Shireen’s Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

Shireen's Spotlight: Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits

What:

Burlock Coast inside The Ritz Carlton,1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33304

Why:

I was totally blown away when I walked into Burlock Coast — talk about a major change! I read somewhere it was going to be a multi-million dollar renovation, but I had no idea. WOW.

The restaurant, which is just off the hotel’s main lobby, is extremely spacious but at the same time, generously intimate. If I lived closer, I’d definitely frequent the place, take my friends and show it off to someone I’m trying to impress. It’s sophisticated, classy and unpretentious. The place is gorgeous with dark textured wood, rustic decor and an open-air market (where you can have breakfast –even lunch — and then head to the beach.)

I started my evening at the outside bar with a direct view of the ocean. It was a chilly night, so I ordered a Dirty Martini to warm me. It wasn’t on the blog menu (which is what we agree on featuring before we get there), but I was running a little early and couldn’t wait to enjoy the atmosphere. BTW, it was by far one of the best Dirty Martini’s I’ve ever had the pleasure of wrapping my lips around.

From the outside bar, I moved to a table (still, with an amazing view) and tried three of their signature drinks: Aviation, Bill’s Spirit and Donna the Privateer (the place is known for its Rum). Each was sweet, yet spicy. I liked the Donna best because of its cinnamon undertones, hundred-proof spiced Rum, grapefruit and bitters.

For starters, I nibbled on the generously plated Charcuterie Board and quickly lapped up a half-dozen Oysters on the half shell. They were extremely fresh and came with a yummy Citrus Champagne Mignonette. The Tuna Niçoise salad was excellent, too. Fresh, clean and served with quail eggs.

Dinner started with a bowl of Lobster Pasta. It’s made with truffle oil, which I’m allergic to, so my producer (Jessie Rosario) tried it instead. She said it was: “Creamy, delicious with a generous portion of lobster.” I dined on the Fish & Chips, which were crunchy, flaky (in a good way) and served with a spritzer of vinegar. That bottle brought out the kid in me. 😁

Last but not least, the entire table enjoyed the “Key Lime Pie For Many.” It was so yummy, but the presentation was even more spectacular. As I’m writing this I’m already plotting my next visit to the restaurant-cafe-market-bar. It’s definitely one of my new favorite things.

Where:

Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits is inside the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, right smack dab in front of the ocean. The view is nothing short of spectacular. No matter where you decide to dine (inside or out,) the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are usually open, let in a beautiful, sultry breeze.

There’s also complimentary valet parking available for up to two hours with validation from the restaurant and if you decide to stay a little longer, it’s just $5 dollars to extend your valet.

When:

Sunday-Wednesday Dinner 5pm-10pm (they also serve breakfast and lunch).
Reservations: www.opentable.com/burlock-coast

www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/FortLauderdale/default.htm
Twitter: @RitzCarlton
IG: @burlockcoast & @ritzcarlton #RCMemories
FB: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a drop.Rumi
Wardrobe provided by www.stopstaringclothing.com
Twitter: @StopStaring
IG: @stopstaringclothing
FB: Stop Staring
Jewelry provided by www.kokopalenki.com
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Editor: Mathew Auerbach
Special thanks to Brustman Carrino Public Relations

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The Beautiful Bonnet House

The first time I saw the Bonnet House, I was in complete awe of its beauty. The bright yellow, sprawling, open-air Spanish-style house, snuggled into 35 acres of lush South Florida greenery in Fort Lauderdale, isn’t just unique, it’s incredibly captivating. Perhaps it has something to do with its history and the people who once lived there.

Although its grounds date back thousands of years, as far back as one of the first sites of Spanish contact with the New World, it was a man by the name of Hugh Taylor Birch responsible for making it what it is today. Mr. Birch, who was a successful lawyer, purchased the beachside property back in 1895 and then as fate would have it, gifted it to his daughter, Helen, as a wedding present.

Helen was a talented writer and an accomplished composer, who adored penning poetry and making music; so it only made sense that she would marry a fellow artist. Her new husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett, was a well-studied and well-skilled Chicago painter. He also had an affinity for design and architecture.

Together and very much in love, the couple officially broke ground on “The Beautiful Bonnet House,” in 1920. It was meant to be a summer seaside retreat where they both could practice and celebrate what they loved most: art. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived, when Helen died of breast cancer. Needless to say, Frederic was devastated and stopped frequenting the Bonnet House.

Matter of fact, he wouldn’t fully return to the villa until love came back into his life and luckily for us – it did. When Fredric finally remarried, his new wife, Evelyn Fortune Lilly, encouraged him to return to his beloved Florida beach house and cultivate it. During that time, the house and property went through a renaissance of sorts.

The couple breathed new life into “The Beautiful Bonnet House,” filling it with amazing art, unique furnishings and spirited music. They were also known for their hospitality, hosting many guests, serving delicious food, all while using their extensive China collections. Rumor has it, if you were lucky enough to dine at the Bonnet House, you’d never eat off the same plate twice.

Read the rest of my feature on the Bonnet House at www.wsvn.com.

The museum is open Easter Day from 9am-4pm
www.bonnethouse.org
Twitter: @bonnethouse
Instagram: @bonnethouse
Facebook: The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Address: 900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Blog wardrobe provided by Serendipity Consignment Boutique
www.consignmentboca.com
Twitter: @BocaSerendipity
IG: @SerendipityConsignment
FB: Serendipity Consignment Boca

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

Shireen’s Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar (connected to Coconuts)

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

What:

G&B Oyster Bar, 429 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

Why:

Two words for you: “Deadliest Puppies.” Don’t call PETA — these are crab claws, dipped in hush puppy batter and fried. Thank you Lord, sweet baby Jesus! They’re quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth and I’ll definitely be back for more and then some. The funny thing is…

I actually ended up at the sleek and charming “G&B Oyster Bar” by mistake. I was headed to Coconuts (its sister property in the same location,) by way of the Bonnet House (where I was working on my “Shireen’s Favorite Things” fashion blog.) The volunteers at the museum recommended the place highly. Plus, it has a great intracoastal waterfront view.

Instead of waiting for a seat at Coconuts, though, I was immediately attracted to “G&B”‘s lively bar. Especially after a friendly bartender made me a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary. From there, my crew and I snuggled into a comfy hightop and that’s when we were informed the Bar was a separate place. It didn’t matter; we were so ready to get our grub on after a hard day’s work and boy, did we ever!

Stand-out menu items include: The Philly Lobster Cheese Steak, Lobster Ceviche Martini, Crab Empanadas, Dark and Stormy Ribs and Ahi Tuna Poke. Because “G&B” is indeed a fresh seafood bar, I decided to order half a dozen oysters on the half shell. They were yummy and more importantly, fresh. I would have ended with a dessert, but I had so much to eat, I had to limp out of the restaurant.

Despite its great food, what I enjoyed most about “G&B”‘s is its motto, which is: Be Nice. Even though it’s not something you can order and eat off the menu, a server’s attitude can really make or break your dining experience and ours was amazing.

Where:

“G&B” is located right off of Fort Lauderdale’s popular Seabreeze Boulevard, which partially runs alongside the ocean. It’s connected to its sister restaurant, “Coconuts,” another popular seaside eatery right next to the Swimming Hall of Fame.

They have a really crowded, kind-of crazy valet, but they’re friendly and always willing to make it work. I went this past Saturday (during spring break) and despite the madness, they found me and my Spotlight crew a spot. Valet is tip only, but if you leave the property, they charge twenty bucks.

When:

Monday-Sunday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm.

www.gandboysterbar.com
IG: @GB_OysterBar
FB: G&B Oyster Bar Seafood Restaurant

There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore line, no matter how many times it is sent away.anonymous

Dress: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Jewelry: Serendipity Consignment
Purse: Tookata People
Shoes: Emilio Pucci

Editor Matthew Auerbach
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley