Islamorada | Shireen's Favorite Things

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

What:

The Banyan Tree, 81197 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

Why:

I love driving to The Keys with my windows rolled down and Tina Turner blaring on my iPod. It’s the most freeing feeling; leaving Miami in my rearview mirror and exploring a place I hope to call home one day. Each trip always brings the most unique discoveries and “Banyan Tree Boutique,” in Islamorada is one of them.

For years, on my way to Key West I would zoom by it (not even knowing it was a store.) Something about it, though, always caught my attention; beckoning me from the highway. It took awhile, but eventually, I’d slow down just before passing it. No matter how hard I’d crank my neck around to get a glimpse (which was all kinds of cra), it still didn’t allow me to see through the lush green canopy.

So, a few months ago, I FINALLY STOPPED and walked in.

Yeah, that’s right…I told my Type A (gotta get back to the big city) self to pipe down. What’s more, I talked myself into taking time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak and believe you me, I’m glad I did and for the record, when I was there, I smelled waaayy more than just roses. 🌿🌻🌳💐 I knew immediately that I had to go back and do a blog!

The “Banyan Tree Boutique” is snuggled into an expansive garden, filled with orchids, succulents and locally made pottery. Staying true to its namesake there’s a huge Banyan tree smack dab in the middle of it all. Every nook and cranny of the place holds a charming secret waiting to be discovered. With magical wind chimes, ceramic creatures and fabulous art, there’s something for everyone. Did I mention the retail therapy?

Inside, you’ll find beautiful clothing, gorgeous jewelry and gifts galore: candles, journals, purses and other unique trappings made by local artisans. Not only will you find the unusual, you’ll also find first class quality. Everything I’m wearing in the blog (even the accessories), are all from “Banyan Tree Boutique.”

The entire premise of the place is built around everything I adore. More specifically, my hobbies; including gardening, art and fashion. Adjacent to the boutique is a make-shift studio where you can take art classes (drawing or painting.)

If you’re looking for a little bohemian slice of heaven when you’re in The Keys or you just need to get away for the day, the “Banyan Tree Boutique” is my quintessential “Garden of Dreams” and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things. I think it’s the perfect place to see in 2016. Happy New Year!

When:

Monday-Saturday 10-am-5pm (Closed on Sundays)

Where:

The “Banyan Tree Boutique” is located in Islamorada (which means “Island Home”) in the Florida keys. It’s also called the “Village of Islands” because it consists of five different keys. I love that it’s only an hour and a half from Miami; making for an easy get away. The boutique is right off the Overseas Highway on the east side of the road.

FB: @TheBanyanTree, IG: @BanyanTreeBoutique, Twitter: @BanyanTreeKeys
Shop the blog looks on-line: www.banyantreeboutique.com

I didn’t want someone who would buy me roses. I wanted someone who would plant them, knowing that I would be there when they blossomed.Unknown

Photographer/Videographer: James Woodley
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair, MUA: Odett Hernandez
(all clothing & accessories provided by Banyan Tree Boutique)

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things Banyan Tree Boutique, Florida Keys, Islamorada, James Woodley Photography, The Keys

Shireen’s Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

Shireen's Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

What:

Oltremare, 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

Why:

Oltremare Ristorante inside Amara Cay Resort is my last food blog of the year and man, what a way to go out. The Italian eatery has a warm atmosphere with a sophisticated flair, but it’s the food that’s truly fabulous. What’s more, it’s made with passion and pure love by Executive Chef Dario Olivera.

After shooting my “Dress to Impress” New Year’s Eve fashion blog with “Hot Miami Styles” at the resort, I was hungry and thirsty! That’s not always a good thing when I do Spotlight. I always tell my crew: “It’s about tasting not eating,” but not to worry because on Chef Dario’s watch NO ONE leaves hungry.

I started my evening with three yummy drinks, “The Blood-Lime” which is their signature cocktail, was definitely my favorite (made with deep eddy ruby red, fever tree elderflower tonic, Campari and key lime.) The “Zugroni” & “Naughty and Spice” were both sweet enough to put me in a jolly holiday mood.

My first appetizer, “Sea Salt Roasted Beets” (made with greek yogurt, honey cured pistachio and blood orange syrup) was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The “Grilled Octopus,” plated in a yummy winter squash puree came with a side of crispy chips; adding extra texture. My favorite app (and it was hard to choose) was the gorgeous Antipasto plate. Hmmm… I’m a sucker for finger food.

The main courses were to die for, usually I take a bite, pass the plate and remain noncommittal, but I wouldn’t let our server take ANY of the dishes away. 😁 The “Lasagnette” (made with wild mushrooms) was dreamy and the “Gnocchi” with rabbit was extra sumptuous.

My absolute favorites: the “Orecchiette” (scallops, rock shrimp in a parmesan tomato broth) and “Caramelle” (with duck confit, Swiss chard, cranberries and reggiano). My tastebuds are forever spoiled. The chef wanted us to have more than carbs, so, he sent out one of his favorite plates “Grilled Cobia” (made with melted leeks). This is perfect for the non-pasta lover.

The “Tiramisu” and “Zeppoli” (deep-fried dough balls served with a Nutella dip) were beyond decadent and the perfect sweet treats to end our feast. The friendly staff, chic atmosphere and incredible pasta definitely make “Oltremare” one of my new favorite things.

Where:

Oltremare is located inside the Amara Cay Resort. The entire property is gorgeous and snuggled into a little slice of heaven in The Florida Keys. More specifically, Islamorada.

When:

Dinner 5pm-10pm. Reservations are suggested: 305-664-0073

www.amaracayresort.com/oltremare-ristorante
Instagram: @Oltremare_Ristorante

Count your nights by stars, not shadows; count your life with smiles, not tearsItalian Proverb

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe: Hot Miami Styles
(shop the look www.HotMiamiStyles.com)

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Amara Cay Resort, Florida Keys, Hot Miami Styles, Islamorada, James Woodley Photography, Oltremare, Restaurant, The Keys

The Great Escape … (featuring The Moorings Village)

The Great Escape ... (featuring The Moorings Village)

What’s a desert girl from New Mexico doing in South Florida by the ocean? I’ve always called it, “The Great Escape.” It all started on a hot muggy night a little over ten years ago, when a plane from the cold midwest touched down at Miami International Airport carrying a young journalist with big dreams. When I stepped onto the jet bridge the humidity slapped me across the face, wrapped its warm arms around me and whispered in my ear: “You’re meant to be here.”

I shrugged off the premonition and cabbed it to a part of Miami I’d never heard of called North Bay Village. It was so dark outside I couldn’t see the landscape, which I found disappointing. I had never been to Florida before and was eager to see its lush palm trees, crystal blue waters and much talked about “sexy people.” I settled for a grumpy cab driver, who smelled of cigars, stale sweat and cheap cologne.

After a short and relatively smooth drive, he dropped me off in front of the Best Western strategically placed next to Channel 7, where I would audition for Deco Drive in a few hours. I had been summoned by one of the most powerful stations in the country after their plans to hire a male entertainment reporter had fallen through.

I’ve never been great at auditions, but when I met Lynn Martinez and Belkys Nerey for the first time, it was as if I had known them for years (despite never having seen the show before.) For lack of a better description, we got on famously. After visiting with one another, the three of us did a scripted run-through of Deco, then an unscripted one (we call that ad-libbing in television) and I felt really good about it. Matter of fact, I nailed the audition. I just knew, for whatever reason, Miami was where I was meant to be.

I left South Florida as quickly as I came. I had to get back to Indianapolis, where I was working on a morning show at the time as an Entertainment/Features correspondent. Most job auditions in television are done on the sly and mine was no different. On the way to the airport, though, my agent called and said I had been offered the job. I accepted.

Read the rest of “The Great Escape” at www.wsvn.com or to shop any of the looks featured in the blog go to www.kokopalenki.com.

www.themooringsvillage.com
Twiiter @MooringsVillage
IG @MooringsVillage
FB The Moorings Village and Spa
Reservations: 305-664-4708

Blog styled by Shari Bloch
Twitter: @soblondie729
IG: @ShariBloch
FB: Styling by Shari

Blog Wardrobe provided by:www.kokopalenki.com
Twitter: @KokoPalenki
IG: @KokoPalenki
FB: Koko Palenki

Thursday, January 8, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things Beach, Beachwear, Florida Keys, Islamorada, Moorings Village, The Keys

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Beach Cafe at Morada Bay

shireen sandoval fashion, fashion blogger, miami fashion blogger, miami fashion, Miami, Restaurant, Fine Dining, Food, Foodie, Spotlight, Shireens Favorite Things, The Beach Cafe at Morada Bay , fl, islamorada, keys

What: The Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar, 81600 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

Why: I’ve never been so in love with an outdoor space (although, “Shuckers” in North Bay Village is a close second.) The Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar is the perfect place to have an adult beverage and watch Paradise slowly, beautifully and hypnotically fall asleep.

Its sandy outdoor area, which faces west, overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Islamorada. Its a view that lets you watch Mother Nature show off in all of her splendid glory. My visit to the restaurant wasn’t planned, per se, but it was arranged at the last minute by “The Moorings Village & Spa,” where my crew and I were shooting a “Shireen’s Favorite Things” fashion blog.

After a hard day’s work, we drove a short distance South on the Overseas Highway and ended up at the cool and colorful cafe. We quickly ordered cocktails, chatted, laughed and fully fell in love with the crazy-good view. Just before the golden glow of the sun sunk below the horizon, we took an obscene amount of selfies (light like that is hard to come by) and then proceeded to order every plate on the menu, which has a Caribbean flair.

The yummiest were the Mayu Coconut Shrimp and Mahi Fish Tacos, but the absolute standout was the Morada Bay Crab Cakes. In the middle of dinner, though, we were interrupted by gusty winds and a major drop in temperature. The super friendly wait staff quickly and efficiently moved us to their covered patio area, where we finished the night with Cosmos (for the non-drivers) and coffee. It was such a fun experience, we all vowed to return ASAP.

Where: Islamorada is located in the Florida Keys and is only a couple of hours away from Miami. It’s a great getaway, especially if you’re longing for some rest and relaxation but don’t wanna schlep all the way to Key West. You’ll find a plethora of little shops, restaurants and great places to stay there.

The Beach Cafe sits right off of Mile Marker 81.6 and is situated next to Pierre’s, a famous two-story plantation house adorned with bright blue shutters that was converted into a French Cuisine restaurant back in 1999.

When: The cafe & bar are open 7 days a week until 11:30pm (sometimes later, depending on your enthusiasm or the spirit of your party.) That’s just how they roll in the Florida Keys.

The cafe doesn’t take reservations.

www.moradabay.com
Facebook: Morada Bay Seafood Restaurant
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photo: t4two photography
Producer: Shireen Sandoval & Moorings Village
Writer: Shireen Sandoval ”

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.” T.S. Eliot Now, go be fabulous!

Friday, December 12, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight American, Beach Cafe at Morada Bay, Caribbean, Islamorada, Restaurant, Tapas

Shireen's Favorite Things

Garden of Dreams w/ Banyan Tree Boutique

Shireen’s Spotlight: Oltremare inside Amara Cay Resort

The Great Escape … (featuring The Moorings Village)

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Beach Cafe at Morada Bay

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