Shireen’s Spotlight: French 27

Shireen's Spotlight: French 27

Shireen's Spotlight: French 27

Shireen's Spotlight: French 27

Shireen's Spotlight: French 27

Shireen's Spotlight: French 27

What:

French 27, 850 Commerce Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why:

Oh, Mon Cherie! French 27 is such a gorgeous restaurant, I was immediately smitten when I walked through its long, airy corridor. I was greeted by two lovely ladies standing behind a Baby Grand piano (which was serving as a make-shift hostess station.) It was flanked by red roses and a glowing candelabra.

The restaurant, which reminds me a little of La Grenouille in New York City, oozes drama: its rich textures and warm colors enhance its lively atmosphere. On the way to my table, I was whisked past a decorative pond with floating candles and rose petals. The romance in the place was palpable. Then, it was time to get my Spotlight on!

I started with the ‘Moulin Rouge’ (made with berries, St. Germaine, vodka and Veuve Clicquot.) It was crisp, light and my favorite drink of the night. The ‘Honey & Tea’, served with a petite pot of honey along with a lil’ dipper was charming (made with peach puree, jasmine-infused honey and vodka.) The ‘Champagne & Rose,’ served with a side of rose petal syrup, was extremely elegant.

My first starter of the night was the mind-blowing ‘Escargots Tartiflette.’ It was oh-so-buttery and if the puff pastry that was served with it were a man, I’d profess my undying love and run away with it — forever. The ‘Soy Cured Salmon’ topped with cilantro and Creme Fraiche was clean and healthy (more so than the Escargot.)

I tried two main entrees: ‘Chilean Seabass’ (with tomato confit, cured shallots and almonds) and ‘Mediterranean Turbot’ (served with a mint béarnaise sauce, artichokes and cherry tomatoes.) I was most impressed with the Turbot; I’d never tried it before and it reminded me of Dover Sole, which I love. Dinner didn’t end there…

I was asked to try anything my heart desired from the menu (btw, that’s never happened to me on Spotlight.) I made room for ‘French Onion Soup’ (after all, I was at a French restaurant) and ‘Moules Mariniere’. The soup had this crazy good puffy pastry smothering it and the mussels were soaked in a perfect Chardonnay sauce.

Last but not least, I saved room for ‘Strawberry Shortcake’ and the most perfect ‘Soufflé. I left happy and definitely NOT HUNGRY! ‘French 27’ is an enchanting slice of “The City of Light” on the beach and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

‘French 27’ is on South Beach in an area known as South Pointe. I remember back in the day when ‘Joe’s Stone Crab’ was the Lone Wolf in the neighborhood. Not so anymore! There seems to be new places popping up everyday. Lucky for us foodies, there’s street parking in front of the restaurant and they have valet. Cheers, or as they say in France: Bon Appetit!

When:

Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-12:00am

Somewhere between the Angels and the French lies the rest of humanity.Mark Twain

www.french27.com
Twitter: @french27_rest
IG: @french27rest
FB: French 27

wardrobe provided by www.hotmiamistyles.com, IG: @hotmiamistyles
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair & MUA: Odett Hernandez
Editor: Matthew Auerbach

Friday, February 26, 2016 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Bistro Cassis

Shireen's Spotlight: Bistro Cassis

Shireen's Spotlight: Bistro Cassis

Shireen's Spotlight: Bistro Cassis

Shireen's Spotlight: Bistro Cassis

What:

Bistro Cassis, 118 Buena Vista Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33137

Why:

I’ll never forget my first trip to Paris. I fell in love with absolutely everything: the elegant charm of the city, the spectacular historic architecture and the wealth of lively street cafes that seemed to be everywhere, serving fab French food and glasses upon glasses of hearty red wine. Finding that same kind of amazing ambiance in Miami hasn’t always been easy for me, but thanks to “Bistro Cassis,” it’s now possible.

From the moment I hit the front door, the lively French cafe transported me back to “the City of Lights.” With its tiled floors, comfy red booths and incredibly knowledgeable wait staff, I was defintely “se sentir heureux” (feeling happy.) The night started out as a celebration of sorts, with three unique cocktails: the “Isabelle” (made with vodka, cantaloupe, flower cordial and lavender,) the “Emerald Club” (made with gin, mint, green tea syrup, club soda, lime oils) and the “Just Ryte” (with rye whiskey, sage, lemon, bitters and ginger beer.)

I loved the smoothness of the “Isabelle,” the fashionable green brightness of the “Emerald Club” and the unique blending of the “Just Ryte.” Choosing my appetizers was tough, but I went with the suggested “Escargots Persille” (baked snails, garlic herb butter,) Steak Tartare (traditional chopped beef) and the “Mussels Mariniere” (white wine, fresh herbs.) The escargot were buttery and baked to perfection. The tartare (my fave) had just the right blend of spices and the mussels were tender, succulent and left me soaking my bread in its leftover broth and devouring each drenched bite.

Dinner was the best kind of French meal you could ask for: “Steak Frites” (New York strip steak, maitre d’hotel butter, French fries) with a side of mushroom risotto and a glass of “Estancia Merlot” (from Central Coast, California.) The steak was cooked to perfection, the fries were light and crispy and the risotto was exempliare! Dessert was a flaming good time with the “Crepes Suzette” (which are French pancakes with Grand Marnier sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.) I loved the vibe, food and company of this cafe. Who needs Paris when you have Bistro Cassis and thats why it’s one of my favorite things.

Where:

The bistro is snuggled into Midtown Miami (the city’s urban district) and is the perfect destination to enjoy a day of shopping and an evening of dining. Street parking can be tough in this busy area, but there are plenty of garages or why not cab/Uber it and walk to Bistro Cassis like a true Parisian pedestrian.

When:

Open 7 days a week !
Monday through Saturday 11:30am-11:00pm
Sunday Brunch 11:00am-5:00pm, Dinner 5:00pm-11:00pm

Life is an onion and one cries while peeling it.French Proverb

Website: www.cassismiami.com
Twitter: @CassisMiami
Instagram: @Bistro_Cassis_Miami
Facebook: Bistro Cassis Miami French Restaurant

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Producer: Jessie Rosario

A special thank you to Brustman Carrino Public Relations

Wardrobe by Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
www.hollenandjenshoroom.com
Twitter: @HollenandJen
Instagram: @hollenandjen
Facebook: Hollen & Jen Showroom

Friday, June 26, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , , , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

 

Shireen's Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

Shireen's Spotlight: Rouge Miami Beach

What:

Rouge, 908 71st Street, Miami Beach, Florida, 33141

Why:

Besides having incredibly delicious French and Moroccan cuisine, Rouge has the most romantic garden in its backyard, filled with pretty mosaic tables, colorful candle lanterns, a fire place and lots of lush greenery. It’s truly a small slice of paradise. Rouge calls it: “a green oasis in the midst of urban chaos.”

Inside, the mood is rich, dark and decadent. I especially love the waiting area by the long wooden bar (just as you enter the restaurant.) It reminds me of some of my favorite pubs in England with rich textures, warm lighting and a vintage piano to entertain guests.

I easily gobbled up the Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon salad. It was sweet, succulent and extra yummy with pesto dressing. My absolute favorite, though, was the Tajine de Caille Farcis au Couscous, Merguez et Raisins (traditional Moroccan quail stuffed with lamb sausage, couscous and raisins.) I’ve never tasted anything quite like it: clean, flavorful and slightly spicy, made all the more interesting thanks to a saffron flare. I washed it all down with a suggested house Bordeaux. Perfection.

Last, but definitely not least, I split the Choco Crunch & Red Berries with my crew. It was beyond decadent with rich chocolate, a crumbly base, powdered sugar and just enough bite from the berries to balance out the sweetness. Believe you me, there were NO leftovers.

I absolutely adore Rouge. It was recently voted (and I’m not surprised) one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants in America” by OpenTable Diner’s Choice. It’s not only the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day (they’re offering a special dinner menu,) it’s a great place for any kind of date.

Where:

It’s right in the heart of Normandy Village, a few steps from its famous Art Deco fountain. It’s a sweet little neighborhood with great restaurants and a nice farmer’s market on the weekend. Parking is easy; they have a lot in the back that boasts plenty of room.

When:

Sunday-Thursday 12:00pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 12:00pm-12:00am

Reservations: www.RougeMiamiBeach.com or call 305-720-9125.
IG: @RougeMiamiBeach
FB: Rouge

Great food is like great sex. The more you have, the more you want.Gael Greene

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photo: James Woodley
Writer: Shireen Sandoval
Media Liaison: Ambar Rodriguez

Friday, February 13, 2015 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,