From all of us at Shireen’s Favorite Things (Matty, James, Jackie, Jessie R. Jessie N. Odett.)
Dress & Jewelry by Mora Girls
IG: @Mora_Girls
Make-up by Toshi
IG: @toshiszpyra
Styling: Jackie Kay
Photo: James Woodley
Have a safe and fashionable holiday!
Tantalize Miami, 330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Sexy, sophisticated and sensuous — this place is unlike any other restaurant in South Florida. Think “Moulin Rouge” meets (and falls in lust with) “Show Girls” and the duo runs off together, has a love child and names it Tantalize Miami! Add in some delicious food and, well, you have the perfect relationship.
When you first walk up to Tantalize it’s dark, mysterious and manned like it should be. After the doorman gives you the once-over (maybe a twice-over if you’re hot,) you walk through a front bar area (built to accommodate a wait) and into the main two-story dining room, which is awe-inspiring, to say the least.
The walls, the carpet, even the stairs glistened in all shades of red: scarlet, crimson, ruby, cherry and cardinal. It was probably just the lighting or perhaps, I’d stared into a television light a little too long (I had just hosted Deco Drive an hour before my arrival.) Nonetheless, the place was incredibly sumptuous and seductive, inviting me to let my hair down and have a little Friday night fun. Mirrors, shiny wallpaper and candelabras decorated the walls and music danced freely in the air.
I was quickly whisked away to my table, which happened to be on the second floor in a balcony-esque area, granting me the most gorgeous view of a ginormous, opulently bedazzled chandelier. I was also catty-cornered from a stage, which was draped with heavy black theatre curtains (that were closed.)
I started my dinner with a drink named in honor of the eatery: “Tantalizer.” And boy, was it ever! The creative concoction, which was probably the best part of my night (made with St. Georges Green Vodka, Giffard Creme de Violette, fresh lemon juice, thai chili syrup and prosecco,) was sooooo good, I had TWO (insert crying emoji here.) What can I say? I’m a sucker for sweet and spicy. I also tried the “Temptress” (with gin, ginger liquor, Aperol and fresh lime juice) along with the “Seducer” (dark rum, fresh lime juice, mint and key lime espuma.) All three drinks were interesting and elegant.
My appetizers were just as amazing. The “Lamb Foie Gras Meatballs” were rich and beyond decadent (made with Sherry Foie Gras sauce, pistachio chimichurri, mushroom chicharron and croutons.) The “Tacos de Pulpo” (malanga shell, pomegranate BBQ octopus, pepper Escabeche, iceberg and pickled Fresno peppers) were a first for me. I’ve never had an octopus taco, but I’m officially a convert. Just as I was about to eat my last taco, the aforementioned stage and black curtains I was sitting catty-corner from came up and the stage came alive.
For a few songs, dancing girls (think burlesque without the nudity) performed a couple of interesting, high-spirited routines, flanked in jazzy, over-the-top showgirl outfits. They also shimmied and pranced around the dining room, flirting and flaunting themselves about the dinner crowd. It was completely campy, but classy, too. I loved it! I’ve secretly always wanted to be a showgirl dancer, but with zero coordination, I’ll have to stick to twisting and twirling my words, not my body. For dinner…
For my last few spotlights, I’ve eaten meat-heavy during my main course, so this time, I wanted to change it up a bit. The “Malta Salmon” was the perfect opportunity to do just that (with Farro, horseradish onion cream, shaved Brussels sprouts, sweet soy and pea shoot salad.) It was the perfect plate. For dessert, I noshed on the “Guava Bread Pudding.”
Usually, I hightail it after the sweet stuff, but instead, I traipsed my way about the restaurant, fully enjoying its decor and interesting side rooms that accommodate private club parties. I really enjoyed my night out at “Tantalize Miami.” It was thoroughly unique, delicious and daring! That’s why it’s one of my favorite things.
The restaurant is on South Beach on famed Lincoln Road. Parking is always tricky on the beach, but Tantalize is far enough east, it’s on the driveable part of Lincoln (which means, there are a few garages and lots around to accommodate your car.) With that being said: the Magic City is quickly becoming one of those places where it’s better to hop in a cab or uber it to your destination.
Tuesday-Friday: 7pm-11pm, Saturday: 7pm-12am
Make reservations on-line www.tantalizemiami.com or call 305-695-1401
Twitter: @TantalizeMiami
Instagram: @Tantalizemiami
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TantalizeMiami
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Styling: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe provided by Dominique Boutique
www.dominiquecoralgables.com
Instagram: @DominiqueBoutique
Twitter: @Dominiqueok
FB: Dominique Boutique
When I first walked into “L.A. Boudoir Miami,” (snuggled into the back of Via Verdi restaurant in the MiMo District,) it was as if I had accidentally stumbled onto a quaint and charming movie set. There were beautiful nicknacks everywhere, old fashion appliances and a smattering of shabby chic furniture. The most unique and inspiring vintage handbags, hats and clothing also lined the walls. Curio cabinets dazzled, too, with delicate broaches, earrings and necklaces.
Everything in the store seemed to have a special place and a special story, because its owner, Lauren Arkin (hence the L.A. in the store’s title,) makes it that way. The avid vintage collector (she’s been at it since she was a young girl,) designed her store to entice the senses and evoke a feeling of privacy.
Lauren explains it best: “I wanted it to feel like a giant closet” and it does (hence the word Boudoir in the store’s title.) I would even go so far as describing it as a Parisian-style loft with a pure Rachel Ashwell-type of energy. (Rachel is a famed English home decor designer who coined the term, “Shabby Chic.”) “L.A. Boudoir Miami” means something, too. At least, it does to me.
In a world where social media shopping, big chains and malls consume our time and interests, this boutique is a refreshing change. It’s shopping intimacy at its finest, with personal attention and a genuine understanding of its customer. The store definitely resonates with the Magic City, being voted one of the “Best of the Best” by Miami New Times, Conde Nast Traveller and Racked Miami.
It’s a solidifying accolade, especially in the now hyped-up, uber competitive world of “lightly used” everything. Over the last few years, the word “vintage” has been tossed around like a gigantic rag doll, everyone (from store owners, collectors and investors) uses it differently to suit their specific needs. As a result, it’s become one of the fastest growing fashion trends in the country, making loads of money and sometimes confusing people about how best to shop, enjoy and incorporate it into their lives.
Some people think “vintage” is “expensive couture fashion,” other says it’s “junk” or as my Deco Drive co-host, Lynn Martinez lovingly calls it: “Cool old stuff.” Actually, while there’s a bit of truth to each aforementioned description, technically speaking, it’s a reference to a “period of origin that something was made or its length of existence.”
Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks at www.laboudoirmiami.com.
Twitter: @BoudoirMiami
IG: @laboudoirmiami
FB: La Boudoir / Vintage Store
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: @O.D.E.T.T
Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: jackie211@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com
Bistro Cassis, 118 Buena Vista Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33137
I’ll never forget my first trip to Paris. I fell in love with absolutely everything: the elegant charm of the city, the spectacular historic architecture and the wealth of lively street cafes that seemed to be everywhere, serving fab French food and glasses upon glasses of hearty red wine. Finding that same kind of amazing ambiance in Miami hasn’t always been easy for me, but thanks to “Bistro Cassis,” it’s now possible.
From the moment I hit the front door, the lively French cafe transported me back to “the City of Lights.” With its tiled floors, comfy red booths and incredibly knowledgeable wait staff, I was defintely “se sentir heureux” (feeling happy.) The night started out as a celebration of sorts, with three unique cocktails: the “Isabelle” (made with vodka, cantaloupe, flower cordial and lavender,) the “Emerald Club” (made with gin, mint, green tea syrup, club soda, lime oils) and the “Just Ryte” (with rye whiskey, sage, lemon, bitters and ginger beer.)
I loved the smoothness of the “Isabelle,” the fashionable green brightness of the “Emerald Club” and the unique blending of the “Just Ryte.” Choosing my appetizers was tough, but I went with the suggested “Escargots Persille” (baked snails, garlic herb butter,) Steak Tartare (traditional chopped beef) and the “Mussels Mariniere” (white wine, fresh herbs.) The escargot were buttery and baked to perfection. The tartare (my fave) had just the right blend of spices and the mussels were tender, succulent and left me soaking my bread in its leftover broth and devouring each drenched bite.
Dinner was the best kind of French meal you could ask for: “Steak Frites” (New York strip steak, maitre d’hotel butter, French fries) with a side of mushroom risotto and a glass of “Estancia Merlot” (from Central Coast, California.) The steak was cooked to perfection, the fries were light and crispy and the risotto was exempliare! Dessert was a flaming good time with the “Crepes Suzette” (which are French pancakes with Grand Marnier sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.) I loved the vibe, food and company of this cafe. Who needs Paris when you have Bistro Cassis and thats why it’s one of my favorite things.
The bistro is snuggled into Midtown Miami (the city’s urban district) and is the perfect destination to enjoy a day of shopping and an evening of dining. Street parking can be tough in this busy area, but there are plenty of garages or why not cab/Uber it and walk to Bistro Cassis like a true Parisian pedestrian.
Open 7 days a week !
Monday through Saturday 11:30am-11:00pm
Sunday Brunch 11:00am-5:00pm, Dinner 5:00pm-11:00pm
Website: www.cassismiami.com
Twitter: @CassisMiami
Instagram: @Bistro_Cassis_Miami
Facebook: Bistro Cassis Miami French Restaurant
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Producer: Jessie Rosario
A special thank you to Brustman Carrino Public Relations
Wardrobe by Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
www.hollenandjenshoroom.com
Twitter: @HollenandJen
Instagram: @hollenandjen
Facebook: Hollen & Jen Showroom
When I first received the handwritten letter from my father, I didn’t quite understand its meaning. Matter of fact, it would be years before I actually did. Nonetheless, I studied the envelope carefully, which had come wrapped in a clear Ziploc bag and then cautiously opened it, unfolding the piece of paper that would change my life forever.
A few weeks earlier, my dad had left on a business trip; he traveled a lot for work but as of late, he was always gone and my mother seemed especially despondent and sad about his latest absence. She, too, along with my brother and I, also received a letter. For whatever reason, perhaps instinct, I knew the situation wasn’t a good one.
The three articles of mail, which came in a larger tattered manila envelope were hand-delivered to our front door on a lazy Sunday afternoon. A family friend, who was one of my father’s co-workers, seemed reluctant to hand them over, but eventually he did and then left us to our day and our letters. The thing is…
When I was growing-up, I never really knew exactly “what” my dad did for a living. So, I couldn’t even begin to tell you what his co-worker did, either. I did think it was odd, though; he’d made the house call without my father there. It may sound strange, but all the mystery surrounding my dad’s job and his co-workers made perfect sense to me at the time. Mainly, because whenever I inquired, there were always a myriad of answers provided without hesitation.
The adults around me would say things like “He’s a handyman” or “He’s a jack of all trades” or “He fixes things” or “He helps people that are in trouble.” Eventually, though, the job title that ended up sticking was: “He’s a roofer.” That’s because…
After one of his many business trips, my dad returned home pretty worse for wear. He was limping, his left arm was in a cast and he was beyond tired, sleeping and resting more than I had ever see him do. When I asked what was wrong, I was told that my dad had fallen off one of the roofs he was working on and he needed time to heal. And…
That was that. Twelve-year olds have a tendency to believe what you tell them. After his fall, his trips grew less frequent and my mother grew more content, but alas, business always needed to be tended to and my dad packed his things and took off. This time, during his longer than usual absence, the letters came…
Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks with the credits listed below.
The Scarlet Letter
www.thescarletletterstore.com
Twitter: @scarletlett
IG: @thescarlettletterstore
FB: The Scarlet Letter / Shopping & Retail
Wardrobe Provided by: La Boudoir Miami
www.laboudoirmiami.com
Twitter: @BoudoirMiami
IG: @laboudoirmiami
FB: La Boudoir / Vintage Store
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: @O.D.E.T.T
Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: jackie211@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com