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Shireen’s Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen's Spotlight: The Greek Place

What:

The Greek Place, 9561 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL. 33154

Why:

Fresh food, wonderful people and an unpretentious atmosphere: “The Greek Place” in Surfside is truly one of my favorite things and my absolute go-to neighborhood hang-out.

I first discovered the hidden jewel about ten years ago, while I was out and about running my usual errands. When I walked in, I was greeted with a friendly “hello” and made to feel right at home despite being alone. The food was incredibly fresh and the atmosphere was totally laid back and relaxing. I immediately became a regular and yes, just like the television show “Cheers,” it’s a place where everyone knows your name.

These days, when I have a brief respite from my crazy-hectic schedule, I make my way to “The Greek Place” and just chill at their basic bar. I’ll sit there for hours before I order their amazing signature “Greek Salad,” with grilled shrimp, a healthy helping of Tzatziki with pita bread (when I’m counting calories, I dip with cucumbers instead) and a glass of their yummy house red wine.

Some of their other stand-out dishes include “Octopus Salad” (it’s tangy and beyond tasty) and the “Lamb Chops” fall off the bone and marvelously melt in your mouth. If you get really lucky, the daily special will be a “Greek Beef Stew” that’s to die for. It’s succulent, flavorful and boasts secret Greek ingredients.

Even though I’m not really a dessert person, when I’m at “The Greek Place,” their Baklava Cheesecake is a must-have. It’s probably the only sweet treat I truly enjoy. My mouth is watering just writing about it! I guess I know where I’m going tonight.

Where:

The Greek Place is in the quaint little seaside town of Surfside right on Harding Avenue (which is one of the main roads that runs through North Miami Beach.) Surfside has a lot of nice shops and restaurants worth visiting. “The Greek Place” is located on the east side of Harding (which is opposite the popular and always busy Starbucks.) You can park curbside or find one of the many pay to park lots around town. Every lot nearby is within walking distance.

When:

Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm.

Website: www.greekplacesurfside.com (under construction)
Takeaway: 305-866-9628
IG: @TheGreekPlaceSurfside
Twitter: @The_Greek_Place
FB: The Greek Place

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Woolf

Dress: Vintage Betsey Johnson
Boots: Valentino (Red) www.Kokopalenki.com
Coat: Bebe
Purse: BCBG

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer/Producer: Shireen Sandoval

Friday, February 27, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight BCBG, Bebe, Greek, James Woodley Photography, Koko & Palenki, Restaurant, The Greek Place, Vintage Betsey Johnson, Wine

Shireen’s Spotlight: Eucalyptus Gardens

Shireen's Spotlight: Eucalyptus Gardens

What:

Eucalyptus Gardens, 2430 NE 13th Ave. Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Why:

It’s a garden oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Miami and Fort Lauderdale life. Eucalyptus Gardens is a heavenly piece of sprawling property (a few acres, I think) dedicated to making life a little bit better. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived; but once there, I never wanted to leave. It was relaxing, refreshing, charming, enchanting…believe me, I could go on and on with the adjectives.

There are six little shops that make up the gardens and there’s definitely something for everyone. “The Alchemist,” a hip, groovy little coffee shop, makes the best cup of Joe (butter included) that I’ve ever tasted. The “Seed of Life Bistro” makes eating healthy a pleasure, not a pain in the you-know-what, and you won’t be able to have just one sweet treat at “New Day Desserts,” because everything is ridiculously delicious.

I completely adored “Chateau D’vine,” where wine and exceptionally fresh and creative cocktails are the mainstay. I’m particularly found of their Lychee Martini. I lingered a lot at this little lounge, chatting up the owner and her right-hand man (they’re both lively, affable and great conversationalists.) I also hung out with a few new friends and my crew on the perfect gazebo-like patio. We all watched the sun go down, laughed, talked and enjoyed the crisp, fresh air.

If you’re the type of person who wants to know exactly what you’re putting in your body, “The Farm Store” is for you: with organic and homegrown fruits, veggies and products, it supports local farmers and even offers up the yummiest of homemade health juices.

A few paces from the Farmers Market is “Zen Orchids,” where I found a cute little cactus. It reminded me of my beloved hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, so I snatched it up for a mere five dollars. They also sell plants, flowers and Buddha figurines.

The genius behind Eucalyptus Gardens is Deanna Allen, a lovely human being who cares about people and wants them to find peace and happiness in this chaotic world and, at the same time, support small business owners. I talked with her a lot while hanging out in the gardens and she’s not only artistic, she’s inspirational and kind, too. Her project, to bring community and like minded individuals together, is a beautiful blessing that I hope you’ll find the time to try and enjoy.

Where:

North of Fort Lauderdale in the quaint little city of Wilton Manors (which is in Broward County.) Not only does the area boast tons of funky shops and cool restaurants, it’s also been dubbed the “Second Gayest City” in the United States. It’s a progressive place to live, work and play; with an amazingly entrepreneurial and community-minded population.

Eucalyptus Gardens is a few blocks off of North Federal Highway and about a mile away from the city’s famed Wilton Drive. They have complimentary valet and open lot parking. Take practical shoes; I made my way around in my last season Miu Miu’s, but I recommend something a little more practical.

When:

The Alchemist: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-6pm
New Day Desserts: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm
Seed of Life Bistro: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 11:30pm-6pm
Chateau D’vine: Tuesday-Wednesday 4pm-12am, Thur-Sat 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-8pm
The Farm Store: Tuesday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Zen Orchids: Thursday-Sunday 10am-6pm

www.eucalyptus-gardens.com
IG: @Eucalyptus_Gardens
Twitter: @eucalyptusrain
FB: Eucalyptus Gardens (Farmers Market, Coffee Shop & Vegan Restaurant)

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sparkle Tank & Flower Skirt by Kore Boutique
White Jacket by Koko & Palenki
Blue Suede Wrap-up Shoes by Miu Miu
Teddy Bear Purse, Special Edition by Cynthia Rowley – NYC

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval

Friday, February 20, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Cocktails, Coffee, Cynthia Rowley - NYC, Desserts, Eucalyptus Gardens, Koko & Palenki, Kore Boutique, Miu Miu, Organic Fods, Restaurant, Rouge, Wine

Sweater Weather

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

“She’s my person. If I murdered someone, she’s the person I’d call to help me drag the corpse across the floor.” I absolutely love that quote from the television show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” and it’s exactly how I feel about my stylist, Shari Bloch.

She’s my person. The one I’d call if I got arrested in the middle of the night; she’d style my mug shot with ease and then bail me out of jail. She’s the one I’d depend on if I had to flee the country at a moment’s notice with nothing to wear. She’d insist on pulling looks for my life on the lam and remind me to always buy quality and classic as she kissed me goodbye.

She’s the Thelma to my Louise and if I were ever to drive my car off a cliff (like they did in the movie,) she’s the one I would want in my passenger seat, holding my hand, screaming, laughing, crying and seeing me out of this world as well-dressed as possible. It wasn’t always that way, though.

When I first came to Miami as a young entertainment reporter, I struggled to fashionably fit in and felt very self-conscious, even inadequate at times. Especially as I started to frequent Los Angeles and New York City for my job. My clothes were cute, but conservative and nothing special. My style was, well, to be totally honest, I’m not sure that I had one, but it wasn’t from lack of trying.

I spent a lot of time roaming around the Aventura Mall and local boutiques perplexed on how to harness the sex appeal of South Florida fashions, but at the same time, balance and blend them with the class and sophistication that the movers and shakers of Hollywood and Manhattan expected. That’s how I met Shari…

I bumped into her at an upscale boutique where she was working at the time and I fell in love with her immediately. She was affable, fun-loving and full of light and love. What’s more, she knew her fashion and was incredibly astute. She noticed something about me that NO ONE ever notices. I’m related to someone incredibly famous and there’s a very subtle clue about me that gives it away. Shari caught on immediately, but had the class and decency enough not to mention it in a room full of people.

Read the rest of “Sweater Weather” at www.wsvn.com or shop the look at www.kokopalenki.com. Remember, if it makes you happy, wear it!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 Shireen's Favorite Things Bay Harbor Islands, Cold, Deco Drive, Hollen & Jen, Koko & Palenki, Shoes, Stylist, Sweater Weather, Vintage Fashion, Winter

Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Greek Place

Shireen’s Spotlight: Eucalyptus Gardens

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