Shireen’s Spotlight: Juniper On The Water

Shireen's Spotlight: Juniper On The Water

Shireen's Spotlight: Juniper On The Water

Shireen's Spotlight: Juniper On The Water

Shireen's Spotlight: Juniper On The Water

What:

Juniper 1975 S. Ocean Drive, Hallandale Beach, FL, 33009

Why:

Juniper On The Water is this totally gorgeous, airy restaurant/bar that reminds me of something you’d find in Cape Cod or Kennebunkport, Maine. From the outside, it’s totally unassuming; tucked between two luxury apartment buildings in Hallandale Beach, but on the inside, it’s warm, welcoming and romantic.

I immediately fell in love with its intracoastal view. Perched-up high above the water, I decided to sit outside and enjoy the sparkling Sunday afternoon. Although their “New American-Mediteranean” menu was chock full of my favorites (like fresh salads and fish), I let the chef pick for me, but first…

I started “Spotlight” with their signature cocktail, “The Juniper” (made with cucumber, yellow bell pepper, gin, St. Germain and lime.) Wow! It wasn’t just tasty, it was unusual (and it wasn’t syrupy sweet like some fru-fru drinks tend to be). If you’re a cocktail lover, I highly recommend it. It’s also rimmed with a creative, spicy concoction.

The “Sunset Margarita” is a delicious twist on an old classic: made with blood orange/jalapeño- infused tequila and rimmed with red pepper and salt. “The Hemisphere Old Fashion” was a knock-out; blended perfectly with Ritten House Rye, brandied cherries, orange bitters and brown sugar.

Hello, lovah! The “Steamed Middleneck Clams” were to die for. I have a thing for clams, but the sauce was the bomb-dot-com (made with white wine, onion crema and parsley pesto). I let my toasted bread soak up the leftover sauce and left my no-carb diet rule in the dust. It was worth every sumptuous bite.

Even though the “Octopus” (braised for four hours and served with a smokey salsa) isn’t officially on the menu yet, I got a sneak eat. The texture and flavors were fresh and interesting. This dish will be available for “Juniper’s” Spring/Summer menu (a.k.a any day now!).

My main course: the “Seafood Paella” was filled with clams, mussels, shrimp, fresh fish, chorizo, peas and bell peppers. The pot of yummy goodness was served atop toasted Israeli couscous. This was amazing!! And definitely shareable.

Instead of dessert, my table opted for another round of “The Juniper” and we took our sweet time sipping, soaking up the sun and oohing & ahhing over the view. The best part about this hidden gem, obviously, is its location, but also — the people.

They really believe in what they’re doing and it shows. Not only that, they have a lovely energy that makes all the difference when you’re not just looking for a good meal, but rather a GREAT experience and that’s why “Juniper On The Water” is one of my favorite things.

Where:

Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm, Sunday 11am-3pm & 4pm-10pm. The dinner menu starts at 5pm daily & Happy Hour is from 4pm-7pm daily.

When:

“Juniper On The Water” is in Hallandale Beach on Ocean Drive. It’s snuggled in between two apartment buildings (as I mentioned earlier in the blog) and is marked by a demure restaurant sign. When you turn WEST into its driveway, you’ll go up a slight incline leading to a guard gate.

There — you’ll be instructed to keep right and follow the driveway around until see Juniper’s valet. Then — take the sidewalk to the building closest to the water. Cheers!

For reservations www.juniperonthewater.com / 954-544-3370
Twitter: @JuniperOnWater Instagram: @juniperonthewater FB: Juniper On The Water

The Juniper is a fabled symbol of a great journey, having taken many twists and turns and being capable of staying true to yourself, never compromising your integrity.Unknown
James Woodley Photography
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Styling: Jackie Kay
(wardrobe by www.Anthropologie.com & Cabochon rings www.jacquelinepinto.com)
Editor: Matthew “Bomb-Dot-Com” Auerbach
Friday, April 29, 2016 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Byblos inside The Royal Palm Hotel

Byblos inside The Royal Palm Hotel

Byblos inside The Royal Palm Hotel

Byblos inside The Royal Palm Hotel

Byblos inside The Royal Palm Hotel

What:

Byblos, 1545 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140

Why:

Despite only being open for a little over a month, “Byblos” is one of the hottest places in town! When I went with my crew last Friday night, it was standing room only. The bar was beyond-packed and there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. The place was absolutely buzzing with a “hip and happening” type of atmosphere.

The Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, decorated in yellow, blues and washed-out whites, feels like a true Grecian getaway. Its warm, dim lighting and candle-laden walls and shelves makes for the perfect romantic night out on the town. Not only that, even though the place is new to the city (its flagship restaurant is based in Toronto,) it’s already participating in Miami Spice. Lucky me!

I started the night with the much-talked about “Gulab” cocktail (made with rose infused vodka, pomegranate syrup and fresh lime juice.) Out of all the Spotlights I’ve done, this drink is by far the most beautiful and tasty I’ve ever been offered. It reminded me of an exotic snow cone. (Note to self: go back for more.) The “Cucumber Swizzle” was just as interesting (made with gin, pressed cucumber juice and fresh mint.)

For Spice, “Byblos” offers three choices from its appetizer menu. I dined on the “Duck Kibbeh” (made with dried figs, date molasses and tahini,) “Salmon Kibbeh Nayeh” (with turkish paste, mint and labneh) and “Fresh Crispy Squid” (with yummy bandari spice, schug and toum.) Each plate had an interesting flavor and texture, but it was the duck that dazzled me. James, my photographer, loved the salmon because it was clean, yet succulent.

For dinner, you can choose one main course and a side. I went with the “Roasted Snapper” (doused with chraimeh sauce and house yogurt.) It was rich with an interesting mix of spices and for my side, I had the mind-blowing “Mejadra” (with lentils, labneh and fried shallots.) It was a big iron-cast bowl of yummy goodness. I liked it so much, I actually looked up its history. The Arab dish is so popular it’s said that: “A hungry man would be willing to sell his soul for a dish of mujaddara.” No doubt, this hungry woman agrees.

You can also choose one dessert from their Spice menu; I had the petite and pretty “Yogurt Mousse Pistachio Cake” (made with orange blossom water, pomegranate molasses and paradise farms flower jam.) This plate was almost too beautiful to eat; I especially loved the trimmings of fresh flower petals. I’d love to go back to “Byblos” when it’s not so crowded to enjoy its atmosphere in a more leisurely nature, but I guess for now, I have to share this popular gem with the rest of Miami. It’s definitely one of my new favorite things.

Where:

Byblos is smack dab in the middle of South Beach and is adjacent to the charmingly modern Royal Palm Hotel. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll love the restaurant/hotel location because it’s easy and convenient. You’re literally next to everything and anything you can dream of on vacation.

If you’re a local, you’ll need to give yourself extra time to make your way down Collins Avenue (because it tends to be extra busy on the weekend, especially as we’re going into tourist season (although, I think it’s always tourist season these days!) As for parking? Your best bet in the heart of SoBe is to valet! The hotel gives a preferred rate of $15 dollars if you’re dining at Byblos. Cheers!

When:

Monday-Sunday: 6pm-Close

A heart that loves is always young.Greek Proverb

For reservations call 305-508-5041or reservations@byblosmiami.com.
www.byblosmiami.com.
Twitter: @ByblosMiami
Instagram: @byblostoronto
FB: Byblos Miami, Restaurant & Lounge

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario

shop this blog look on Instagram
Wardrobe: @DVF
Jewelry: @lgeorgedesigns
Shoes: @irregularchoice

Special thanks to Carma Public Relations.
Wanna be featured on Spotlight? Email me at ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com

Friday, September 4, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mina’s Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

Mina's Mediterraneo

What:

Mina’s, 749 NE 79th Street, Miami, Florida 33138

Why:

Chic, industrial and warm, Mina’s reminds me of some of my favorite restaurants in my beloved hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s even reminiscent of some of the cool, laid back, hipster spots I used to frequent in Austin, Texas (when I was a young, budding entertainment reporter working in The Lone Star State.)

Mina’s is the kind of place that just makes you feel good when you walk through the door, boasting a line of big, beautiful windows perched high against its back wall giving off a sense of roominess and different shades of moody lighting. During the day, it’s bright and airy; at dusk, it’s self-assured and sexy. When it gets dark, candles illuminate the dining room in a golden amber-like glow. Fresh cut flowers give each table a dose of unpretentious personality.

I started my dinner at the lively bar, where friendly locals chatted with me about how much they loved the place and how much they actually frequented it during the work week (at least twice, sometimes more.) My first drink of the night was the popular “Marakesh Cocktail” (made with Moroccan Mint Tea, Rye Whiskey and spiced pomegranate.) It’s definitely strong enough for a man, but women will like it, too. At least, if you’re like me and enjoy a stiff, strong drink. Back on the ranch, we describe it as “a beverage that’ll grow hair on your chest.”

“The Dusty Rose” was next and was my absolute favorite (made with white rum, pineapple, St. Germaine, rose water and cranberry.) Mmmm…it was unique, feminine and extremely appealing. My photographer, James, was all about the “Fresco Verde” (made with muddled cucumber, mint, basil, honey, gin and ginger beer.) It was definitely refreshing, smooth and I’d even go as far as describing it as effervescent.

Before I drank myself under the bar, I headed to my table to start my dinner with some amazing “Small Plates” on the menu. I really love this concept, too. Drinks, light bites and a great atmosphere; it’s reason enough to check the place out if you’ve never been before. Also, if you just wanna hang (I especially love the outdoor patio,) it’s got this really chill vibe, with live music every Thursday. Every third week of the month, they host something called: Play-te (great food and a theatre reading.) But I digress…

There’s nothing like a good dip! I started off with four amazingly fresh, mouthwatering ones: Besara (ground fava beans, cilantro, dill, parsley, celery, onion and garlic.) Tzatziki (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint.) Baba Ghanoug (roasted eggplant, chickpeas and tahini.) Spicy Feta (Bulgarian feta with harissa.) This was one of my favorite parts of the meal, however…

I was completely infatuated with the “Spanakopita” (a serving of spinach feta phylo pies.) They were light, fluffy and fantastic. “The Stuffed Cabbage” was a pretty close second (served with rice, meat, onions in a savory tomato sauce. I need this in my life at least once a week.) I’m not a fan of “Grape Leaves,” per se, but wow — I surprisingly gobbled up two with no questions asked. My last appetizer, the “Lamb Burger Sliders” (with harissa, tatziki, tomato and lettuce) were absolute perfection.

Now, you’re probably thinking how in the world could I possibly have had room left for dinner after that appetizer extravaganza? Well, I may be wee, but I’m willful! Especially, with the quality and taste of the food. What’s more, Yasmine Kotb (Mina’s owner,) is so generous and kind, her food is a direct extension of her personality. With that being said, you can’t help but wanna try everything on the menu.

Before my main course, though, I tried “The Mersault” (made with muddled cherry tomatoes, lime juice, rosemary, tequila and a touch of harissa.) This drink wasn’t just photogenic, it was incredibly interesting. It was layered with unique flavors, reminding me of a fresh herb garden and who doesn’t love a drink peppered with little cherry tomatoes?

I dined on the “Osso Buco” for my main plate (lamb shank braised in wine sauce with mashed potatoes.) The lamb was soft, tender and a perfect cornucopia of classic flavors. The potatoes were fluffy, buttery and delicious, too. For dessert, three plates landed in front of me: Tiramisu, Walnut Baklava and Dark Chocolate Tart. Hands down, the tart stole my heart (insert crying emoji here.)

The thing I love most about Mina’s is that’s it’s close to Channel 7, so it’s my neighborhood hang-out, but truth-be-told, that’s exactly what it’s like even if you don’t live on 79th Street. It’s a friendly atmosphere, the food is fresh and it’s a fabulous place to feel part of our ever-changing community.

Where:

Mina’s is the Upper Eastside of Miami, which is slowly but surely turning into a bustling area; with clothing shops, different restaurants, hairs salons and home decor stores. The restaurant has a pretty big parking lot, so that’s not an issue. Not only that, Mina’s is working on free valet to make it even easier. Cheers!

When:

Tues-Friday 5pm-10:30pm, Saturday 12pm-10:30pm, Sunday 11am-9pm and Happy Hour Tues-Sunday 5pm-7pm.

The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray.Vincent Van Gogh

www.minasmiami.com
Twitter: @MinasMiami
IG: @minasmiami
FB: Mina’s Mediterraneo

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Stylist: Pam Garcia

Wardrobe & Jewelry provided by www.KokoPalenki.com
Twitter: @KokoPalenki
IG: @kokopalenki
FB: Koko & Palenki

Friday, July 24, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

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

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

Costa Brava at 95 Cordova at the Casa Monica Hotel

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 , , , , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

Shireen's Spotlight: Klima Miami

What:

Klima Restaurant & Bar, 210 23rd Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

Klima is one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve seen in a long time. I would even go as far as to say, it’s one of the most gorgeous restaurants I’ve ever seen in my life (and I’ve been around the globe a few times.) Its interior is a wonderful blend of Scandinavian modernity mixed with the warmth and flair of a Spanish villa.

It’s the kind of place people linger in to fully enjoy their dining experience, not just eat and head for the door. I started my evening off at Klima’s inviting, open-air bar, where I tried a few specialty cocktails. The Pisco Sour was delicious and the Mint Julep knocked my socks off. Both were refreshing and unique, which seems to be the best way to describe everything on the menu.

Even though the place is touted as a “Spanish” style restaurant, it seems to be influenced by a myriad of places, especially the Mediterranean. I eagerly tried two appetizers: The Tuna Toast (flavored with chipotle, leek and lime) and the Oysters (with Ponzu Sauce and Salmon Roe.) Both were clean, fresh and delicious.

My favorite, though, was the Fennel Carpaccio Salad (made with burrata cheese, kalamata olives and dried tomatoes.) I loved it because it was zesty and crisp. For dinner, I let the powers that be choose, which always scares me a little because I’m such a picky eater, but the Veal Stuffed Paccheri, Porto & Parmesan did NOT disappoint. I’m not big on veal, but the flavor and texture of the plate was amazing. Even though the sauce appears to be hearty, it was actually light and fluffy.

My entire experience at Klima was really so delightful. I enjoyed the interior, the amazing art and the delicious food. I think this place has what it takes to stay around for a long time and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

Klima is located in South Beach, but away from the madness of Ocean Drive. It’s on the sleepy corner of 23rd and Collins (right where Tosca used to be.) They say it’s a tough area, as in there’s not a lot of foot traffic, but the place was jammed packed with high-spirited customers when I was there. The restaurant offers valet, but there’s also a public parking lot beside the building that always seems to have space and that’s always a special treat in Miami.

When:

Monday-Sunday 6pm-2am (the kitchen closes at 12:30am)

For Reservations call: 786-453-2779 or email reservations@klimamiami.com
IG: @klimamiami
FB: Klima

My weaknesses have always been food and men – in that order!Dolly Parton

Blouse & Skirt: Ted Baker
Belt: BCBG
Shoes: Koko & Palenki

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

Friday, April 24, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , , , ,