Touch Dolls | Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: Root & Bone

What:

There’s nothing like a delicious brunch with a heaping helping of southern hospitality and gobsmackingly good grits. #HeavensToBetsy, I do declare.

Why:

Bright, airy & brimming with good energy, The new “Root & Bone” in South Miami is the perfect place to brunch like a lady and eat like a man. Lol. Actually, you can do a little bit of both, thanks to the dynamic chef duo of Jeff McInnis & Janine Booth.

The couple, of Stiltsville fame in Sunset Harbour, opened their first #RootAndBone about five years ago in NYC. A few years later, they decided to do a pop-up at the Shelborne Hotel on South Beach; because it was so well received, they headed inland to open a permanent location. And, let’s just say, it’s sooooo good, it #DillsMyPickle.

If you haven’t guessed by now, #RootAndBone is all about delicious, down-home cooking. One bite of their “Drunken Deviled Eggs” and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Make sure to wash em’ down with a “Julia Sugarbaker” (named after the strong, sassy and uber-southern character from the 80’s TV show, Designing Women.) Made with bourbon, peach, honey, lavender and fresh lemon, it’ll definitely wet your whistle. Speaking of…

The “R & B Aperol Spritz,” which is just as delish, is perfect for our hot South Florida days. Not only is it fruity, it’s also refreshing made with Aperol, fresh grapefruit, grapefruit tonic & bubbles. Not a cocktail lover? Don’t worry, #RootAndBone has an amazing bar sure to cure what ails you, specializing in scotch, whisky and bourbon. Before you get cork-high and bottle-deep, though, you’ll wanna try the mind blowing, melt in your mouth “Shrimp & Grits” with tomatoes, pickled onions, sweet corn & bacon beer jus. It’s everything and happens to be my favorite thing on the menu. 🙌

If you like brunch food and southern cooking in one ginormous bite, #RootAndBone’s “Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich” is heaven on earth. It’s served with two open-face waffle sandwiches and piled high with crispy bird, pickled green tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese & bourbon maple syrup. Yes, that says #BourbonMapleSyrup 😁…

If you have salty, you gotta have sweet, at least, according to my made-up foodie rules. Honestly, I’d use any excuse to bury my face in “Banana Cream Pie Waffles” topped with caramelized bananas, butter pecan ice cream, maple syrup, & whipped cream. #HolyFoodDreamComeTrue

Southern food isn’t just about being delicious, it’s meant to feed the soul, too, and part of that is the experience surrounding it and #RootAndBone fully understands that concept. Not only will your tastebuds be enchanted by the new eatery, so will your sensibilities and that’s why you’ll be: “Grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato” and yes, that’s definitely one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy Brunching !

Where:

Root & Bone
5958 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, Florida 33143

When:

Weekend Brunch is Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm

www.rootnbone.com/miami

Be Social:
IG: @rootnbonemia, @rootnbonenyc
FB: @rootnbonemia

Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit.cheeky southern saying

James Woodley Photography
dress: @touchdolls
gonzo heels: @irregularchoice
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Crispy Bird” Auerbach

Friday, April 5, 2019 Shireen's Spotlight Irregular Choice, James Woodley Photography, Root & Bone, South Miami, Touch Dolls

Shireen’s Spotlight: Hayato Miami

What:

Making LOVE to a big, hot, juicy bowl of ramen at Hayato Miami, inside 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood and tasting some delicious unicorn ice cream, too. P.S: isn’t my camera purse cute?

Why:

If you wanna try amazing, mouth-watering, slurp-worthy #RAMEN, Hayato Miami is one of the hottest tickets in town. The authentic ramen restaurant, located inside 1-800-Lucky, Wynwood’s famed asian food hall, hails all the way from Kagoshima, Japan. So, how did that happen?

About 20 years ago, Kagoshima & the Magic City entered into something called a “Sister Cities Pact” — an exchange of cultural and commercial ideas — #HayatoMiami is one of the yummy results of that initiative. Which makes trying its food all the more exciting. #WhoKnew & #HowLuckyAreWe?

Making it even more intriguing — Hayato is modeled after its original location in Japan: “Satsuma Shimuja,” which happens to be located on Miami Avenue. Yes, there’s a Miami Avenue in Japan. You can’t make this stuff up! I guess you could say, it’s #MeantToBe. Okay, okay, enough of my fact-finding reporter skillzzzz…

I started my #Spotlight experience with a refreshing Chiran-Cha Green Tea, a specially imported blend from Kagoshima, where the rich soil and mild climate is apparently the #bombdotcom when it comes to growing tea leaves. If you’re more of an adult beverage kind-of person, there’s a full bar just a few steps away, where you can get whatever your heart desires. 🍹

I’ve never tried a “Japanese Cucumber” but it’s the perfect starter; soaked in a sesame salt sauce. If you want something more decadent, try the “Steamed Buns” (choice of pork, chicken or tofu.) I went with the marinated pork and got the Jalapeño pickles to add even more personality to the plate.

The great thing about the menu at Hayato Miami: they keep it simple, serving only a handful of items, which means they have it down to a science. The first ramen I tried was an ode to their namesake city: KAGOSHIMA SPECIAL…

It’s base is a thick, delicious pork broth and comes with wavy thin noodles; it’s swimming in cabbage, burdock, carrots and seaweed. Toppings include scallions, sprouts, mushrooms, a seared half-boiled egg and extra Chashu Pork (pork belly braised in soy sauce, sake and mirin.) Speaking of…

The CHASHU BOWL, an alternative to ramen, is perfect for the meat lover, stacked high with rice, pork, egg, lettuce, scallions, seaweed & Sichuan peppers. My favorite of the day was the mind-blowing KEY LIME RAMEN, made with a citrus-y key lime juice. It was clean, delicious and perfect for the health-conscious eater.

After my tasty lunch, I headed out to the garden to make good on a dessert invite from Taiyaki Miami. The ice cream truck serves up some of the most enchanting & whimsical waffle cones I’ve seen in a long time. Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped cake made out of red bean paste, which is what the cones are made of. Really, that’s too much information, all you need to know is — it’s #amazeballs. I went for the cheeky unicorn cone and smiled from ear-to-ear when it was being made and in-between gobbling it up.

1-800-Lucky has a great energy, but it’s unique essence is generated by the glorious restaurants it houses, like Hayato Miami. Not only does it serve incredible ramen, it delivers a rich cultural experience that’s definitely worth trying and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

Hayato Miami inside www.1800lucky.com
143 NW 23rd Street
Miami, Florida 33127

When:

Sunday-Thursday: 12pm-12am
Friday-Saturday: 12pm-3am

Be Social:
IG: @hayatomiamiramen
FB: @HayatoMiami
Twitter: @HayatoMiami

Ice cream: @taiyakinyc in the garden of @1800lucky

If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.Anthony Bourdain

James Woodley Photography
jumper: @touchdolls
camera purse: @aldo
booties: @zara
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Japanese Cucumber” Auerbach

Friday, March 22, 2019 Shireen's Spotlight 1-800-Lucky, Aldo, Hayayo Miami, James Woodley Photography, Taiyaki NYC, Touch Dolls, Zara

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

What:

A beautiful brunch at Zucca in Coral Gables, where the elegant atmosphere can only be upstaged by the mind-blowing Pumpkin Ravioli. #ComeToMama I didn’t even know I liked “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia.” Don’t I sound fancy? 🥂

Why:

If you’re a professional brunch-er, you probably already know about Zucca; but if you just dabble in the game, this place NEEDS to be on your radar. The chic Italian eatery, snuggled inside the historic ivy-drenched Hotel St. Michel, offers the most incredible brunch buffet.

I know what you’re thinking: “a buffet?” I’m right there with you, but this isn’t just any kind of food round-up, it’s fresh, sophisticated and first class. In fact, you’ll have a hard time choosing between the mouthwatering Italian antipasti, homemade focaccia, yummy salads and decadent pastas, not to mention all the breakfast food. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, go a la carte or try a little bit of everything; which is kind of the point. By the way…

Brunch comes with a complimentary adult beverage. You can choose between mimosa, Bellini or Prosecco. I started my #Spotlight experience with a glass of Italian cuvée called “Ca’ del Bosco.” It’s one of my favorites. If you prefer craft cocktails, they have some creative ones, like “Take It Peachy” (which is dry gin white peach juice, lemongrass, lemon juice, orange bitter and Prosecco) or how about a “Venetian Bloody Mary” (made with grappa, yucca, bloody mary mix and tomato juice.) I was in it to win it food-wise, so I stuck with the bubbly…

And fawned over dishes like the amazing “Vitelli Tonnato,” thinly-sliced veal tenderloin over tuna emulsion with capers and greens. It’s a #MustTry and one of their most popular items on the menu. The “Bresaola Di Manzo” was spectacular, too, with arugula and shaved parmesan and both versions of the Burrata (tartine & salad) were total cheese-y heaven.

Zucca makes quite the impressive Antipasto Platter with Salumi, Prosciutto, cold marinated veggies, parmesan cheese and olives. Save some room for risotto, because they always have a special of the day. I tried the “Shrimp Risotto” with cherry tomatoes and asparagus, but it was the “Ravioli Di Zucca Burro Salvia” that really knocked my socks off.

One bite of their homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin (sautéed in light butter sauce and sage) and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to #foodieheaven. It’s officially my new “dead woman walking” dish. I can’t wait to go back and have some more. All the aforementioned plates are featured on the buffet; there’s also lasagna, Porchetta, Roast Beef and Prime Rib. Are you drooling yet? If not, the dessert table should do the trick, packed with every kind of Italian pastry and sweet treat you can imagine: tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, creme brûlée, panna cotta and more. Decisions, decisions, decisions and if you can’t tell, I had a hard time making one. 😂

Brunch ended with Zucca’s glorious homemade Limoncello. I’m kind of a liquor snob, but this aperitif doesn’t disappoint. Not only is the food world-class, the service is excellent, too, and don’t mistake sophistication for snobbery. Everyone at Zucca is incredibly warm and friendly and you can tell they totally love what they do and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy Brunching!

Where:

Zucca
162 Alcazar Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134

When:

Lunch 11am-5pm
Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-11pm, Sunday-Monday 5pm-10pm
Brunch is Sunday 11am-4pm
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 5pm-8pm

Be Social
IG: @zuccamiami
FB: @zuccamiami
Twitter: @HotelSt.Michel

reservations: 786-580-3731
Brunch is $52 for adults & $28 for the little ones
www.hotlestmichel.com

Brunch is not a meal. Brunch is a competition. And I’m winning.Matt Bellasai

James Woodley Photography
dress: @touchdolls
www.touchdolls.com
sunnies: @finomeyewear
boots: @bcbg South Beach
vintage purse from my own collection
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “There’a A Zucca Born Every Minute” Auerbach

Friday, December 14, 2018 Shireen's Spotlight BCBG, Coral Gables, FINOM Eyewear, James Woodley Photography, Touch Dolls, Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Divino Ceviche

What:

Digging into some delicious Peruvian food & checking out the new umbrella installation in Coral Gables #ItLooksBetterInPerson ☂️

Why:

When I got an invitation to try authentic Peruvian food at “Divino Ceviche,” I jumped at the chance. Not only had I heard through the food vine it was a great local restaurant, but it also happens to be smack dab in the middle of the new #UmbrellaInTheSky installation on Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. More on that in a minute, but first..

When I walked into “Divino Ceviche” last Sunday, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house which, of course, made me smile. I know it sounds a little crazy, but when someone wants you to eat at their restaurant to have an “experience” verses giving them “exposure,” it’s a different kind of feeling and I knew this was going to be one of those blogs.

“Divino Ceviche” — owned by Peruvian brothers, Frank & Christian Encalada — prides itself on food with a unique twist. While they specialize in Peruvian cuisine, it’s their contemporary take on it that makes it a must-try. In full disclosure, I haven’t had much Peruvian food in my lifetime, but I have done a few fusion blogs; nibbling on some ceviche, but for the most part, this was uncharted tasting territory.

Most people who go out to eat, myself included, like a little nosh right away, which is why the Sweet Potato Chips served with Yellow Pepper & Huacatay sauces really hit the spot. They’re light, sweet, crunchy and pair perfectly with a Pisco Sour. The Peruvian cocktail, which is fermented wine distilled in copper, is also blended with lemon juice and egg white. It’s #FrothyAndDelicious

If you’re gonna try Peruvian food, you may as well just dive right in and that’s exactly what I did with the restaurant’s namesake dish: “Ceviche Divino” (made with fish, avocado, mango and marinated in lime juice, chili and fresh cilantro.) Hmmm… it was fresh, tangy and had a little kick. It’s garnished with sweet potato and served with giant Peruvian corn called “cholo” which means maize, a British term for corn. I washed it down with the Passion Fruit Mojito, which was #TartAndFruity.

The Octopus Skewers, called “Pulp En Salsa Anticuchera” on the menu, had really great texture and taste. The seasoning, made with vinegar, cumin, garlic and chili, was pure magic, but it was the “Mini Tacu Tacus Con Lomito” that really stole my foodie heart. It’s basically cooked rice and beans mixed together, fried and served with beef tenderloin, quail eggs and Peruvian creole salsa. #WOWZA

If you like crispy squid, the “Ceviche de Mercado,” is worth trying. It’s described as the Chef’s Specialty, so you can’t go wrong there. Alongside squid, it comes with fresh fish marinated in mango and lime juice. If you prefer warm, hearty and flavorful, the “Arroz Con Moriscos” with shrimp, squid, mussels and scallops mixed with rice, red pepper, cilantro, and Peruvian panca pepper dressing, is a real showstopper.

I tried two desserts. “Suspiro de Limena,” which is a Peruvian staple that’s been around since the 1800’s, actually means “Sigh of Lima Lady” and was created by a famous Peruvian poet’s wife. After digging into the delicious treat for the first time, he described it as “sweet and light like a woman’s sigh.” It’s actually similar to #dulcedeleche and definitely worth the extra calories. The “Passion Fruit Cheesecake” was calling my name and so was a 4-Craft Beer Taster (all from breweries in Miami.) #NoShameInMyGame

As much as I love a good palette cleanser, there’s nothing like a great Pop Art Installation and “Divino Ceviche” is smack dab in the middle of the #UmbrellaProject in Coral Gables. The colorful set-up is a cool, new way to bring business to the already charming pedestrian avenue and it’s certainly done that, albeit for only a few short months. Similar pop-up’s have appeared in cities like Lisbon, Paris and Pensacola. It’s a #SelfieWaitingToHappen.

My recommendation? Make an afternoon of it. Dig into some true Peruvian cuisine and then take a stroll down Giralda. Not only will you burn off a few extra calories, the view is inspiring. I think it’ll make your day, I know it did mine and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Where:

Monday -Thursday: 12:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 AM – 09:00 PM
www.divinoceviche.com

Be Social
IG: @divinoceviche
FB: @DivinocevicheGB
Twitter: @DivinoCeviche

A prophet once said ‘Don’t tell me what a man says, don’t tell me what a man knows. Tell me where he’s traveled.’ I wonder about that, do we get smarter, more enlightenment as we travel? Does travel bring wisdom? I think there is probably no better place to find out than Peru.Anthony Bourdain

James Woodley Photography
Dress & earrings by @touchdolls
Jacket @zara
Clutch @forever21
Shoes @SteveMadden #LincolnRoad
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Divino” Auerbach

Friday, August 17, 2018 Shireen's Spotlight Coral Gables, Divino Ceviche, forever21, James Woodley Photography, Steve Madden, Touch Dolls, Zara

Music & Manicures

Music & Manicures: Get Nailed Bar

What:

“Get Nailed” at the hippest new salon in the Magic City.

Why:

When I first heard my good friend, Michelle Pooch, was opening a cool new business in Wynwood, I knew it was going to be special — because she is. I’ve known Michelle for years; in fact, when I first moved to Miami, she was one of my biggest cheerleaders, asking me to host charity events she was involved in or inviting me to fabulous parties she was promoting.

Back in the day, Michelle was always flanked by the rich and famous, but she was the one who stood out. So it didn’t surprise me when I heard she’d been cast on VH1’s, “Love & Hip Hop: Miami”— a reality show about all things Miami; mainly, its fabulous music scene. Her success, though, doesn’t stop there. Michelle’s just added #BossBabe to her already impressive resume.

Combining her world-renowned deejaying skills, party acumen and savvy television personality, she’s opened “Get Nailed Bar” — a full-service nail salon seamlessly mixing “Music & Manicures” #SignMeUp! The funky little space, located in Wynwood, feels like New York City on the outside, but on the inside, it screams MIAMI. With glamorous artwork, a cocktail area, a “Love & Flip Flop” bar & a cool little corner where Michelle can spin her tunes, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto the best-kept secret in the city (at least, for now.) When I went last week to “Get Nailed,” I was completely enamored with my posh pampering experience.

~Translation~

Good-byeeeeee, elevator music and stank eye from your conservative nail neighbor (especially if you’re on your iPhone) and HELLLoooo, energetic tunes, music videos and vixen-style nail art. From the manicure/pedicure menu you can choose from saucy services like The Mary J, The Mona or The Pippen Pedi. You can even customize with add-on’s like The Britney Bitch (nail art), The Mariah (glitter application), The Cardi B (drippin’ in dippin’ powder) and so on. There’s even a thousand dollar “Queen Bey — The Gold Record Edition,” featuring 24K exfoliation & nail polish. Believe you me, I thought about it, but the Deco Drive credit card doesn’t have that kind of limit. Instead…

The lovely, Annick (@glamdbyannick on IG, check her out, she’s amaze,) cleaned up my cuticles and carefully crafted my fingertips into complete fabulosity, all while sipping on a cocktail. (Me, not her. Lol. 😂) With help from Michelle, I decided on “The Mary J” with a “Trina Rockstar” add-on (which means custom crystals on my ring fingers.) After the digit-dust settled, I squealed like a school girl and Annick and I hit up social media to show off her artistry — fuzzy white hand prop and all.

Getting your nails “did” in the Magic City is easy; there’s practically a salon on every corner. But having an experience that energizes you and breathes new life into your beauty routine is something Michelle not only believes in, she does it for herself, too and now, I totally get why. “Music & Manicures” doesn’t just match my Miami lifestyle, it elevates my entire fashion game and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. 💫

Where:

Get Nailed Bar
2328 NE 2nd Ave. m
Miami, Florida 33137
786-431-5924

Book an appointment here:
https://go.booker.com/#/location/GetNailedBar/service-menu

When:

Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 12-6pm

Be Social:
IG: @getnailedbar
FB: @getnailedwynwood
www.getnailedbar.com

Nails — one thing you can get into shape without exercise.anonymous

James Woodley Photography
Manicure by Get Nailed Miami
white suit: @touchdolls
purse: @katespadeny
purse scarf: @camarrero
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Cuticle Cutie” Auerbach

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Shireen's Favorite Things Camarrero, Get Nailed Bar, James Woodley Photography, Kate Spade, Touch Dolls

Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: Root & Bone

Shireen’s Spotlight: Hayato Miami

Shireen’s Spotlight: Zucca

Shireen’s Spotlight: Divino Ceviche

Music & Manicures

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