Zara | Shireen's Favorite Things

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

The Blouse Report

What:

Who doesn’t love a great blouse? It’s the perfect way to perk up your winter wardrobe.

Why:

A lot has happened since my last post: I went on a mini-vacation with three of my best friends, worked like an animal through the holidays, made a new year’s resolution to buy more blouses AND took a long break from the blog.

I needed it. Now, I’m refreshed and ready to tackle 2019 with style and hopefully, substance. First up on my fashionable list for the new year: “The Blouse Report” …and while I’d love to say the garment is making a cool comeback, the truth is I don’t think it’s ever really gone out of style.

The blouse trend of the moment is something the French call “The Pussy Bow Blouse”…which features a big sumptuous bow at the top of its button line. It was bequeathed the cheeky title back in the 19th century by aristocrats who insisted the fashion statement reminded them of fancy cat collars.

The blouse really bloomed in popularity during the Gibson Girl era, when women expressed themselves through cascading waterfall curls and high-collar, button-up shirts with fancy neck tie accessories; mainly, the pussy bow. By the 1960’s, Coco Chanel & other haute couture designers made the blouse modern while keeping its feminine frivolity intact.

Now, in a day and age where anything goes fashion-wise, the blouse has a lot of different personalities: gypsy, boho, fancy, casual and professional. Staying on trend means adding a blouse with a bow, no matter the size of its loops. I love mixing romance with structure, so I usually pair mine with my favorite Filomena Fernandez work pants. If you prefer a more masculine take on the trend, wear a necktie instead.

My resolution for 2019 is about living life simply which isn’t always possible in my high octane career, but “The Blouse Report” adds an easy sophistication to my sometimes complicated life & wardrobe, that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Where:

shop Zara’s new collection www.zara.com/us/

Be Social:
IG: @zara
FB: @ZARA
Twitter: @ZARA

Where’s the man that could ease a heart like a satin gown?Dorothy Parker

James Woodley Photography
all blouses by Zara
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Happy 2019” Auerbach

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Shireen's Favorite Things James Woodley Photography, Zara

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mason Eatery

What:

Brunching at Mason Eatery, where dishes like Goopy Egg & Creamed Corn have shooketh my foodie world.

Why:

Tucked into the heart of Midtown Miami, Mason Eatery is light, airy and the perfect place to grab a quick, quality bite or enjoy a long leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its laid-back sophistication is a breath of fresh air in a city where “more is more” seems to be an exhaustive restaurant theme.

The family-owned, Art Deco-inspired eatery prides itself on unique culinary cuisine, serving up dishes like Creamed Corn made with red shrimp & cornbread crumble. 😋 Mason also makes everything from scratch and I do mean everything. The salmon is killer: cured with salt and dill for three days, rinsed and smoked for six hours.

It’s nothing short of mind-blowing and beautifully presented in their Bagel & Lox with garlic cream cheese and capers. You can get it on their Mason Board, too, which also comes with 12-day, house marinated pastrami and ham. Mmmm… the homemade mustard is definitely something to write home about and I don’t even like mustard. I guess I’ve just never tasted the real thing. #BottleAndSell

If you’re a cocktail lover, you’ll appreciate their fresh take on drinks like the Mule with ginger beer & Cardamaro or go for the unusual with A Mason Grace with Rose’, elderflower and ale. If you’re more of a mimosa fan, try the watermelon; it was my favorite. If you like fresh juices, the pineapple is life-changing. 🥂🍉🍍

The mouthwatering ham n’ cheese omelette is served with a yummy latke and the Mason Salad (with a chicken add on) makes watching your waistline all the more enjoyable. As if all of that wasn’t enough…

My true love affair was with the Goopy Egg — Muenster cheese mixed with sour cream and bagel chips to dip with #ComeToMama. The chips are homemade, just like all of their bread. Speaking of… so was my dessert: two melt-in-your-mouth cookies (chocolate chip and double chocolate) and a delicious key lime bar. 🍪🍰

While Mason is perfect the way it is (especially their late night hours,) I hear provocative changes are in store. Until then, I’ll enjoy the inspiring food and the feel good atmosphere – it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!

When:

Daily from 10am-2am

Where:

Mason Eatery
3470 N Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127
Reservations: 786-618-5150

Be Social:
IG: @masoneatery
FB: @MasonEatery
Twitter: @MasonEatery

www.masoneatery.com

What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?Anthony Bourdain

James Woodley Photography
wardrobe @filomenafernandez
earrings: @vchicstore
sunnies: @zara
clutch & shoes: @StevenMadden #LincolnRoad
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Lover of Latke” Auerbach

Friday, October 26, 2018 Shireen's Spotlight Filomena Fernandez, James Woodley Photography, Mason Eatery, Steve Madden, V Chic, Zara

Suited Up

What:

“Suiting Up” for fall; inspired by the fabulous fashions featured in the new movie: “A Simple Favor.” Now, can someone pass me a martini?

Why:

I bought my first suit more than two decades ago at a strip mall outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. God, I loved it. It was bright red with a sassy side tie (think the top half of a DVF dress) and in true 90’s style, it came with matching pants that featured a slightly flared leg. I felt like a million bucks in it and even though it was made out of a suffocating wool blend, I wore the crap out of it. It was proper and serious with just the right amount of pizazz.

It was my go-to outfit for dozens of auditions before scoring my first big break hosting news cut-in’s at a local television station in Amarillo, Texas — after that, it became a wardrobe staple. It gave me confidence and, in turn, I performed better — if you call white-knuckling it and hoping for the best when the tally light came on as “better”. Lol. I was so inexperienced, yet wearing that suit was a complete revelation: it was the first time I felt the power of fashion and how wearing something that I truly loved made me feel good about myself. ❤️

Isn’t it funny how a certain article of clothing can take you back in time and remind you of pivotal moments in your life? Years later, the thought of that red suit is still deeply rooted in the memories of my budding television career. Eventually, it wore out on me: reporting on brush fires, chasing storms and schlepping all over the High Plains of Texas did a number on it. It was torn, tattered and drenched in hard work; I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

When the time came to give it away, I became silly & sentimental and instead, folded it like a military uniform and put it in a plastic bin with a handful of mothballs. I still remember the sound of the lid when I sealed it: “click, click, click” and just like that, my sassy red suit was officially cataloged into the scrapbook of my life.

Since then, I’ve owned and worn A LOT of different suits and while the evolution of the garment has woven its way in and out of my wardrobe for years (especially as a broadcast journalist,) it’s also taken its place in fashion history. And while being “Suited Up” is always a good idea because the look is so versatile, its popularity has soared this fall even more, thanks to actress Blake Lively and her new movie: “A Simple Favor.”

Blake plays Emily, a mysterious and chic fashion exec who suddenly goes missing. A stylish and suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse ensues as her best friend, played by Anna Kendrick, goes looking for her. Not only is it a great thriller, it’s a film that manages to breathe new life into the already popular “Suited Up” trend. In the movie, Blake is dripping in gorgeous jackets, vests, trousers, and two-toned loafers sure to make any fashionista drool with envy.

Believe it or not, the masculine-feminine costume choices were initially Blake’s idea, inspired by the films director, Paul Feig — whose style is nothing short of a walking magazine ad. Paul has an unprecedented fashion sense, especially for a man…think Bugsy Siegel meets Sherlock Holmes mixed in with a little bit of James Bond. #Dashing #Suave & #Handsome. When he heard Blake’s idea of taking his “Suited Up” sensibility and translating it into her character’s on-screen wardrobe, he immediately gave it the green light.

That’s where Costume Director, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, comes in. Not only did she comb over couture designs by Helmet Newton and Chanel, she also made mood boards featuring classic photos of actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall. #SuitDivas Ultimately, though, she enlisted the help of Ralph Lauren who generously loaned some of his vintage pieces to help bring the “Suited Up” look to life on the big screen.

Putting my own spin on the trend for #FavoriteThings was fun and interesting because let’s face it, this much material in South Florida is a novelty. Still, there’s nothing like shiny textures, bold prints and accessories that’ll turn heads. Whether you go boxy, baggy, fitted or total 80’s glam, getting “Suited Up” is definitely this season’s must-have trend and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. #ShakenNotStirred, please.

ps- I still own my first sassy red suit.

Where:

shop the blog look here:
Blazer
Pants
Hat

Be Social:
IG: @Zara
FB: @Zara
Twitter: @ZARA

I don’t design clothes. I design dreams.Ralph Lauren

James Woodley Photography
Suit by @Zara
Hat @ragandbone
Sunnies: @AmazonFashion
Shirt: @Theory
Clutch: @CandyWoolleyHandbags
Tie from James’ closet
Shoes by Ava & Aiden
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Ralph Lauren Grew Up Two Blocks From Me” Auerbach

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Shireen's Favorite Things AmazonFashion, Ava & Aiden, James Woodley Photography, Ragbone, Theory, Zara

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

Shireen's Favorite Things

Shireen’s Spotlight: Hayato Miami

The Blouse Report

Shireen’s Spotlight: Mason Eatery

Suited Up

Shireen’s Spotlight: Divino Ceviche

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