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: 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

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams

What:

Embracing the bright side of #SpringFashion with a little help from Miami’s iconic & colorful Little Haiti and trying to figure out why everyone is acting a little crazy, including myself. Thanks #MercuryRetrograde.

Why:

I’m not gonna lie, I wanted to mail this blog in. Put on a cute neon outfit, take a few snaps, write a couple of paragraphs and be done with it, but I can’t because I have all these feelings and emotions gnawing at me and I’m not sure where to put them and how to deal with them, so writing them down seemed apropos. And, let’s face it, it’s cheaper than therapy.

About four weeks ago, for whatever reason, my phone started blowing up like Mount Vesuvius; favor, after favor, came pouring in. Shireen, can you do a story? Shireen, can you do a blog? Shireen, can you make an appearance? Shireen, can you wear my clothes? Can I borrow something from your closet? Can I stay at your house? Can you meet for lunch? How about dinner? Can you ask James to hook me up with FREE photos? The requests were endless & relentless.

INHALE. EXHALE. Turn phone over as if it’s a piranha about to devour my hand which, coincidentally, did happen a week later – not by a predatory fresh water fish; by a dog leash that accidentally got wrapped around my right hand while walking my beloved Rigby. It snapped back so severely, I fell to my knees and wept. I was so disoriented from the pain, I crawled onto someone’s lawn and passed out. The doctor fixed me up, ordered me to rest and see a hand specialist ASAP. I didn’t.

The next week, armed with inflammation-reducing pills, ice and tenacity, I muscled my way through my busy life. Ding, ding, ding, ding; my phone wouldn’t stop. Shireen, can I borrow money? Shireen, can you pass my resume to your boss? Shireen, can you get me a job at Channel 7? Shireen, can you feature my hair salon on Deco Drive? Shireen, can you help with my charity? Shireen, can you tell me a good TV agent? Shireen, why aren’t you answering my IG messages? SHIREEN, are you there?

When I mentioned the onslaught of requests/demands/favors to my best friend, Jackie, we talked it out. We came to the conclusion that, more than likely, it was about my boundary issues. I had always had a hard time saying NO and turning a blind eye to people who, for whatever reason, had nabbed my phone number over the years (for stories, blogs or events) and used it with absolutely no discretion. Ahhh…so, that’s what this was about: taking care of myself. The universe was allowing me to practice and if I didn’t listen, I’d have to learn the lesson over and over again. Noted.

INHALE EXHALE. Bury phone in stylish purse. Go to CVS. Buy hand brace. Rip package open in car. Fumble with Velcro. Wrap contraption around hand. Lay head on steering wheel. Cry. Go to work. Type with left hand. Carefully drive home. Lay in bed awake. The pain can’t last forever, can it?

By the weekend, my hand started to swell and stiffen and my daily tasks became impossible. I could no longer brush my teeth, put my hair in a pony tail or do Pilates comfortably. I backed off social media, stopped texting as much and promised myself to call the hand doctor first thing Monday morning. Still, life went on. I attended a beautiful wedding, a chic birthday brunch and tried practicing those all-important boundaries…

Message after message, text after text, I replied NO (in one form or another.) If I valued the person and/or organization, I asked politely if they could please STOP pitching stories to my personal phone and/or private social media platforms. More importantly, I called the hand doctor. Nothing. No answer. No returned call. I called another one. Nothing. No answer. No returned call. I fumbled through the next few days in a haze of pain.

Like a broken record, I cried to Jackie about the ongoing barrage of messages and the excruciating pain in my hand. “Maybe this isn’t a boundary thing,” she said frankly, “Maybe it’s because Mercury is in Retrograde.” I grew quiet. I didn’t know a lot about astrology, but I did believe in the universe and all of its beautiful mysteries. Mercury. Retrograde. Noted. Will look it up when not in pain. Jackie added: “GO TO THE DOCTOR.”

(If this were a movie, this would be the part where I turn and talk right into the camera: “I’m not an idiot. I fully know I should have gone to the doctor earlier. In fact, I should be there right now, but something so medically earth-shattering and tragic happened to me years ago, going to the doctor is a stark reminder of some of the darkest days of my life. Despite therapy and a decent recovery, I suffer chronic pain, CIDP relapses and seem to be prone to injury. So, as you can imagine, denial has turned into a powerful friend. On that note, things are about to get real.”)

INHALE. EXHALE. Walk into television make-up room. Clutch hand. Nauseous. Dizzy. Collapse into chair. Co-worker calls hand doctor. Exam. X-ray. Prognosis. Needle. Pain. Swollen man-hand like Seinfeld episode. Then, like magic, everything stood still. Someone hit the pause button. I couldn’t pick-up the phone, couldn’t blog, couldn’t email, couldn’t be on TV. The universe wanted me to STOP and this time, I listened. Healing is never easy; it takes patience and a willingness to admit your own limitations and frankly, I should be a professional at it by now, but we all have our issues. So, there I was, alone with my fat hand and my mile-a-minute thoughts. I went home, drifted off to sleep and dreamed of #MercuryRetrograde…

An optical illusion that a planet is moving backward, but somehow, it is not: representing communication issues, psychic clutter, frazzled behavior, intensity and if you’re a Leo, like myself, it can pose the question: “Am I getting exactly what I want outta life?” And, perhaps, most pertinent, Mercury Retrograde can also mean coincidences are extra-ordinary. Demanding favors, aggressive social media messages, hundreds of emails and a hand injury forcing me to IGNORE all of the above. A serendipitous twist of fate? I think not.

They say we dream in black and white, but it’s not true, because just before I woke up from my post-hand procedure nap, I floated through a cocoon of neon colors, mainly, pink and yellow. The vibrancy of the moment stayed with me and is the inspiration for this blog. Google says, “Neon Dreams” represent a person who’s seeking a solution or a change, in order to find relief. Coincidence? I think not.

My hand is finally healing and for the most part, the crazy favors/messages/demands have stopped. Intensity doesn’t have to be a bad thing, I guess, but how you handle or interpret it can make all the difference. Life is all about pacing: realizing what’s important and giving those things your unbridled attention. The rest is just noise. A LOT of noise. As I type the last words of this entry, Mercury has officially creeped its way out of retrograde and it seems all is right in the universe again and that’s why, “Neon Dreams” is one of my Favorite Things.

www.HotMiamiStyles.com

Be Social
FB: @HotMiamiStyles
IG: @hotmiamistyles
Twitter: @HotMiamiStyles

I dream of you in colors that don’t exist.anonymous
James Woodley Photography
Pink Neon Dress by Hot Miami Styles
Yellow Neon Purse & Accessories: Aldo, Lincoln Road
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Shireen, can I talk to you for a minute?” Auerbach

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

Dream Closet

What:

Discovering Lakzya — a place where you can rent high-end couture to keep up with your glamorous lifestyle. And yes, you’re gonna wanna post that outfit.

Why:

I had a complete break-down last Monday while shooting my #ootd picture. It was hot out, my dress was too tight and I just felt bad about myself. I chalked it up to the beginning of the week, but I knew it was more than that.

Over the weekend, I had been sick in bed suffering a CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) flare up. It loves rearing its ugly head when I’m stressed-out or if I’ve exercised too much. In this case, I had done BOTH, so now, I was paying the price.

Normally, a few days off from my busy life would be a nice respite, but nerve discomfort doesn’t really work like that. You have to rest, take meds, but keep the mind busy, so you’re not thinking about the pain. During my episodes, I spend a lot of time watching television, shopping online and of course, looking at social media. Ahhhh, social media. It’s a blessing and a curse. Last week, it was the latter.

IG was killing me — all those intriguing vacations, perfect romantic relationships, challenging work-outs, sculpted bodies, amazing parties and perfectly posed bloggers. I closed my eyes and wished the images away, but they penetrated my psyche. Eventually, I drifted off into an uncomfortable sleep of not feeling good enough.

A few days later, after my flare-up had passed, there I was, tugging at my dress, trying to smile for the camera in the blazing noon day sun. Even though I had sworn off social media a few short days ago (when I was feeling sick,) there I was trying to “Keep Up with the Joneses” or I guess, in this day and age, it would be more like the Kardashians? Perhaps, though, I was just trying to keep up with myself. Speaking of…

My daily IG posts are to support my fashion & food blog, but over the years it’s grown into showcasing what I’m wearing on Deco Drive, too. Hence my #ootd pictures, and that’s not all — whatever I wear (whether it’s to a gala, cocktail party, work event, night on the town, vacation, brunch, lunch) it’s usually planned out to be picture perfect. #SayCheese It’s not just part of my job, it’s the modern-day way and while I do have a killer closet, more often than not, I find myself with NOTHING TO WEAR. #HowIsThatEvenPossible?

—Enter: LAKZYA—

A boutique that specializes in giving fashionistas their “Dream Closet” by renting out a highly curated selection of designer dresses, gowns and coats. When I first heard about it, “Rent the Runway” came to mind, of which I’ve never been a big fan. It’s not that I don’t like the concept; it’s because I need to see, feel, touch and have an experience with what I wear before I invest in it and #renttherunway is more of an online thing. I mean, they do have “some” stores, but good luck finding one.

While Lakzya does have an online presence, their main approach is hands-on. You make an appointment and a stylist helps you find what you’re looking for. My experience there was pretty amazing. I thought I’d find one, maybe two dresses to supplement my wardrobe demands but honestly, there were so many great things I actually had a hard time choosing. It wasn’t just about the choices, either, it was the diversity of them. I tried a Stella McCartney Jumper, a Christian Dior dress originally designed by John Galliano, a Fendi Belted day-to-nighttime dress and a gorgeous Preen by Thornton Bregazzi red and pink number.

Need a bag to match? No problem. Lakzya has Chanel, Ferragamo, Ximena Kavalekas, Balenciaga and more. Everything in the store is in mint condition. Some have never been worn, worn once or they’ve been beautifully restored to their original state. The fashions at Lakzya didn’t just make me happy, I giggled at the ease of it all. Forget “Dream Closet,” it’s more like a “Dream Present” that never stops giving, with weekly wardrobe coming in and out you’ll always find the BEST fashion has to offer.

What makes it even more appealing? The company was started by three incredibly chic women (Natalie, Anna and Valerie) who over the years, like most fashionistas, carefully invested in designer dresses and accessories, but after one wear that was it. With pictures, social media and intimate party circles, the beyond-expensive outfits would get pushed to the back of their closets where they lay in waiting for their next “possible” wear and that’s when the idea of a “Dream Closet” was born. #SharingIsCaring

Lakzya easily restored my faith in finding the perfect outfit for any occasion, especially after months of muttering: “I have nothing to wear” and I’m even feeling better (suck it, CIDP.) On that note, I realize social media is what you make it. Being interested and interesting online is how things roll these days, and finding healthy boundaries is important too, but first — let me post a picture of my “Dream Closet” outfit, because it’s definitely one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

Lakzya
1160 Kane Concourse
Suite 101
Bay Harbour Islands, Florida 33154

or shop-online www.lakzya.com

When:

Working Hours: 9am-6pm
or call/email to make an appointment 305-864-4746
Info@lakzya.com

Be Social:
IG: @lakzya

Fashion is life-enhancing and I think it’s a lovely, generous thing to do for other people.Vivienne Westwood
James Woodley Photography
Outside wardrobe by Hot Miami Styles
Inside clothing & handbags by Lakzya
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “McCartney” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Novikov Miami

What:

A glamorous, one-of-a-kind dinner at “Novikov Miami” — where Japanese & Chinese food fuse together beautifully.

Why:

Usually when I do #Spotlight, there’s something about the restaurant I’m featuring that’ll blow me away; sometimes it’s the food, other times it’s the incredible service or perhaps, the lively atmosphere. When it comes to “Novikov Miami” — it’s ALL of those things wrapped into one. It’s simply, #WorldClass.

My experience at the already popular eatery, which has only been open a few short months, was nothing short of sublime. In fact, I found it incredibly provocative and frankly, it surprised me. While the restaurant’s reputation is outstanding in other parts of the world (London, Dubai and Moscow, ) that doesn’t always guarantee success locally, but boy-oh-boy — “Novikov Miami” is definitely something to write home about. I’d even send a follow-up letter to get my point across. 💌

Its cuisine, which is some of the best in the Magic City, is fresh, clean and artistic and its modern decor matches, perfectly. Think “contemporary cool meets Miami sophistication.” If that weren’t enough — location, location, location. Its view has major real estate moxie; sitting on the edge of downtown close to the water (where the bay meets the river.) When I went last weekend, the sun was setting and the restaurant was bathed in a deliciously warm glow. It was heaven on earth…

Or maybe that was the “Wasabi Martini” talking. Made with vodka, purple basil, pineapple, wasabi, lemon and yuzu, you’ll be “drank” into submission. I’ve never even heard of a “Wasabi Martini,” let alone tried one. It was refreshing with a familiar kick and definitely a #MustTry. The “Apricot Margarita” is pretty special, too and if you like tequila, you’ll be in cocktail paradise (it’s made with prosecco, apricot, cardamom, clove and lemon.) If you prefer something stronger, “Kiri Old Fashioned” will get your motor running with whisky, spiced kola, applewood smoke and bitters. #ComeToMama

If you’re regular blog reader, you know how I love to cry when I eat, it’s the New Mexico girl in me and the “Scallop Jalapeño” didn’t disappoint. If you’re a little gun- shy, though, it comes with a sweet potato puree to tame the flame. The “Yuzu Salmon” topped with sesame seeds was simple & delicious. I’m a sucker for a good Yuzu sauce, especially when it’s salty & savory like Novikov’s.

There’s not a “too pretty to eat” category on the sushi menu, but if there were, you’d find “A5 Wagyu topped with Foie Gras” & “Chu Toro garnished with Caviar and gold flecks”. This was my favorite of the night. I’ve always struggled developing a taste for toro, but when done right, WOW, it’s out of this world and who doesn’t like the quality of Wagyu paired with foie gras? Both are a #MustTry.

If you’re a “Peking Duck” fan you’re gonna flip over Novikov’s simple yet succulent take on it. Served with all the fixings: cucumber, spring onion, sweet sauce and pancakes to wrap it all up in. The “Black Cod Rolls” are a stand-out, too with a great outer texture, think Nabisco Shredded Wheat, that gives way to a rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth middle.

While good Dim Sum can be hard to find in Miami, the “Spicy Prawn Moneybags”💰💰 are changing the game. The dashing little dumplings are perfectly plump and remind me of biting into little clouds of love. I’d list every ingredient, but that’s not Novikov’s way; they leave something to the taste bud imagination. Straight from the restaurant’s Fish Market, I tried the “Portuguese Red Mullet” which was handpicked, battered & fried into delicious bite-sized pieces. I love the concept of choosing what I’m eating and having a say over how it’s prepared.

I didn’t think I could manage dessert until I laid eyes on the “Tropical Ki-iro” (made with passion fruit, white chocolate ice-cream mango, mint and basil.) Holy fabulousness, Batman. My usual flowery adjectives can’t even do it justice. The “Double Chocolate Lava Cake” with sesame crumble, and ginger ice cream was a work of art and in true Miami style, the “Quatro Leches” is a satisfying mainstay.

There are a lot of great places to eat in the Magic City, but if you’re looking for something truly spectacular with exceptional service and amazing food, “Novikov Miami” is waiting for you and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

Novikov Miami inside Met 1
(ground floor)
300 South Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33131

When:

Monday – Friday Novikov opens at 12pm
Saturday & Sunday for dinner at 6pm

Be Social:
IG: @novikovmiami
FB: @NovikovMiami
Twitter: @novikovmiami

Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are.Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
James Woodley Photography
wardrobe by @HotMiamiStyles
jewelry: @LexiJewelry
sneaker wedges: @stevemadden
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Too Pretty To Eat” Auerbach