James Woodley Photography | Shireen's Favorite Things

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

Friday, June 28, 2019 Shireen's Spotlight Handmade Miami Beach, Hot Miami Styles, James Woodley Photography, Midtown, The Sylvester

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 Shireen's Favorite Things Bikini Island Swimwear, Handmade Miami Beach, James Woodley Photography, Wynwood Shop

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

Friday, June 14, 2019 Shireen's Spotlight Handmade Miami Beach, James Woodley Photography, Red Carter, Segafredo, Spris, Ximena Kavalekas

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

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 Shireen's Favorite Things Briny Boutique, Christina's Cabana, Handmade Miami Beach, James Woodley Photography

Shireen’s Spotlight: “La Placita”

What:

A fun Friday afternoon at La Placita in MiMo — where Puerto Rican cocktails, cuisine and creative decor are celebrated with substance and style.

Why:

When “La Placita” first opened, I actually thought they were giving away free food — that’s how crazy the crowds were. People were everywhere, taking selfies outside the restaurant with the larger-than-life Puerto Rican flag mural behind them and if they weren’t snapping pictures, they were waiting in long lines that easily snaked around the building. They were so busy…

It actually became a running joke between me and one of my Deco Drive co-workers, Daniel. Everyday we compared notes on our exciting new neighborhood atmosphere. MiMo (where we both happen to live and “La Placita” is located,) is a hipster area in Miami featuring repurposed Art Deco buildings, boutique businesses and interesting restaurants, but for whatever reason, it’s remained relatively sleepy — UNTIL NOW.

When “La Placita” opened its doors, it injected major moxie into the area and frankly, we needed it. I’ve lived in South Florida a long time and I’ve never seen such excitement for the opening of a restaurant and that was months ago. Crazy enough, it’s still bustling, but I finally managed to get an invite.

If you’re a Miami foodie, you probably already know the story. If not, it’s a juicy one (pun intended.) Hunky actor, Julian Gil and Chef extraordinaire, Jose Mendin (both Puerto Rican) joined forces to open “La Placita” — naming it after San Juan’s famed lively food market & nightlife hot spot — and that’s pretty much what you’ll experience when you go: amazing down-home Puerto Rican food coupled with an exciting atmosphere.

I started my #Spotlight experience on the restaurant’s tropical-inspired patio, featuring cozy tables with palm tree pillows, a love bird swing chair and a large open-air bar. I especially liked the domino tables, where you can play while enjoying a drinky-poo or two. If you’re really a domino lover, on Tuesday’s they hold tournaments and apparently, it’s all the rage. Speaking of a drinky poo or two…

I had to try “La Placita’s” signature drink: “Mama-Yak,” made with Don Q Cristal Rum, pineapple, passion fruit reduction and lime bitters. I swear, it’s sweet love in a cup. The “Mayaguez Sabe a Mango” is a close second. It’s a delicious concoction made with tequila, mango, lime, Earl Grey Tea, cilantro and rimmed in a savory salt. It definitely gets my vote for “most interesting.” If you’re more of a straightforward cocktail person, “Guava-te Mule” is a terrific take on the moscow mule, made with vodka, guava/ginger, lime, soda and tea bitters.

All the drinks paired perfectly with my two starters: “Empanadillas” (pizza/garlic flavor) and “Croquetas de Fricase de Pollo” (mini open-face chicken croquettes.) Both were delicious, but the finger-sized empanadas were to die for and are definitely a #MustTry. Side note: each flavor comes with a heavenly dipping sauce.

If you really want a taste of Puerto Rico, you can’t go wrong with “Mofongo Camarones al Ajillo.” If you’ve never tasted Mofongo, it’s basically mashed-up plantains mixed with broth, garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings (think pork rinds) and in this particular main dish, there’s a heaping helping of delicious shrimp. The “Lechon Asado” (roasted pork and chicharron) is another main meal that’ll give you a true taste of Puerto Rican heritage and it comes with a mouthwatering mojo sauce. Make sure you save room for dessert…

Because “La Placita” doesn’t play when it comes to the sweet stuff. In fact, they insisted on serving a platter of pretty little sweet things, like “Flan de Queso” (cream cheese flan,) “Natilla de Maiz” (custard pudding) and “Arroz con Dulce” (rice pudding with coconut and rum raisins.) #BeStillMyHeart If you’re watching your waistline, try one of their “Limbers,” which is a tropical twist on Italian ice. My favorite was the guava cheesecake. Yum!

“La Placita” is more than a restaurant; it’s a really cool, cultural experience in a hip Miami neighborhood, if I do say so myself 😉 and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

When:

Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 12pm-11pm
Sunday 11:30am-11pm

Where:

La Placita Miami
6789 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33138
305-400-8173

laplacitamiami.com

Be Social:
IG: @laplacitamiami
FB: La Placita Miami

Although the monkey might dress in silk, monkey it still is.Puerto Rican Proverb

James Woodley Photography
Outfit: @born2dress_
Rattan Purse in Violet by Amerii
Earrings: @anntaylor
Hand made Cross Ring: @jillzaleski
Sunglasses: @amazonfashions
Shoes: @bcbg South Beach
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Es Muy Bueno” Auerbach

Friday, May 31, 2019 Shireen's Spotlight AmazonFashion, Amerii, Ann Taylor, BCBG, Born 2 Dress, James Woodley Photography, Jill Zaleski, La Placita Miami, MIMO

Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Sylvester

Summer Fun

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

A Cabana Clutch

Shireen’s Spotlight: “La Placita”

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