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: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mirabelle By George B.

What:

A romantic Friday night dinner at one of the best new restaurants in downtown Miami: Mirabelle By George B. — a French eatery where la présentation est magnifique and the food is au-delà de délicieux.

Why:

If you put everything I loved in a room: fresh hydrangeas, beautiful paintings, Wedgwood vases, blue and white tiled floors, soft lighting, classy music and to-die-for scallops — I’d never want to leave, which is exactly how I felt last Friday night when dining at Mirabelle By George B. The French eatery, which has been open about six months, is this extraordinary little slice of heaven in a place you’d least expect it — downtown Miami.

This isn’t just any French restaurant, either; it’s helmed by Chef George Berger, a world-class, award-winning pastry chef. He studied the art of patissiere in France, Switzerland and London, but his love of food didn’t stop there. While honing his fanciful dessert skills, he also traveled the world to perfect his cooking and viola! Mirabelle was born. Chef George is a delightful human being, with a kind smile and a genuine interest in anyone who eats at his restaurant, including myself…

My #Spotlight experience started with a warm welcome from Chef and his very attentive staff who greeted me with a yummy glass of champagne mixed with Black Currant (they serve french wine, beer and champagne) and an amuse-bouche of buttery Duck Terrine. My first appetizer was the stuff dreams are made of….

“Grilled Colossal Fresh Scallops with Hazelnut Crust and Pistachio Vinaigrette.” I happen to be a real scallop lover, but it’s a hard dish to get right. George’s were truly délicieux: tender, succulent and seasoned just right. I especially liked the hazelnut crust which added a delicate texture-y crunch. I also tried…

“Duck Foie Gras Poelle,” with white port wine-poached mango. Talk about soft and full of flavor and the mango undertones were a welcome surprise. Both appetizers paired perfectly with a crisp glass of “La Diva Luc Merat champagne.” After the appetizers, I switched to a full-bodied “Signature Gigondas Rouge 2015.” It was aromatic without being heavy and …

Went wonderfully with “Filet de Boeuf Wellington, sauce Perigueux” which is served with glazed vegetables. BTW, Beef Wellington isn’t easy to find in Miami and it’s even harder to perfect the decadent dish — which is basically cooking beef inside a pastry, but Chef George has a handle on it. He may even give Gordon Ramsey, who’s declared BW his signature dish, a run for his money. Chef George’s version is a real showstopper: tender and moist on the inside and a buttery golden brown on the outside. His perigueux sauce is especially good, mainly because he balances rich and earthy flavors without trying — or at least, it seems that way. The Beef Wellington is definitely a #musttry. If you’re a lamb chop lover…

The “Grilled Double Lamb Chops” are heaven on earth, made with thyme infusion and roasted garlic sauce served with olive oil-whipped potato puree. The soft & juicy chops literally fell off the bone. If everything sounds amazing, it’s because it IS. I’m not one to love every single thing put in front of me, but at Mirabelle’s it’s almost impossible not to and don’t even get me started on dessert…

You can’t have just one when you’re the guest of a master pastry chef, so I nibbled on a little bit of everything from the “L’assiette Gourmande” including: Mini Bourbon Vanilla Creme’ Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse, Violet Ice Cream Filled Macaron and Apple Tart Tatin. Each had its own delicious personality, but I loved the Violet Ice Cream Filled Macaron best. I’ve never had violet before and its sweet and flowery taste didn’t disappoint.

It’s no surprise “Mirabelle By George B.” is a top-notch experience, it’s in Chef George’s blood. He’s from Lyon, France, which is the capital of French gastronomy and owned Chocolate Fashion, an artisanal bakery, cafe and gourmet food company in Coral Gables, for 17 years. If you love quality food with an artistic presentation and phenomenal service, “Mirabelle” should definitely be on your foodie radar and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Bon Appétit!

P.S. All the artwork featured in the restaurant is done by Chef George, a true artist in more ways than one.

Where:

Mirabelle By Georges B.
114 SE 1st Street
Miami, Florida 33131

When:

Also serving breakfast.
Monday – Wed: 7:30am – 7pm
Thursday – Sat: 7:30am – 11pm
Sunday: 9am – 3pm

Be Social:
IG: @mirabellemiami
FB: @mirabellemiami

Don’t be eye candy. Be soul food.anonymous
James Woodley Photography
Dress by @HotMiamiStyles
Accessories: @handmademiamibeach
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Je suis l’éditeur” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: RWSB, W South Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight - RWSB Miami Beach

 

 

 

What:

Sunday Brunch at the new RWSB — inside W South Beach. Hello, Jerk Chicken and Waffles; are you flirting with me or just waiting to #GetInMyBelly?

Why:

Sometimes a girl just needs a local getaway and when she does, W South Beach is one of her #FavoriteThings. If you’ve been there before you know exactly what I’m talking about: the pool is divine, the bar atmosphere chic and the food — #ComeToMama. It’s always delicious, but even more so now that RWSB has taken over the space “The Dutch” used to call home and while the interior is still light and airy, with a beautiful garden terrace, the menu is marvelously different.

Executive Chef Josh Gripper, who is known as one of the best pastry chefs in Miami, has taken his rightful place as head of the kitchen, creating an American menu with Caribbean & Latin flair. With sumptuous brunch dishes like “Steak and Egg Burrito” with pico de gallo or “Duck Hash & Sunny Side Eggs” served in red eye gravy, there’s definitely something for everyone. I started my #Spotlight experience with….

RWSB’s Bottomless Cocktails. For $25, you can choose between Mimosa, Bellini, Bloody Mary and Michelada. What’s brunch without a Mimosa? #Cheers!! Being a Southwestern girl, I had to get my spicy Michelada on, too. Never had one? It’s Blonde Ale Beer mixed with tomato juice, lime and cayenne pepper. #HmmmX2.

If you like more of a classic drink, the smooth and delightful “BBQ Old Fashion” is perfect — made with bacon-infused buffalo trace bourbon, smoked maple syrup and bbq bitters. Don’t worry if you’re not drinking, the yummy “Cucumber-Thyme Lemonade” is a non-alcoholic refresher made with cucumber juice, lemon, thyme and simple syrup.

I tried two appetizers: “Yellow Crudo” and “Lobster Salad.” It’s hard to choose a favorite, especially as I love seafood. The crudo is a carnival of colors made with fresh raw fish, avocado, pickled fresno chiles served on top of a light ponzu sauce. OMG, the seafood salad is chunky bits of lobster served with florida citrus and creamy stracciatella cheese. Both are light and invigorating; perfect if you’re watching your waistline.

From the Brunch part of the menu, “Avocado Toast” has never tasted so good, with poached eggs on sourdough bread. It’s ooey-gooey center is the stuff foodie dreams are made of. The coconut lime sauce poured into the tender “Florida Catch” of the day is highlighted by a mango chutney, but the “Jerk Chicken & Waffles,” is the plate that really stole my heart, infused with Habanero Syrup and served with a pile of Haitian Pikliz (pickled cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers.)

For dessert, you can choose from dishes like “Cuban Flan,” “Dark Rum Donuts” and “Salted Lime Pie” — but I went for the “Banana Cream Pie” #StopThePresses Oreo cookie crust, chocolate ice cream, Bruleed bananas and chunks of chocolate — don’t mind if I do.

After Brunch, I stretched my legs with a stroll through the back garden. There was live saxophone music and a beautiful beach breeze. I sat for awhile, enjoying the moment. It’s so true: sometimes all you need is a little get away, even if it’s in your own backyard — that’s why “RWSB” is one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Where:

RWSB
Located inside W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
rwsbmiami.com

When:

Sunday brunch: 12-4pm

Be Social:
IG: @rwsbmia
FB: @ RWSB

Summer for prose and lemons, for nakedness and languor.Derek Walcott
James Woodley Photography
Dress: BCBG South Beach
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
Clutch: @ christinascabana
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Ooey-Gooey” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

What:

Drinks and bar bites on a Friday night at one of the hottest new bars in town: “The Sylvester Cocktail Bar & Lounge” in Midtown Miami.

Why:

One of the things I really miss about living in Manhattan is the really cool and eclectic bars I used to frequent. In any given borough or neighborhood, there was always that one magical place where you could meet your friends and wash the day away with a fabulous cocktail. We’d talk, laugh, play pool and just enjoy one another’s company…

When I moved back to Miami, I suddenly realized the bar culture was much different. If I wasn’t in a nightclub with blaring dance music, I was pushing my way through an overly-crowded hotel restaurant in hopes of finding my way to the bar to buy an overpriced, sadly-poured, paltry martini. Oh, how I missed my freestanding watering holes, but thanks to “The Sylvester,” I’m back in the game …

The newly-opened cocktail bar & lounge, which also specializes in coffee, tea and CBD, is a tropically-inspired oasis in Midtown Miami. With palm frond wallpaper, antique furnishings, shabby/chic chandeliers and a smattering of retro-inspired art, you’ll feel
like you’ve stumbled onto the set of the tv show “Golden Girls” or better yet, the movie “Birdcage” (without the performing drag queens, of course.) Its groovy personality has a hint of nostalgia, too. They have a foosball table, Chinese Checkers and a Playboy pinball machine.

The most impressive parts of the place, though, are the creative cocktails and tasty bar bites. Thanks to co-owners Ben Potts & Brian Nasajon (of Beaker & Gray fame,) the menu is a sampling of all things South Florida, at least the good parts and this experienced dynamic duo totally knows what they’re doing…

Case-in-point: the “Nooo Que Frio,” which is their take on an Old Cuban. Liquid nitrogen muddled mint, green apple, Italian liquor and sparkling wine makes for an interesting mix. Don’t let the green juice look fool you, it’s a cocktail that packs a punch. If, like me, you like a little more zing in your drink, the “Magic City Mule” is a #MustTry made with vodka, house pineapple ginger beer and chili pepper bitters. The campy copper cup it comes in is definitely worth a #SippinSelfie.

Both drinks paired perfectly with the “Arepa Grilled Cheese” made with Swiss cheese, yellow corn & tomato cream or go with something lighter like the “Key West Shrimp Hand Roll” stuffed with quinoa, pickled chili and peanut cream. #ComeToMama

My favorite drink of the night was the “Cayo Hueso Gimlet.” If you’re a regular blog reader, you know I’m
obsessed with The Florida Keys and this drink is an ode to its signature Key Lime Pie — made with tequila, graham cracker milk, Key Lime cordial and topped with a Key Lime truffle. I wish it came in a pitcher, because I practically inhaled it. The cheeky “Monkey Jungle” is a close second made with scotch, nitro cold brew, chocolate and banana custard cream. Holy Toledo, Batman! This fab take on an Irish Coffee doesn’t disappoint….

And neither does the “Chicken Liver Mousse” and for the record, I’m not exactly a liver lover, but this rich and creamy treat served with blueberry jam, pickled mustard seed and everything crackers is #TheBombDotCom. Speaking of, the “Medianoche” sandwich with palm sugar ham, house mustard and cucumber is love between two buns.

If you’re looking for a unique place to wet your whistle, catch up with friends or just enjoy a fun Friday night — complete with an after hours snack — “The Sylvester” is one of the best hang-out’s in Miami and who doesn’t wanna drink to that? Cheers to one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

The Sylvester
3456 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127
USA, Earth, The Solar System

When:

Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 1am
Friday – Saturday: 4pm – 2am

Be Social:
IG: @thesylvesterbar
FB: @TheSylvester

Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.Mark Twain
James Woodley Photography
Dress: @HotMiamiStyles
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
Clutch: a gift from mom
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Manhattan” Auerbach

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

What:

Fashionably frolicking on Miami Beach in the hottest one-piece styles of the summer from “Bikini Island Swimwear.” Think retro suits from the 80’s & 90’s: high cuts, low backs, a lot of texture and a little leopard print never hurt nobody. #Meow

Why:

When it comes to celebrating a woman’s body, no one does it better than Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit Edition. Not only is the magazine changing the way the world perceives beauty, it’s also changing the way women see themselves. How do I know? Because it’s changed me.

Gone are the days of unattainable beauty and overly airbrushed bodies. Instead, SI’s images are steadily being replaced with voluptuous curves, athletic builds and alluring individuality. In other words, REAL women are finally being celebrated and as a former beauty queen, waif-era model and current on-air television personality, it’s not only a relief, it’s empowering.

For years, alongside most women, I’ve held myself to unrealistic beauty standards. The constant dieting, working out and overall self-criticism has been exhausting, but now, instead of trying to be something I’m not, I’m slowly reprogramming myself to love the skin I’m in. While it’s good for the self-esteem, it’s definitely a process, especially after decades of being put under the beauty microscope by pageant officials, modeling agents and television consultants — who all wanted to transform me into THEIR definition of pretty — which honestly, was never the best version of myself. In fact, it was usually the opposite.

Thank God those days are over and I can focus on things like “Summer Fun” — my annual bathing suit blog featuring the latest and greatest in swimwear trends. Usually, I build a high-fashion theme around basic beachwear, but not this year. Instead, as an ode to Sports Illustrated, I wanted to peel back the layers of my body insecurities and keep things more natural while featuring looks from “Bikini Island Swimwear” in Fort Lauderdale.

The boutique is a rare jewel in this “buy it online” day and age. Owner & Professional Fashion Stylist, Marielle Voets Ortiz, believes choosing a bathing suit should be an intimate experience. Touching the material, seeing the textures and ultimately trying it on is the key to finding what truly fits your body and personality. Marielle is also from Europe and used to boutique-style shopping and wanted to bring that type of experience to South Florida women. She combs the globe to find the most chic and sophisticated styles to fill her store with swimsuits, cover-up’s, summer fashions and accessories.

Everything I’ve worn from her store makes me feel confident and classically on trend, which is no easy task considering my swimsuit standards are incredibly high. It’s one thing to snap a photo on a blog, it’s another to wear a suit with reckless abandon on a girls’ weekend to Key West or to Miami Beach running, jumping and swimming in the ocean — which is exactly what I did in each of these fabulous one-pieces. I felt so comfortable, I even rolled around in the sand a few times. 🤓

And while it’s eternally summer in South Florida, trends are still changing with the seasons in the rest of the world. This year, high- cut, low-back one-pieces are all the rage. Think 80’s & 90’s-style swimsuits worn by some of the original SI models like Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland and more recently, Tyra Banks. Pretty beading, crochet overlays and fun prints keep the look modern. When choosing a suit, I think of four things: comfort, style, sophistication and sex appeal. The “Summer Fun” trend incorporates all of them, mixed with a healthy dose of pizazz and what South Florida girl doesn’t like a little or a lot of that? During our sweltering, half-naked, wearing-as-little-clothes-as-possible months, remember…

Loving and accepting yourself in any capacity takes work, but it’s worth doing when the end result is #selflove & #selfempowerment and with more realistic images of the female body, thanks to publications like SI, “Summer Fun” isn’t such a bad place to be and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy summer, fashionistas!

Where:

Bikini Island Swimwear
3335 NE 32nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308

www.bikiniislandswimwear.com

When:

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30am – 6pm

Be Social:
IG: @bikini_island_swimwear
FB: @bikiniislandswimwear

I would be remiss when talking about beauty secrets to not say that one of the best is to care about the world around you. That’s what really matters.Christie Brinkley
James Woodley Photography
Swimsuits, handmade beach bag tote & beaded sandals by Bikini Island Swimwear
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach available at @wynwoodshop
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Beach Boy” Auerbach