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Shireen’s Spotlight: WunderBar inside Circa 39 Miami Beach

WunderBar inside Circa 39

What:

WunderBar, 3900 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140

Why:

In keeping with this week’s ‘Favorite Things’ location theme, I managed to find some downtime inside “Circa 39 Miami Beach” to enjoy WunderBar. The gorgeous little garden-like gem (with Mexican tile, freshly displayed herb greenery and puffy blue and white throw pillows,) is the perfect place to grab a drink, a light bite to eat and brush up on your RUM game!

Although WunderBar whimsically writes its daily cocktail specials on a chalk board, it specializes in all kinds of the spirit known as ‘the pirate’s drink’: oaky, vanilla-esque, molasses-like, caramel-tasting, fruity, cinnamon-y and spicy! (a.k.a light and dark rum.) I’m a novice at imbibing this smooth, strong and spirited drink, but there’s no time like the present!

I started my drink fest with the “Rum Sampler” (which is a selection of three or four of your own or the bartender’s choices of rums.) I decided to drink mine neat-verses-iced and the bartender did the choosing. With over 60 rums to choose from, I was in over my head. I sipped, slurped and swished my way through four yummy “Kill-Devil’s” (that’s one of rum’s historical nicknames.)

On the lighter side, I lapped up the festive looking “Guarapo” (served in a bamboo cup and made with freshly pressed Sugar Cane juice and 1.5 ounces of Rhum Clement Canne Bleue.) Not to be outdone, the “Lime in the Coconut,” (yes, like the song) was my favorite drink (served in a coconut with fresh lime, coconut and 1.5 ounces of Bacardi 8.)

By the way, each drink was under twenty dollars, which is a killer deal on the beach. Although I didn’t have a lot of time to eat, I did get a quick order of the “Shrimp Bang Bang” (which is fried, rock shrimp in a sweet chili Aioli.) It was the perfect bold and spicy accoutrement to go along with my savory drinks. After all, a fashionista can’t drink on an empty stomach!

While WunderBar is warm, cozy and full of atmosphere, Circa 39 Hotel is just as fashionably fetching, catering to locals with great stay-cation deals. The vintage charm, intimate nature and garden courtyard of both places makes it one of my favorite things.

Where:

WunderBar is snuggled into the back of the Hotel, just off the main lobby. It’s so light and adorable, you can’t miss it. If you happen to drive to the beach, there’s a lot just off 39th Street reserved for hotel guests or you can try your luck at street parking. Either way, it’s a great place to spend the day or make a weekend of it. Cheers!

When:

Sunday – Thursday 11am-11:000pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-midnight.

Not all those who wander are lost.J.R.R. Tolkien

www.circa39.com/wunderbar/
Twitter: @PalmsCircaMIA
IG: @Wunderbarmaimi
FB: WunderBar at Circa 39 Hotel

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Stylist: Zlata Archy & Jackie Kay
Special Thanks: Tanja Morariu

Wardrobe, jewelry and shoes by www.MagentaCouture.com
Twitter: @MagentaCouture
FB: Magenta Couture
IG: @MagentaCouture

Friday, July 17, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Circa 39, Cocktails, James Woodley Photography, Magenta Couture, Restaurant, WunderBar

Shireen’s Spotlight: Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

What:

Costa Brava, 95 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Why:

Sophisticated and decadent: Costa Brava at 95 Cordova, definitely pulls out all the stops and it does so effortlessly. Not only is the place beyond beautiful, with a rich, clean Mediterranean feel; its food matches its gorgeous aesthetics.

I dined at the restaurant after shooting a fashionably fun blog at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Not only did the historic landmark give us an amazing backdrop to feature “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets“, they also invited my crew to stay for dinner at their famed restaurant and boy, are we glad we did. It was AMAZE-ballz. We’re still talking about it and our visit was nearly two weeks ago.

Because our dinner was a little on the early side, we started out with two light cocktails; the “El Diablo”(made with tequila, fresh lime and cranberry juice) was devilishly smooth, but it was the “Blood Orange Bellini” that went down so refreshingly fast, I needed another round STAT.

We embarked on our Mediterranean style feast with a traditional “Greek Chopped Salad,” freshly plated inside a shaved cucumber ring. The amazingly tasty “Lemon, Beet & Black Bean Hummus with Grilled Pita,” added some real pow in the culinarily creativity department. I’m not a big Jose Cuervo drinker, but why shoot it when you can eat it? Costa Brava’s “Tequila Shrimp” (marinated in lime, tequila and grilled to perfection) was a pure party in my mouth! Last but not least in the starters department: the “Papas Vravas” (Spanish style crispy potatoes with smoked paprika tomato aoli) were both meaty and marvelous.

For dinner, it was the perfect mix of seafood and steak; The “Moules-Frites” (mussels steamed with coconut milk, lime curry and chili) were my absolute favorite. The mussels were cooked to perfection and its sauce was soup spoon worthy. My photographer, James Woodley, raved about the “Grilled Skirt Steak” (made with parsnip chips and chimichurri sauce.) I wish I could confirm his love and adoration of the plate, but he quickly snatched it away just as I was sinking my teeth in. James said it was one of the best steaks he’d ever had (how’s that for an endorsement?)

The “Seared Sea Scallops” (served with a lemon parsley couscous and a petite tomato salad) was my producers favorite. I loved it, too. The scallops had a great texture and the couscous was so flavorful, I could have eaten it by itself. The “Sliced 6 oz. NY Strip And Small Wedge Salad” (with jalapeño ranch dressing, bacon, feta, asparagus and basil) was the perfect balance of yummy protein goodness and girl you gotta have these greens because they’re great. How do you wrap up a meal of this caliber; with a tall martini glass filled with a gorgeous, silky berry-based gelato. It was heavenly (and if you’re a regular blog reader you know how I feel about dessert.)

Usually hotels (especially fancy ones) have the prerequisite restaurant to cater to its guests, but most of the time (from my experience) it’s a take it or leave it kind of place. When it comes to the Casa Monica Hotel and its “Costa Brava at 95 Cordova” that’s definitely NOT the case. I’d even dare to say, it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever dined in and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Casa Monica (originally built in the 1800’s,) is in the heart of St. Augustine. Not only is it one of the oldest hotels in the United States, it’s also a member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust. The restaurant, snuggled off the side of its ornate lobby, is right by the grand entrance. Valet is available (on the other side of the building) and is easy to access. I didn’t stay at the hotel itself, but I can’t wait to go back and spend the night.

When:

Open 7 days a week! Breakfast: 7am-10:30am. Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11am-2:30pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm and Sunday brunch: 10:30am-2pm.

Book reservations on line: www.casamonica.com or call 904-810-6810

Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.Erma Bombeck

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Writer & Producer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley
Assist: Jackie Kay

Wardrobe & Jewelry: www.MagentaCouture.com
Shoes: www.KokoPalenki.com
Hair/Make-up: Odett Hernandez

Friday, May 29, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Casa Monica Hotel, Cocktails, Costa Brava, James Woodley Photography, Koko & Palenki, Magenta Couture, Mediterranean, Restaurant, St. Augustine, Travel

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Ice Plant

Shireen's Spotlight: The Ice Plant

What:

The Ice Plant, 110 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Why:

When you walk through the doors of this old, rustically charming restaurant you can’t help but be impressed. The two-story historic haunt, which was originally built in the 1920’s and used as an ice plant, still looks and feels very much like an old factory.

It even has its original bridge crane on rails placed above the bar, which was used to move huge blocks of ice that were eventually broken down and sold to local customers and shrimping boats in the area (back in the day.) With that being said, The Ice Plant is all about the art and craft of mixing exceptional cocktails: using fresh house-pressed juices, an assortment of bitters, homemade syrups and handcrafted ice cubes made from purified water (they even use a 300 pound block of ice to chip from.)

I started my evening off by tasting three of the bars most highly recommended cocktails. “The Psychedelic Fur” (made with rum, strawberry, fernet, ginger, bitters and cucumber,) was lovely and light with just the right amount of fizz. The prettiest and by far the iciest drink, which reminded me of a snow cone, was “The Moon And Antarctica” (made with St. Augustine New World Gin, rum, horchata, lemon and lime.) Last but not least, the classic “Florida Mule” (served with St. Augustine Vodka, ginger, lime, soda and mint.) Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible, but if someone were holding an icepick to my head I’d go with the “Florida Mule.”

After sipping on three drinks, I stayed in a bar kind of mood; opting to start my dinner off with a few fun snacks. I’m still dreaming about the sinful “Devils On Horseback” (bacon wrapped dates with buttermilk blue cheese puree.) The Blue Crab Beignets were just as sumptuous (battered with Rouille and green tomato chow chow.)

After my snacks, I had one small plate (appetizer) before my main course. I asked my friendly waiter, Guillermo (who had just started that day and was excellent,) to bring me something photogenic. I have a weakness for pretty food. This is a fashion blog after all. He recommended the “Pickled GA White Shrimp” and believe you me, it doesn’t get any better than tangy shrimp (piled on top of grilled sourdough bread with peppers, celery hearts and aioli.)

I was starting to think this place was too good to be true, especially after spotting “Ricotta Gnocchi” on the menu (made with lamb ragu, fino verde and parmesan.) I’ve always heard the true test of how great a restaurant is depends on whether or not they can cook a killer gnocchi. Be still my heart! Even though I was told to get the burger, I happily had my heart set on a dish of gnocchi and boy, was I glad I did. It was soft, fluffy and fantastic. (This was my second spotlight of the day, so I opted out of desert.) The Ice Plant, a place where history and the here and now combine; making life undeniably different and delicious…that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

The Ice Plant is located downtown St. Augustine, which is one of the oldest, most charming cities in the country. When I long to get away from Miami, I tend to drive south to The Keys, but now that I’ve experienced the “Old City,” I can’t wait to go back. It’s a great escape and extremely low-key.

I stumbled onto The Ice Plant while doing research for a blog on the Casa Monica Hotel (also located in downtown St. Augustine.) This unique gem of a restaurant sits tall and proud on Riberia street and is easily walkable if your exploring the heart of the city.

They have straightforward parking, but keep in mind this is probably the hottest spot in town and sometimes getting a place (if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday) can be a bit tricky. An overflow lot is set up in the back of the plant to accommodate busy nights. Also, once you’re inside be prepared to wait it out because it’s first come, first serve. If you have bad timing and find yourself on a long waiting list: trust me…it’s totally worth it.

When:

Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2:00am, Sunday-Monday 11:30am-Midnight
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday. Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days a week.

Reservations not accepted
www.iceplantbar.com
Instagram: @IcePlantBar
Twitter: @IcePlantBar
Facebook: The Ice Plant Bar
904-829-6553

(Pictures of the St. Augustine Distillery, which is also housed inside The Ice Plant, are pictured in the blog.)

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.Marcel Proust

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

Wardrobe & Jewelry: www.MagentaCouture.com
Shoes: www.YSL.com
Hair/Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Assist: Jackie Kay

Friday, May 22, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Happy Hour, Ice Plant Bar, Italian, James Woodley Photography, Magenta Couture, Restaurant, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Distillery, Travel, YSL, Yves Saint Laurent

Shireen’s Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

What:

Ola Miami, 1745 James Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

When you walk into Ola Miami, it’s as if you stumbled onto the best party in town. A lot of locals call this hot spot one of Miami’s rare, hidden gems. I went last Friday and the scene was incredibly vibrant, the energy electric and the food? It keeps getting better with time and frankly, who wouldn’t drink to that!? So…

I started the night by tasting three of Ola’s yummiest martini’s: a sweet coconut concoction rimmed with sugar; a clean cucumber number and, last but not least, my favorite: “The Devil’s Garden,” made with cucumber vodka, fresh watermelon juice and homemade Aji Limo syrup. It’s simply amaze-ballz! For me, there’s nothing sexier than a pretty drink when you’re enjoying a night out on the town.

Even though the Latin American-inspired eatery, which is a fusion of Spanish, Pan Latin, and Caribbean flavors, is a Magic City staple (it’s been in business for over eleven years,) it continues recreating itself and is still one of the best places to eat in town. The Ceviches are phenomenal and an absolute must-try on the menu.

The Fluke (with fresh Meyer lemon, chives and basil) is zesty, clean and fresh. The Wahoo is really wonderful (with watermelon jalapeño juice, basil, diced cantaloupe, red onions and cucumber sorbet,) but it’s the Mixto that’s absolutely marrrrvvvvvvelous with shrimp, octopus and cobia (in lime, orange juice, limo pepper, cilantro, Kalamata olives, served with a side of fried yuccas.) I could eat that seafood mix everyday for the rest of my life. How do you top that?

With enough Tapas for a small army, that’s how! The kitchen sent out a feast of Kobe meatballs (with foie-gras sherry sauce, black trumpet chimi and crispy shallot,) crispy Rock Shrimp (coated with rice and corn flour with a sweet and spicy panka sauce and cilantro) and two types of empanadas; Corn (served over mushroom salad with huitlacoche and sweet corn sauce) and Short Rib (with creamy habanero sauce and smoked orange rosemary marmalade.) Both were the perfect blend of puffy, fried dough filled with gooey goodness.

Finally, I was DYING to try Ola’s campy dessert that looks like a cigar and matches. It’s an almond chocolate cake enrobed in semisweet chocolate mousse with coffee ice cream and a candy matchbox. After that, it was sweet empanadas for everyone! If you’re looking for a lively night, with amazing food and a great atmosphere, this should be high-up on your fashionable foodie list and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

(A special thank you to Brian Lieberman for always being so generous and affable toward the press! It’s very much appreciated.)

Where:

Ola is located inside the Sanctuary Hotel on South Beach, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Collins Avenue. The Art Deco boutique hotel has long been a hang-out for the fun and fabulous crowd of Miami. It’s also a big hit with tourists, who love its intimate, cozy feel. Parking is really tight in this particular area of the beach, but there’s a valet right in front of the building for restaurant customers.

When:

Monday-Sunday 6:30pm – 11:00pm

Reservations: 305-695-9125
Twitter: @OLARestaurant
IG: @OlaRestaurant
FB: OLA Restaurant

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.Luciano Pavarotti

Wardrobe: @KoreBoutique (Instagram)
Necklace & Earrings: Magenta Couture
Rings: @SerendipityBoutique (Instagram)
Shoes: Prada
Purse: Monsoon

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Friday, May 1, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Caribbean, James Woodley Photography, Kore Boutique, Latin, Magenta Couture, Martini, Miami Beach, Monsoon, Ola Restaurant, Prada, Restaurant, Sanctuary Hotel, Serendipity Consignment Boutique, South Beach, Spanish

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

What:

Bagatelle, 2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

If you yearn for yumminess on every level, lean close and let me tell you a secret: Bagatelle Miami is THE place to be. It’s one of the hottest spots in the Magic City right now. What’s more, it’s mastered the perfect going-out-to-eat-and-having-an-amazing-time recipe. On any given night of the week, the fabulous new French Mediterranean restaurant not only serves up fantastic food in a killer club-like atmosphere, it also hosts some of the most beautiful people in the city.

I went on a Friday night and the place was off the chain with captivating energy and eye candy (both men and women.) The staff was amazing and boy, do they love to feed a journalist! Everyone who works there (at least, the people I came in contact with) really believes in the food and as you know, that can go a long way. Plus, they’re incredibly accommodating and the service is immaculate. That’s not always the case on South Beach.

I started dinner with several fun cocktails. Although the “Sangria Bagatelle Rose” was my favorite, I also fell in cheeky love with the “Girl From Lima,” “Berry Lust” and the quirky, but surprisingly refreshing “Bootie Call” (made with Belvedere Vodka, rosemary, fresh watermelon, elderflower and lemon juice.)

Next up; some mind-blowingly fresh appetizers: “Salade de Crabe aux Agrumes” (crab salad,) “Tartare de Thon Bagatelle” (tuna tartare) and my all-time favorite, “Tatin de Tomate” (tomato fondue tart, goat cheese, olives, onions, pine nuts and basil oil.) I was impressed by how everything was plated, but perhaps more awe-inspiring was the freshness/lightness of it all. All three plates were succulent and satisfying. It was by far my favorite part of the meal.

For the main course, I dined on Snapper de Floride en Papillote (cedar-wrapped Florida red snapper filet, quinoa tabouleh, avocado and a tropical sauce.) It came with a side of Pommes Frites, Wild Mixed Mushrooms and Spicy Charred Broccolini. The fries were sinful, the mushrooms totally divine and the broccolini was charred to perfection.

If you’re a regular blog reader, you know how I feel about dessert: I can take it or leave it, but at Bagatelle Miami, they don’t let you leave anything behind, especially the sweet stuff. I caved when I saw the three divine dishes they encouraged me to eat: Panna Cotta Ricotta, Cheesecake Napoleon and Banana Cream Tart. The cheesecake was amaze-balls! Come to think of it, everything I dined on was amaze-balls. Bagatelle Miami is definitely one of my favorite things.

Where:

The lively restaurant is on the corner of 21st and Collins on South Beach. It’s just a block south of the W Hotel (one of my all-time favorite properties on the beach) which, by the way, has a big public parking lot right in front of it. You can try to score a parking space there (it’s metered) or settle for Bagatelle’s valet.

When:

Mon-Thurs 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-1am, Sunday Brunch 6pm-11pm, Sunday Dinner 12pm-6pm.

www.bistrobagatelle.com
Reservations: 305-704-3900
Executive Chef: Matthieu Godard
IG: @BagatelleMiamiBeach
FB: Bagatelle Miami Beach

Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like.Mark Twain

Black Jumper: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Butterfly Earrings: Magenta Couture
Purse: Tory Burch by Koko & Palenki
Shoes: BCBG Aventura Mall

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Friday, April 10, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight Bagatelle Miami Beach, BCBG, Hollen & Jen, James Woodley Photography, Koko & Palenki, Magenta Couture, Miami Beach, Restaurant, Tory Burch

Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: WunderBar inside Circa 39 Miami Beach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Shireen’s Spotlight: The Ice Plant

Shireen’s Spotlight: Ola Miami inside the Sanctuary Hotel

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bagatelle Miami

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