Shireen’s Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar (connected to Coconuts)

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

Shireen's Spotlight: G&B Oyster Bar

What:

G&B Oyster Bar, 429 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316

Why:

Two words for you: “Deadliest Puppies.” Don’t call PETA — these are crab claws, dipped in hush puppy batter and fried. Thank you Lord, sweet baby Jesus! They’re quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth and I’ll definitely be back for more and then some. The funny thing is…

I actually ended up at the sleek and charming “G&B Oyster Bar” by mistake. I was headed to Coconuts (its sister property in the same location,) by way of the Bonnet House (where I was working on my “Shireen’s Favorite Things” fashion blog.) The volunteers at the museum recommended the place highly. Plus, it has a great intracoastal waterfront view.

Instead of waiting for a seat at Coconuts, though, I was immediately attracted to “G&B”‘s lively bar. Especially after a friendly bartender made me a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary. From there, my crew and I snuggled into a comfy hightop and that’s when we were informed the Bar was a separate place. It didn’t matter; we were so ready to get our grub on after a hard day’s work and boy, did we ever!

Stand-out menu items include: The Philly Lobster Cheese Steak, Lobster Ceviche Martini, Crab Empanadas, Dark and Stormy Ribs and Ahi Tuna Poke. Because “G&B” is indeed a fresh seafood bar, I decided to order half a dozen oysters on the half shell. They were yummy and more importantly, fresh. I would have ended with a dessert, but I had so much to eat, I had to limp out of the restaurant.

Despite its great food, what I enjoyed most about “G&B”‘s is its motto, which is: Be Nice. Even though it’s not something you can order and eat off the menu, a server’s attitude can really make or break your dining experience and ours was amazing.

Where:

“G&B” is located right off of Fort Lauderdale’s popular Seabreeze Boulevard, which partially runs alongside the ocean. It’s connected to its sister restaurant, “Coconuts,” another popular seaside eatery right next to the Swimming Hall of Fame.

They have a really crowded, kind-of crazy valet, but they’re friendly and always willing to make it work. I went this past Saturday (during spring break) and despite the madness, they found me and my Spotlight crew a spot. Valet is tip only, but if you leave the property, they charge twenty bucks.

When:

Monday-Sunday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-1pm.

www.gandboysterbar.com
IG: @GB_OysterBar
FB: G&B Oyster Bar Seafood Restaurant

There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore line, no matter how many times it is sent away.anonymous

Dress: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Jewelry: Serendipity Consignment
Purse: Tookata People
Shoes: Emilio Pucci

Editor Matthew Auerbach
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Photographer: James Woodley

Shireen’s Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

Shireen's Spotlight: Aruba Beach Cafe

What:

Aruba Beach Cafe, 1 Commercial Blvd. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida 33308

Why:

If you like a really great frothy, fruity tropical drink, crispy Coconut Shrimp to die for and Macho Crab Nachos so fantastic, you’ll forget your name when you bite into their gigantic, gooey goodness…well, Aruba Beach Cafe is definitely going to be your new favorite place.

You’ll see me there on any given day, stuffing my face with the aforementioned delights, not to mention downing my share of their killer Margaritas. Believe you me, they’ve mastered the blend; extra salt included.

This fabulously funky seaside eatery is not only a South Florida mainstay, it’s the kind of joint that sinks into your bones and becomes part of your personality. I guess, what I’m trying to say is – it’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience and for some, a way of life.

Aruba’s laid-back beach attitude, mixed with the sun, surf and sand, is a recipe for sheer happiness. Other stand-out items on their menu include: Caicos Conch Fritters, Twin Cabo Fish Tacos, Seafood Quesadilla, Seafood Fra Diavolo and the Key West Fried Shrimp.

Each and every time I’ve dined there, I’ve had the most amazing, friendly, courteous service. If you decide to go on a weekend, make a day of it. Hang out on the beach and when you get hungry, turn around and Aruba’s will be right behind you. Surf’s up!

Where:

Aruba Beach Cafe is located in the lively little town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. It’s the kind of place that makes you wanna slow down and remember what you love about life. When you walk down the street, you’ll see people enjoying a scoop of ice cream, walking hand-and-hand with a loved one, sipping on a drink at an outdoor restaurant, sitting on one of the city’s bright colored beach benches or just hanging out to watch the sun dance its way til dusk or dawn.

Aruba’s is located off the town’s main cul de sac, right by the famous Anglin’s Fishing Pier. Street parking can be tough on the weekend, but Aruba’s has a pretty well-oiled valet that doesn’t take a thousand years (like when you dine on South Beach.) What’s more, waiting for your car isn’t so bad, because you get to enjoy the view of the bustling, beautiful beachside town.

When:

Mon-Tues 11am-1am, Wed-Sat 11am-2am, Sunday 9am-1am

www.arubabeachcafe.com
Twitter: @arubabeachcafe
FB: Aruba Beach Cafe
reservations: 954-776-0001

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. Wyland

Shirt/Skirt: Kore Boutique, Miami
Sweater: Arden B, Aventura
Jewelry: L’George Designs & Jill Zaleski
Shoes: Ted Baker

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