Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

Great Escape

What:

A quick trip to Tulum; where the water is the color of turquoise, the food is the stuff a New Mexican girl’s dreams are made of and the atmosphere is tropical heaven with a side of incredible hospitality. Oh, and there’s just enough internet to allow a modern day woman to rest, relax and sip on a margarita or two.

Why:

After spending some quality time in France, who knew I needed another getaway? Apparently, I DID. If you’ve ever been to Europe you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not a place you go to rest, per se; it’s about exploring, discovering, going off-the-beaten-path, eating, drinking and sightseeing until you can’t anymore. I know, I know, I sound crazy, but if you’re like me, when all is said and done, sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation — which is exactly how I ended up making my “Great Escape” to Mexico.

More specifically, the El Dorado Spa & Resort, which happens to be one of the crown jewels of Tulum. It’s not just awe-inspiring, snuggled into the lush greenery of Quintana Roo, it’s also perfectly perched alongside a long stretch of sandy white beaches. If I were Jimmy Buffett, I’d write a song about it called “Lazy Days, Sexy Nights.” The lyrics would go something like this: “A drink in my left hand/one in my right/a white trimmed cabana/hugging me tight/Guess I found happiness/cuz I’m feeling alright/It’s just one of those Lazy Days/Sexy Nights.” Don’t worry, I won’t quit my day job. 😂

The best part of my “Great Escape” — besides the dreamy company —was my hotel balcony, which happened to be a private infinity pool. Yes, I said my balcony was an infinity pool. Oh wait, I enjoyed the swim-up bar, too. That was in the main area of the resort, where frozen Pina Coladas come out of the blender so fast & so frothy, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to happy hour heaven, every hour of every day. Then again, I’m a big foodie and with so many mouthwatering options, I had to strategically map out my menus from meal to meal: Mexican, Italian, Asian, seafood — so many restaurants, so little time.

In full disclosure, I’ve never been big on all-inclusive resorts. I just don’t like crowds or waiting in line. Plus, feeling special when I’m on vacation is a must (because like most people, I work hard and relish my time off,) but El Dorado isn’t just any ol’ place. It’s a sophisticated tropical escape where your every whim is indulged, you’re waited on hand and foot and the biggest challenge of the day is deciding what to eat and drink #OrderOfLobster by the pool, please. I’ll take fries with that and a margarita on the rocks.

Speaking of those aforementioned lines, there were none. In fact, sometimes I felt like I was on my own private island and it doesn’t get much better than that. Sigh. The only BAD part of my “Great Escape” was it ended way too soon. So, here I am, daydreaming of another stay at El Dorado. Next time, though, I’m hoping to stay in one of their beautiful over-the-water bungalows because the only thing better than swimming with the fishies is sleeping close to them, too — that’s why vacationing in Mexico is one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

El Dorado Royale Riviera Maya
IG: @eldoradoresorts #karismaexperience
www.eldoradosparesorts.com

When:

The best time to travel to Mexico is November through March. I went off-season for a special celebration, but tracking the tropics is stressful and trip insurance is a MUST during hurricane season.

We travel
not to escape life,
but for life not to
escape us.Anonymous
James Woodley Photography
Bathing Suits: @jcrew, Monokini: @Montce_swim
Jewery: @handmademiamibeach, @lexijewlery, @liliandcar
Scarves: @camarrero,
Large sunhat: @asos, the rest are from: @SanDiegoHatCompany
Cover-up’s: @bohemeboutique, @vchicstore, @camarrero
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Oh, Mexico” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar

What:

I adore Semilla Bistro & Wine Bar; it’s always been one of my favorite places on Miami Beach. Thanks to a good friend, I discovered it a few years ago, even featuring it on Spotlight. It has lively energy, a killer Happy Hour and excellent food and service, so imagine my surprise when Owner & Chef, Frederic Joulin, told me he was changing his popular Gastropub to a full-on French Bistro.

Frederic has always featured food with French influences on his menu — he’s from Paris, after all — but with more customers requesting his native cuisine and the ability to finally get his hands on some key international ingredients (because of Miami’s ever-growing food scene,) he decided to reimagine his restaurant. Now, it’s a #FrenchFoodie haven and WOW, what a haven it is.

During the day, the bistro is bright and airy; at night, romantic lighting adds to the already intimate atmosphere. The decor, which is redone, is Parisian-chic-meets-Miami-sophistication and I especially like the new wine cellar, where you can pick a bottle at your own pace; paying retail price alongside a slight corkage fee. I tried the smooth and delicious “Verrier & Fils Cuvée Fleuron Brut” recommended by Frederic.🥂

And — what’s dinner at a French brassiere without a homemade “Whole Baguette?” It’s so fresh, you can easily break the melt-in-your-mouth bread with your bare hands and don’t forget the butter, although you may wanna use a knife for that. 😉 Speaking of butter, the “Terrine De Foie Gras with Figues Chutney” is to die for. If you’ve never tasted duck liver, this is the perfect place to do it. Not only is it rich and delicate, the fig chutney it’s paired with takes the plate to a whole other level.

If you’re an adventurous eater, I highly recommend “Snails-Bone Marrow, Garlic Butter.” It’s officially called “Escargots Persilles/Moelle.” I’ve never tasted snails this yummy, stacked on bone marrow in a zesty parsley sauce. If you’ve never had bone marrow, it’s soft and subtle and reminds me of a sweet, delicate butter.

The “Grilled Mediterranean Octopus” in Grenobloise (named after the city Grenoble in southeastern France) is a sauce made with browned butter, capers, parsley and pieces of lemon. I also tried the “Dover Sole” which is my favorite fish of all time. They don’t always have it on the menu, but when they do, it’s fresh and simply prepared, keeping it light and flaky. As a side, l made love to a bowl of truffle mashed potatoes. Honestly, I’d go back just to eat them by themselves. I was totally smitten and by the way, freshly grated truffles are utterly intoxicating. #HelloLovah ❤️

My favorite plate of the night was “NY Strip Steak” in a Peppercorn Sauce, Flambéed with Cognac and yes, Frederic asked me to help. I bet he regrets that, lol, especially with my deep cognac pour. It made for an awesome flame photograph and lucky for me, my eyebrows and hair remained intact. Along with the steak, Fredric whipped up some mind-blowing frites. When God created Earth, he said: “let there be French Fries,” and the world rejoiced. Yes, they’re that good.

The French are also known for their incredible desserts, so picking one off the menu seemed impossible. Instead, I tried three: “Chocolate Mousse,” “Creme Brûlée” and my favorite, “Floating Islands.” I hate to sound like a cliche, but they were ALL something to write home about. I liked the Floating Islands best because of its uniqueness. It’s basically meringue floating on vanilla custard. Be still my beating heart. It is, indeed, #spectaculaire…

My experience at “Semilla French Bistro & Wine Bar” was incredibly special, but I’d expect nothing less from Frederic. He’s a bonafide foodie perfectionist who cares deeply about what his customers eat and how they feel during their overall dining experience and that’s something you can’t teach: it’s innate and it’s what makes Semilla a rare jewel in the Magic City and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings #BonAppetite! (Special thanks to Leticia for making my experience amazing.)

Where:

Semilla French Bistro
1330 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL. 33139

When:

Monday – Saturday: 11:30am – 11:30pm
Happy Hour is Monday – Saturday from 5 to 8pm.

Be Social:
IG: @semilla_miami
FB: @semillamiami
Twitter: @SemillaMiami

www.semillamiami.com

La bonne cuisine est la base du veritable bonheur.Auguste Escoffier
James Woodley Photography
dress: @asos & shoes: @prada
clutch: a gift from my family
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Three Desserts” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

Shireen’s Spotlight: DUNE

What:

A glamorous Sunday night dinner at DUNE inside the elegant Auberge Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Talk about location, location, location….

Why:

I wasn’t starring in a big budget Hollywood romance, but when I walked into DUNE Fort Lauderdale, it sure felt that way. Candles & moody lighting decorated a long pathway leading to the seaside restaurant — which was already glowing in the late-day sun. Ahhh, beach beauty…

That’s exactly what DUNE is. The chic eatery, decorated in soft creams & natural wood decor with green plants spread about, is smack-dab in front of the Atlantic ocean, yet somehow, still manages to feel like an island oasis; one you’ll want to explore and who isn’t up for an adventure like that ?

The restaurant, which describes its fare as “upscale, but never fussy,” is helmed by Executive Chef Edgar Beas and despite never tasting his food before my night at DUNE, I was already a huge fan. Before making his way to South Florida, the award-winning Chef was working in my hometown of Santa Fe manning the kitchen at the famed Anasazi Restaurant inside Rosewood Inn Of The Anasazi. If you know anything about the southwest dining scene, it’s a world-class hot spot known for sourcing local ingredients…

Which, by the way, DUNE is doing, too. The oceanfront eatery features local seafood & farm-to-table organic ingredients and their craft cocktails are Florida- inspired. My first #Spotlight spirit was the “SoFLO Spritz” (said in my best Long Island accent,) made with brut sparkling wine, apérol, seasonal fruit puree & orange bitters. It was #crisp #colorful & #yummy. 🍹

I’d walk 25 miles for the “24th Mile,” because it’s strong AND flavorful. Mama likes anything that’ll grow hair on the chest; I guess it’s the ranch girl in me. The cool cocktail is whipped up with tequila, orange liquor, basil, saffron and freshly squeezed lemon & lime juices. The kicker? It’s rimmed with an amazing Himalayan Pink Salt.

If you’re more of a vino drinker, celebrate DUNE’s homage to Auberge’s Napa Valley roots with its extensive wine list, which is awe-inspiring, to say the least. The Auberge du Soliel in Rutherford, California boasts an impressive 15,000 bottle wine cellar. In other words: at DUNE, you’re in good hands if you’re an oenophile. 🍷👊.

No matter what you’re drinking, the extra-fresh “YellowFin Tuna Crudo” is a good way to start your meal (mixed with pomelo, mango, avocado and mustard oil.) More of a mozzarella lover? DUNE’s “Burrata” is amazeballs and served with the most succulent side of eggplant caponata.

Because seafood is a highlight on the menu, I decided to try two main fish dishes: Swordfish & Bronzino. Both were different, yet incredibly flavorful. The “Whole Roasted Bronzino” was charred with lemon, speckled with hearts of palm and cooked in a mouthwatering Vaduovan sauce (think Indian curry.) The “Blackened Swordfish” was my favorite, though, because of the drool-worthy herbs and spices used in the blackening process. It’s plated on a petite bed of red quinoa with salsify purée and mushroom conserva. Hmmm…

A warm latte with some “Coconut Pudding” with strawberry granita, marcano crumble & passion fruit never hurt nobody. Definitely a decadent ending to a delicious dinner. I’ve heard DUNE described as “casual & contemporary” by other writers, but my take is a bit more romantic. It’s a little slice of heaven with a gorgeous view and a beach-y attitude, not to mention its divine food, that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

DUNE
inside Auberge Resorts Collection
2200 North Ocean Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305

When:

Monday-Sunday 4-10 P.M.

Be Social:
FB: @DuneFortLauderdale
IG: @dunefortlauderdale

www.dunefortlauderdale.com

In every grain of sand there is a story of the earth.Rachel Carson
James Woodley Photography
blue lace dress @asos_us
clutch: @stevemadden
earrings: @baublebar
rings @pandora at Brickell City Center
Make-up: Tabitha Rey @makeupbytabs
Hair: Jess Stuver www.zenzensalon.com
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Drool-Worthy” Auerbach