Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

Shireen’s Spotlight: Glass And Vine (est. 2015)

What:

Brunch at Glass And Vine, 2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133

Why:

If you like being surrounded by nature and dining on delicious garden delights, Glass And Vine is an intimate retreat you’re sure to fall madly in love with. The seaside hidden treasure isn’t just tranquil, it’s the kind of place that makes you wanna linger, lounging until the day disappears. That’s exactly what I did on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I stopped by to try out their weekend brunch.

The Restaurant (which boasts a bright and airy interior) has the most amazing multi-level patio overlooking Peacock Park. Perhaps its best feature, though, are the gigantic fans they use to keep their outside area cool, comfortable and seemingly bug free. I quickly found a table with a nice breeze and sat down to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Spotlight started with the strong, yet subtle “Parkside Sour” (made with gin, celery, cucumber, thai basil and lemon.) Next, I sipped on the spicy “Yellow Submarine” (made with tequila, apple, a mix of local citrus and cayenne.) This was definitely my favorite because I love drinks that have a kick. The “White Sangria” was extra refreshing, different and on the dry side (made with vihno verde, Sauvignon Blanc and chablis and fresh fruit.)

There aren’t enough words in the human vernacular to express my complete love and adoration for the “Watermelon Salad” (a mix of lime crema, cotija cheese, cilantro and jalapeño.) Never in my right mind would I group these different tastes and textures together (good thing I’m not a chef, because everyone would totally be missing out.) This plate was incredibly fresh, bursting with flavor, colors and next to nothing in the calorie department.

If you love sweet treats for brunch, the “Semolina Pancakes” (made with buttermilk and lemon) are delicious and the vanilla-maple syrup and whipped butter are the icing on the cake, so to speak. If you’re into savory, like I am, the “Wooden Oven Baked Eggs” are mind-blowing! And get this: it’s made with cauliflower-cured meat (among other things.) Yes, I said cauliflower! Trust me, though, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever wrapped my lips around. If you’re a health nut, you can’t go wrong with their “G & V Granola Bowl” (complete with cashews, grains, seeds, dried fruit and coconut/lime yogurt.)

What’s brunch without a little dessert? I’d heard a lot about their “Olive Oil Magic Shell,” which definitely made me wanna try it. It didn’t disappoint, either (made with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, olive oil, toasted panko breadcrumbs and candied cocoa nibs.) It had me basking in dessert bliss, until the “Eaton Mess” showed up at the table.

I’d never heard of it before. Apparently, it’s an English favorite named after a school there. They serve it at cricket matches. Glass And Vine’s yummy take on it is passion fruit, passion fruit sorbet, condensed milk, whipped cream and meringue citrus. Forget what team you’re on, everyone’s a winner when they eat a bowl of this!

If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Magic City, but still desire the quality of food and service Miami is known for, “Glass and Vine” is simply divine and I’m pretty sure Mother Nature would give it two green thumbs-up and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

When:

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30am-3:30pm
Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-11pm, Sunday 5pm-10pm
Brunch: Saturday 11am-3:30pm, Sunday 11am-3:30pm

Where:

Glass And Vine is snuggled inside the lush greenery of Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. There’s valet to the side of the restaurant and there’s also a public parking lot a short walk away (by the water.) Everything about this place, including its surroundings, will make you want to enjoy nature; just make sure you wear your bug spray. Cheers!

www.glassandvine.com
FB: Glass And Vine Est. 2015, IG: @glassandvine

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao Tzu
James Woodley Photography
Produced by Jessie Rosario
Styling: Jackie Kay
Wardrobe provided by Kore Boutique, IG @KoreBoutique
Grooming: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Eatin’ Mess” Auerbach
Special thanks to Brustman Carrino PR

Friday, September 9, 2016 Shireen's Spotlight , , ,

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

What:

Kore Boutique 2925 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

I have to be honest, a part of me used to hate the holidays. I loved the idea of it, but for whatever reason, the pressure of it all really got to me. The crazy traffic, the never-ending list of gifts and holiday parties, my hectic television schedule and the fact that ALL of my family lives so far away.

For years, I battled severe depression during a time most people relished. What’s more, I was in a relationship I felt alone in. My partner preferred celebrating with his family, leaving me alone to work and feel worse than I already did. Thank god for my mother, who from across the country sent care packages stuffed with the creature comforts of Santa Fe, New Mexico (my hometown)..

Wedding cookies with chunks of homegrown pistachios, an assortment of nuts soaked in green chile, buttery piñon coffee and yummy chocolates laced with spicy red chili. It was my absolute lifeline to feeling loved. I would put the box under the tree; opening one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day. It became our annual tradition.

Through the years, my mother had to master loving me from a distance, simply because she had no choice. She gave me big dreams and let me go, so, that I could live them. In television, one must be transient in order to succeed. You have to be willing to go anywhere, work any given day at any god-forsaken hour to make it. It’s just part of the business. Even if she didn’t understand, she played along and always encouraged me.

Despite the many presents my mom sent me over the last decade, though, they would not be the true gifts she imparted on me and like most things in life, it would take growing into a woman to realize her generosity. It happened slowly, but when it did…

Instead of bemoaning my loneliness, I started an annual holiday work party and my fellow employees became my extended family. I made a mature decision to leave a relationship that didn’t make me happy and found someone who relishes, cares and loves me (he even likes celebrating the holidays with me). Last but not least, instead of seeing the crazy world of television as difficult and challenging, I accepted its idiosyncrasies, embracing the roller-coaster schedules, deadlines and demands.

Strangely, going with the flow made my life so much easier and less stressful. All of those aforementioned events/actions were somehow or in someway inspired or supported by my mother. Although she never placed tenacity, strength and grit into a box and put it under a tree, they were the true gifts that she gave me. In fact, they’re the kind of gifts that keep on giving.

Don’t get me wrong, life isn’t always perfect and the holiday’s can still stress me out, but in the grand scheme of things, the depression that used to seep into my life during the holiday season, eventually dissipated.

Perhaps, it’s just maturity or as Tony Bennett says: “Life teaches you how to live it, if you’re around long enough to let it.” With that being said, during this time of year most of us just want to feel loved or be loved; better yet, give love. It’s also about feeling special. Whether that’s festively fixing up your house or your wardrobe, Kore Boutique in Miami, always makes me feel and look like the brightest fashionista in the room, especially during “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Whether it’s one of my favorite puffy skirts, a yummy candle (they have an amazing one this year perfect for a stocking stuffer), or a glittery dress for a holiday party, “Kore” has you covered and even Santa can’t compete with that (okay, maybe he can a little.) Happy Holidays! 🎁🎅

Where:

Lucky for the busy Miami shopper, “Kore” actually has a handful of locations. So, wherever you find yourself in the city, you’ll be able to do some #HardKore retail therapy. Along with the aforementioned address, there’s also 15516 Biscayne Boulevard and 99 Harbour Drive on Key Biscayne. A MIMO location is coming soon.

Shop Kore on Instagram: @KoreBoutique

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.Helen Keller
A special thank you to our friends at Santa’s Enchanted Forest – especially Buddy – for giving us a fabulous backdrop to shoot the blog! www.santasenchantedforest.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Alexis Nicole, On-Site Stylist: Jackie Kay
MUA: Tabitha Rey & Hair: Jess Stuver of www.zenzensalon.com
All clothing & accessories provided by Kore Boutique

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: La Moderna Miami

La Moderna Miami

La Moderna Miami

What:

La Moderna Miami, 1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Why:

With a warm infectious atmosphere, sophisticated modern stylings and true Italian cuisine, “La Moderna Miami” is definitely one of my new favorite things. What’s more, it’s one of the few places I’ve been (as of late) that made me feel incredibly welcome and as if I were the most important person in the room.

As soon as I sat down, I was treated to a much-appreciated plate of (gratis) Focaccia and bubbly, but it paled in comparison to the three amazing drinks I sipped on (that touched even the most hardened film critics heart)…

The “Thelma & Louis” (made with opposing tastes including hibiscus infused aperol, extra dry rum, fresh strawberries, coconut soda water and prosecco) was my absolute fave: decadent, fresh and fruity. “Harry & Sally” (with tequila, pimento dram, lime, ancho reyes, agave nectar and egg white) was light, easy and definitely made me want to “have what she’s having!” At least, until the lustful “Kama e Sutra” arrived (made with templeton rye, lime juice, eucalyptus pear syrup, ginger beer and bitters.) Mmmm…yummy and sexy.

I dined on two appetizers: “Fiori Di Zucca” (tempura fried zucchini blossoms filled with goat cheese and three sauces) and “Gran Fritto de Mare” (fried calamari, shrimp, carrots and zucchini.) Both plates were fried to perfection, which means just the right amount of heat without taking out the flavor. The main course, “Sea Bass Al Cartoccio” (baked chilean sea bass, capers, olives and mini veggies) was magnificent.

For dessert, “Millefoglie” (puff pastry served with Chantilly cream and fresh fruit) was light and subtle. Complimentary grappa and/or limoncello ended the night just right.

The spirit of the service (which was amazing,) great atmosphere and delicious food makes “La Moderna Miami” one of my favorite things, not to mention the fact that it’s all things straight from Rome! What’s not to “amare?”

Where:

The restaurant is located in what I call the “sleepy” part of South Beach (the North West corner.) It’s an area that has beach flair without all the craziness of Lincoln Road or Collins Avenue. Tourism is great, but sometimes a girl just wants to feel special in her own city without all the out-of-town fuss. Parking is easy with several garages in the hood and in true Italian style, they have a plethora of scooter spaces. It’s the perfect place to bring a vespa. Saluti!

When:

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-1:00am, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-2:00am & Sunday 11:30am-12:00am

www.lamoderna-miami.com
Twitter, Instagram & FB: @LaModernaMiami

Laughter is brightest where food is best.anonymous
Shirt: www.hauteglamboutique.com
Skirt: @koreboutique
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Stylist: Jackie Kay
Hair/MUA: Odett Hernandez
Friday, November 27, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

What:

Apeiro 3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and Mediterranean food with a modern twist; “Apeiro” is the place for you. With a beautiful light-colored interior (highlighted in blues and yellows,) artistic swirly chandeliers and an open-air kitchen, it’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’re in the Greek Islands (at least during the day.)

At night, it’s a different story. It’s more like, say, Miami. 😁🌴🍹 When my crew and I visited last Friday night, the outside bar was standing room only. It was like being on the beach, but with a little more panache. The staff, especially Chef David Blonsky (who hails from Chicago and most recently Siena Tavern,) was extremely affable. He’s a celebrity chef, so he gets it.

I started Spotlight off with their signature drink, “Apeiro Signature” (don Q crystal rum, cantaloupe, lemon juice, basil, rose pepper and simple syrup.) It was by far my favorite; fresh and unusual. My company would disagree, though. One of my BFF’s and stylist, Jackie Kay, was on-hand to help with tasting duties. She loved the “Mayfair Lady” (vodka infused with hibiscus rose hips, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and champagne.) Although the drink was sweet, it packed a major punch. My photographer, James, really liked the “Salted Le Melon” (melon vodka, cantaloupe and lime juice.) Warning: it goes down quick and easy.

I tried three appetizers: “Bunelo” (cheese, prosciutto, jam and puffed pastries.) Side note: this dish is served with truffle honey and I’m highly allergic to truffle oil. I tried mine without and it was still delish. The “Burrata” had a twist of sweetness (made with cherry tomato jam, arugula and toasted ciabatta.) My absolute favorite of the night was the “Akushi Steak Tartare” (with bone marrow vinaigrette, calabrian chile, served with a warm, puffy pita.) It was savory with good marbling and had a nice texture.

I tried two main dishes: “Lamb Kefta” and “Roasted Branzino.” The lamb was great, served with Tzatziki sauce, koshari rice and a green onion salad, but the whole fish (with acqua pazza sauce, koshari rice and herb oil) was pretty spectacular. I was especially full after dinner and didn’t really have room for dessert until I feasted my eyes on…

The “Triple Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!” It was a sight for sore eyes and tasted even better than it looked (hmmm…moist and delicious.) The “Bomboloni” (which is an Italian doughnut,) is served with three small squeezy bottles of Nutella chocolate, salted caramel and strawberry. You take your favorite flavor (or all three) and inject them into the heart of the pastry. Last but not least, my favorite dessert: “Waffle Cone Sundae” (your choice of gelato with chocolate hazelnut and caramel sauce, candied walnuts, amarena cherries and whipped cream.) I almost licked the bowl.

From the hip atmosphere, the chic decor, great outdoor space and modern Mediterranean food, which includes local ingredients and produce, “Apeiro Kitchen and Bar” (which in Ancient Greek means infinite or boundless,) is definitely one of my new favorite things. Cheers!

Where:

Apeiro is located in the heart of Midtown Miami. It’s just a few doors down from “Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill” and “Bocce Bar.” Street parking is always tough in this part of town, but they have plenty of self parking garages and valet in the area. If you live a little further north, you’re in luck, Apeiro is also located in Delray Beach (the restaurant’s original location.)

When:

Sunday-Wednesday 11:30am-11:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:30am-1:00am.

miami.apeirorestaurants.com
Twitter & IG: @ApeiroMiami, FB: Apeiro Kitchen & Bar

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.Hippocrates
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer/Editor: Jessie Rosario
wardrobe: @KoreBoutique
Friday, November 20, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,

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 , , , , , ,