Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

Shireen’s Spotlight: Spris Artisan Pizza

What:

An early Sunday night dinner at one of the best Artisan pizza places in South Florida — SPRIS. And they do way more than just pie really, really well. BTW, #PizzaIsMySoulMate 🍕😍

Why:

Every time I drive into Midtown Miami, I’m in awe — the buildings, the businesses, the restaurants, the shops. It’s a bustling mini-city within the Magic City and the crazy thing is, I remember when it used to be a huge empty field. #NotAnymore. It’s become such a popular part of town, I’m there at least once a week, shopping at Target or HomeGoods or eating at one of the handful of fabulous restaurants. One of my favorites is “Spris Artisan Pizza.”

If you know anything about the history of pizza in Miami, you probably know Spris was the first Artisan Pizzeria to open shop on Lincoln Road more than 20 years ago. Now, the restaurant is in practically every part of the city, but the Midtown location is my favorite. Not only is it convenient, it has a relaxed trattoria atmosphere. More importantly, it offers some of the best food and drink deals in town. There’s…

“Beat The Clock,” which goes down everyday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The price you pay is determined at the time you order — ask for your pie at 6:05pm you pay $6.05; cool, right? You get to choose between a delicious Margherita, Diavola or Genovese. On Wednesdays, all bottles of wine are 50% off and be sure to ask about the “Pizza of the Week” — it’s a great way to expand your Artisan Pizza taste for under twenty dollars. Try pies like “Smoked Scamorza” and “Mozzarella Fior Di Latte,” just to name a few.

While I’m a sophisticated foodie/fashionista, a good deal is never beneath me and Spris definitely delivers. In fact, all of the aforementioned specials are available at their Lincoln Road, Downtown and South Miami locations, too. That’s not all…

Everything at Spris is incredibly fresh and delicious. When I stopped by last Sunday, I couldn’t believe the diversity of the menu because I usually stick to pizza, but “When in Rome,” you’ve gotta try a little bit of everything. I started my #Spotlight experience with a light Pinot (they have a great wine list) and a fabulously creamy “Burrata” which comes on top of arugula, cherry tomatoes with toasted bread and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil.) #MouthWatering BUT…

It was the “Trio” from the “Bruschetta Bar” that really knocked my socks off! My absolute favorite was the “Romana” with mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, anchovies and Oregano. Yes! Anchovies! #ComeToMama. The “Avocado” was a close second with brie, avocado and seasoned tomatoes and if you like classic bruschetta, the “Originale” is simple, yet satisfying with tomatoes and basil. Anything from the Bruschetta Bar is definitely a must-try.

From the Antipasto part of the menu, I tried “Calamari Fritti” — which is a basket filled to the brim with crispy squid rings. It’s YUMx2 especially with freshly squeezed lemon and spicy marinara for dipping. I tried it with a glass of Italian Prosecco called Cin Cin, which is light and fruity with notes of pear.

Usually, when I’m doing a food blog, the last thing I wanna eat is chicken. I associate it with diet food because it’s what I usually eat during the week, but once I tried “Pollo E Palate” (the all-natural semi-boneless chicken with roasted potatoes cooked in an iron skillet,) I was a changed woman. It’s AMAZING. In fact, I think it actually rivals Spris’ pizza. It’s tender, juicy and practically falls off the bone. I need the recipe STAT. More of a sandwich person? The “Ruspante Panini” is great, too, with grilled chicken breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Summertime means it’s perfect with an ice cold beer (they have draft and bottle.)

Straight from the wood-burning oven, I tried “Pizza al Salmone” with mozzarella, smoked salmon, arugula and red onions & “Pizza Margherita” with mozzarella & fresh basil (btw, whole wheat and gluten-free doughs are also available) and — drum roll, please — for my absolute favorite… “Speck E Burrata,” which is smothered in the most amazing smoked prosciutto. #HelloLovah. Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite because they’re all fresh and yummy; maybe I need to taste every pizza on the menu to adequately decide. 😁🍕🙀

Glory be to the food gods, I still had room for dessert and the heavenly “Tiramisu” didn’t disappoint. It’s made with lady fingers, mascarpone cream and sprinkled cocoa. I couldn’t resist pairing it with an amazing Segafredo espresso which, of course, is one my favorite coffees (read about Segafredo here.)

Eating at Spris is always a great meal, but more importantly, it’s an intricate part of the food culture in Miami and for me, that means it always tastes like home and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Where:

Spris Artisan Pizza
Buena Vista Boulevard
3201 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127

Planning a party or a fun get together? Check-out Spris cool Mobile Pizza Truck.

www.sprispizza.com

When:

Monday – Thursday: 11am-10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-11:30pm
Sunday: 11am-10pm

Be Social:
IG: @sprispizza
FB: @SprisPizza
Twitter: @SprisPIzza

Unless you are a pizza, the answer is YES, I can live without you.Bill Murray
James Woodley Photography
Dress: @redcarterofficial
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach
Clutch: @ximenakavalekes
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Midtown” Auerbach

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

In The Bag

What:

Celebrating SS19 by Ximena Kavalekas & checking out her new retail space at the Faena Bazaar on Miami Beach. Hello, lovah…. 👛

Why:

You know the song, “Girl On Fire,” by Alicia Keys? Well, she must have written the catchy tune for handbag designer, Ximena Kavalekas. There’s literally #NoStopping the woman. In fact, her success has been so meteoric, I actually have trouble keeping up with it and that’s what I do for a living. 😂

The first time I met Ximena back in 2016, her luxury handbag line was launching from a small room inside “The Fashion Workspace of Miami,” but my-oh-my, have things changed. Not only has she set up shop inside the world class Faena Bazaar, her handmade python accessories are being worn by the Who’s Who of Hollywood: Priyanka Chopra, Sofia Vergara, Sofia Carson and even fashion queen, Margherita Missoni. Speaking of…

Margherita, who happens to be a huge fan of Ximena’s, recently collaborated with her on a limited-edition handbag series. Going with Ximena’s signature #BoxBag style, the two women created “a simple yet sophisticated” petite suitcase-like design. I especially adore the colors of the #Capri, not to mention its decorative zig- zag star stitching which is a combination of the duo’s initials: MM + XK — what a chic and fashionably witty idea. Its whimsical laser cut daisies are the perfect finishing touch #BeautifulBag.

If all that weren’t enough, Ximena’s purses are breezing their way through Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, NET-A-PORTER, Saint Germain, Moda Operandi, the retail elite list goes on and don’t even get me started on the editorials: Vogue Mexico, Vogue Brazil, Vogue India, Elle, People, US Weekly, DUJOUR, InStyle, Miami Magazine, Brickell Magazine, just to name a few. This is where the DJ pipes in: “This girl is on fire…”🔥🎼

Bloggers love Ximena, too. I’d include myself in that group, but television is my full-time job and blogging is what I do to express my love of fashion with, of course, Channel 7 as my partner in crime. Speaking of, Ximena is always supportive of local media, especially #DecoDrive and understands the importance of connecting on that kind of level. In fact, her second bag collaboration is with Miami Fashion Stylist extraordinaire, Elysze Held, who runs “The Magic City” when it comes to what and whom you should be wearing.

In full disclosure, Elysze styles for Deco Drive and her fab personality coupled with her elegant fashion sense is sure to produce the IT bag of the season. I can’t wait to see what Ximena & Elysze come up with. I better start saving my money now. Hmmm… what about a Go Fund Me fashion account? In all seriousness…

I’m so happy for the success of the #XimenaKavalekas brand. Not only is it deserving, Ximena has stayed firmly planted in South Florida; making the Miami fashion scene better, brighter and exponentially more beautiful..you might say, Ximena has it all “In The Bag” and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings.

Where:

Ximena Kavalekas
inside Faena Bazaar
3rd Floor
3400 Collins Avenue
Miami, Florida 33140

When:

Monday – Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm

or shop on-line www.ximenakavalekas.com

Be Social:
IG: @ximenakavalekas
FB: @ximenakavalekaspython

A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag; even when you get to the bottom of it, there is ALWAYS something at the bottom to surprise you!Billy Connolly
James Woodley Photography
featured purses in order: Angeles Red/Cheetah, XK x MM Capri, Weekender (small) Hot Pink Scaled Water Snake
two-piece animal outfit @born2dress_, flowery dress vintage @Betseyjohnson & puffy pink jacket @bcbg, pink dress @bcbg
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “The Bag Man” Auerbach

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

The BOX Bag

What:

Yummy python BOX purses by designer, Ximena Kavalekas.

Why:

The first time I saw “The BOX Bag” by purse designer, Ximena Kavalekas, I was truly smitten. Not only was it petite and pretty, it was made out of the most exquisite python skin I’d ever seen. Its shape is a return to old school glamour, leaving behind the “bigger is better” attitude that’s consumed pocket book fashions over the last decade.

While the bags themselves are intoxicating, they’re nothing compared to the designer herself. Ximena, who burst onto the Miami fashion scene about a year ago, is a complete ray of sunshine, lighting up any space she inhabits.

The first time we met at her private showroom downtown Miami (where I was interviewing her for Deco Drive,) I was taken with her spectacular smile, larger-than-life personality and her ability to make everyone around her feel important. It doesn’t hurt that she’s a dead ringer for superstar Jennifer Lopez (even prettier, perhaps.)

With that being said, somehow Ximena has managed to inject those aforementioned special qualities into her luxury purse line and it seems everyone is taking notice. Not only is she draping the Magic City’s fashion elite with different styles of “The BOX Bag” — she’s also working her way into the most glamorous stores in the country.

At the end of the week, Bergdorf Goodman in New York City is hosting a trunk show in her honor, where Ximena will visit with holiday shoppers, introducing her exclusive line to yet another sophisticated fashion audience.

It doesn’t seem to get much better than that, except for the fact that actresses like Sofia Vergara (who stars in the hit TV show, “Modern Family,”) regularly posts her favorite Ximena BOX Bag on her Instagram (Vergara has a cool 10.9 million followers.)

While Ximena’s line has the hype of novice newness, her knowledge, designing experience and hard-won wisdom is anything but. She went to fashion school in Italy and has worked in the luxury accessory business for decades.

During our interview, Ximena easily shares her ups-&-downs in the fashion industry and as she reflects upon her journey, she says she realizes now it’s always been about finding what she calls: “A unique and different idea.” It seems now that’s she’s found it, there’s no stopping her.

All Ximena Kavalekas handbags are exquisitely handmade; the colors and textures are supple and sophisticated and the linings are luxurious. What’s more, all of her python skins are procured humanely with the backing of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

If you’re looking for chic glamour, with an unexpected structured twist, you’ll definitely find it in “The BOX Bag” and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things. Happy Shopping!

Where:

You can shop “The BOX Bag” at www.ximenakavalekas.com or make an appointment to visit Ximena’s private showroom, located inside District 900, which is referred to as ‘The Fashion Workspace of Miami’.

Ximena Kavalekas
District 900
990 Biscayne Boulevard
4th Floor
Miami, Florida 33132

IG: @ximenakavalekas

I’m thinking balls are to men, what purses are to women. It’s just a little bag but we’d feel naked in public without it.Sarah Jessica Parker
James Woodley Photography
Styling by Jackie Kay
Purses designed by Ximena Kavalekas
wardrobe provided by www.vchicstore.com
Grooming: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Unique and Different” Auerbach