Shireen’s Spotlight: GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

GK Bistronomie

What:

GK Bistronomie, 218 NW 25th Street, Miami, Florida 33127

Why:

When I write my food blog, I always hashtag my social media with #FoodIsLove, but at GK Bistronomie, #FoodIsArt and then some. The Peruvian-style eatery is creative, innovative and frankly, one of the most interesting places I’ve been to in a long time. The food is what Angelina Jolie is to the human race: breathtakingly beautiful, intriguing and sexy.

The restaurant itself has a modern feel mixed with an artsy vibe. Along with an open-air kitchen, there’s also a cool indoor/outdoor bar with an impressive selection of Peruvian Pisco’s (made in house.) Executive Chef Rafael Perez is a true artist, sculpting, mixing and plating food into colorful, decorative, delicious masterpieces. The best part? The restaurant and those who work there aren’t pretentious (no food snobs here.) Instead, they’re friendly, knowledgeable and care about your dining experience.

My “Spotlight” started with my usual drink fest (don’t hate, this is what you guys request when I’m out and about.) “Queen Mayra” (with absolut pear, passion fruit, celery and ylang, ylang,) “Linda Paloma” (pisco infuse with ginger, pear, green tea, orange, fresh squeezed lime, fresh pineapple, indian spices) and “Wynwood Sahumerio” (absolut elyx, star fruit, orange darjeeling and chamomile.)

The Queen was all kinds of fresh yumminess with a very pear-y taste with hints of essential oils. Oh, Linda! was exotic, spicy and smooth; but it was the Sahumerio that I wanted to have a Sunday brunch affair with: along with a cool dry ice presentation and a large square cut ice cube, it had this great fresh, tangy orange taste to it. If I wasn’t working, my play would have been to double down.

I tried three appetizers: “Parmesan” (grouper, parmesano reggiano, lime, chives, aji limo) “Peruvian Seafood” (corvina, octopus, calamari, shrimp, mussels, lime, cilantro, red onion, aji limo, sweet potato and choclo) and “Crab And Avocado” (jumbo lump crab, aji amarillo, papa amarilla, rocoto, caviar.) Each plate was so gorgeous, it was hard to eat; but once I dug in, my guilt wholeheartedly subsided.

The grouper was my favorite. It was smooth, creamy and cheesy (with a nice kick to it.) The Peruvian plate, which was actually a bowl, came with a top: uncapping it gave way to a rich, smokey flavor and who doesn’t love crab mixed with avocado? It was a charming balance of two of my favorite foods.

For my main course, I tried the “Black Grouper” (which is pan seared black grouper, shrimp, octopus, clams, mussels, quinoa and seafood broth.) This plate had amazing texture because of the quinoa, which I think of as more of a health food, but still, it was incredibly yummy with delicate touches of the aforementioned seafood. The broth was magical and not too “soupy.”

Last but not least, the “Nutella Mousse” is what I had for dessert, with the most amazing latte and sugar stick (a spur of-the-moment addition by our wonderful server.) The mousse (made with almonds, dark chocolate, cardamom and coffee meringue,) was decadent and rich. Oh, and that latte!? It was something else! Our waitress told us she had worked at a coffee place (awhile ago) and had mastered her coffee-making skills. Actually, she said: “I was a slave to making lattes.” Whatever she did, she has some mad coffee making skilllz. Hats off to her!

The presentation alone is enough to impress anyone who dines at GK Bistronomie, but mix that with the fact that the food actually tastes amazing and the people who run the place are really cool and you can’t go wrong. At this restaurant, food isn’t just love, #FoodIsArt and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things. Cheers!

Where:

GK Bistronomie is located in the heart of the Wynwood Art District (about a block away from the Wynwood Walls.) The artsy area is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Magic City. From speciality stores to cutting edge restaurants and bars, it’s definitely one of the most impressive and provocative parts of Miami. Street parking is tricky in this area because of the high volume of traffic (more so on the weekends,) but they have a valet right out in front of the restaurant that’s pretty quick and efficient (at least from my experience.)

When:

Monday-Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-10:30pm

www.gkbistronomie.com
786-477-5151
FB: GK Bistronomie Twitter: @GkbWynwood IG: @gkbwynwood

Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all of your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.Ernest Hemingway
Dress: @HotMiamiStyles Duster: @KoreBoutique Shoes: @alepel_byadrianaPhotographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Producer/Blogger: Shireen Sandoval

Friday, November 13, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

The Perfect Purse (featuring V73)

What:

V73, 4218 NE. 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

Okay, okay, okay…I lied! V73 doesn’t just have “The Perfect Purse,” it has a lot of them. The chic and sophisticated line, which hails from Venice, Italy (one of the most beautiful cities in the world,) has “The Perfect Purse” for every single facet of your fashionable life. Lucky for us! I mean, come on — have you ever heard a woman say: “I have too, many purses!” Uh, never.

The creator behind these luxurious but affordable bags is Elizabetta Armellin, who studied fine art in Italy. She eventually became a fashion designer for major brands and then, launched her own label in 2011. The rest is, as they say, fashion history.

Elizabetta’s vivacious personality and skilled craftsmanship, specifically as an artist, is breathed into each and every one of her creations. I found out about the line about a year ago, when I started the Spotlight portion of my blog. In fact, V73 was one of my first features. Eventually, though, that part of the blog turned into the fabulous food feature that it is these days and I didn’t get to do a full-blown blog on them until now. I love everything about these purses; the materials, textures, colors, versatility and quality. I’m especially obsessed with their latest Fall/Winter 2016 Apache backpack. You can check it out on my Instagram (@ShireenSandoval).

My second favorite is their IT bag of the season: the “Selva” (shopping bag,) which features wild and whimsical creatures. I adore the parrot, but the cougar is a close second. It’s all kinds of glamourous while being able to carry my computer, phone, make-up and even my shoes inside (don’t worry, my kitchen sink is still intact.) BTW, the hobbling continues in my “Chicks in Kicks” after knee-surgery, but at this point, I’m throwing my heels in “The Perfect Purse” for good measure because I’m finally off crutches.

I looovvveeed spicing things up with the “Ducale Xxs Red Pepper.” Even though it’s petite, it sure packs a powerful fashion punch; with luxurious leather, gold detailing and two versatile handles (the other is a chain shoulder strap.) You can carry this little firecracker like a pocketbook or wear it cross body. It’s so sassy, I can hardly stand it. It also comes in deep blue and black. I think the “Peggy Ottanio” has the same kind of pizzaz, especially with its quilted material, metallic hardware and beautiful blue/greenish color (it comes in grey, too.)

Last, but not least, the holiday’s are upon us and having a purse to carry along for a special night is a must-have for every fashionista. I collect clutches, but more importantly, I collect ones that go with just about anything and the “Stella Black” is the perfect example. I love its effortlessly chic appearance.

Venice is where Elizabetta’s inspiration comes from and 73 is the year she was born and the number of the Atelier (workshop) where she studied fine art. Voila! V73 was created and I love everything about it and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

V73 is located in the Miami Design District and believe-you-me, it’s not just a store, it’s an experience! The picturesque boutique is snuggled into the first level of a charming house, draped with vibrant greenery. The inside is warm, relaxing and feels like you’re in someone’s living room (someone with really good taste.)

Everything has a V73 flare to it: the chandelier, furniture, even the art. I’ve never been to Venice, but I’m pretty sure this is a taste of its sophistication and elegance. The best part? Each purse is lined up against illuminated walls (think a spotlight on each purse) displaying their textures, materials, colors and sizes.

Parking isn’t a problem; next to the house there’s a nice lot with assigned spaces. Also, the store is just a hop, skip and a jump away from one of my favorite lunch spots in Miami, Mandolin Aegean Bistro. Make a day of it; you won’t regret it. Happy Shopping!

When:

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm

E-shop: www.v73.us
Twitter: @V73Official
Instagram: @v73official FB: @V73

Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong.Adriana Lima

Photographer: James Woodley
Hair/MUA: Odett Hernandez
Stylist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe: @HotMiamiStyles www.HotMiamiStyles.com
Scarf: @CarlosMarrero (Marrero Collection)
Shoes: @irregularchoice & @prada

All purses are by V73 and pictured in the following order: Selva-Parrot, Ducale-XxsRed Pepper, Peggy-Ottanio and Stella-Black. Prices available upon request.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

TiramesU

What:

TiramesU, 101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Why:

Warm, sophisticated and Hampton-esque, TiramesU is the kind of restaurant that looks like the backdrop of a Nancy Myer movie (think the kitchen scenes in “It’s Complicated.”) Not only is it incredibly easy on the eyes, the food is delightful, interesting and provocative. I especially loved the duck; it was succulent and trimmed in a generous portion of chargrilled kale. I’m still dreaming about it. Before I get ahead of myself, though, let’s start from the beginning…

TiramesU is a Miami Beach staple, opening back in the 80’s on the corner of Ocean Drive and 5th. Eventually, the Italian cuisine eatery relocated to famed-Lincoln Road, serving locals and tourists for almost twenty years. Sometimes, though, change is good and in this case, it’s outstanding. TiramesU has revamped and relocated back to its original location: South of Fifth.

I started my Friday night Spotlight in the restaurant’s bustling bar area, perched-up at a hightop right next to a gigantic picturesque window (perfect for SoBe people watching.) I tried three signature cocktails: “MoonShine Mule” (blackberry infused grappa, ginger beer, lime juice and agave,) “Heart Beet” (pineapple infused vodka, beet, orange and lime) and last but not least, “Claudio’s Sour” (rye, raspberries, egg whites, lemon juice, rosemary and balsamic.)

The Mule was major; strong and layered with flavors. The beet drink was earthy; reminding me of something you’d get at a juice bar, with a little extra zing to it (vodka) and the sour? It was my fave. I’m told it’s named after the bartender. He or she must be fresh, sultry and delicious. It tasted like a sophisticated cosmo (with more depth and pizazz.)

I love it when an appetizer rivals a meal in taste and creativity. Case in point, the “Capesante” (scallop carpaccio with strawberries and almonds.) It was fresh, flavorful and extremely photogenic, but it was the “Polpo” that totally blew me away (mediterranean octopus, potatoes, crispy speck and salsa verde.) It was perfectly tenderized; mixed with savory potatoes, it completely stole my heart. The “Burrata” (made from local cheese, tomatoes and yummy balsamic) was an interesting twist on a classic dish.

For dinner; the aforementioned “Anatra” is a must-have (honey glazed duck breast, apple puree and chargrilled kale.) Hmmm…I’ll definitely be back for more! If duck’s not your thing, there’s the beautifully plated “Salmone” (scottish salmon fillet, red beets and sour cream,) sure to satisfy any fish-lover’s pallet.

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for…DESSERT. I bet you can’t guess what I had at a restaurant named TiramesU? Yep, the absolute mind-blowing “TiramesU Trio,” including strawberry, espresso with chocolate and red pepper and finally, mixed berries. Each flavor was smooth, creamy and decadent. I think the espresso with chocolate and red pepper was my favorite. It was so interesting and the flavors unveiled themselves in layers.

The “Semifreddo” (made with semi-frozen cassata, ricotta cheese, candied fruit and blood orange sauce) was amazing, too. I especially loved its presentation. TiramesU is a gorgeous restaurant with a first class kind-of vibe and the food is just as sophisticated; that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

TiramesU has taken up residence on Miami Beach’s South of Fifth. The neighborhood is the restaurant’s original home and it fits perfectly snuggled in next store to Red Steakhouse. Street parking is always tough on the beach, but there’s a valet front and center, as well as a public lot catty-corner from the front of the restaurant. Cheers!

When:

Sunday-Thursday 6pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 6pm-1am Bar open until 2am.

Reservations: www.tiramesu.com or 305-532-4538
Twitter: @TiramesuSOFl IG: @tiramesusofi FB: TiramesU

I think every woman should own a blowtorch.Julia Child
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
wardrobe: www.HotMiamiStyles.com
IG & Twitter: @HotMiamiStyles
necklace: @jillzaleski bracelet & rings: @lalacouturegirl
Friday, November 6, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,