Shireen's Favorite Things

A special note: I haven’t posted in awhile due to Hurricane Irma. Getting back to normal has been tough for a lot of us. I hope this note finds you well, in good health and rebuilding or just getting back to normal.

Trying delicious new menu items and drink specials at Scarpetta, one of my favorite restaurants in Miami.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my dinner at Scarpetta would be one of the last normal things I did before the wrath of Hurricane Irma. Needless to say, it was GLORIOUS: the icy cold cocktails, the exceptionally warm, well-cooked food AND who could forget the orgasmic air-conditioning??!! So cool, so refreshing, so perfect.

One can really gain perspective going through a major storm, but first…

There’s the pre-horror: “OMG, a CAT 5 is barreling this way!” Followed by a week of high-octane preparedness: gas, food, batteries, canned ravioli (because why not, if I’m going to die anyway?) Then you watch (TV), wait (while eyeing the cone of concern) and wonder (about life: what’s important and what’s not.)

When the storm bears down, all my crazy comes out. Especially, the nervous eating. I don’t normally dine on Habanero Cheetos with a side of Bush’s Baked Beans, but if it’s the end, I’m going out with a bang (in more ways than one…) 💩

Anxiety-ridden days are followed by sleepless nights with a relentless soundtrack of howling winds and hissing rain.

But still, there’s something even worse: THE UNKNOWN — which is clouded with fear. Fear of losing everything you own, fear of having to rebuild and finding the strength to actually do it and the fear that things will never be the same, because frankly, they’re usually not.

In-between those serious thoughts, usually, at some point, there’s a loud POP or a quiet click and just like that, your power goes out. It gives one a lot of time to think, appreciate and SWEAT. I went 11 longs days without power and my neighborhood suffered major damage, including the dreaded storm surge.

During it all, I kept thinking about Scarpetta. Not only is it one of Miami’s true hot spots, it reminded me of how lovely things could be when Mother Nature was happy and well-adjusted. At the moment, though, she sucked major… well, you get the idea..

During the storm, my photographer, James and I joked about Scarpetta being our “Last Supper”, so to speak. I’m not complaining. I mean, if you’re gonna have one last meal, it’s more than adequate. In fact, it’s dead-man-walking good.

Before Irma, our “Spotlight” was about highlighting Scarpetta’s new infused drinks like CRAVE (made with watermelon infused vodka, Aperol cranberry, lime and mint) and the EN FUEGO (jalapeno infused tequila, sauvignon blanc, St. Germain, lemon and agave.) I also had a SORRENTO. Even though it’s not a new item, it’s one of my all-time favorites (with oxley gin, house-made lemoncello & basil.)

It was also about how they’re changing up the food menu, too; adding new items, but don’t worry, they still have the classics like Scott Conant’s “SPAGHETTI” made with tomato and basil. And, yes, the “Yellowtail Crudo” — made with ginger oil & pickled red onion — which is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.

If you love ravioli (and not from a can, like I ate during Irma 😂), “Duck & Foie Gras Ravioli” in marsala reduction is an excellent choice. If you’re more of a meat lover, ”Braised Short Ribs of Beef” served with veggies and squash & kale risotto is a dynamic plate with a solid taste balance. And, if you’re like me, always watching your waistline, “Seared Halibut”, which comes in a leek fondue, is light, succulent and different.

Not to be forgotten, Scarpetta’s dessert menu, which consists of revolving classics alongside new and creative culinary delights. I tried “Coconut Panna Cotta ” (with caramelized pineapple & guava soup) and “Amedeo Chocolate Cake ” (made with blood orange & milk ice cream.) Both were exceptional.

With all that being said, Scarpetta isn’t just one of my favorite things, it’s given me much-needed perspective; reminding me good food isn’t just nourishment, it’s love and art intertwined. ❤️

What’s more, technology isn’t just about air-conditioning, although it’s much appreciated. It’s about evolving our species and giving us a better existence, while expanding and strengthening our own communities. All of this makes the world, or at least mine, a better place. Cheers!

Sunday – Thursday: 6pm-11pm
Friday & Saturday: 6pm-12am

Scarpetta
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33140

Click here to book a reservation on-line tinyurl.com/y7gawxyd
or call 800-548-8886

Twitter: @ScarpettaMiami
IG: @ScarpettaRestaurants
FB: @FontainebleauMiami