Shireen’s Spotlight: Cornell Café at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

Shireen's Spotlight: Cornell Café at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

Shireen's Spotlight: Cornell Café at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

Shireen's Spotlight: Cornell Café at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

What:

Cornell Cafe, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33446

Why:

In keeping with this week’s “Japanese Dreams” theme, I was more than delighted to feature Cornell Cafe, Morikami’s on-property restaurant. After a long day of meandering around the garden grounds, soaking up the beautiful scenery and hot summer sun, the open-air eatery on the terraces was a welcoming place to rest in the shade and enjoy some incredibly fresh sushi. By the way, this isn’t just any old cafe. It complements the museum with its elegant simplicity.

Beating the South Florida heat with some ice cold water is a given, but enjoying a refreshingly crisp adult beverage isn’t so bad, either. I started my late afternoon lunch with a straightforward Cold Sake, but it was the Unfiltered Nigori that really got my goat (in a good way.) It was rich, creamy and surprisingly sweet.

After demolishing a House Salad (I was starving after an early morning blog shoot,) I opted for two starters: “Crab Cake and Bang Bang Shrimp” (homemade crab cakes, lightly battered shrimp alongside Chef Fu’s special citrus sauce) and “Red Shrimp & Golden Tofu” (lightly fried shrimp and tofu in a sweet and tangy, tomato-based sauce.) Both dishes were a solid balance of my two favorite tastes: sweet and savory. Not only that, they were extremely easy on the eyes. For the Cornell Cafe, presentation is everything.

Which is why I opted for the beautiful Sushi Sashimi Bento Box, a wonderful mix of Pacific yellowtail, shrimp, salmon, tuna and 6 pieces of the chef’s choice of rolls. I’m super picky when it comes to sushi/sashimi and the box didn’t disappoint. It was extremely fresh and delicious. I saved room for dessert, too, after hearing how marvelous the “Manju (Mochi) Ice Cream” was. I had two bonbons (green tea and red bean) which were enveloped in rice paste. They were so smooth, they melted like butter in my mouth (cue the angels singing here.)

My experience at Cornell Cafe inside the grounds of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens wasn’t just relaxing, it was reinvigorating. After lunch, I had an extra burst of energy and took in some more sights and sounds of the sixteen acre lush greenery. If you haven’t been able to visit the Gardens yourself, it’s definitely a South Florida must-see, where you can take time to enjoy nature’s grandeur and all the gorgeous things that go along with it. That’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Morikami is located in the quaint coastal city of Delray Beach, which is known for its Downtown Arts District, boasting a plethora of unique galleries and pretty little boutiques. The Japanese Gardens are, of course, a big attraction as well, located just off Jog Road, north of Yamato Road and south of Linton Boulevard. There’s always plenty of parking when you arrive and the grounds never seem overly crowded.

When:

Tuesday through Sunday 10am-5pm, Closed Mondays & major holidays.

The Bamboo that bends is stronger than the Oak that resists.Japanese Proverb

Website: morikami.org
Twitter: @morikamimuseum
Instagram: @morikamimuseum
Facebook: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Please note: Dining at the Cornell Cafe is a benefit of Morikami Membership. Non-members must pay museum admission to enjoy the restaurant.

Adult admission: $15
Kids (6-17) admission: $9
Kids (under 6) admission: Free
Seniors/Military: $13
Students: $11

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Stylist: Jackie Kay

Shop the blog looks at www.lalacouture.com
Twitter: @LaLaCoutureGirl
Instagram: @LaLaCoutureGirl #LaLaCoutureGirl
Facebook: LaLa Couture Boutique

Friday, June 19, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , ,

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

Japanese Dreams

I love South Florida nature and all of its beautiful gifts: the lush tropical greenery, the warm salty air and the deep blue ocean that hugs the Magic City in the most awe-inspiring way. I would never have imagined in a million years, however, that if I hopped into my car and drove north for less than an hour, I would be able to feast my eyes on the most spectacular Japanese-inspired gardens I’ve ever seen. Yes, a full-blow Japanese garden(s) in Florida.

The “Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens” in Delray Beach is a sprawling sixteen acres of meticulously manicured greenery; with rushing waterfalls, ponds filled with Koi fish, curious swimming turtles and immaculately kept Bonsai trees, it’s like something out of a movie. It’s official name…

The Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew (which, in essence, is about renewal,) is split up into six different gardens: Shinden, Paradise, Early Rock, Karesansui Late, Hiraniwa Flat and Modern Romantic (all of which are modeled – but not copied – after famous gardens in Japan.) On Mondays, (that’s the only day of the week Morikami is closed) seven gardeners pour their blood, sweat and tears into perfecting its already pristine grounds.

Marketing and Special Events Coordinator, Monika Armar, who calls the group “small yet mighty,” also says the gardeners work tirelessly mowing, weeding and mulching on just that one day to allow visitors an uninterrupted experience the rest of the week. And boy, is it ever and then some. Which begs the question: how did these surreal, serene and sumptuous gardens grow here in the first place?

Back in the early 1900’s, a group of young Japanese farmers were invited to form a colony to revolutionize agriculture in Florida. They did so with gusto, calling it Yamato (an ancient name for Japan,) in the northern Boca Raton area. Unfortunately, sustaining the land didn’t take root (so to speak) and eventually each returned home, except for George Sukeji Morikami.

In a twist of fate, George stayed in the Sunshine State and eventually prospered, buying land in Delray Beach and farming it for almost thirty years. He passed away in the mid ‘70’s at the age of eighty-nine, but not before donating his land to Palm Beach County, in hopes that his “Japanese Dreams” would be granted: a park built to preserve the memory of the Yamato Colony.

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or to get more information on Morikami see the information listed below.

Website: morikami.org
Twitter: @morikamimuseum
Instagram: @morikamimuseum
Facebook: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Shop the blog looks at www.lalacouture.com
Twitter: @LaLaCoutureGirl
Instagram: @LaLaCoutureGirl #LaLaCoutureGirl
Facebook: LaLa Couture 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: @O.D.E.T.T

Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: jackie211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar

What:

The Vagabond Restaurant & Bar, 7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

If you love art, atmosphere and amazing food, the Vagabond Restaurant & Bar is the newest “IT” place to be. The hotel (built back in the 50’s,) has been remodeled, revamped and re-imagined; all while leaving its original charm and sassy Art Deco attitude intact.

Even though the place is operating on the DL (so far they’ve only had a hush-hush soft opening,) they’ve still managed to attract every mover and shaker the Magic City has to offer. For good reason, too. I went on a Friday night and the place was packed with just the right amount of people, giving off just the right kind of vibe: laid-back and local.

My dining experience was an exact reflection of the aforementioned, but it also encompassed the tastes and textures of the unique and the unusual, too. I started the night with two cocktails: “East of the Tracks” (made with Milagro Tequila, smoked pineapple and Ancho Reyes) and the “Bissap Mule” (Tito’s Vodka, lemon bissap, ginger and mint.) Both drinks were smooth, easy to drink and creative. (The bright pinkish-red drink pictured in the blog was only for looks.)

The “Mango Salad” (green mango, pickled fruits, fresh milk and mint) wasn’t just pretty, it was incredibly light on the palette. The “Foie Gras Torchon” was all kinds of yummy and made perfectly (creamy with a cured sweetness) but it was the “Issan-Style Beef Tartare” (lychee, key lime mint) that really stole my heart. It was incredibly fresh, succulent and at the same time remarkably simple. I could have died and gone to heaven right then and there, but alas, there was more food to be had.

I really enjoyed the “Roasted Market Fish” of the day, which was a grouper (made with turnip dashi, pickled mustard seed and purple pac choi,) until they served the “Whole Roasted Yellowtail Snapper.” Holy fish, Batman! Not only was it massive, it tasted spectacular. I’m a sucker, though, for a great sauce and whatever it was soaking in reminded me of a full-bodied curry (made with preserved sour orange, chermoula and turnips.) It was my absolute favorite, along with the beef tartare. On the side, I gobbled up an order of “Blistered Cauliflower” (made with grilled goat’s milk and smoked trout roe.)

I passed on dessert, but made my way outside to the pool bar for a nightcap. It was a beautiful, balmy night and the cement pond was literally aglow with different shades of blue. Skinny spouts of water (reminiscent of a grand Vegas hotel) adorned each corner of the pool, giving off a tropical paradise kind of feel.

With a full tummy, I nestled into a tall, but uber-comfy braided patio chair and let the night whisper into my ear: “Come back real soon” and that’s why the “Vagabond Restaurant & Bar” is one of my favorite things.

Where:

The hotel and restaurant is located in the popular Upper East Side area of Miami, right on Biscayne Boulevard. Over the last few years, the neighborhood has undergone a major face lift, with all kinds of restaurants and stores setting up shop. This part of the city is all about the locals and you’ll relish the fact that it’s off the beach and away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

When:

Sunday 6pm-10pm, Tues thru Thur 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-12pm. Closed on Monday.

Reservations: 786-409-5635 or email reservations@vagabondrestaurant.com

The man who leaves home to mend himself and others is a philosopher; but he who goes from country to country, guided by the blind impulse of curiosity, is a vagabond.Oliver Goldsmith

Website: www.thevagabondhotel.com & www.vagabondrestaurant.com
Twitter: @VagabondMiami
Instagram: @vagabondrestaurant @vagabondhotelmiami
Facebook: Vagabond Hotel Miami

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Producer: Jessie Rosario

Wardrobe provided by www.lebeaumaroc.com.
Twitter: @LeBeauMaroc
Instagram: @LeBeauMaroc
Facebook: Le Beau Maroc

Friday, June 12, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

A Stylish Strength

I first met designer Sarah Wilson at her small workshop in North Miami Beach on a rainy South Florida day, but she was the complete opposite of the weather. Sarah, blonde and beautifully in shape, had the sunniest of dispositions and her aura exuded warmth and positivity. Matter of fact, she’s one of the few artists that I’ve met who’s actually a genuine reflection of what she creates.

Sarah, who loves to work-out and wants to look good while doing it, has combined her two biggest passions (fashion and athletics) to build a budding business called “Fashletics.” The hybrid name is cool, catchy and kind of perfect. At least, her husband thinks so. When she first came up with the idea (while brainstorming at her kitchen table,) she asked him what he thought, to which he immediately replied: “It’s so bad, it’s good.”

I laughed when she told me the story because he’s totally right; in a marketing/branding kind of way. Fashletics, though, is way more than just a combination of words. The brand, which is made up of small but durable charm jewelry consisting of barbells, dumbbells, weight plates, kettle bells, dog tags (used to adorn necklaces, bracelets and earrings) along with spirited workout wear (t-shirts and exercise socks) is all about empowering and inspiring the men and women who wear it.

Everything Sarah designs is peppered with positive affirmations. Some of my favorites include: “Struggles Reveal Strength,” “Dig Deep Rise Up,” “Believe In Yourself,” “Weakness Is A Choice,” “Progress Not Perfection,” “Live What You Love” and “I Am What I Have Overcome.” There seems to be something in the line for everyone when it comes to celebrating and motivating the human condition.

By the way, this isn’t just some kitschy idea Sarah thought of one day while laying around on the couch eating potato chips. She completely drinks her own Kool-Aid. Sarah is a bonafide athlete in her own right: along with being a certified CrossFit coach, she’s competed on Team USA in the sport of Duthalon (which is basically a triathlon without the swimming.)

During some of her most agonizing preparations, Sarah found that training her mind was just as important as training her body. Overcoming her self doubt, which a lot of even the most seasoned athletes can experience, became easier with her own personal mantras and mottos. Sarah didn’t just repeat them to herself, though, she put them on her jewelry, clothing and whatever else she could to motivate her mind into believing what was ultimately in her heart: YES YOU CAN.

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the jewelry and work-out wear looks at www.fashletics.com.

Twitter: @Fashletics
Instagram: @fashletics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashletics
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

Thursday, June 11, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , ,

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

A Jypsea Soul

Creative, smart and talented: those are just a few of the adjectives I would use to describe up-and-coming bathing suit designer, Stefanie Holtzheuser. She’s the young, genius (or better yet, self professed mermaid) behind a thriving little company called “Jypsea Local Swimwear.” When you walk into her pretty and personable boutique, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a tropical island retreat.

It’s made and meticulously constructed to cater to the South Florida fashionista who has a penchant for all things surf, sand and sexy. Its walls are a greenish-blue, (like the ocean) and it smells of some yummy coconut concoction. It’s not only warm, casual and welcoming, it’s filled with some of the most unique bathing suits you’ll ever see. The best part is…

Those creations aren’t from overseas or ordered from some on-line company and touted as her own. Stefanie hand-makes (with love, care and devotion) each suit herself. She drafts, designs and sews bikinis, one-pieces, cover-up’s, work-out wear, jewelry and pretty much anything else she sets her mind on.

If you can’t find the perfect bathing suit at her boutique, she’ll easily custom design one for you. It’s the creative concept behind her bikini bar, which is smack dab in the middle of her store. As most women know, finding what fits your individual body type can be frustrating; especially when it comes to buying an off the rack cookie cutter design. Jypsea Local is trying to change that by serving-up a variety of choices that fit all different types of the female form.

This isn’t just some girl sitting behind a sewing machine, by the way (which is pretty cool in itself.) It’s someone who knows and loves the water, beach and the lifestyle that goes along with it. Although Stefanie was born in Canada, her mother, who is originally from South Florida, moved the family back to the Sunshine State after almost ten years in the frigid north. Stefanie describes it like this: “My mother needed the warm breeze back in her life.”

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks with the information listed below.

WWW.JYPSEALOCAL.COM
Twitter: @JYPSEA_SWIM
Instagram: @JYPSEA_SWIM
Facebook: JYPSEA LOCAL SWIMWEAR

Green stacked bracelets: www.goodluckcharmsmiami.com.
Pink statement necklace and bracelet: www.josetteredwolf.com
Metal/crystal earrings, necklaces and bracelets www.lgeorgedesigns.com

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

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , , , , , ,