Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

Shireen’s Spotlight: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria

What:

An early Sunday evening dinner in the courtyard garden of Louie Bossi on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

Why:

The energy inside “Louie Bossi” is infectious, the crowd vibrant and the food fantastic. The sprawling dining area, which is flanked by an open-air kitchen, gives way to a warmly-lit bar, but it’s what’s in back of the restaurant that’s truly special…

With shabby/chic decor, iron rod trimmings and ivy-drenched walls, the covered patio garden has the charm of an Italian piazza with a hint of South Florida flair. That’s where I decided to enjoy my Spotlight experience.

I started with three adult beverages: Pineapple Martini, Aperol Spritz and Bossi Beer.

The martini started sweet (with infused pineapple vodka,) but ended spicy, thanks to well-placed oil chili drops. The spritzer (said in my best Long Island accent) was smooth and refreshing with Prosecco, club soda and Aperol (which is a sweet Italian aperitif.) I also tried a glass of the light and fruity Birra Di Bossi (a basil-orange pilsner.) Hmmm…I love me a good light beer and live for a great martini, but it’s the spritzer I was gaga for — nothing like some icy goodness on a hot summer day.

Warm homemade bread, smelling divine, arrived at the table. It was so soft and good-looking, I think I was actually flirting with it. 😗

Almost everything at “Louie Bossi” is made from scratch; you can totally tell by how each delicious carb melts in your mouth (to think this started as a fashion blog!) There’s nothing like homemade bread and pasta — sorry Prada, you got nada… on this.

As of late, foodies in South Florida can’t get enough of the octopus trend and doing Spotlight means I’ve had it “every which way but loose.” That being said, “Louie Bossi’s” Spanish version, served with fingerling potatoes and cherry tomatoes, is as good as it gets. It’s grilled to perfection, with hints of wood-burning yumminess. I’m told it’s a customer favorite and I can see why.

Talk about impressive: our curated Charcuterie Board was off the charts. Not only was it awe-inspiring to look at, but mixing and matching the cheese, meats and other goodies was a taste bud awakening.

Here’s a list of some of our samplings: three different kinds of salami, Di Parma, Burrata, Pecorino, Robiola, Fontina Vale D’ Astota, figs, almonds, bread sticks and a mix of pickled red peppers, paprika peppers and corn flakes.

I tried two main entrees — the tender and flaky Grilled Bronzino (made with with parsley, chilies and capers.) It came with a side of mind-blowing cauliflower. As a writer, I’ve never used “mind-blowing” and “cauliflower” in the same sentence, but I’m not even joking. It’s crazy good, mixed in some secret pesto sauce.

If you prefer something meatier, try the Ribeye. I got the 24 ounce “sliced for two” (cooked medium.) It came with a side of Cacio E Pepe. Oh, pasta Gods, why do you do this to me? Of course, if you know me, steak and spaghetti are my two favorite foods on earth. So, I was pretty much in hog heaven. I’d be lying if I didn’t go on and on about the pasta. Tossed with pecorino Romano and cracked pepper, it’s love in a bowl. Simple and delicious (served in a heated dish.)

I started screaming: “It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!” when dessert showed up. Technically, it’s not until next month, but with its celebratory nature, I couldn’t help myself. LOL. 😍

The gigantic plate was jammed-packed with Italian classics: Cannoli with pistachio, Tiramisu, Gelato, Budino Cioccolata (which is like custard or pudding,) cookies and, last but not least, cheesecake with a sparkler to boot. Holy sweets, Batman! The cheesecake was another level of fabulousness. I washed it all down with a Fumoso (a smoky Limoncello made with dry ice.)

When you’re a foodie, falling for “Louie Bossi” is pretty easy: it’s got it all. What I like most is the QUALITY. It’s first class and when you work hard for your money, it feels good spending it on something that’s WORTH IT and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!

When:

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-1am
Friday & Saturday 11:30am-2pm
Sunday 10am-1am

Where:

Louie Bossi
1032 E Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale 33301

Be Social:
FB: Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
IG: @louiebossi
Twitter: @LouieBossi

The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.Julia Child
James Woodley Photography
Producer/Styling: Jackie Kay
Body Suit: Lilac & Lilies Boutique, Skirt: Hollen & Jen Vintage,
Necklace: BCGB South Beach, Purse: Koko & Palenki Aventura
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Shabby/chic” Auerbach
Friday, July 28, 2017 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Kone Sushi

Shireen's Spotlight: Kone Sushi

Shireen's Spotlight: Kone Sushi

Shireen's Spotlight: Kone Sushi

Shireen's Spotlight: Kone Sushi

Shireen's Spotlight: Kone Sushi

What:

Kone Sushi, 247 SE. 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33131

Why:

KONE is no ordinary sushi restaurant; it’s Japanese food fused with a Brazilian flair. If that sounds adventurous, well, it is, but it’s an adventure totally worth taking. For me, KONE was and is nothing short of spectacular. In fact, your tastebuds will never be the same, especially if you love fresh fish and food with a kick.

The place itself is sleek, modern and no-nonsense. Their red and black Japanese-inspired decor is highlighted with rich dark woods and the main dining area is flanked by two working bars (one for sushi, the other for adult beverages).

For the record, their drinks aren’t just pretty, they’re blended to perfection. I started Spotlight with two of their homemade Sakerinhas, which is Gekkeikan Sake, fresh fruit and sugar (pictured are the Strawberry and Lychee). I also tried the Berry Bliss (it tasted like a yummy red wine spritzer) and the Sobe Saketini (reminded me of a cosmo, but lighter and smoother).

The Rock Shrimp appetizer was the first food to arrive at the table and it was one of my favorites (made with shrimp tempura, spicy sauce, massago and scallions). The Ceviche Sampler was just as impressive with yellowtail, octopus and shrimp (mixed with onions, mango, cilantro and a spicy house sauce).

There was a Hawaiian portion of the ceviche, too (salmon and tuna cubes soaked in sesame oil, soy sauce, red onions, scallions and pineapple). If you prefer less fuss and more straightforward fish, the Jo Jo Trio (three pieces of sashimi: salmon, tuna and yellowtail) is fresh and delightful. For my main course…

I started with the Pure Protein roll, which is great if you’re watching your waist. It’s a roll with NO RICE (it has salmon, tuna, shrimp and kani rolled in soy paper). The Maguro Tataki (lightly seared tuna with sesame seeds and yuzu house sauce), was tasty, but the Salmon Special was a surefire stand-out (made with thinly sliced salmon, sesame seeds, jalapeño and ponzu sauce). For my last main, I pledged my heart to the Love Park (a warm tempura roll made with salmon, kani, cream cheese, avocado and scallions).

For dessert, I tried Kone’s signature SingleBites (mini waffle cones filled with ooey-gooey goodness served with ice cream). You can get an order of 3 or 6; you just have to pick your own fabulous filling. I liked the fudge, Nutella and grated coconut and caramel. This dessert alone is worth the trip to KONE. It’s one of the most fabulous sweets I’ve ever tasted.

The fresh fish, creative combinations and exceptional quality of the food makes KONE Sushi one of my NEW favorite things. I can’t wait to go back. Cheers!

Where:

KONE is in downtown Miami on a busy block, but there’s a parking garage conveniently across the street. I parked on the fifth floor, took the elevator back to ground level and walked across the street to KONE. The night I went, the parking was 10-bucks (because there was an event), on a normal night it could cost a little more. When I go back, I’ll definitely Uber.

When:

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm, Friday 11:30am-12am, Saturday 12pm-12am & Sunday 5pm-10pm.

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.Miyamoto Musashi

www.KoneSushi.com
Twitter: @KoneMiami IG: @konemiami FB: Kone Miami

*Kone Sushi is the official sushi provider of AAA & Miami Heat Flagships, Dewars Lounge and Suites.

James Woodley Photography
Producing: Jessie Rosario & Shireen Sandoval
Styling: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe by Ted Baker, Fuzzy purse by BCBG, Shoes from Koko & Palenki
Editor: Matthew “Ooey-Gooey” Auerbach

Friday, July 15, 2016 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

A Fashionable Diet

A Fashionable Diet

A Fashionable Diet

A Fashionable Diet

A Fashionable Diet

What:

FIB (Fresh is Better) is an AMAZEBALLS delivery food company. I tried it for three days.

Why:

Not only am I one busy chica, I’m also one of the pickiest eaters on the planet. I know, I know; you probably couldn’t tell by looking at my food blog (which borders on gluttony).

Honestly, though, Shireen’s Spotlight is all about “tasting” food, not fueling my body with the type of calories I need to keep up with my demanding schedule, high-octane career and everyday life.

Making matters more complicated, I suffered a major illness a few years ago and not all foods agree with me. I have to be very careful about what and when I eat: quality and timing are everything.

Truth-be-told, I’ve always wanted to try a meal delivery plan, but because of my aforementioned health issues and feeling intimidated by the process of ordering and planning “A Fashionable Diet,” I just never did it. Until now.

Robin Diamond, who’s a friend, media colleague and overall health nut, told me about FIB a few months ago. She thought it would be great for my blog. Naturally, being the skeptic (read: reporter) that I am, I asked: “Is it really worth it?” I was surprised when she said: “Yes, I’ve done it myself and love it.”

My first delivery arrived at my front door (in a nifty brown and green soft cooler) early Monday morning and I can’t lie, I was pretty excited. It was kind of like Christmas, but better, because it wasn’t an ugly sweater or something I had to secretly return or get rid of.

The cooler, sealed with a zip tie for safety, was filled with all kinds of yummy food (I’ll get to that in a minute), packed in compostable containers. By the way, FIB has four main plans: Traditional, Paleo, Vegetarian and Gluten Free.

I normally eat more of a Paleo diet (a lot of green veggies and lean meats,) but because I was a little gun shy, I went for the Traditional plan instead (which they describe as “lean meats, fresh produce and hearty grains”). I got the whole kit and caboodle, too: breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks.

While I took everything out of the containers to photograph and exercise my “Martha Stewart Living” muscle for the blog, for the most part (during my work week) I toted the containers around in my work-bag. I guess I could have taken the cooler, but I didn’t wanna complicate my purse situation (fashion problems are real, people).

My first day of food was awesome, with things like Protein Espresso Pancakes, Teriyaki Chicken, Pumpkin Chocolate Brownie and Tamari Marinated Pork Tenderloin. Each delivery came with a complete menu listing food ingredients, calories, fat, protein and carbs.

After Monday was done, I put my nifty cooler right where I found it and voila! Tuesday morning it was full again. I started my day with a Spinach & Zucchini Chia Omelette, snacked on Eggplant Napoleon, lunched on Round Eye Fajitas (which were my absolute favorite), treated myself to Coconut Squares and finished the day with a hearty Turkey Meatloaf.

Wednesday was my favorite day. The FIB food elf brought Lemon Poppy Seed Waffles, Cassava Biscuit Sandwich, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Banana Nut Muffin and Hawaiian Chicken Skewers. Mmmm…

I really enjoyed the variety of the foods and the tastes. What’s more, it was EASY and I was NEVER hungry. That last part is big for me…because of my hectic workload and poor planning, more often than not I’m forced into BAD food choices, but instead of eating something that’s not good for me that could potentially wreak havoc on my stomach, I choose NOT to eat at all and that’s bad, too.

I always feel hungry and when I get home from work I overeat late at night and then feel miserable. That didn’t happen once during my delivery days. There’s a lot to be said for food that’s of a consistently high quality. And, I wasn’t wasting money on going out to eat quickly and NOT enjoying it. That’s not all…

What really makes FIB fabulous is their farm-to-table concept. Their produce is local, meats are antibiotic/hormone-free and the fish is caught locally, in our Florida waters.

In a city where juicing and food delivery companies are all the rage, FIB sets itself apart by giving you the tools to empower a healthy lifestyle, protect the planet and do it anytime, anywhere and anyplace: that’s why “A Fashionable Diet” is one of my favorite things.

Where:

Check-out FIB on-line at www.fibdelivery.com, or on social media, Facebook: FIB Delivery, Twitter @FIBdelivery, Instagram: @fibdelivery.

When:

This is tailor-made, people. Order what fits into your lifestyle. You don’t have to get every meal or snack. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t really love breakfast, but I thrive on a hearty lunch and a light dinner with a glass of wine (or two). 🙈

The point being, I’m busy and I find myself eating in the car, standing up when I’m on stories, at my desk, sometimes in bed, but “Fresh IS Better” was so convenient, it worked for me. In fact, I haven’t eaten this well in a long time. I can’t *FIB* — I don’t know what took me so long. 😬

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.Mahatma Gandhi
Photographer: James Woodley
wardrobe: www.KokoPalenki.com
special thanks to Robin Diamond PR
Editor: Matthew “Man, I’m Hungry” Auerbach
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , ,

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

Little White Dress

What:

Koko & Palenki (in the Shops At Merrick Park) at 358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

Why:

I’d like to say things have been pretty normal since my last blog post, “One Stop Glam Shop,” but the truth is — they’re not. I’ve had the worst case of anxiety and some crazy nightmares to go along with it. Believe it or not…

It’s because of the Zika Virus scare in South Florida. I keep dreaming that I’m being attacked (actually, more like swarmed) by thousands of bugs. More specifically, mosquitoes. I wake up startled in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, sometimes crying.

Calming my nerves at 3 am isn’t easy, but I make my way to the kitchen and pour myself a tall cup of orange juice. For whatever reason, it calms me. I’m not the only one its affecting…

My poor boyfriend (James) has become a mosquito-killing ninja, locking himself in different rooms of our house when I’m convinced I’ve spotted a flying intruder. Armed with a can of RAID and a towel to swat with, he doesn’t leave the room until the insect is vanquished. Sometimes, though, he comes up empty-handed and my anxiety turns to panic. He’s such a good sport…

I know he does it because he loves me. I mean, why else in God’s name would he lock himself into a room with a blood-sucking mosquito, risking his own health and well-being? All this hoopla (by the way) isn’t unwarranted…

Some people who are infected with Zika actually get GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome.) Yup, the illness that almost killed me a few years ago. The good folks over at the Centers for Disease Control say Zika is showing up in Miami from abroad.

In other words, people who’ve been bitten by mosquitoes elsewhere come here and voila! — Zika is now part of our viral landscape. Even though it’s highly unlikely mosquitoes here would carry the Zika virus, it’s still possible and it doesn’t make me feel any better. After all, GBS is extremely rare, but I still managed to get it despite being healthy, strong and young.

Sure, yeah, I recovered with IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) and relentless physical therapy, but man, the wound is still deep and the threat of getting it again is utterly terrifying. I’d be lying if I said I was over it: residual neuropathy and spine pain are still very much a part of my everyday life. I’ve just learned to live with it.

So, what does a “Little White Dress” have to do with any of this? At the very height of my Zika neurosis, I got a call to host an event featuring up-and-coming jewelry designer, Phebbs Svester, who was unveiling her UMEE Life collection to South Florida fashionistas.

Along with all the other ladies participating in the event, I was asked to wear white. For the record, I hate this request. You know how it is: white is in every single store until you actually need it. Then, poof! — it’s magically extinct. So, I immediately reached out to my fashionable friends at Koko & Palenki, who said they indeed had a few options.

As soon as I saw their new “Little White Dress” by Alexis, I was completely smitten. The sheer lace detailing and whimsical appliqués border on angelic. I paired the dress with Koko’s white caged high heels and a multi-colored, silk DVF clutch that they had gifted me years ago (right around the same time I was recovering from my illness).

I felt so beautiful in the dress, I decided to blog about it at the last minute. And the event? It was definitely something I was meant to be a part of. UMEE Life jewelry (the name is a combination of YOU & ME =’s LIFE) isn’t just about fashion, it’s a company based on good karma, positive energy and self-transcendence.

“You always get what you give,” said one of the moderators at the event. She also declared: “Whatever you believe in and whatever you think is actually who you are and what you’re asking of the universe.” Her words immediately resonated with me.

Even though I truly believed in “Cause and Effect” (which was basically what she was saying), it was something I had lost sight of. Living scared of the Zika Virus isn’t something I wanted to send out into the universe. What’s more, being afraid of getting sick again isn’t the person I had become after my illness. Instead…

I had become genuinely happy for my new lease on life and I didn’t waste my time on things like “what if” and “would have, could have, should have’s.” So, in my perfect “Little White Dress” (a color that represents wiping the slate clean) I let go of the fear, worry and anxiety that was “bugging” me and remembered living joyfully in the moment (even if I was wearing a lot of mosquito repellant) was definitely one of my favorite things.

Shop the perfect “Little White Dress” on-line at www.KokoPalenki.com
Twitter: @KokoPalenki
Instagram: @kokopalenki
Facebook: Koko Palenki
She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn’t supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.anonymous
James Woodley Photography
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair & MUA by Odett Hernandz
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Shireen's Favorite Things , , , , ,

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Benefits

What:

How to add “Fringe Benefits” into your wardrobe with Koko & Palenki.

Why:

I feel like a broken record when I say: “Fringe is in,” because, frankly, it’s never really gone out of style and our fashionable friends at Koko & Palenki couldn’t agree more. They say the trend livened up last spring, melted its way into summer, blew into fall and now, it’s shaking some major personality into winter.

My favorite way to express the style is through Koko’s crazy cool and beyond glamorous accessories: purses, jewelry, boots and shoes. You name it, they got it, especially when it comes to “Fringe Benefits.” The great thing about an accessory is you’re working the trend without being overwhelmed by it.

Wanna make more of a statement? Go with a sassy skirt or jacket and pair it with a tasseled accessory. Koko styled three suggested looks: day, night and holiday; mixing and matching “Fringe Benefits” with some of their hottest winter items. For day, you can’t go wrong with a denim shirt, black skirt, crossbody bag and chic ankle booties. For night, bohemian glam is perfect with a poncho, leggings, boots, belt, fringe-inspired jewelry and a floppy felt hat. If you think you can’t wear fringe for the holiday, think again. It’s gorgeous in gold when paired with a lace top, tasseled shoes and a petite purse.

Remember, “Fringe Benefits” is best when you don’t overwork the trend. One or two pieces is perfect; any more than that and you’ll look like you’re starring in your own Spaghetti Western! Not that there’s anything wrong with that (after all, I’m a girl from New Mexico). Whether it’s an accessory or a key item of clothing, fringe gives fashion texture and personality; that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Koko & Palenki has three locations: Merrick Park, Aventura & Dadeland Malls. Each store has its own kind of sass, but the same fabulous, chic and always on-trend merchandise. For me, it’s all about convenience (whichever store is closer when I’m having an “I need retail therapy” moment.) Happy Shopping!

Pefer to shop on-line? Check-out Koko’s new and improved website at www.kokopalenki.com or shop their social media; Twitter, Instagram & FB @KokoPalenki

When:

Merrick: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Dadeland: Monday-Saturday 10am-9:30pm, Sunday 12-7pm.
Aventura: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm.

I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.Carrie Bradshaw

Photographer: James Woodley
Styling: Koko & Palenki
On-site Stylist: Jackie Kay
Hair/Mua: Odett Hernandez

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,