matter of fact, buses/trailers have played a big part in my career as an entertainment/fashion reporter. Some of the most famous and fashionable people on the planet (rock stars and movie stars) spend a lot of time on the road or on movie sets and well, interviewing people of this caliber means you gotta get on the bus/trailer and just go with the flow or better yet, the ride!

One of my first cool bus experiences was with The Black Eyed Peas, when they were first becoming famous. They were parked outside the American Airlines Arena (getting ready to open for a big headliner,) when they invited me onboard. They showed me around their “house on wheels” and Fergie even gave me a peak into her private changing area (which was a flimsy curtain draped at the tail end of the bus.) Believe me, it wasn’t anything fancy, but it was fun and their infectious personalities and music made them a household name.

Before I interview a big movie star or a big movie director, a bus is almost always involved. Whether I’m traipsing my way across the country to New York or Los Angeles or zipping my way across the Atlantic Ocean to London, I’m always bused (alongside my fellow entertainment journalists/producers) to see the movie I’m reporting on, the red carpet I’ll be working and sometimes, even to the interview location itself.

A lot of provocative conversations go down between journalists on those buses. In fact, you can learn a helluva lot about celebrities and who they really are (the way they interact with reporters, the ones who flirt and most importantly, the ones who are all smoke and mirrors verses the ones who are totally captivating and gracious.) Man, I’ve learned a lot about being an entertainment reporter simply by being on the road. BTW, I always call those bus sessions: “Wheeling & Spilling.”

Then of course, there’s the relegate ‘hang-out with the actor/actress’ on the set of a movie or a television show. There’s always a lot of down time in between filming scenes, so what better way to get to know a person then to spend time with them in their bus/trailer. I find this spectacularly interesting, because you can get a real glimpse into someone’s personality. Moreover, the famous tend to be much more themselves when they’re in someplace safe (in their dressing room,) which is usually on wheels.

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks by tracking down the fashion bus on their social media!

www.bungalow33boutique.com
Instagram: @bungalow33boutique
Twitter: @Bungalow33
FB: Bungalow 33 Mobile Boutique

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

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

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

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

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wednesday, August 5, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Pasta Vino Restaurant & Lounge

Pasta Vino Restaurant & Lounge

©James Woodley Photography 
www.james-woodley.com

Pasta Vino Restaurant & Lounge

Pasta Vino Restaurant & Lounge

What:

Pasta Vino, 1624 NE 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, Florida 33141

Why:

Everyone is extremely warm, welcoming and the owner, Yiannis Devert, who also happens to be the Executive Chef, is like a character straight out of a movie. He’s worldly, educated and extremely charming. Think a handsome Robert De Niro (from about twenty years ago,) mixed with the modern day smarts of Elliott Gould, who most recently played Reuben Tishkoff in the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies.

Yiannis is all about whipping up a feast and believe you me, he wants you to eat. He NEEDS you to eat. It’s all about being happy and yes, it’s that simple. I’d like to say my experience at “Pasta Vino” was straight-up Italian, but I’d be totally lying. It seemed to be a mix of influences: French, Greek, Italian and Thai. Not only was it adventurous, it was a true reflection of his heritage and all the places he’s had the privilege of living or visiting.

I started my meal with a tall glass of the house Merlot and an extremely fresh “Carvino Ceviche.” It was the perfect blend of lemony, lime citrus with a light kick. With that being said, Yiannis isn’t one of those chefs who lists (all) the ingredients in his plates; a lot of it is pure chance. In other words, what he feels like fixing is on the menu and those are coined “specials.” For the record, I love that kind of unpretentious attitude.

Next, I tried the “Calamari Salad” (which is a warm appetizer and on the menu.) Like most items at “Pasta Vino,” it was a large, decadent helping. Definitely big enough to share. The “Salmon Tartare” was an interesting blend of sweet and spicy ginger and reminded me of something I would easily gobble up at my favorite local Thai restaurant. The “Beef Carpaccio” was pretty straightforward (with arugula, shaved parmesan and a lemon dressing.)

For my main course, I actually tried three dishes: “The Risotto Al Funghi” (with mixed mushrooms, parmesan cheese and truffle oil,) the “Lasagna Fiorentina” which came with a charming garnish which seemed like a pressed potato latke with a spruce of greenery in the middle of it (the lasagna is baked in layers with ground beef, ricotta, parmesan cheese and tomato sauce) and last but not least, the evening’s special “Ossobuco” (with veal, veggies and a white wine sauce.)

The night ended with two sweet treats: a dainty Tiramisu (made with Amaretto and Kahlua) and the oh-so-fruity “Strawberry Melba,” which is a typical French dessert (made with whipped cream, fruit and ice cream.) Despite the restaurant opening just a few months ago, the bar was lively during dinner and a few regulars lingered at nearby tables with good conversation and wine.

Where:

“Pasta Vino” is located on the 79th Street Causeway, which I’m thrilled about, as I work just a block down the street. It’s a sleepy location, tucked away in a fairly quiet strip mall. Honestly, though, a place like this is long overdue. We have hardly any options in North Bay Village when it comes to a relaxed, but delicious lunch or dinner. Parking is plentiful just in front of the restaurant. Cheers!

When:

Monday to Friday 11:30am-10:30pm, Saturday 5:00pm-11:00pm and Sunday 5:00pm-10:00pm.

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.Michelangelo

Reservations 305-763-8608
www.pasta-vino.com
Twitter: @PastaVinoMiami
IG: @pastavinomiami
FB: Pasta Vino Miami

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe & Jewelry provided by www.lilacandlilies.com
Twitter: @LilacAndLilies
IG: @lilacandlilies_boutique
FB: Lilac And Lilies Boutique

clutch by Monsoon, London
us.monsoon.co.uk

special thanks to 24 Group PR

Friday, July 31, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

The Young Prometheus

Ariel Swedroe Weinberg doesn’t know she’s gifted. Matter of fact, she doesn’t even realize she’s bordering on sheer genius; perhaps savant status. The eleven-year old, who proudly chirps: “I’m about to turn twelve,” when I interviewed her for the blog, doesn’t just like to sew, she happens to be really, really good at it.

She started stitching at the tender age of seven at Design Lab Miami, where her mentor, Angie Cohen, helped Ariel realize her passion for fashion. Four years later, Ariel doesn’t just drape, make patterns and sew, she’s created her very own fashion line called “Swedroe art to wear by Ariel.”

Apparently, being creative and beyond talented runs in the family. Ariel’s grandfather, renowned architect and artist, Robert Swedore, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. As an ode to his art, Ariel incorporates his famous collages and designs into her fashions, scanning and laser-printing them onto fabrics she uses to make blouses, skirts, tops, pants and dresses.

The result? A lively, whimsical, provocative, futuristic inspired fashion line. When I first met Ariel, I was surprised at how someone so young and so reserved could make things with such big personality. Once we started chatting about her designs, though, she lit up like a runway during New York Fashion Week. She told me in a very mature, matter-of-fact manner: “My inspiration comes from the world around me.” When I pressed her on her answer (to see if it was rehearsed or not,) she tells me point blank of magazines, blogs and social media accounts she follows, all centering around pop culture and designers she draws creativity from.

Even though Ariel has parents that care and a support system many young professionals (twice her age) could only dream of, there’s something special about her. She’s not a cookie cutter Miami Beach kid. In fact, she’s quite the opposite, with a quirky, warm, artistic and straight-forward disposition.

When choosing my outfit for the blog, I was especially hard on Ariel, sending my selections back a few times, asking for alterations; more specifically, for a longer skirt that I would feel comfortable and glamorous in and boy, did she deliver (without complaint or hesitation.) We built our blog photos and storyline around a fabulous two-piece ensemble she made with rich blues, greens and a striking space-age pattern (pictured in the blog.) It was perfect for a lot of reasons.

On the heels of our meeting, the world got its first up-close look at Pluto and Earth 2 surprised a lot of us “earthlings” (all thanks to NASA.) What’s more, Ariel showed me her latest idea, using electrical thread and LED lights to create a flashing vest, explaining her love of incorporating technology into her fashions to make them dimensional, kinetic-like.

Read the full blog at www.WSVN.com or learn more about Ariel by visiting her website www.swedroebyariel.com.

Twitter: @swedroebyariel
IG: @swedroebyariel
Facebook: swedroe by ariel

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

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

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

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

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mina’s Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

What:

Mina’s, 749 NE 79th Street, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

Chic, industrial and warm, Mina’s reminds me of some of my favorite restaurants in my beloved hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s even reminiscent of some of the cool, laid back, hipster spots I used to frequent in Austin, Texas (when I was a young, budding entertainment reporter working in The Lone Star State.)

Mina’s is the kind of place that just makes you feel good when you walk through the door, boasting a line of big, beautiful windows perched high against its back wall giving off a sense of roominess and different shades of moody lighting. During the day, it’s bright and airy; at dusk, it’s self-assured and sexy. When it gets dark, candles illuminate the dining room in a golden amber-like glow. Fresh cut flowers give each table a dose of unpretentious personality.

I started my dinner at the lively bar, where friendly locals chatted with me about how much they loved the place and how much they actually frequented it during the work week (at least twice, sometimes more.) My first drink of the night was the popular “Marakesh Cocktail” (made with Moroccan Mint Tea, Rye Whiskey and spiced pomegranate.) It’s definitely strong enough for a man, but women will like it, too. At least, if you’re like me and enjoy a stiff, strong drink. Back on the ranch, we describe it as “a beverage that’ll grow hair on your chest.”

“The Dusty Rose” was next and was my absolute favorite (made with white rum, pineapple, St. Germaine, rose water and cranberry.) Mmmm…it was unique, feminine and extremely appealing. My photographer, James, was all about the “Fresco Verde” (made with muddled cucumber, mint, basil, honey, gin and ginger beer.) It was definitely refreshing, smooth and I’d even go as far as describing it as effervescent.

Before I drank myself under the bar, I headed to my table to start my dinner with some amazing “Small Plates” on the menu. I really love this concept, too. Drinks, light bites and a great atmosphere; it’s reason enough to check the place out if you’ve never been before. Also, if you just wanna hang (I especially love the outdoor patio,) it’s got this really chill vibe, with live music every Thursday. Every third week of the month, they host something called: Play-te (great food and a theatre reading.) But I digress…

There’s nothing like a good dip! I started off with four amazingly fresh, mouthwatering ones: Besara (ground fava beans, cilantro, dill, parsley, celery, onion and garlic.) Tzatziki (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint.) Baba Ghanoug (roasted eggplant, chickpeas and tahini.) Spicy Feta (Bulgarian feta with harissa.) This was one of my favorite parts of the meal, however…

I was completely infatuated with the “Spanakopita” (a serving of spinach feta phylo pies.) They were light, fluffy and fantastic. “The Stuffed Cabbage” was a pretty close second (served with rice, meat, onions in a savory tomato sauce. I need this in my life at least once a week.) I’m not a fan of “Grape Leaves,” per se, but wow — I surprisingly gobbled up two with no questions asked. My last appetizer, the “Lamb Burger Sliders” (with harissa, tatziki, tomato and lettuce) were absolute perfection.

Now, you’re probably thinking how in the world could I possibly have had room left for dinner after that appetizer extravaganza? Well, I may be wee, but I’m willful! Especially, with the quality and taste of the food. What’s more, Yasmine Kotb (Mina’s owner,) is so generous and kind, her food is a direct extension of her personality. With that being said, you can’t help but wanna try everything on the menu.

Before my main course, though, I tried “The Mersault” (made with muddled cherry tomatoes, lime juice, rosemary, tequila and a touch of harissa.) This drink wasn’t just photogenic, it was incredibly interesting. It was layered with unique flavors, reminding me of a fresh herb garden and who doesn’t love a drink peppered with little cherry tomatoes?

I dined on the “Osso Buco” for my main plate (lamb shank braised in wine sauce with mashed potatoes.) The lamb was soft, tender and a perfect cornucopia of classic flavors. The potatoes were fluffy, buttery and delicious, too. For dessert, three plates landed in front of me: Tiramisu, Walnut Baklava and Dark Chocolate Tart. Hands down, the tart stole my heart (insert crying emoji here.)

The thing I love most about Mina’s is that’s it’s close to Channel 7, so it’s my neighborhood hang-out, but truth-be-told, that’s exactly what it’s like even if you don’t live on 79th Street. It’s a friendly atmosphere, the food is fresh and it’s a fabulous place to feel part of our ever-changing community.

Where:

Mina’s is the Upper Eastside of Miami, which is slowly but surely turning into a bustling area; with clothing shops, different restaurants, hairs salons and home decor stores. The restaurant has a pretty big parking lot, so that’s not an issue. Not only that, Mina’s is working on free valet to make it even easier. Cheers!

When:

Tues-Friday 5pm-10:30pm, Saturday 12pm-10:30pm, Sunday 11am-9pm and Happy Hour Tues-Sunday 5pm-7pm.

The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray.Vincent Van Gogh

www.minasmiami.com
Twitter: @MinasMiami
IG: @minasmiami
FB: Mina’s Mediterraneo

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Pam Garcia

Wardrobe & Jewelry provided by www.KokoPalenki.com
Twitter: @KokoPalenki
IG: @kokopalenki
FB: Koko & Palenki

Friday, July 24, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,