Shireen’s Spotlight: Seasalt & Pepper

Shireen's Spotlight - SeaSalt & Pepper - Miami, FL

What: Seasalt & Pepper, 422 NW North River Drive, Miami, Florida 33128

Why: If Seasalt & Pepper were a man, I’d seduce and romance him, take him home to meet my parents, marry him and love him for the rest of his natural born life. What I’m trying to say is, this place is a dream come true. The only way for me to describe it: perfection (and I never say that word.)

It has everything you could ever want in a restaurant: a great vibe, a beautiful backdrop, amazing food and drinks, elegance and charm. Matter-of-fact, this place is like something out of a movie: sleek, sophisticated and anyone in it, looks better because of it.

A lot of people dine there during the day, because it’s right on the Miami River, but it’s just as beautiful at night. The Magic City shines bright in the background and gives the restaurant a glorious glow. I was majorly impressed with the genuine kindness of everyone who worked there, from the owners, managers to the wait staff.

Highlights of my visit were the seafood rhapsody that is the “Meli Melo of Tartare” and a plethora of sumptuous cocktails. I recommend the “Cloud 9,” a lychee vodka concoction that’ll leave you begging for more.

Where: I know we’re all programmed to think “the beach” or “downtown” when we’re on the hunt for a great restaurant, but this fabulous gem is right on the aforementioned Miami River. Believe it or not, it used to be just a warehouse. Well, guess what? Magic moved in.

When: Wednesday-Sunday 11:30-3:00am

www.seasaltandpepper.com
Instagram: @seasaltandpeppermia
Twitter: @SeasaltNPepper_
Facebook: Seasalt and Pepper
Reservations: 305-440-4200

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: t4two photography

This should be featured in Shireen’s Favorite Thing’s fashion blog, don’t you think? Would love to hear your feedback. Happy Dining!

Thursday, November 6, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Naked Taco at The Dream Hotel SoBe

The Naked Taco

What: Naked Taco, 1111 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why: Besides being a sexy/saucy/fun place to hang out, the Naked Taco delivers up a delicious twist on Southwestern-slash-Tex-Mex inspired food and drinks. The South of the Border meets South Beach hot spot is draped in daring paintings highlighted with glass blown, skull hurricane lamps and made uber-comfy by deep red, extra cushy, sink-ably-soft,  leather booths; kinda like the ones you’d see at a Denny’s diner back in the day. Yes, it’s okay to wear your bikini with heels or a banana hammock with flip-flops for a meal; just don’t blame the tequila for your bad behavior.

The always-affable and charming, chef-slash-television personality, Ralph Pagano (who appeared on the first season of Hell’s Kitchen) owns the joint. The food-lover is participating in this week’s “Hess Select South Beach Seafood Festival” and will host its “Chef Showdown” on Friday October 24th. Wanna get your grub on? Check out www.sobeseafoodfest.com for more info. 

Where: In the heart of South Beach, inside the decadent Dream Hotel. If you get a chance, eat your guac atop the hotel, at its pretty penthouse pool. The view, mixed with the great food and drinks at Naked Taco, is more than just a “Dream”… it’s a reality everyday of the week in Miami. 

When: Sunday-Thursday 7am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-1am

www.nakedtacomiami.com
Twitter: @NakedTacoMiami
IG: @NakedTacoMiami
FB: Naked Taco  

editor: Matthew Auerbach 
producer: Jessie Rosario 
writer: Shireen Sandoval 
photographer: t4two photography

Thursday, October 23, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Champagne Happy Hour at The Forge

Shireen's Spotlight: Champagne Happy Hour at The Forge

What: The Forge, 432 W. 41st, Miami Beach, Florida 33140

Why: Because there’s no other place where you can drink a king’s share of champagne, eat amazing hors d’oeuvres and enjoy the alluring glamour of the movers and shakers of Miami Beach. Not only has “The Forge” been the place to see and be seen for decades, it continues its reign of decadence with its Champagne Happy Hour. Simply put, it’s the perfect place to end the week.

Every Friday night starting at 6pm, you can pop-a-top of Veuve Clicquot for just $50.00 (ten dollars per glass, along with other drink specials.) The Forge also serves up complimentary, yummy finger foods by Chef Christopher Lee. For the record, I love his crazy, good Kale Salad with parmesan lemon vinaigrette.

When I went to shoot the snapshot for this spotlight, my photographer, Tod, and I had to literally squeeze our way thru the high-spirited crowd. The bar was bursting at the seams with the bold and the beautiful: reality television stars, professional athletes, a powerhouse public relations guru and the owner himself, Shareef Malnik.

Shareef always takes the time to say hello and chat about Deco Drive and the ever-changing world of media. More specifically, social media (because that’s where you’re reading this little tidbit.) This guy totally gets it; plus, he’s cool, kind and classy; maybe that’s why “The Forge” has been fabulous for so long.

Where: Since the 1920’s, “The Forge” has called Miami Beach home. It’s right on 41st Street/Arthur Godfrey Road, which is considered mid-beach. The building, though completely remodeled, has kept its original mystique and elegance. If you can’t make it for happy hour because of a heavy workload, you have to try it for dinner. The dining is delicious and the steak is said to be one of the best in the Magic City. It’s the least we would expect from a Miami institution.

When: Every Friday night from 6pm-until-11pm.

www.theforge.com
Twitter: @ForgeRestaurant
IG: @TheForgeRestaurant
FB: The Forge

Right now, “The Forge” is booking Thanksgiving Dinner: $72 per person
Reservations: 305-538-8533

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
writer: Shireen Sandoval
photographer: Tod Phillip

Thursday, October 16, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Tongue & Cheek

Shireen's Spotlight: Tongue & Cheek

What: Tongue & Cheek, 431 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why: Because its Owner & Chef extraordinaire, Jamie DeRosa, is a freakin’ genius, that’s why (I’ll get to that in a minute) and besides, who doesn’t love a good, smokin’ Molecular Margarita? (Pictured in the blog.) It’s made with 4 ounces of tequila, blackberry and lime. You can thank me later for the sexy introduction. It’s to die for…

Tongue & Cheek isn’t just one of the hippest and most happening places on South Beach to eat, it stacks up with the best of em’ because there’s something for everyone. Especially on its Miami Spice Menu: the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Whipped Ricotta is delicious for the dieter, the Carrot Cavatelli is the cure for the vivacious vegetarian and the Beef Cheek Burger is great for the gung-ho guy who can’t get enough meat. And…

Have you ever heard the saying that someone’s “in it to win it”? Well, that sums up Jamie to a T. Not only has he made Tongue & Cheek an amazing place to eat with quippy, pop culture-titled menu and drink items, but his infectious personality, social media prowess and personal love of all things art-related (food, fashion and film) make him one of the most relevant restaurant owners in the Magic City today.

Whether you’re drinking a Classic Whiskey Sour during Happy Hour or whiling away a weekend night with a long, lackadaisical dinner, dining at Tongue & Cheek is totally delicious.

Where: T&C is located off of Washington Avenue between 4th and 5th street. It’s a bustling part of South Beach, but don’t worry; they offer valet parking for $5.

When: Dinner – Sun 6pm-10pm/Tues-Thur 11:30am-3pm/Fri-Sat 6pm-12am
Happy Hour Tuesday – Sunday 5pm – 8pm

www.tandcmiami.com
Twitter: @TandCMiami
Instagram: @TandCMiami
FB: Tongue & Cheek

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
photographer: Tod Phillip

Thursday, September 25, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight ,