Meet Shanea
I may not be a professional writer, but I consider myself a professional eater ... on the recommendation of friends and family I've started this blog. I love to eat, read about food, travel, shop, take in the arts, and explore new places. Focusing mostly on Toronto, my home base, Miami, my second home and New York and Italy where I travel to the most, while also featuring other places I'm fortunate enough to visit, I'll share with you my most savoury tidbits along the way. I hope you can take something away with you, a restaurant to try, fantastic shopping experience, great hotel to stay in or something to do next time you visit a new locale.Happy Dining,
Shanea
Shanea Rakowski
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Out and About ...
May 28, 2017
Virtu Restaurant, in Scottsdale, opened four years ago in 2013. That same year they were named Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine and they have also received a James Beard nomination. I thought I needed to check out the place and see for myself.
May 25, 2017
Ocotillo in Phoenix is the quintessential modern Arizona eatery. They are a new gold standard, capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
May 22, 2017
All the dishes at Canis in Toronto have simple descriptions on the menu, but when you receive the food you see how complex each dish is, with many components to them.
May 20, 2017
I am not exaggerating when I say that the lobster at Lobster Sea Grille in Miami is the best damn lobster I have had in eons. My table all raved about the quality and execution.
May 20, 2017
One of the reasons I think Lake Inez in Toronto is jam packed and so popular is the hands on approach of the owners, who constantly come by to see how everything is going.
May 16, 2017
Doug Penfold's new Toronto restaurant, Atlas, features dishes inspired by the his travels to Morocco and the Atlas Mountains. The cuisine presents a rich tapestry of spices and herbs, textures and tastes.
May 15, 2017
Since returning to Toronto from Miami, one of my most anticipated new restaurant openings has been La Banane. In a few short months it has become Toronto's "it" restaurant.
May 9, 2017
Toronto's Grey Gardens is fresh, seasonal and creative. A neighbourhood place where you can drop by for a drink and snacks, or stay for dinner.
May 1, 2017
Bar Ape uses refined recipes and serve an artisanal, handcrafted from scratch, gelato bar. The flavours are intense and the mouth feel is sinfully creamy.
May 1, 2017
The Upper East Side crowd gets to feast on bold flavours and textures with unique interpretations of dishes. The plates are small, but inventive and elevated with a complexity that isn't expected.
April 28, 2017
At Valentino Italian Cucina in Ft. Lauderdale Chef Giovanni creates expertly prepared Italian dishes with a modern twist using fresh, high-quality ingredients in all that he prepares.
April 26, 2017
Jerusalem Chefs Rina and Alice have created a tasty and inventive menu in their modern and cozy restaurant. We were happy to have this option on a Saturday afternoon in Jerusalem.
April 25, 2017
At Forte dei Marmi in Miami they go to great lengths to bring you the flavours of the Amalfi coast, using high-quality ingredients, exceptional regional specialties and inventive Italian cooking in a beautifully presented in a relaxed and vibrant setting.
April 18, 2017
Harry's Char Broil & Dining Lounge in Toronto is like stepping back in time, I felt I was entering a greasy spoon from the 60's.
April 17, 2017
The emphasis is on freshness, combined with high quality ingredients and sophisticated cooking techniques. The dishes are creative and showcase a modern cuisine focusing on Moroccan and Mediterranean influences.
April 16, 2017
The Norman Hotel is elegant and sophisticated and the staff is courteous, respectful and well-trained. It offers 24-hour concierge service, high-end interiors, and great personalized customer service. A stunning new addition to central Tel Aviv.
April 13, 2017
The emphasis is on fresh, local, simply prepared food. The menu changes on a whim, so you may not find a favourite dish again but you will certainly be surprised and pleased at the offerings.
April 10, 2017
Tatel's opening in Miami has been eagerly awaited by many. After all, global superstars and restaurant partners Rafael Nadal and Enrique Iglesias, and basketball star, Pau Gasol, are ambassadors for the Spain-based project, along with business entrepreneurs Abel Matutes and Manuel Campos Guallar. The first Tatel restaurant has become one of the trendiest restaurants in Madrid.
April 9, 2017
Turkiz is a lovely restaurant with a creative menu of fabulous food. Of course, the highlights here are unquestionably fish and seafood creations. The name, "Turkiz" means, "turquoise", which is perfect for the spot, and since opening in 1991 they've been really packing them in.
April 7, 2017
It is simply amazing what the kitchen can do with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seed, flowers and seaweed. Is it for everyone? No, but you will get an unexpected array of foods you never thought possible made with masterpiece presentations in a tranquil oasis.
April 5, 2017
Now here's the perfect combination – Miami's Four Seasons Surf Club and iconic restaurant Le Sirenuse from famed Positano, Italy have partnered together.
April 3, 2017
It took great pains to write this review because I love Gloria Estefan. Emilio was in the house when we were here, and you can see how nicely he treats his staff. I also love the idea of marrying food and music, as long as both are excellent.
March 27, 2017
Chef Eyal is known for his flair at each of his restaurants but HaSalon epitomizes his philosophy of fresh food of the highest quality. The experience is a combination of texture, smell, taste and proper execution.
March 22, 2017
The selection is outstanding at Bakehouse Brasserie in Miami. Everything is made fresh each morning and tastes amazing. I couldn't be happier, who doesn't love brunch?
March 20, 2017
Everything about Popina in Tel Aviv is experience driven: from the ingredients to the immaculate plating and modernist methods. Choose a variety of dishes to taste all the flavours and cooking styles. It was definitely my best meal in Israel.
