“I did not hear you take accountability in your allocution. You said you were sorry, but not (that) you were sorry for what you did,” Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said in announcing the sentence.

“You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon,” the judge said. “But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive, a husband would have his partner, and a little boy would have his mother.”

Gutierrez Reed, 26, had no visible reaction to the sentence. She was taken from the courtroom after the sentence was announced.

The verdict comes more than two years after Hutchins, 42, was killed by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021. The film’s director was also injured in the shooting.

As the armorer, Gutierrez Reed was responsible for firearm safety and storage on set. She became the first person to stand trial and be convicted in the case, which has captured national attention for more than two years.

At trial, prosecutors argued she repeatedly violated safety protocol and acted without caution in performing her duties, leading to Hutchins’ death. Her defense attorney argued the 26-year-old has been scapegoated for the safety failures of film set management and other crew members. Gutierrez Reed did not testify.

After hearing from more than 30 witnesses and deliberating for nearly three hours, jurors found Gutierrez Reed guilty of involuntary manslaughter on March 6. She was acquitted of a separate charge of evidence tampering.

Prosecutors had asked she be sentenced to the maximum prison time, citing a “complete and total failure to accept responsibility for her actions.” In contrast, the defense had asked she be released on probation, arguing she has no prior criminal history and has a “record of prior good works and positive things.”

She has been in custody since her conviction. Her defense attorney Jason Bowles told CNN they plan to appeal.

Baldwin, the actor and celebrity, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter and is expected to stand trial in July. He has pleaded not guilty and has maintained he did not pull the firearm’s trigger.

A judge is currently considering a motion filed by Baldwin’s legal team to dismiss his indictment, citing alleged impropriety by the government – a motion prosecutors vehemently slammed in a rebuttal filing of their own.

Former armorer says ‘my heart aches’

Prior to the sentence, Hutchins’ family in Ukraine and friends spoke Monday about what Hutchins meant to them.

“The day of her death ruined my entire life,” her mother, Olga Solovey, said in a video with translated subtitles. “It’s heart-wrenching to see her child grow without his mother.”

Joel Souza, the “Rust” director and screenwriter who was also shot in the incident, acknowledged the physical and emotional pain he has felt in the two-and-a-half years since the shooting.

“One day the world made sense, and the next day it didn’t, and it still doesn’t, and I’m not sure it ever will again,” he said.

He described Hutchins as a great talent. “She was a touchstone for all who knew her, and those of us who were lucky enough to have shared in her fleeting time on this planet are better for it,” he said.

Gutierrez Reed, wearing a beige jail uniform, spoke in court and offered her condolences to those affected by Hutchins’ death.

“First and foremost, my heart aches for Hutchins’ family and friends and colleagues as well and it has since the day this tragedy occurred,” she said. “Halyna has been and always will be an inspiration to me. I understand she was taken too soon and I pray that you all find peace.”

She asked the judge to sentence her to probation.

“Your honor, when I took on Rust I was young and I was naïve, but I took my job as seriously as I knew how to. Despite not having proper time, resources and staffing, when things got tough I just did my best to handle it.”

“The jury has found me in part at fault for this godawful tragedy, but that doesn’t make me a monster, that makes me human,” she said.

In a sentencing memo dated April 10, Gutierrez Reed’s defense team requested she be released on probation with conditions set by the judge and undergo counseling and rehabilitative efforts. She feels “incredibly saddened and heart broken by what happened on that tragic day on the Rust set,” the memo said.

In an April 12 court filing responding to the defense memo, prosecutors requested Gutierrez Reed be sentenced to 18 months in prison, arguing she “continues to deny responsibility and blame others.” Prosecutors also cited jail calls in which Gutierrez Reed allegedly complained “about the negative affects this incident has had on her life” and called jurors derogatory names.

A native of Ukraine, Hutchins obtained a graduate degree in international journalism from Kyiv National University and worked as an investigative journalist with British documentary productions in Europe. She later moved to Los Angeles and discovered a love of cinematography.

She was credited with involvement in the production of 49 film, TV and video titles during her career, according to IMDB. She worked on movies including “Archenemy,” starring Joe Manganiello, which was released in 2020, and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer magazine in 2019.

What happened in the trial

The fatal shooting took place during a break in the filming of the Western movie “Rust” at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside of Santa Fe.

Baldwin had been practicing for a scene and was drawing and pointing a revolver with guidance from Hutchins and Souza, according to a 2023 probable cause statement.

Baldwin drew the revolver, pointed it at Hutchins and fired the weapon shortly before 2 p.m., striking her in the chest and injuring Souza, prosecutors said in the probable cause statement. Hutchins was pronounced dead just after 3:30 p.m.

In the trial, prosecutors alleged Gutierrez Reed repeatedly violated safety protocols and neglected her responsibilities leading up to the shooting. She failed to perform safety checks on the prop weapon and the ammunition she loaded it with, handed it to a staff member who should not have been handling weapons on set and then departed the area when Baldwin ultimately fired the fatal round, prosecutors said.

“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” Morrissey said during closing arguments. “This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.”

Morrissey said Gutierrez Reed’s repeated failures allowed six live rounds to make their way onto the set and said she did not conduct safety checks that would have caught them.

“She had six, six live rounds on that movie set, the earliest date that I can track them for you is October 10, (2021),” the prosecutor said. “Six, and she failed to ferret them out for 12 days. What that means is that she wasn’t shaking any dummy rounds, she wasn’t testing anything.”

“Dummy” rounds refer to ammunition that contains no explosive elements but looks as if it was a real bullet when fired.

Bowles, the defense attorney, placed the blame elsewhere. He questioned how the live ammunition made it on set and alleged the production team created a chaotic and unsafe environment that put Gutierrez Reed under “really tough conditions to keep up with.” He also said Baldwin did not follow common-sense gun safety rules on set when he handled the firearm and acted unpredictably when he pointed the weapon at Hutchins.

“(Gutierrez Reed) could not anticipate what Baldwin would do. It was not in the script, it was not foreseeable,” he said in closing arguments. “Management was responsible for safety failures and not Hannah.”

During the armorer’s trial, assistant film director David Halls admitted he was “negligent” in checking the gun and did not properly look through all the rounds in the gun’s chamber when Gutierrez Reed presented it to him. He yelled “cold gun” before handing the weapon to Baldwin, a remark meant to indicate the firearm did not have live rounds, according to a court document.

Halls took a plea deal in 2023 for his role in the shooting, pleading no contest to one count of negligent use of a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation, a $500 fine, had to participate in a firearms safety class, complete 24 hours of community service and not use drugs or alcohol.

The actor and musician made a cameo during J Balvin’s Sunday night set at the music festival, singing his 1997 hit “Men in Black” from the film of the same name.

Smith, who starred in three “Men in Black” movies, showed up toward the end of Balvin’s extraterrestrial-themed set, sporting the iconic look that became synonymous with the alien-fighting agents in the film.

With green aliens dancing in the background, Smith sang a portion of the catchy tune and resurrected dance moves from the music video. (Balvin’s performance and Smith’s cameo were shown on Coachella’s YouTube livestream.)

Fittingly, Smith closed his performance with a reference to the movie, whipping out a memory-erasing neuralyzer and disappearing as quickly as he appeared. This was a performance, however, that attendees and live streamers alike are unlikely to forget.

In the “Men in Black” franchise, Smith starred as Agent J, a former NYPD detective who is recruited to serve in a secret organization that deals with all extraterrestrial matters. Smith starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones.

The song that accompanied the film was from Smith’s debut solo album “Big Willie Style.”

It won Smith a Grammy Award in 1998.

Sheryl Lee Ralph hit up the 305 over the weekend.

She was in town to receive the fest’s signature Precious Gem Award. It’s reserved for people whose contributions to film and TV leave a lasting legacy.

Sheryl told Deco what the award means to her, and she even had a special message for us.

Sheryl Lee Ralph: “I look at my career now, and I’m just so very thankful that I would be presented with an award that says, ‘You are a precious gem.’ I love that. And I love Deco Drive!”

Sheryl also took part in a special presentation and spoke about her career, especially her award-winning role in “Abbott Elementary.” She says one of the most important lessons she’s learned is not to be afraid to rewrite the script of her own life.

Don’t worry, Brie happy! Alison stopped by the Regal South Beach for a special showing of her new series, “Apples Never Fall.”

She dished with Deco about having two legends, Annette Bening and Sam Neill, play her parents in the show.

Alison Brie: “It was the best! I mean, I was a little nervous to meet them both, but they are the warmest, kindest people you could ever imagine, and right away, we all really felt like a family. There was this immediate chemistry with everybody, and it just was magical, truly. Like just – they’re cool cats.”

Alison also received the festival’s Art of Light Award.

Tony got one, too. He closed out the festival with his new film, “Ezra,” which he both stars in and directs.

His greatest takeaway from making the movie?

Tony Goldwyn: “To celebrate the things that make us individuals, as opposed to – we’re conditioned to think that we should just fit within defined lanes, and I’ve really been reminded that that’s just so – the opposite is true.”

The film is very close to Tony’s heart because his best friend wrote it. You can catch “Ezra” in theaters May 31.

Don’t worry, Brie happy! Alison stopped by the Regal South Beach for a special showing of her new series, “Apples Never Fall.”

She dished with Deco about having two legends, Annette Bening and Sam Neill, play her parents in the show.

Alison Brie: “It was the best! I mean, I was a little nervous to meet them both, but they are the warmest, kindest people you could ever imagine, and right away, we all really felt like a family. There was this immediate chemistry with everybody, and it just was magical, truly. Like just – they’re cool cats.”

Alison also received the festival’s Art of Light Award.

Tony got one, too. He closed out the festival with his new film, “Ezra,” which he both stars in and directs.

His greatest takeaway from making the movie?

Tony Goldwyn: “To celebrate the things that make us individuals, as opposed to – we’re conditioned to think that we should just fit within defined lanes, and I’ve really been reminded that that’s just so – the opposite is true.”

The film is very close to Tony’s heart because his best friend wrote it. You can catch “Ezra” in theaters May 31.

Sheryl Lee Ralph hit up the 305 over the weekend.

She was in town to receive the fest’s signature Precious Gem Award. It’s reserved for people whose contributions to film and TV leave a lasting legacy.

Sheryl told Deco what the award means to her, and she even had a special message for us.

Sheryl Lee Ralph: “I look at my career now, and I’m just so very thankful that I would be presented with an award that says, ‘You are a precious gem.’ I love that. And I love Deco Drive!”

Sheryl also took part in a special presentation and spoke about her career, especially her award-winning role in “Abbott Elementary.” She says one of the most important lessons she’s learned is not to be afraid to rewrite the script of her own life.

Foodies can get a taste of the real thing at a new SoFlo hot spot. No horse or cowboy hat needed here.

When it comes to serving up real Central Texas barbecue, B&D Trap in Fort Lauderdale isn’t just blowing smoke.

Orelle Young: “We are the first authentic Texas barbecue restaurant here in Fort Lauderdale.”

When you get here, get ready for a very tasty ride.

Orelle Young: “B&D Trap barbecue is a journey that we’d like to invite our guests on. We would like to introduce authentic Texas barbecue to South Florida.”

The dishes served up have been around for a long time.

Orelle Young: “I’d say it’s over a century in the making. You had a lot of German immigrants and families that came and opened up grocery stores and meat markets. They had to figure out something to do with their meats, so they did what they knew best. They smoke their meats.”

One trap you won’t fall into is getting your food slathered in sauce. That’s a no-no at B&D.

Orelle Young: “We eat meat because we enjoy the flavor of meat. We don’t want sauce for the same reason we don’t use hickory or mesquite: super strong, overpowering. We don’t want to cover anything up. We’re not masking anything. We want you to enjoy the meat for what it is.”

Their cooking technique will definitely rub you the right way.

Orelle Young: “We have special dry rubs. I call them our signature dry rubs. I have a special dry rub for each type of meat.”

Sauce-heads, you are not excluded. There’s some of your favorite stuff on the sandwiches. The small but mighty menu features two beers and sides like mac and cheese.

If you’re looking for ribs, get ready for a plateful of plenty.

Orelle Young: “But we’re a Texas barbecue, we had to go full-size spare ribs. We want some super meaty ribs, you’re looking at some center cuts that, I guess, sometimes weigh a third to a half-pound each. Yeah, that’s what we’re looking for: large and in-charge ribs.”

B&D is part of the revitalization of Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk Boulevard. It sounds like they were made for the neighborhood.

Orelle Young: “There’s parties and people smoking and grilling meats down the block that way. The same thing that way, the culture’s already here. Now we have a place for people to do less work and come and enjoy the food.”

Laura Cugno: “Absolutely amazing! The brisket melted in the mouth, and this spot is pretty dope.”

FOR MORE INFO:
B&D Trap
1551 NW 6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
561-382-7944
bdtrap.com

Kirsten Dunst (as Lee): “Every time I survived a war zone, I thought I was sending a warning home: ‘Don’t do this.’ But here we are.”

Kirsten Dunst is a photojournalist who finds herself in the middle of a second American “Civil War.” The film is a frightening look at our country if we can’t resolve our differences.

Jay Hernandez (as JB Peña): “Now, these teams, they’ve had access to a lot of things. You boys haven’t, but the best golfer isn’t the one with the fanciest clubs, it’s the one who can summon the will to keep swinging when things get tough.”

In the mid-1950s, five Mexican boys challenged the idea that golf was a white man’s sport. “The Long Game” is their true story.

Nicolas Cage (as Paul): “There are those who believe they came after the pollution that people caused, and they’re here to cleanse the planet of the human race.”

A bleak future. Monsters that only come out at night. And to top it off, Nicolas Cage in the lead role. “Arcadian” is all that — and a lot more.

Larissa Dali (as Becky): “Hello, I’m Rebecca. I’m one of your new neighbors. Everyone just calls me Becky.”

Folusho Peters (as Joy): “Nice to meet you.”

Everyone might call Larissa Dali “Becky,” but you’ll call her deadly after you check out this story of a neighbor from hell.

Simone Joy Jones (as Tanya Crandell): Morning, Mrs. Sturak. Mrs. Sturak?

Ayaamii Sledge (as Melissa Crandell): “Sweet! My first dead body.”

Miles Fowler (as Bryan): “I’m for sure going to juvie.”

“Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” is a 2024 retelling of the 1991 big screen comedy.

Not much has changed. Mom goes away, babysitter drops dead, and the kids go wild.

Donielle T. Hansley Jr. (as Kenny): “Dishes are done, man.”

Martha Stewart (on TikTok): “Looks like a kilo of caviar. Thanks, Martha Stewart.”

An extravagant lifestyle means Champagne wishes and caviar dreams.

Tucked behind the big curtain of Four Seasons Miami in Brickell is Caviar Russe.

Edward Panchernikov, general manager, Caviar Russe: “We were looking for spaces in Miami, we were looking specifically for small, intimate spaces that you can really bring the caviar moment to life. When you’re enjoying something like caviar, paired with fine dining, you want that special attention and, really, a nostalgic restaurant.”

For those new to what’s considered black gold, here’s a treat for you.

Edward Panchernikov: “Everyone, welcome to Caviar 101 at Caviar Russe Miami. Cheers.”

This monthly tasting event at Caviar Russe is the ultimate beginner’s guide.

Edward Panchernikov: “It’s communal seating of 12 people. The class component is kind of like the more serious educational parts. For somebody who wants to develop their caviar palate, this is a good entry. It educates you because it shows you what caviar you might want for different occasions.”

A fun fact for people about this fish egg delicacy is…

Edward Panchernikov: “Generally biggest surprise is that they think it’s fishy or salty. It’s really more like butter.”

Smooth like butter, got it! What’s the key question to ask?

Edward Panchernikov: “The providence of caviar, where’s your caviar coming from? Not just the fish but, like, who’s farming it, what country, is super interesting, and once people are told caviar comes from different countries, then they want to know, ‘OK, who’s farming it?'”

And after the egg-citing lesson…

Edward Panchernikov: “The rest of it is just an enjoyable dinner party. It’s followed by three courses highlighting some of our classic dishes.”

Price is $250 per person, and you can experience the next one on May 15.

Edward Panchernikov: “But if you can’t wait for the next class, we are launching our martini hour on April 16, Tuesday through Saturday, where we’re going to be pairing martinis with caviar cones.”

And bar bites like this caviar empanada. So, scale from one to 10?

Alexa Santos: “If it could go beyond 10, I definitely would. I couldn’t fathom a more lavish, wonderful experience if you like caviar. If you want to feel very lavish and elevated and swanky and gorgeous, and you come in here and you’re treated like a prince or princess, and you just feel like you’re living the height of luxury.”

FOR MORE INFO:
Caviar Russe
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
1441 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33131
caviarrusse.com

It felt like we ordered everything on the menu. Spiced Crispy Wings ($14) had them, Mushroom Spring Rolls ($10) and Papaya Salad ($12) had that too. Next up, Chicken Pad Thai ($16) Roasted Chicken Green Curry ($28) and Jumbo Shrimp Skewers ($22). We tried to stay within the classic Thai dishes on the menu and then washed them down with a beer flight (we used a car share service, after all). It was a trip to Thailand without ever leaving the 305.

At one point, a thunderstorm rolled through, but we were all good tucked away under the Brickell City Centre roof able to see the rain come down, but just happy to be back in “world” and enjoying a night out.

EST. 33 Thai Craft Brewery and Kitchen
Brickell City Centre
701 South Miami Ave. 4th floor
Miami, FL 33131
305-425-9266
est33.us

Follow me on Instagram @belkysnerey @bitewithbelkys, Facebook and Twitter @belkysnerey

Their focus is to use the best ingredients from all over the world to create their menu. Octopus from Spain, Alaskan King Salmon, Japanese Tuna and grade A Japanese Wagyu beef are some of the items you’ll see on the menu. Salvaje offers sushi as well and an omakase menu.

Eating outdoors in South Florida during the rainy season can be a challenge, but this place is equipped with a retractable roof so that’s not an issue. And if it’s a lounge-y vibe you’re after take a spot on one of Salvaje’s oversized daybeds and catch a sunset. They offer a Sunset Happy Hour with drink specials and a special food menu from 4-6 p.m. every day.

Salvaje
101 NE 34th St.
Miami, FL 33137
786-622-9911
IG: @salvajemiami

Follow me @bitewithbelkys on Instagram @belkysnerey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

CHICA by Chef Lorena Garcia is that place. The Miami location is Chef Lorena’s second spot, the first opened in 2017 in Las Vegas to rave reviews. The vibe is high energy with a nightlife feel, but the space is open, so it makes you feel “covid safe” while dining out.

The menu is Latin American inspired featuring a modern spin on classic dishes from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina to name just a few. We took a little flavor trip with our choices:

• Lorena’s Arepa Basket
• Peruvian Corvina Ceviche
• Pork Belly Tacos
• Crispy Peruvian Whole Fried Red Snapper

CHICA opened with a bang in late 2019 but, like everything else, was forced to close because of covid. Now Chef Lorena is back and better than ever giving Miami some of it’s favorite dishes with a little extra glam.

CHICA by Chef Lorena Garcia
5556 NE 4th Ct.
Miami, FL 33137
www.chicarestaurant.com/miami
(786) 632-7725

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @belkysnerey @bitewithbelkys

The menu features some of your Mexican favorites given a modern twist by Chef Scott Lindquist. We started with some guacamole. I mean, how can you not? Fresh and so tasty cuz the avocados are mashed to order and served with house made salsas, of all spice levels, and warm chips.

Agua Chiles, the traditional Mexican ceviche (diver scallops $18, cobia $17, shrimp $18) came next followed by the Oysters Serena ($18) baked with creamed spinach, garlic jalapeno and cilantro butter with some crunchy crushed tortilla chips on top. Everyone at our table raved about the Seared Tuna Tostada with avocado mousse ($21) and the Enchiladas con Pollo ($24)– maybe it’s because the tortillas here are hand pressed and made fresh daily from ground cornmeal.

Serena is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., so get here soon cuz this roof is on fire.

Serena
Moxy South Beach
915 Collins Court (between 9th & 10th)
Miami, FL 33139
305-306-0776
restaurants@moxysouthbeach.com

Follow me @belkysnerey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and @bitewithbelkys on Instagram

We stopped in to give it a try and were dazzled by some of Osteria Morini’s menu items. Their charcuterie board (Batillardo $12, $35 or $45, depending on what you choose) is like none we’ve ever seen. It’s loaded with cured sliced meats and cheeses and spreads so loaded we should’ve stopped there with a glass of wine, but we didn’t (of course!).

Our waiter suggested the squid ink pasta (Torcia Nera $27) and wild mushroom rigatoni ($27) both were to die for. The Romana salad ($16), Morini’s version of a Caesar, is another must try and so is the Brodetto ($42) a seafood dish comprised of fish, clams, prawns and fennel in a tomato broth.

Morini is only open for dinner, for now. Lunch and brunch are planned for later this spring to which I say, hurry up, and make it happen.

Osteria Morini
1750 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-918-1037
osteriamorini.com/miami

Follow me on social media @belkysnerey @bitewithbelkys on Instagram @belkysnerey on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat

Ingredients:
· 1½ tablespoons canola oil
· 1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp, tails intact (2 pounds unpeeled shrimp)
· 1 teaspoon sesame oil
· 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
· 1 teaspoon ginger powder
· 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
· ½ cup water
· 3 tablespoons your favorite hot sauce (we used Sriracha)
· 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
· 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
· Cilantro for garnish

Method of Preparation:

• In a large, nonstick skillet over high heat, heat the oil.
• Add half the shrimp and sear each side until lightly golden, about 45 seconds, then transfer to a bowl—they will still be raw inside. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. Remove the pan from the stove to cool down slightly.
• Reduce the heat to medium.
• To make the sauce, return the pan to the stove and heat the sesame oil.
• Add the garlic, ginger powder and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic turns golden, about 20 seconds.
• Add the water, then the sriracha, soy sauce and brown sugar.
• Stir, increase the heat to medium-high, then let the sauce simmer until it starts to thicken to a thin, syrupy consistency, about 3 minutes.
• Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Sauté until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and is coating the shrimp, about 1 minute more.
• Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!

The Chef: Diego Tosoni and Veronica Menin
The Restaurant: Love Life Cafe, Miami
The Dish: Sancocho

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 sweet onion, diced
1 tomato, chopped
1 red bell pepper, grated
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. coriander
2 tsp. salt
1 cup cilantro, chopped
4 green plantains, cubed
5 lbs. yuca
5 lbs. potato, cubed
3 cups corn
4 cups water

Method of Preparation:

• Set burner to medium heat. Sauté onions and tomatoes with olive oil.
• Add cumin, coriander, salt and pepper and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and green plantain. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add cubed potatoes, yuca corn and cilantro and water.
• Simmer on medium heat for 25 minutes.
• Scoop into a bowl and serve with extra cilantro.

Love Live Cafe
545 NW 26th St.
Miami, FL 33127
305-456-4148
lovelifecafe.com

Ingredients:
1 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbs. Everything Bagel seasoning
1 wedge of Brie
Honey for drizzling (optional)
Your favorite crackers

Method of Preparation:

• Warm one inch of oil in a small skillet over medium heat. (Note: you might not need the whole cup of oil, depending on size of skillet you use.)

• Crack an egg into a shallow bowl and whisk. In another bowl, combine ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs with parmesan cheese and Everything Bagel seasoning and mix well.

• Dip the cheese into the egg until coated. Dip into Panko mixture until coated. Repeat to double dredge it.

• Carefully lower the Brie into the oil. Turn it up to medium-high heat until it starts to sizzle. Flip it after about two minutes and cook on all sides until golden brown.

• Transfer to a platter and drizzle the Fried Brie with honey, or serve as is.
• Serve it up with your favorite crackers.

Enjoy!

The Chef: Christian Dominique
The Restaurant: Manjay, Doral
The Dish: Coco Loco Shrimp

Ingredients:
6 oz. epis-marinated shrimp
2 cans of coconut milk
6 oz curry spice
vegetable oil
1 tbsp. agave

Creole Sauce (optional):
12 Roma tomatoes
4 oz. tomato paste
3 oz epis
1 white onion
1 qt. water
2 oz. honey
1/2 oz. salt
1/2 oz. jerk spice
1/2 complete seasoning

Method of Preparation:

• Over medium heat, toast curry powder for a minute (do not burn), then add epis and vegetable oil. Allow to cook for a minute before adding coconut milk. Allow to reduce, sauce will turn a yellow-ish color. Stir in agave. The sauce is finished when thickened.

• Creole sauce: in a medium pot, saute epis and onion until translucent. Add chopped tomato and simmer for 20 minutes. Add tomato paste and stew for 5 minutes more then blend with an immersion blender. Add water and seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes.

• For shrimp, saute on both sides until done – about two minutes. Pour in curry sauce and a couple of spoonfuls of creole sauce and stir.

To Plate:

Serve shrimp over rice, pour extra curry sauce over shrimp.

Manjay
(located in Gateway Plaza)
2000 NW 87th Ave., #3
Doral, FL 33172
786-542-0990
manjayrestaurant.com

Ingredients:
2 ripe Haas avocados
1 lb. English cucumbers, washed and chopped into chunks
1 tbs. scallions, chopped
2 tbs. mayonnaise
Juice of half a lime, plus more to taste
Salt to taste
Hot sauce to taste (your favorite)
Cilantro to taste

Method of Preparation:

• Combine cucumber and avocado in a bowl.
• Whisk together the mayo, lime juice, hot sauce. Adjust amounts to taste.
• Add scallion to the salad and then drizzle with the dressing.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!

9-years later, the tears still fall freely when processing all I’ve been through. I’m not sure I’ll ever make sense of it, but I do know there have been some great people along the way who’ve helped me fight the good fight and one of them is my beloved Pilates teacher, Gretchen Wagoner.

Why:
When I first walked into Breathe Pilates on 79th Street in Miami’s MIMo district, it was an ordinary day, but my journey to get that moment in my life had been nothing short of extraordinary. 6 years earlier…

A neurologist changed my life forever when he said: “You have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.” Honestly, it didn’t surprise me. I knew it was coming. Not the diagnosis per se, but some kind of life altering news. For months, I’d been struggling with horrific pain in my lower back that eventually spread to my hands and feet. Like a bad rash, it crept its way up my arms and legs until I was practically immobile.

If you’re a regular blog reader, you probably already know the story. I contracted a virus that sparked a rare neurological condition in my body called, Guillain-Barré syndrome. Because it wasn’t diagnosed properly and in a timely manner, I now have the chronic version of it known as CIDP.

GBS is when your bodies immune system attacks its own nerves and the chronic version means I suffer neurological inflammation. On any given day, I can experience extreme muscle fatigue, numbness and pain in my extremities and severe soreness in my lower back. At the beginning of my illness, Immunoglobulin therapy helped tremendously, but as time wore on a less aggressive, more stabilizing approach became standard. Meaning…

IVIG got me out of the woods, but the years that followed, became about managing my chronic pain and trying to find some type of new normal. That’s the tricky part, no one teaches you HOW to put your life back together after getting sick or HOW to heal with limitations, but it’s been a very real part of my CIDP journey – one I haven’t shared until now.

I was referred to Breathe Pilates by one of my favorite doctors who had heard the owner of the studio, Gretchen Wagoner, was versed in neurological issues. When he told me I should try one of her classes, I rolled my eyes, mumbled something under my breath and changed the subject. I wasn’t being a bad patient, I was scared.

When I was first diagnosed with GBS, I went to physical therapy religiously, but eventually I was advised to find an exercise that would pick up where my PT left off. So — I tried a little bit of everything, but either the exercise was too aggressive or the trainer/instructor treated me like I was training for the Olympics (despite knowing my limitations.)

Sooner or later, I would end up flat on my back, in bed with an excruciating neurological flare-up. Sometimes it took days to recover, sometimes weeks. That’s the thing about CIDP, exercise too much you’re in pain, not enough, you’re in pain. It’s a fine line that’s almost impossible to balance and the fear of crossing it frightened me. So, I scaled back on my physical activity and as a result, started loosing the strength I had gained in PT. My doctor knew I was struggling and urged me to try Pilates. “What do you have to lose?” He said, matter-of-factly.

By the time I met Gretchen, I was in pretty bad shape, both physically and emotionally. I hunched to protect my spine, I was stiff from pain and inactivity and walked with a limp because of a nagging knee injury. The worst part, though, was the overwhelming sadness inside me. Serious illness does that to a person. It blatantly robs you of your physical prowess, then silently invades your psyche — until you feel helpless, alone and sometimes angry. I think Gretchen sensed that about me, though, she never said as much.

We started slowly with one-on-one sessions called Private’s, because I wasn’t well enough to be in an actual class. Gretchen helped me stretch and more importantly, breathe. She taught me that deep breathing was ultimately a way to connect the mind, body and spirit, which is exactly what I needed, although, I didn’t know it at the time. By the way, I liked Gretchen instantly, but I had my reservations about Pilates. I had been through so much suffering, why would THIS be any different ?

Week after week, session after session, Gretchen earned my trust. She was smart, funny and compassionate. She studied up on my GBS/CIDP and when my physical limitations held me back or scared me, she found different solutions; helping me rediscover myself and my body. I learned to open my chest, articulate my spine and build strength in my core area (which are the ab, pelvis and back muscles.) Eventually, I felt like a different person. I had less chronic pain and more body confidence. My limp disappeared and my posture improved.

If you’ve made it this far in the blog, I want you to know, it hasn’t always been unicorn and rainbows. “Pilates: A Story of Healing and Reinvention” is and continues to be a lot of hard work and dedication. Like any exercise worth doing, Gretchen says, “consistency is key” and while I’ve been committed, sometimes my CIDP has other plans for me. I still have flare-up’s, but the good news is, they happen less often, they’re less acute and…

When I make it to the other side of a painful few days in bed, nauseous from neuro meds and hazy from pain, Gretchen is always waiting for me — with a kind smile, words of encouragement and exercises to help me feel better. That in itself gives me strength.

Pilates hasn’t just helped my body, for the first time in a long time, I have hope again…that I’m going to be okay and that my new normal, my reinvention if you will, is the person I was always meant to be and while most of my stories have endings, this one doesn’t, because I’m busy living it and that’s the good part: just living — and that will always be one of my Favorite Things.

Where:
Breathe Pilates Miami
715 NE 79th Street
Miami, Florida 33138

www.breathepilatesmiami.com

Be Social:
IG: @breathepilatesmiami
FB: @breathepilatesmiami

“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”— Joseph Pilates

This blog runs in tandem with an article in the latest issue of Pilates Style Magazine, featuring my road to recovery and how Gretchen has become my secret weapon in my fight against CIDP. While you have to be a digital member of the magazine to read the article, I promise to share it once it becomes available to everyone.
www.PilatesStyle.com

James Woodley Photography
All photos were taken at Breathe Pilates Miami with my teacher, Gretchen Wagoner (Owner of Breathe & Certified Pilates Instructor)
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Stay Strong, SS” Auerbach

Why:
I’ve always considered myself bohemian; an independent woman wandering the world doing things on her own terms, but as I’ve grown older (and happen to be staring a pivotal birthday in the face,) I’ve realized, perhaps, I never fully understood the true nature of the word — until recently. Part of the reason I just assumed I knew what it meant was because of my New Mexico roots: a state filled with artists, actors and free spirited, hippie-dippy-minded people. I thought growing up in that kind of environment gave me an inside track to an unconventional lifestyle and a free pass to express myself without traditional guidelines. And, for the most part, I did.

I spent weekends wandering around Santa Fe in billowy skirts and Birkenstocks, draped in turquoise with fuzzy hair and big dreams. I went to the opera, watched flamenco dancing (Maria Benitez is my favorite,) meandered up Canyon Drive where my mother showcased her oil paintings at Pipe Dreams Gallery and roamed the Georgia O’Keefe Museum so many times, I knew it by heart. Don’t tell my mom, but I climbed the stairs to the Coyote Cafe bar so often, I knew that by heart, too. The adventures of the desert raised me and because of that I thought I was automatically bequeathed the hippie/bohemian badge of honor.

Grounded by the Southwest sunsets and the purity of a small town, I set out on my own life’s journey to find myself, although I was pretty sure I already knew who I was. By the way, I didn’t. Not a clue and that would be the first of many awakenings. Then — I did something that went against everything I was raised to be: I chose a high octane, aggressive, multidisciplinary television career or as I like to say, it chose me. My billowy skirts and Birkenstock’s gave way to suits and heels and my carefree attitude turned into sharp concentration with a steadfast purpose.

When times got tough, I would cry and wonder why I traded being a daughter of the desert for big city dreams and a career that seemed almost unattainable. Still, I pressed on and when things got really bad, I went home to New Mexico to regather my strength and recharge my spirit. Each time, though, I felt a little less bohemian and knew that part of me was changing or at least, merging with something else.

As the years passed, I slowly became the journalist I had always dreamed of, but constantly wondered why I had turned my back on the path of least resistance. Wasn’t being a hippie in my beloved Land of Enchantment the person I was meant to be? For old time’s sake, I’d get out a billowy skirt, my Old Gringo cowboy boots and drape myself in my favorite confetti turquoise necklace my mom gifted me and walk around whatever town I was currently calling home. I convinced myself I was a nomad gypsy, floating around in search of my true destiny. Then…

I moved to Miami and found myself in a place just as special as Santa Fe. The spirituality of the water, the magical surf and sand — it was different than the desert, but its pull was just as intoxicating. For the first time in a long time I felt like I was home, even though technically I was thousands of miles away from it. Is it possible to love two places equally? Time would tell.

Along the way, I met Edit Meurrens. A beautiful woman with a radiant smile and kind spirit. She oozes sophisticated confidence. We worked together four years ago on “A Bohemian Winter,” a blog featuring fashions from her store Boheme Boutique on Key Biscayne. I was attracted to her clothing because they reminded me of home and she did, too. Edit had that hippie vibe without even trying, but it was mixed with city sensibility.

When I heard she was opening another location in the Design District, I was immediately interested and wondered how her boho fashionings would resonate in Miami proper. The new store is gorgeous, snuggled into Paradise Plaza and has the same zen vibe as her flagship on Key Biscayne. The boutique is filled with goodies from Love Shack Fancy, Zimmerman, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, to name a few. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion, a beach day or vacation, you’ll find the beautifully unique at Boheme Boutique. I’m a sucker for the accessories, too: basket purses, bejeweled clutches, statement jewelry, fabulous hats… the list goes on.

The best part for me? Realizing the store’s “Boho City Chic” personality is the perfect mix of who I’ve actually become. A desert girl-slash-mermaid-slash-big city career woman. There’s no proper emoji for that kind of hybrid. With that being said: age has also made me realize being bohemian isn’t about where you are, geographically speaking, or what you’re wearing, it’s about a sense of freedom on the inside. Independence of thought, kindness in spirit and forgiveness and acceptance of your own humanity. It’s something I’m still working on, but at least now I have two beautiful places (New Mexico & South Florida) to be “Boho City Chic” and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy Shopping !

Where:
Boheme Boutique
1st level of Paradise Plaza
Miami Design District
151 NE 41st Street
Miami, Florida 33137

www.modaboheme.com

Boheme Boutique
650 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, FL 33149

When:
Monday – Saturday: 11 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Sunday: 12 P.M. – 6 P.M.

Be Social:
IG: @Bohemeboutique
FB: Boheme Boutique @ShopModaBohemeKB

“A free spirit isn’t a rebel. A free spirit is simply free within oneself, radiating their light up and out to breathe the sweet medicine of new rhythms and roads into an often stagnant world.” — Victoria Erickson

James Woodley Photography
all clothing & accessories from Boheme Boutique
styling: Edit Meurrens
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “She Knows The Way To San Jose” Auerbach

Why:
Artistic, provocative and incredibly unique — that’s how I’d describe designs by Yas Gonzalez and honestly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, but since it’s South Florida, let’s go with the tip of a tropical oasis surrounded by the beauty of deep blue oceans, lush greenery and island architecture. In fashion terms, Yas creates sultry pieces reminiscent of 80’s Versace mixed with structured lines of modern day designer, Philip Lim.

I first discovered “House of Yas” last summer when someone suggested I feature the #HavanaCollection, an ode to Yas’ beloved home country of Cuba. The limited edition line consists of dresses, skirts, shirts and swimsuits decorated with iconic Havana landmarks. Yas took the photos herself and transferred them onto her body-con pieces. She even designed with her childhood memories in mind, like her grandmother’s decorative tiled floors and viola. Beautiful prints with lively personalities were born, but…

As fashion fate would have it, a collaboration with Yas would have to wait — to accommodate her worldly schedule. She was busy traveling to places like New York, Vancouver and Dubai to showcase her work. If that’s not impressive, how about the people she’s creatively clothed: Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga and more recently, #ShireenFavoriteThings. 😉

Yas is also participating in Miami Swim Week (which is in full swing right now.) It’s where she got her start four years ago, designing an eye-popping bathing suit line right out of fashion school. Its success motivated her to open her atelier, which progressed into her first brick and mortar: “House of Yas” at Sunset Place in South Miami.

That’s when the fashion stars finally aligned and “Colors of Cuba” came alive when I walked into Yas’ new boutique. Not only are her designs one of a kind, you’ll be the life of the party in one of her pieces. Yas describes them as “La Vida es un carnival,” (life is a carnival) and while I agree with that spirit, I also relish in the powerful individuality of what she creates. I’m not the only one who’s noticed..

Yas has been featured in British Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair. While you can shop just about any trend at “House of Yas,” I’m most attracted to her stunning special occasion dresses. I feel like a million bucks in them and that’s the point. She’s the kind of designer who creates in a way that extinguishes vulnerability and celebrates the female form, in all its gorgeous glory and that’s why I love wearing “Colors of Cuba” — one of my new #FavoriteThings.

Where:
House of Yas
Ground floor of Sunset Place
5701 Sunset Drive #192
Miami, Florida 33145

When:
Tuesday – Thursday: 12 – 7 P.M.
Friday – Sunday: 12 – 9 P.M.

shop on-line:
www.houseofyas.com

Be Social:
FB: @HouseofYas
IG: @houseofyas_

Catch Yas’ swim designs
Friday, July 12th.
WeWork South of Fifth Rooftop
1st Show: 5PM, 2nd Show: 7PM
429 Lenox Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Koko Swim Week Show

“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.” — Ernest Hemingway

James Woodley Photography
all clothing & accessories: House of Yas
styling: Yas Gonzalez
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Artistic, provocative and incredibly unique” Auerbach

Why:
When it comes to celebrating a woman’s body, no one does it better than Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit Edition. Not only is the magazine changing the way the world perceives beauty, it’s also changing the way women see themselves. How do I know? Because it’s changed me.

Gone are the days of unattainable beauty and overly airbrushed bodies. Instead, SI’s images are steadily being replaced with voluptuous curves, athletic builds and alluring individuality. In other words, REAL women are finally being celebrated and as a former beauty queen, waif-era model and current on-air television personality, it’s not only a relief, it’s empowering.

For years, alongside most women, I’ve held myself to unrealistic beauty standards. The constant dieting, working out and overall self-criticism has been exhausting, but now, instead of trying to be something I’m not, I’m slowly reprogramming myself to love the skin I’m in. While it’s good for the self-esteem, it’s definitely a process, especially after decades of being put under the beauty microscope by pageant officials, modeling agents and television consultants — who all wanted to transform me into THEIR definition of pretty — which honestly, was never the best version of myself. In fact, it was usually the opposite.

Thank God those days are over and I can focus on things like “Summer Fun” — my annual bathing suit blog featuring the latest and greatest in swimwear trends. Usually, I build a high-fashion theme around basic beachwear, but not this year. Instead, as an ode to Sports Illustrated, I wanted to peel back the layers of my body insecurities and keep things more natural while featuring looks from “Bikini Island Swimwear” in Fort Lauderdale.

The boutique is a rare jewel in this “buy it online” day and age. Owner & Professional Fashion Stylist, Marielle Voets Ortiz, believes choosing a bathing suit should be an intimate experience. Touching the material, seeing the textures and ultimately trying it on is the key to finding what truly fits your body and personality. Marielle is also from Europe and used to boutique-style shopping and wanted to bring that type of experience to South Florida women. She combs the globe to find the most chic and sophisticated styles to fill her store with swimsuits, cover-up’s, summer fashions and accessories.

Everything I’ve worn from her store makes me feel confident and classically on trend, which is no easy task considering my swimsuit standards are incredibly high. It’s one thing to snap a photo on a blog, it’s another to wear a suit with reckless abandon on a girls’ weekend to Key West or to Miami Beach running, jumping and swimming in the ocean — which is exactly what I did in each of these fabulous one-pieces. I felt so comfortable, I even rolled around in the sand a few times. 🤓

And while it’s eternally summer in South Florida, trends are still changing with the seasons in the rest of the world. This year, high- cut, low-back one-pieces are all the rage. Think 80’s & 90’s-style swimsuits worn by some of the original SI models like Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland and more recently, Tyra Banks. Pretty beading, crochet overlays and fun prints keep the look modern. When choosing a suit, I think of four things: comfort, style, sophistication and sex appeal. The “Summer Fun” trend incorporates all of them, mixed with a healthy dose of pizzazz and what South Florida girl doesn’t like a little or a lot of that? During our sweltering, half-naked, wearing-as-little-clothes-as-possible months, remember…

Loving and accepting yourself in any capacity takes work, but it’s worth doing when the end result is #selflove & #selfempowerment and with more realistic images of the female body, thanks to publications like SI, “Summer Fun” isn’t such a bad place to be and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Happy summer, fashionistas!

Where:
Bikini Island Swimwear
3335 NE 32nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
www.bikiniislandswimwear.com

When:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
See all the photos at www.ShireenSandoval.com

Be Social:
IG: @bikini_island_swimwear
FB: @bikiniislandswimwear

“I would be remiss when talking about beauty secrets to not say that one of the best is to care about the world around you. That’s what really matters.” — Christie Brinkley

James Woodley Photography
Swimsuits, handmade beach bag tote & beaded sandals by Bikini Island Swimwear
Jewelry: @handmademiamibeach available at @wynwoodshop
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Beach Boy” Auerbach

Why:
There are three key ingredients a South Florida girl needs to survive summer in the tropics: a strong sunscreen, a stylish SPF hat and an easy, breezy clutch that’ll take you from day to night, no questions asked. The first two I’ve always had a pretty good handle on; the last one? Not so much — until a few weeks ago.

That’s when I met Christina McGuire, the creator of “Christina’s Cabana,” an on-line boutique specializing in tropically-inspired clutches. The first time I saw one of her pretty purses on Instagram, I was smitten, but it was the story of WHY she created them that inspired me to write “A Cabana Clutch”…

Christina started her bag business out of sheer fashion frustration and believe me, most of us have been there. You’re about to wear an amazing dress, you’ve accessorized it with fabulous jewelry, you even have sassy sandals to match, but your handbag? It’s got more issues than Vogue (I read that once on a coffee cup.) Anyway, you try on every single clutch in your closet, but nothing’s quite right — they’re either too big, too small, the wrong color, the wrong texture or it’s the wrong time of day and the list goes on…

That’s when Christina took matters into her own hands and created “A Cabana Clutch.” It’s just what she needed, too: a bag streamlined enough to go with any outfit; adding details, like fringe, gave it posh personality. She knew she was onto something: she would go out with her friends and they kept commenting on her coordinated clutches. Each time they urged her to make more, eventually convincing her to pursue purse-making full-time and lucky for us, “Christina’s Cabana” was born. Crazy enough, that was only six months ago.

After her pet project turned into a bonafide business, Christina expanded, selling her clutches in select retail stores like #BrinyBoutique who provided the gorgeous dresses for the blog. She also started utilizing social media to promote her purses and that’s where I come in. Isn’t Instagram a beautiful thing? After we connected, we planned out a #FavoriteThings feature.

In person, Christina has a radiant glow about her, but it’s her bubbly personality that I really adore and both attributes are definitely infused into her contemporary, fringe and/or pom-pom creations. Christina also has a deep appreciation for all things tropical; naming her Cabana Clutches “The Golden Tan,” “The Oyster’s Pearl” and “The Beach Bar,” just to name a few. No two are alike either, because she hand-makes them so they’re uniquely one-of-a-kind.

Whether your dressing up or down, “A Cabana Clutch” will effortlessly connect the dots in your ever-changing wardrobe. Even better, you’ll be able to go from day to night without ever missing a stylish beat and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Shop the Cabana Clutches here: www.christinascabana.com

Be Social:
FB: @ChristinasCabana
IG: @christinascabana

wardrobe provided by www.brinyboutique.com
IG: @brinyboutique
Briny Boutique
274 N Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33301

See the blog in full
www.ShireenSandoval.com

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” — Sam Keen

James Woodley Photography
All clutches are by Christina’s Cabana and appear in the following order: The Golden Shelly Clutch, The Coral Clutch & The Golden Tan Clutch
Outfits provided by @brinyboutique
Rings: @handmademiamibeach
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Captain Clutch” Auerbach