Meet Shanea
From dives to fine dining, street art to vernissages, boutique hotels to grand dames, farmers' markets to gastronomic food halls, join me on my adventures in finding the hottest to the hautest.
As a Canadian, I focus mainly on my hometown of Toronto and my second home in Miami, also journeying frequently to New York and Italy, but nothing is off-limits for me.
My love for food has led me here, to share all things I savour – and I will continue to search out the best and most impresssive, highlight culinary excellence, with dishes that inspire me and regional specialties, feature art, hotels, and current trends, and offer my experience on where to roam, where to stay and where to dine all over the world.
Shanea
Pull up a Seat
on Social Media
Meet Shanea
From dives to fine dining, street art to vernissages, boutique hotels to grand dames, farmers' markets to gastronomic food halls, join me on my adventures in finding the hottest to the hautest. As a Canadian, I focus mainly on my hometown of Toronto and my second home in Miami, also journeying frequently to New York and Italy, but nothing is off-limits for me. My love for food has led me here, to share all things I savour – and I will continue to search out the best and most impresssive, highlight culinary excellence, with dishes that inspire me and regional specialties, feature art, hotels, and current trends, and offer my experience on where to roam, where to stay and where to dine all over the world.Shanea
Pull up a Seat
on Social Media
Out and About ...
Where are you off to?
January 5, 2016
The Driftwood Room is the work of New York Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, the Food Network Star Chef of Butter Restaurant and the China Grill. Located in the newly renovated and restored Nautilus South Beach at 1825 Collins Avenue, the restaurant is quite attractive, but weather permitting I suggest dining on the large terrace. It has that beach inspired feel and reminded me of St. Bart's.
January 5, 2016
In the heart of the Wynwood district on a very interesting street at 218 Northwest 25th Street (it is worth checking out the stores and art warehouses in the area) is a industrial looking space with a wide open kitchen.
January 2, 2016
If you don't mind going to a restaurant that is super casual, with simple decor, ugly art work, and a no frills kind of place but has really good food at reasonable prices then I recommend Proof Pizza and Pasta. It is located at 3328 N. Miami on the corner of 34th street, which is in Midtown and not too far from the Wynwood district. Don't let me scare you, it is still an inviting space and clean.
December 29, 2015
The experience of Talde Restaurant in the Thompson Hotel on 4041 Collins Avenue, starts at the entrance. It's cool, you feel like you are going through some graffiti strewn back alley. The dining room has a large shipping container in the center of the room and has banquets as part of it. There is a lot of hand painted graffiti throughout. The music is VERY loud, making it hard to talk. The majority of the music is hip hop. Overall the atmosphere is fun and casual.
December 26, 2015
We had the pleasure of eating at Via Verdi and we were impressed with the food as well as the warm welcome from the Carro brothers and their staff. A special shout out to Fabrizio who really made our dinner very special with his meal suggestions and conversation.
December 23, 2015
I have been curious to try Fireman Derek's Pies for quite some time as he has been getting a lot of press. It is located at 2818 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood. You can feast here on all things sweet.
December 23, 2015
Bal Harbour, home to some of Miami's most high end boutiques has now added the French luxury leather goods brand of Goyard to its roster. This store is only one of a handful of stores outside Paris. This is the first free standing boutique in the Southeastern United States.
December 22, 2015
Everyone greets you with a friendly hello. The Surrey is situated in a beautiful and refined uptown location. It is across from the Carlye hotel and among many elegant shops, and galleries and museums. The hotel boasts a Daniel Boulud restaurant, and the as you can imagine, the food is wonderful.
December 22, 2015
Sometimes you just don't feel like getting dressed up or like spending a fortune on dinner, but you still want some delicious food. This is when we go to Burgers and Shakes at 7401 Collins Ave. You can't miss the place it is located on the corner and it always has a lineup. This small joint is popular for a reason, The food is good and the prices are right.
December 21, 2015
We came to Florence for a day trip last summer and I tried to find a classic Florentine Trattoria. On the advice of Elizabeth Minchelli in her book Eat Italy , she raved about Trattoria Sostanza on Via Porcellana 25. So off we went on our adventure.
December 21, 2015
My love affair with grilled cheese started in my early childhood. That is why I would seek out the Ms. Cheezious Food truck seen around Miami and Wynwood the last several years. It was voted best food truck in Miami for many years.
December 21, 2015
Only open three weeks, Beaker and Gray is already making an impression with their global cuisine tapas and their craft cocktails. Located at 2637 N. Miami Avenue in Wynwood.
The standout dishes for us were the Spanish Octopus served cold, the Pumpkin Gnocci with pork rib and the Oxtail and sweet potato .
December 21, 2015
If you are visiting New York and you have a chance to see one Broadway play, I highly recommend Hamilton. It will blow you away!
December 21, 2015
The iconic French luxury house of Hermes has just open their permanent store in the Design District at 163 E. 39th St.; not far from where their temporary store was.
December 19, 2015
I have some exciting news to share with you! On the suggestion of many of you I have decided to start a blog for my restaurant and destination reviews from home to around the world. Over the last couple weeks I have been with a designer to launch the blog (for those who were wondering why you haven't heard from me lately, now you know why!) and I am here to invite you to the virtual unveiling!
December 16, 2015
Our FAVOURITE thing to do is rent a private boat and driver (through the concierge), he will take you around the entire island and drop you off for lunch at La Fontelina beach club if you do a half day, or if you do a full day try Recommone(near Narrano on the mainland) restaurant La Conca del Sogno -waiter Alfonso, and after return to Marina Grande…always the BEST day of the trip!
December 16, 2015
Cecconi's has been packing them in since its opening around 5 or so years ago. It is located just before a curve on 4385 Collins Avenue just south of the Fountainbleau.
December 16, 2015
Best old favourites and new loves.
December 16, 2015
There have been many new restaurant openings in Miami since the summer. One of the new ones is The Continental on 2360 Collins Avenue at 23rd street.
December 16, 2015
Last year the Matador in the Edition Hotel was the THE new hot spot in Miami. This year I predict the newly remodeled One Hotel and its new restaurant Beachcraft will be wildly popular.
December 16, 2015
Bazi restaurant (CLOSED) at 1200 Collins is another new restaurant that opened recently in Miami. It is located in the lobby of the beautiful Art Deco Marlin hotel.
December 16, 2015
Byblos Miami is an off shoot of the Toronto original, set in the Shorecrest Tower of the Royal Palm South Beach. It is located at 1545 Collins Avenue.
December 4, 2015
Judging from our experience tonight, the New Nobu Eden Roc will be one of Miami's new " Hot Spots" to dine at. The restaurant is located inside the Iconic Landmark Eden Roc Hotel at 4525 Collins. The new Nobu is an improvement in looks from the Shore Club or even the New York restaurant.
November 16, 2015
We tried a newly opened restaurant in the RBC Water Park Place called Muki. It is located in Toronto's Harbour front area at Bay and Queens Quay.