Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

What:

An early Sunday night dinner at one of the best Artisan pizza places in South Florida — SPRIS. And they do way more than just pie really, really well. BTW, #PizzaIsMySoulMate 🍕😍

Why:

Every time I drive into Midtown Miami, I’m in awe — the buildings, the businesses, the restaurants, the shops. It’s a bustling mini-city within the Magic City and the crazy thing is, I remember when it used to be a huge empty field. #NotAnymore. It’s become such a popular part of town, I’m there at least once a week, shopping at Target or HomeGoods or eating at one of the handful of fabulous restaurants. One of my favorites is “Spris Artisan Pizza.”

If you know anything about the history of pizza in Miami, you probably know Spris was the first Artisan Pizzeria to open shop on Lincoln Road more than 20 years ago. Now, the restaurant is in practically every part of the city, but the Midtown location is my favorite. Not only is it convenient, it has a relaxed trattoria atmosphere. More importantly, it offers some of the best food and drink deals in town. There’s…

“Beat The Clock,” which goes down everyday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The price you pay is determined at the time you order — ask for your pie at 6:05pm you pay $6.05; cool, right? You get to choose between a delicious Margherita, Diavola or Genovese. On Wednesdays, all bottles of wine are 50% off and be sure to ask about the “Pizza of the Week” — it’s a great way to expand your Artisan Pizza taste for under twenty dollars. Try pies like “Smoked Scamorza” and “Mozzarella Fior Di Latte,” just to name a few.

While I’m a sophisticated foodie/fashionista, a good deal is never beneath me and Spris definitely delivers. In fact, all of the aforementioned specials are available at their Lincoln Road, Downtown and South Miami locations, too. That’s not all…

Everything at Spris is incredibly fresh and delicious. When I stopped by last Sunday, I couldn’t believe the diversity of the menu because I usually stick to pizza, but “When in Rome,” you’ve gotta try a little bit of everything. I started my #Spotlight experience with a light Pinot (they have a great wine list) and a fabulously creamy “Burrata” which comes on top of arugula, cherry tomatoes with toasted bread and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil.) #MouthWatering BUT…

It was the “Trio” from the “Bruschetta Bar” that really knocked my socks off! My absolute favorite was the “Romana” with mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, anchovies and Oregano. Yes! Anchovies! #ComeToMama. The “Avocado” was a close second with brie, avocado and seasoned tomatoes and if you like classic bruschetta, the “Originale” is simple, yet satisfying with tomatoes and basil. Anything from the Bruschetta Bar is definitely a must-try.

From the Antipasto part of the menu, I tried “Calamari Fritti” — which is a basket filled to the brim with crispy squid rings. It’s YUMx2 especially with freshly squeezed lemon and spicy marinara for dipping. I tried it with a glass of Italian Prosecco called Cin Cin, which is light and fruity with notes of pear.

Usually, when I’m doing a food blog, the last thing I wanna eat is chicken. I associate it with diet food because it’s what I usually eat during the week, but once I tried “Pollo E Palate” (the all-natural semi-boneless chicken with roasted potatoes cooked in an iron skillet,) I was a changed woman. It’s AMAZING. In fact, I think it actually rivals Spris’ pizza. It’s tender, juicy and practically falls off the bone. I need the recipe STAT. More of a sandwich person? The “Ruspante Panini” is great, too, with grilled chicken breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Summertime means it’s perfect with an ice cold beer (they have draft and bottle.)

Straight from the wood-burning oven, I tried “Pizza al Salmone” with mozzarella, smoked salmon, arugula and red onions & “Pizza Margherita” with mozzarella & fresh basil (btw, whole wheat and gluten-free doughs are also available) and — drum roll, please — for my absolute favorite… “Speck E Burrata,” which is smothered in the most amazing smoked prosciutto. #HelloLovah. Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite because they’re all fresh and yummy; maybe I need to taste every pizza on the menu to adequately decide. 😁🍕🙀

Glory be to the food gods, I still had room for dessert and the heavenly “Tiramisu” didn’t disappoint. It’s made with lady fingers, mascarpone cream and sprinkled cocoa. I couldn’t resist pairing it with an amazing Segafredo espresso which, of course, is one my favorite coffees (read about Segafredo here.)

Eating at Spris is always a great meal, but more importantly, it’s an intricate part of the food culture in Miami and for me, that means it always tastes like home and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Where:

Spris Artisan Pizza
Buena Vista Boulevard
3201 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127

Planning a party or a fun get together? Check-out Spris cool Mobile Pizza Truck.

www.sprispizza.com

When:

Monday – Thursday: 11am-10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-11:30pm
Sunday: 11am-10pm

Be Social:
IG: @sprispizza
FB: @SprisPizza
Twitter: @SprisPIzza

Unless you are a pizza, the answer is YES, I can live without you.Bill Murray
James Woodley Photography
Dress: @redcarterofficial
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
Clutch: @ximenakavalekes
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Midtown” Auerbach

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

A Cabana Clutch

What:

Discovering Christina’s Cabana Clutches, perfect for the South Florida fashionista who needs chic versatility for beach days, brunch plans and dinner dates. #HelloSummer ⛱

Why:

There are three key ingredients a South Florida girl needs to survive summer in the tropics: a strong sunscreen, a stylish SPF hat and an easy, breezy clutch that’ll take you from day to night, no questions asked. The first two I’ve always had a pretty good handle on; the last one? Not so much — until a few weeks ago.

That’s when I met Christina McGuire, the creator of “Christina’s Cabana,” an on-line boutique specializing in tropically-inspired clutches. The first time I saw one of her pretty purses on Instagram, I was smitten, but it was the story of WHY she created them that inspired me to write “A Cabana Clutch”…

Christina started her bag business out of sheer fashion frustration and believe me, most of us have been there. You’re about to wear an amazing dress, you’ve accessorized it with fabulous jewelry, you even have sassy sandals to match, but your handbag? It’s got more issues than Vogue (I read that once on a coffee cup.) Anyway, you try on every single clutch in your closet, but nothing’s quite right — they’re either too big, too small, the wrong color, the wrong texture or it’s the wrong time of day and the list goes on…

That’s when Christina took matters into her own hands and created “A Cabana Clutch.” It’s just what she needed, too: a bag streamlined enough to go with any outfit; adding details, like fringe, gave it posh personality. She knew she was onto something: she would go out with her friends and they kept commenting on her coordinated clutches. Each time they urged her to make more, eventually convincing her to pursue purse-making full-time and lucky for us, “Christina’s Cabana” was born. Crazy enough, that was only six months ago.

After her pet project turned into a bonafide business, Christina expanded, selling her clutches in select retail stores like #BrinyBoutique who provided the gorgeous dresses for the blog. She also started utilizing social media to promote her purses and that’s where I come in. Isn’t Instagram a beautiful thing? After we connected, we planned out a #FavoriteThings feature.

In person, Christina has a radiant glow about her, but it’s her bubbly personality that I really adore and both attributes are definitely infused into her contemporary, fringe and/or pom-pom creations. Christina also has a deep appreciation for all things tropical; naming her Cabana Clutches “The Golden Tan,” “The Oyster’s Pearl” and “The Beach Bar,” just to name a few. No two are alike either, because she hand-makes them so they’re uniquely one-of-a-kind.

Whether your dressing up or down, “A Cabana Clutch” will effortlessly connect the dots in your ever-changing wardrobe. Even better, you’ll be able to go from day to night without ever missing a stylish beat and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Shop the Cabana Clutches here: https://www.christinascabana.com

Be Social:
FB: @ChristinasCabana
IG: @christinascabana

wardrobe provided by www.brinyboutique.com
IG: @brinyboutique
Briny Boutique
274 N Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33301

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.Sam Keen
James Woodley Photography
All clutches are by Christina’s Cabana and appear in the following order: The Golden Shelly Clutch, The Coral Clutch & The Golden Tan Clutch
Outfits provided by @brinyboutique
Rings: @handmademiamibeach
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Captain Clutch” Auerbach

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

Hollywood Glam

What:

A quick trip to Hollywood to interview the cast of the new movie, “Bad Times At The El Royale” and #WhenInRome, a fashionista has to get glammed up to go sightseeing, shopping and spend time at the first place to ever host the Academy Awards. #AndTheOscarGoesTo…..

Why:

I haven’t been to my old stomping grounds, a.k.a Hollywood, in four years. After getting promoted to Co-host of Deco Drive, my #JetSetLife came to a well-deserved end. l hate to admit it, but after zigzagging the globe for almost two decades, I had grown tired of life on the road and was ready for a new challenge. Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t miss interviewing the word’s biggest stars in fabulous far away places. I actually do — sometimes.

So, when my Assignment Editor, Odette, asked if I wanted to attend a press junket for “Bad Times At The El Royale” in Los Angeles — I was game. Not only would I get to interview the cast of the movie, I’d get to do a fashion blog, too. #SignMeUp Sweetening the deal was a weekend stay at The Hollywood Roosevelt, which happens to be where the very first Academy Awards were held in 1929. 🎬

While LA hasn’t changed much, movie making sure has, or at least the kind of movies Hollywood is generating nowadays. If it’s not a superhero bonanza, it’s a blanket comedy or a cheesy romcom, which makes “Bad Times At The El Royale” all the better: it’s original, unique & provocative. In fact, I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years as a movie critic. Set in the 60’s…

The story centers around 7 very different people who are drawn to a mysterious hotel called the EL Royale. As each character checks in, you learn their “surface” backstory and how, coincidentally, they’re all looking for some kind of redemption. You know, like righting a personal wrong. The beginning of the movie starts with lighthearted tongue-in-cheek banter, subtlety hinting at the craziness to come and boy, does it ever…

As night falls on the El Royale, a suspenseful thriller is born with more twists and turns than the Kingda Ka at Six Flags in Jersey. Btw, Kingda Ka is said to be one of the scariest roller coasters in the world. 🎢😱 And all those surface backstories I mentioned boil over like a messy pot of overheated turkey chili (turkey chili happens to be my favorite. I eat it with extra cheese and sour cream).

So, what’s the movie ultimately about? Don’t think this is a cop-out, but it’s a matter of personal interpretation. #GoodVersesEvil #Perspective #Perception #NothingIsAsItSeems #OldHotelsCreepMeOut speaking of, eventually the El Royale reveals itself as a house of indiscretion, filled with two-way mirrors, secret rooms and buried skeletons. And you, the audience, are the ones doing the spying alongside hotel “management.” Meaning, you really get to see what’s going on in each character’s life.

The movie, which is the brainchild of writer/director Drew Goddard (best known for nail biting stories like “Cabin in the Woods,” “World War Z,” and “The Martian,”) delivers more than just a hair-raising cinematic ride…#BadTimesAtTheElRoyale is beautifully shot and edited and the ensemble cast is icing on the cake. Talk about acting chomps — while Chris Hemsworth is a stand-out and not just because he walks around the majority of the time with his shirt hanging off (okay, maybe that helps a little,) newcomer Cynthia Erivo is the #bombdotcom, too…

She delivers a breakout performance as Darlene Sweet, a down-on-her-luck singer. Although Cynthia is a theater veteran, this is her FIRST feature film role and WOW, if this performance is any indication of what’s to come, she’s headed for superstar status. Her on-screen presence is electric and her singing a revelation.

I’m not gonna lie, this film heads in a direction I didn’t see coming, not by a long shot, which is kind of the point. It’s a bag of thought-provoking tricks mixed in with a little Quentin Tarantino meets Robert Rodriguez. If you’re not big on violence, consider yourself warned. It gets really ugly, really fast. I’m not big on blood and guts, but support it if done in an artistic way that enriches the story and moves the plot forward and in this case, it does both alongside delivering a shocking ending. Want more?

Check out my interviews with the cast of the movie and see my full review at DecoDrive.com AND enjoy the blog pictures of a day well spent strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame and shopping on Rodeo Drive — because #Movies and #Memorable places (especially where I can buy a great pair of shoes,) will always be one my Favorite Things.

Where:

I interviewed the cast at
www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com
Isn’t the junket set cool?

When:

Bad Times At The El Royale opens in theaters October 12th
for more info: tinyurl.com/yd7c4czp

Be Social:
IG @thehollywoodroosevelt
FB @TheHollywoodRoosevelt
Twitter: @hwood_roosevelt

It’s not the having, it’s the getting.Elizabeth Taylor
James Woodley Photography
dresses, grey hat & snake skin boots: @BCBG #SouthBeach
jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
fur purse @bebe_Stores
Silver buckled black boots: @NastyGal
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Did Jeff Bridges Ask About Me?” Auerbach
Special Thanks to 20th Century Fox

Shireen’s Spotlight: Stubborn Seed

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. Beautiful red cocktail. Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. Custom Old Fashioned. Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. Fresh Hawaii Kajiki with Blue Marlin Fishl. Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. House smoked Foie Gras. Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. Stout Cake with caramelized apples and ginger ice cream. Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

Shireen’s Spotlight at Stubborn Seed. Blue Vchic Boutique off-the-shoulder dress on South Beach.  Shireen Sandoval weekly fashion and food blog based out of Miami, Florida.

What:

Dining at one of the most talked-about new hot spots on South Beach: “Stubborn Seed,” helmed by celebrity chef, Jeremy Ford, who won Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13.

Why:

If you like modern sophistication with a healthy dose of eccentric creativity, I have two words for you: “Stubborn Seed” — not only is the new eatery a place to see and be seen, it’s also a haven for the genuine foodie.

The best way to describe the cuisine is a “symphony of flavors”. It’s well thought-out, carefully planned and meticulously executed. The true crescendo, though, is when the food hits your mouth. And, like most music or any form of art, while you may not fully understand it, you can still enjoy and appreciate it.

In case you’re wondering, the name “Stubborn Seed” is a cloaked metaphor about the restaurant biz. More specifically, about the struggles, determination and passion it takes to succeed in it…

Which is something Chef Jeremy Ford knows a lot about. Despite having huge success on a major reality show, his extensive cooking knowledge has been won the hard way. In and out of kitchens since the age of 14, Jeremy has slowly worked his way up the proverbial food chain.

And you might say, he’s finally arrived…

“Stubborn Seed” is an effortlessly chic experience, with warm lighting, a predominant bar and (my favorite part) an intimate dining room. At its center, a large glass window showcasing what’s going on in the kitchen. It’s not just about seeing the magic, it’s also about feeling like an extension of that creative process.

I started my Sunday night #Spotlight with the interesting and innovative “Desert Daisy” — a tequila-based drink with a spicy kick — made with yummy ingredients like beets, orange bell pepper, lime & habanero shrub. It’s served on ice in this really cool Earth Dome glass with a dusting of carrot habanero. It’s a pinky-lifting drink. #ImSoFancy

If you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of person, the “Silver Dollar Old Fashioned” will definitely pay off. The drink, which arrives on a shiny silver tray, is pre-set with the perfect ingredients. With a choice of bourbon or whiskey (I did bourbon,) in-house seasonal bitters and golden simple syrup, pour your own personal measurements and mix! Or, if you’re like me, ask a professional! My server was a great sport…

Besides, the only thing I should be pouring is wine (I’m pretty decent at straight vodka, too.) Both drinks were amazing. Of course, I suggest the Desert Daisy for a lady and the Old Fashioned for a gentlemen. Neither disappoints and both are beautifully presented. Wait — who am I kidding? I drink like a sailor and would settle for both #StrongDrinksMakeMeHappy

From the menu, which is pretty straightforward & printed on paper (because it’s constantly changing,) I tried a piece of the complimentary warm bread with a side of garbanzo chili dip. It was sooooo soft (like buttah) and the dip had great texture and taste. If you want more, you can order it as an appetizer. Carbohydrates make my world go round, so for me, this is a must-try and believe me, it’s not a waste of space or calories.

I tried two appetizers — on the menu they’re presented as Raw / Snacks …

The “Hawaii Kajiki” (which is basically Blue Marlin) is a delicate blend of salty and savory, made with fermented chili, buttermilk, seaweed, sea grapes and asian pear. If you’re a fan of sashimi, you’ll love this.

And the “Smoked Foie Gras” — which is delicate and divine — is served with almonds, winter squash and quince. (Quince is kind-of like a fancy pear.) If you’ve never ventured into Foie Gras, this is definitely the place to do it. Plus, the presentation is filled with dramatic smokey goodness (the blog picture says it all.)

I also tried two mains — on the menu, they’re presented as Meats / Fish …

The “Slow Cooked Florida Snapper” was a foamy work-of-art, made with poblano cucumber lime, little neck clams, bitter lettuce & asian greens. It’s a carnival of light flavors worth trying; especially if you’re a fish lover.

Meat lover’s REJOICE! (Uh, that would be ME,) because the “Umami Short Rib” is amazeballs. Tender and tasty, it’s plated with trumpet mushrooms, heirloom carrots and miso mustard butter. I liked the balance of both dishes, but the ribs were so perfect, I almost proposed. #PrioritiesPeople

After Thanksgiving, you may not be game for dessert, but don’t ignore whatever it is they’re serving. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Stout Cake” with caramelized apples and ginger ice cream. It wasn’t too sweet, but it was indeed tasty. Who knew beer could be so fluffy and fantastic? (Said the girl who prefers vodka.)

If you’re looking for something different, interesting and incredibly provocative, “Stubborn Seed” is not only set to impress, it’s positioning itself as one of the best restaurants in the Magic City and to think it’s just getting started…that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things..

Where:

Stubborn Seed
101 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL. 33139

When:

Sunday-Thursday: 6pm-11pm
Friday-Saturday: 6pm-12am
Monday: Closed

www.stubbornseed.com/about/
Reservations: 786-322-5211
reservations@stubbornseed.com

Be Social
IG: @stubborn_seed
FB: @stubbornseed
Twitter: @StubbornSeed

Sometimes when you’re in a dark place
you
feel like you’ve been buried,
but actually
you’ve been planted.Christine Caine
James Woodley Photography
Styling: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe: @Vchicstore
Clutch: @ZacPosen
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Fancy Pear” Auerbach