Shireen’s Spotlight: Barton G. The Restaurant

Barton G

Barton G

Barton G

Barton G

What:

Barton G. 1427 West Ave. Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Why:

At Barton G. not only is “presentation everything,” it’s also about how you feel and at this South Beach eatery, they want you to feel great and have fun. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to this Miami staple, but when I went last week (to check-out some of their new menu items,) I remembered why I loved the place so much.

People were smiling, laughing and thoroughly enjoying their food experience and that’s not really something I’ve seen since starting my food blog. Not only is the food cool and creative; it’s culinary innovation at it’s finest without being pretentious. I felt excited and awe-inspired as soon as I walked through the front door.

From the “Below Zero Nitro-Bar” I started with two amazing drinks: “Buddhalicious” (made with pear infused vodka, lychee and cranberry, served with a nitrogenized pop of pear vodka) and “Cooper’s Margarita” (don julio silver tequila, triple sec, sweet and sour with a grand marnier popsicle.) Holy fabulousness! Both drinks were wonderfully whimsical and packed an extra punch with their liquor-infused popsicles.

For starters I tried three of Barton G’s new appetizers: “Holy Smokes Popcorn,” “The Devil’s Eggs” and “Champagne Oysters & Caviar.” The popcorn (which comes in a Holy Smokes case) is perfect for the truffle lover in your life; made with bacon, white truffle, black truffle, grated parmesan and fresh herbs. The eggs come caged with a carton to boot; made with truffles, bacon, garlic and garden herbs. Last but not least, the oysters (wrapped in a champagne cucumber mignonette, yuzu bubbles and beluga caviar) were absolute perfection and came in a really captivating octopus plate.

Before my main course I tried the colorful “Octopus Terrarium Salad” (filled with a speckling of deep sea yumminess, including seaweed.) The funky “Polynesian Fish Fry” (which is a crispy whole snapper, coconut jasmine rice, spicy veggie pineapple slaw and miso-kona lime remoulade, ) was my main event! The fish practically fell off the bone and who doesn’t love Jasmine rice? It’s one of my absolute favorite things on planet earth. The yummy side sauces complimented every bite perfectly.

Dessert was an over-the-top, free-for-all (in a good way) with the “Lolli Pot Garden” and “Brain Freeze.” The garden was beautiful with a variety of sweets and cake pops (mere words can’t even do the presentation justice) and the brain on a plate:(chocolate fudge mousse cake) was moist, rich and beyond decadent.

Needless-to-say, I did not leave hungry (which sometimes I do on my food blog!) I also left happy; my face actually hurt from smiling. Barton G. has a special artistic spirit that’s totally contagious. I noticed when dining, as each plate emerged from the kitchen (no matter the table,) everyone took turns oohing and awing over it. A mutual love of all things inspiring makes the restaurant’s vibrant energy undeniably palpable. Cheers!

Where:

In the heart of South Beach, just a few blocks away from Alton Road. Street parking is really tough in this area, but the good news? Barton G. provides a speedy valet; one you don’t have to wait a million years for like most restaurants on the beach.

When:

Sunday-Thursday 6pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6pm-12am

www.bartongtherestaurant.com
Twitter: @Barton_G, IG: @bartongmia, FB: Barton G. The Restaurant

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.Roald Dahl
Photographer: James Woodley
Wardrobe & Jewelry: @ErmannoScervino
Chanel Handbag: @SerendipityConsignment

Fall into Fashion with Bal Harbour Shops

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

Fall into Fashion Shireen Sandoval

What:

Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Florida 33154

Why:

When it comes to fall fashion, Bal Harbour Shops knows how to serve-up world class luxury. Along with celebrating its 50th year in the retail biz, the legendary outdoor shopping center is adding new stores like “Maison Goyard” and showcasing redesigned boutiques by “Van Cleef & Arpels” and “Valentino.”

They’re even taking a bite out of French food by opening “Le Zoo” (replacing the once-popular La Goulue bistro.) The new eatery is famed-restauranteur Stephen Starr’s second brainchild at the shops; the first is his beyond decadent and extra yummy, Makoto.

Whether it’s food, fashion or just being plain ol’ fabulous, getting the scoop on where a South Florida fashionista should be dining and what they should be donning (during our cooler winter months,) was easy with some help from Sarah Harrelson, the Editor-in-Chief of Bal Harbour Magazine.

“Lace is everything,” Sarah explains. “Whether it’s your full ensemble or just in the details, it’s definitely on trend,” she says. Speaking of, this fall clothing is simple, but details are luxurious. The “Ermanno Scervino” boutique helped me express the trend perfectly with a beautiful black cashmere/silk blended camisole and matching cardigan sweater (both detailed with lace,) paired with a flared down skirt. Bold accessories and leopard spotted shoes added major pizzaz.

Sling backs, proper heels and of course, the all-purpose bootie are must-have’s when it comes to fall footwear. “The Webster Miami” is always one step ahead when it comes to shoe trends; highlighting mixed textures (leather, grommets and suede, just to name a few.) I fell in love with their “Christian Dior” black leather bootie with a sexy, clear lucite heel. Pairing it with a petite, animal print Saint Laurent purse made sense because I wanted it to easily compliment their OMG bright red Dior coat. (Kill me now, because I’ll go straight to fashion heaven.)

Last but not least, the beautiful ladies at “Gee Beauty” schooled me on hair and make-up trends. This season it’s all about a wow brow. Not only should brows be big and bushy, they should also be warm and soft (think light brown.) For your hair, a high-pony has splashed its way across almost every major runway at Paris Fashion Week. It’s a look that’s always sleek and glamorous; complementing a variety of fall and winter clothing styles.

Contouring (thanks to the Kardashian’s,) is still at the forefront of make-up and colored eye-liner is all the rage, too. If you’re extra daring, you can wear one color on the top of the eyelid and another color on the bottom. Gold shimmery eye-shadow is also on trend. My fall must-have’s? Something lace, a cool bootie, a high-pony and a big brow. Happy fall shopping fashionistas!

Where:

The Bal Harbour Shops are located in one of my favorite places in Miami-Dade County, the Village of Bal Harbour. Tucked neatly in between Sunny Isles and Surfside, it boasts amazing condo buildings, beautiful hotels, palm tree-lined streets and well, the ocean isn’t all that bad either. 😁

The open-air shopping center is definitely a highlight; with more than a lion’s share of luxury shops, department stores and restaurants to experience. You can easily make a day of it; there’s self-parking or valet to boot (a stylish one I hope.)

When:

Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday Noon-6pm (department store hours may vary.)

The joy of dressing is an art.John Galliano
www.balharbourshops.com
IG: @balharbourshops
Twitter: @balharbourshopsWardrobe provided by Ermanno Scervino, The Webster Miami, Hint Miami
@ermannoscervino @thewebstermiami @HintMiami
Grooming tips by Gee Beauty
@geebeautystudio
(prices available upon request)

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
MUA/Hair: Odett Hernandez
Special Thanks to the Bal Harbour Shops PR Team