Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Fiola Miami

What:

A white table cloth brunch at the sophisticated & chic #FiolaMiami in Coral Gables “and all that jazz”… dahhhling’🎷🎼

Why:

If I were starring in a modern-day fashionable TV show like, say, “Sex and the City,” #FiolaMiami would be the perfect place to shoot all my chatty girlfriend scenes. The atmosphere is glamorous, the decor gorgeous and the food, well, it’s the #bombdotcom. Actually, that hashtag doesn’t really do Fiola justice. The fine dining establishment is simply #exquisite.

The restaurant, which serves regional Italian cuisine, prides itself on quality, tradition and exceptional attention to detail; which is exactly what I experienced when trying out their Jazz Brunch last Sunday. With live music playing in the background, I was shown to my table, greeted with a delicious glass of bubbly and given a decadent tuna toro amuse-bouche and told to sit back & relax as my foodie experience was chosen for me.

For me, brunch isn’t just about great food, it’s also about a killer cocktail and boy, was I in luck. #Fiola has an amazing Sunday selection. I tried the refreshing House Sangria, which paired perfectly with “Colors Of The Garden Salad” featuring yummy ingredients like apples, pomegranate and La Tur cheese. I also sipped on the Especial made with tequila, Mezcal, Italian liqueur, tea, strawberry, mint and lime. Hmmm… strong enough for a man, pretty enough for a woman. Speaking of pretty….

I was blown away by the artful presentation of the “Bison Tartare”, which was one of my #FavoriteThings on the menu. It comes on a thick cutting board with an egg sunny side up, featuring Japanese mushrooms and a creative display of parmesan cream sauce. #Fiola peppers most of its plates with lovely edible flowers which are on full display in both the salad and tartare — they also use fresh local ingredients whenever possible.

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll wanna build your own crudo tower from the Isola part of the menu. I tried three Amalfi Coast raw bar items, including sea urchin with prosecco zabaglione, sea salted wild hamachi and pickled Japanese Maidi. I crave any type of raw fish, especially when soused in light oil and lemon, but WOW, dipping into that urchin with flat bread was #LIFE. My tastebuds are officially spoiled.

Hello, pasta… the “Lobster Ravioli” with ginger and chives & “Beef Short Rib Agnolotti” with beech mushrooms, braised beef sauce and toasted hazelnuts will indulge even the most undeniable carb addict or you can go full-on brunch professional with the “XXL Lemon Ricotta Pancake” with berries, key lime mascarpone and fancy syrup aged in bourbon barrels. Ending my tasty afternoon…

A meringue dessert similar to a deconstructed Australian Pavlova, but it was the Chocolate Marchesi (think ganache) with a sort-of whipped Sicilian Pistachio mousse that was decadent and truly delicious #BeStillMyBeatingHeart. Topping it all off, a soothing specialty tea which was indeed, the #BeesKnees.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from #FiolaMiami, but it definitely lives up to its Michelin Star reputation. The food is ART in motion, capturing a symphony of magical flavors and whether it’s Sunday Jazz Brunch, a leisurely lunch or a decadent dinner, #FiolaMiami is upping the food game in The Magic City by an astronomical number and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

Fiola Miami
1500 San Ignacio Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33146

When:

Jazz Bruch 11:30am-2:30pm
For more info on brunch, lunch & dinner www.fiolamiami.com

Be Social:
IG: @fiolamiami
FB: @fiolamiami
Twitter: @FiolaMiami

There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.Bette Davis
James Woodley Photography
two-piece forest green suede outfit by BCBG South Beach
black heels: @kendallandkylie
purse: @v73official
jewelry: @anntaylor
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Crudo” Auerbach

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

What:

Celebrating SS19 by Ximena Kavalekas & checking out her new retail space at the Faena Bazaar on Miami Beach. Hello, lovah…. 👛

Why:

You know the song, “Girl On Fire,” by Alicia Keys? Well, she must have written the catchy tune for handbag designer, Ximena Kavalekas. There’s literally #NoStopping the woman. In fact, her success has been so meteoric, I actually have trouble keeping up with it and that’s what I do for a living. 😂

The first time I met Ximena back in 2016, her luxury handbag line was launching from a small room inside “The Fashion Workspace of Miami,” but my-oh-my, have things changed. Not only has she set up shop inside the world class Faena Bazaar, her handmade python accessories are being worn by the Who’s Who of Hollywood: Priyanka Chopra, Sofia Vergara, Sofia Carson and even fashion queen, Margherita Missoni. Speaking of…

Margherita, who happens to be a huge fan of Ximena’s, recently collaborated with her on a limited-edition handbag series. Going with Ximena’s signature #BoxBag style, the two women created “a simple yet sophisticated” petite suitcase-like design. I especially adore the colors of the #Capri, not to mention its decorative zig- zag star stitching which is a combination of the duo’s initials: MM + XK — what a chic and fashionably witty idea. Its whimsical laser cut daisies are the perfect finishing touch #BeautifulBag.

If all that weren’t enough, Ximena’s purses are breezing their way through Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, NET-A-PORTER, Saint Germain, Moda Operandi, the retail elite list goes on and don’t even get me started on the editorials: Vogue Mexico, Vogue Brazil, Vogue India, Elle, People, US Weekly, DUJOUR, InStyle, Miami Magazine, Brickell Magazine, just to name a few. This is where the DJ pipes in: “This girl is on fire…”🔥🎼

Bloggers love Ximena, too. I’d include myself in that group, but television is my full-time job and blogging is what I do to express my love of fashion with, of course, Channel 7 as my partner in crime. Speaking of, Ximena is always supportive of local media, especially #DecoDrive and understands the importance of connecting on that kind of level. In fact, her second bag collaboration is with Miami Fashion Stylist extraordinaire, Elysze Held, who runs “The Magic City” when it comes to what and whom you should be wearing.

In full disclosure, Elysze styles for Deco Drive and her fab personality coupled with her elegant fashion sense is sure to produce the IT bag of the season. I can’t wait to see what Ximena & Elysze come up with. I better start saving my money now. Hmmm… what about a Go Fund Me fashion account? In all seriousness…

I’m so happy for the success of the #XimenaKavalekas brand. Not only is it deserving, Ximena has stayed firmly planted in South Florida; making the Miami fashion scene better, brighter and exponentially more beautiful..you might say, Ximena has it all “In The Bag” and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

Ximena Kavalekas
inside Faena Bazaar
3rd Floor
3400 Collins Avenue
Miami, Florida 33140

When:

Monday – Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm

or shop on-line www.ximenakavalekas.com

Be Social:
IG: @ximenakavalekas
FB: @ximenakavalekaspython

A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag; even when you get to the bottom of it, there is ALWAYS something at the bottom to surprise you!Billy Connolly
James Woodley Photography
featured purses in order: Angeles Red/Cheetah, XK x MM Capri, Weekender (small) Hot Pink Scaled Water Snake
two-piece animal outfit @born2dress_, flowery dress vintage @Betseyjohnson & puffy pink jacket @bcbg, pink dress @bcbg
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “The Bag Man” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop
Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

Shireen’s Spotlight: ‘Ono Poke’ Shop

What:

Checking out what South Florida foodies call the BEST poke in Miami. #ComeToMama

Why:

If you’re a sucker (like myself) for a good poke bowl (and trust me — you should be,) prepare to have your taste buds blown away by “Ono Poke Shop” in Wynwood. It’s AMAZE x10. It’s so good, you’ll thank me later.

Not only is the food fresh and flavorful, the restaurant itself is fashionable: think modern-day hipster with a Miami flair. Its chic, minimalistic decor is spruced up with funky wall paper and neon lights, but it’s the cool poke counter that commands the room, serving up different versions of the “Hawaiian delicacy with a Japanese twist.”

The menu has only a handful of options, which means they’ve totally perfected their poke. So, instead of ordering for myself, I let the powers-that-be choose for me. First up: “Spicy Crunchy Tuna Bowl” made with chopped spicy tuna, jalapeño, red onion, pickled cucumber, tempura puffs and served with wasabi aioli & eel sauce.

By the way, you can add or take away ingredients to please your palette or go gangbusters and make your own bowl. Food with flexibility is always a good thing.

Next, I munched on the “Ono Salmon Bowl” with fresh salmon pickled cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, sesame seeds served with house soy sauce & wasabi aioli. Both were delicious, but the tuna was my favorite because it was extra SPICY! 💥 I love to cry when I eat (it’s the New Mexico girl in me.)

What makes “Ono Poke Shop” special is its quality. It’s more like a sushi bar staying true to its Japanese roots, with high-quality fish delivered daily. Besides its obvious health benefits, it’s quick, easy and fits into my busy lifestyle.

I love taking care of myself, but sometimes my schedule doesn’t allow time for food prep and really, I’d rather go shoe shopping then spend hours in the kitchen making something boring and bland. I like my food exactly the way I like my fashion: unique, sophisticated and tasteful and that’s exactly what “Ono Poke Shop” is — that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

Ono Poke Shop
2320 N Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33127

www.onopokeshop.com

When:

Monday-Friday: 11:30am-5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-8pm
*Or Until Sold Out*

Be Social:
IG: @onopokeshop
FB: @onopokeshop
Twitter: @onopokeshop

Don’t ever worry about things that don’t worry about you.Japanese Proverb
James Woodley Photography
dress: @bcbg South Beach
canvas clutch: @lamougeofficial
jewelry: rings from my dad, earrings @baublebar
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Yoko” Auerbach

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

Pretty at the Pegasus

What:

Ooh-ing & ahh-ing over race day runway fashions by Neiman Marcus at Bal Harbour Shops — celebrating the Pegasus World Cup 2019 Championship Invitational Series. #GiddyUp 🐎

Why:

When I first got the invite to attend the “Off to the Races” fashion show celebrating the Pegasus World Cup, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been to the Kentucky Derby before and I can assure you: style-wise, it’s world’s away from anything going on in South Florida.

I’m not a big fan of ginormous hats, bold flowery prints and aggressive pearl accessories — especially when worn together — and that’s definitely something you’ll see at “Running of the Roses” (one of the Derby’s nicknames.) Lucky for me, and Miami fashionistas, Pegasus is an entirely different style event.

The race itself is incredibly prestigious because of its 16 million-dollar purse, the largest in North American thoroughbred racing, but it’s also the glamorous crowd attending that makes it so popular and appealing. In fact, every year Deco Drive does a story on the rich, famous & fashionable who show up to show off what they’re wearing.

Taking a cue from The Who’s Who of the premier event, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour & Pegasus World Cup teamed up for the first time last week for an elegant runway show featuring race day fashions with a Miami flair. After all, we’re not in Kansas anymore — or would that be Kentucky?

Beautiful dresses, form-fitting suits and fancy fascinators stole the spotlight. I’ve included pictures of some of my Favorite Things from the show highlighting this spring’s biggest trends…because with outfits like these, frankly, we’re all “Pretty at the Pegasus” and that’s what I call #winning.

Where:

Gulf Stream Park & Casino
901 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009

When:

Race day is Saturday, January 26th.
For times & ticket information: www.PegasusWorldCup.com

Be Social:
FB: Pegasus World Cup Invitational
IG: @pegasusworldcup
Twitter: @PegasusWorldCup

Shop the looks:
www.NeimanMarcus.com
FB: Neiman Marcus
IG: @neimanmarcus #NeimanMarcus
Twitter: @neimanmarcus

A horse is poetry in motion.anonymous
James Woodley Photography
dress: @bcbg #SouthBeach
shoes by pourlavictoire @plv.shoes
clutch: www.ingechristopher.com
jewelry by @jillzaleski
a special thank you to Marysol Patton
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Let The Big Horse Run” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

 

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

What:

A beautiful brunch at Zucca in Coral Gables, where the elegant atmosphere can only be upstaged by the mind-blowing Pumpkin Ravioli. #ComeToMama I didn’t even know I liked “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia.” Don’t I sound fancy? 🥂

Why:

If you’re a professional brunch-er, you probably already know about Zucca; but if you just dabble in the game, this place NEEDS to be on your radar. The chic Italian eatery, snuggled inside the historic ivy-drenched Hotel St. Michel, offers the most incredible brunch buffet.

I know what you’re thinking: “a buffet?” I’m right there with you, but this isn’t just any kind of food round-up, it’s fresh, sophisticated and first class. In fact, you’ll have a hard time choosing between the mouthwatering Italian antipasti, homemade focaccia, yummy salads and decadent pastas, not to mention all the breakfast food. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, go a la carte or try a little bit of everything; which is kind of the point. By the way…

Brunch comes with a complimentary adult beverage. You can choose between mimosa, Bellini or Prosecco. I started my #Spotlight experience with a glass of Italian cuvée called “Ca’ del Bosco.” It’s one of my favorites. If you prefer craft cocktails, they have some creative ones, like “Take It Peachy” (which is dry gin white peach juice, lemongrass, lemon juice, orange bitter and Prosecco) or how about a “Venetian Bloody Mary” (made with grappa, yucca, bloody mary mix and tomato juice.) I was in it to win it food-wise, so I stuck with the bubbly…

And fawned over dishes like the amazing “Vitelli Tonnato,” thinly-sliced veal tenderloin over tuna emulsion with capers and greens. It’s a #MustTry and one of their most popular items on the menu. The “Bresaola Di Manzo” was spectacular, too, with arugula and shaved parmesan and both versions of the Burrata (tartine & salad) were total cheese-y heaven.

Zucca makes quite the impressive Antipasto Platter with Salumi, Prosciutto, cold marinated veggies, parmesan cheese and olives. Save some room for risotto, because they always have a special of the day. I tried the “Shrimp Risotto” with cherry tomatoes and asparagus, but it was the “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia” that really knocked my socks off.

One bite of their homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin (sautéed in light butter sauce and sage) and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to #foodieheaven. It’s officially my new “dead woman walking” dish. I can’t wait to go back and have some more. All the aforementioned plates are featured on the buffet; there’s also lasagna, Porchetta, Roast Beef and Prime Rib. Are you drooling yet? If not, the dessert table should do the trick, packed with every kind of Italian pastry and sweet treat you can imagine: tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, creme brûlée, panna cotta and more. Decisions, decisions, decisions and if you can’t tell, I had a hard time making one. 😂

Brunch ended with Zucca’s glorious homemade Limoncello. I’m kind of a liquor snob, but this aperitif doesn’t disappoint. Not only is the food world-class, the service is excellent, too, and don’t mistake sophistication for snobbery. Everyone at Zucca is incredibly warm and friendly and you can tell they totally love what they do and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy Brunching!

Where:

Zucca
162 Alcazar Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134

When:

Lunch 11am-5pm
Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-11pm, Sunday-Monday 5pm-10pm
Brunch is Sunday 11am-4pm
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 5pm-8pm

Be Social
IG: @zuccamiami
FB: @zuccamiami
Twitter: @HotelSt.Michel

reservations: 786-580-3731
Brunch is $52 for adults & $28 for the little ones
www.hotlestmichel.com

Brunch is not a meal. Brunch is a competition. And I’m winning.Matt Bellasai
James Woodley Photography
dress: @touchdolls
www.touchdolls.com
sunnies: @finomeyewear
boots: @bcbg South Beach
vintage purse from my own collection
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “There’a A Zucca Born Every Minute” Auerbach