Nothing gets in the way of Shaina Wizov, the blogger behind @takeabiteoutofboca. We often bump into Shaina at various events throughout South Florida and always find her bubbly personality infectious. Since launching her blog 7 years ago, Shaina is very much ingrained in the food scene here. Her followers are loyal and turn to her for dining recommendations and so much more. Shaina is on the pulse of all the great things happening in our community. We're thrilled to have moved beyond the usual event "small talk" and learn more about what makes Shaina such a dynamite.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
Everyone who knows me knows how much I admire Audrey Hepburn, so I’ll go with two of her most famous quotes — and two I’ve always resonated with.
“I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.”
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!”
How would you describe your overall style if it had to be categorized?
Athleisure by day, modern chic by night — but always striving for comfort.
Photo by: Emiliano Brooks / Studio B2
You started blogging 7 years ago, what was the catalyst that got you inspired to start your blog?
I moved to Florida from New Jersey with no idea of what I wanted to do. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to get out of my hometown and do something different. I thrived on the thought of change. When I got to Boca (I moved in with my grandmother), I had already been online journaling (I’ve always loved to write and have a BA in journalism). After a gentle, supportive push and shove from my Dad, I decided it was time to go public with a niche. Blogging was just becoming a “thing” and I jumped on the bandwagon at the perfect time.
You often feature restaurants and dishes, but if you had to have one last meal, what would you order?
This is by far the hardest question, and I’m always stumped when anyone asks. It wouldn’t be one specific meal… It would be more of a collection of random noshes to make sure I had a little taste of all my favorite things before I left the world. I’d need a perfectly charred piece of octopus, and probably some Chilean sea bass. There would be some jumbo shrimp and lobster cocktail, and a big bowl of the creamy crab bisque from The Crab Trap in Somers Point, NJ. It HAS to be that soup, it can’t be from anywhere else. French fries are a given. I’d want an assortment… Regular, sweet potato, truffle, and then some other fried things like yucca fries and plantains. All my dietary restrictions would be out the door, so a big cheese and charcuterie spread would be a must, as would the largest slices ever of New York cheesecake and coconut cream pie. Oh, and did I mention a magnum of Champagne? I hope that’s not too much to ask…
Any favorite restaurants in our local area?
It’s really hard to name all my favorites, but I will say that one restaurant that I was most impressed with over the past year was Monkitail at The Diplomat Resort in Hollywood.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
Black fitness leggings and whatever else is easiest to grab out of the closet.
What’s your fashion/beauty indulgence?
Jewelry. Whenever I get a new piece, I wear it consistently for a certain amount of time — usually until whenever I get another piece. I’m a mixed metal kind of girl, and I can do dainty or statement, depending on my mood and outfit. I don’t discriminate.
Photo by: Emiliano Brooks / Studio B2
Which shoe brand do you love most?
Michael Kors
What’s your favorite shoe style?
I’m short, so I like a good heel. Nothing crazy, but high enough to give me that bit of oomph. The right shoe can make a girl feel on top of the world.
What is it that you like about the line of products by Protect My Shoes?
The designs are so much fun, and I love that each product is individually hand made. It shows how much love and dedication is put into the line.
What is your dream travel destination?
It’s more of a dream travel experience rather than one destination… My ultimate dream is to travel all over the world and write about each visit, highlighting mainly the food and wine, famous chefs and restaurants, and learning how to cook a signature meal in each location.
What is your perfect day in Delray Beach?
I don’t feel “on my game” until I’ve gotten in a workout at PurLife Fitness Center, so that’s my first stop. My perfect day would be spent with my boyfriend and various friends throughout the day. We’d start with brunch somewhere on the Ave, find somewhere with live music to listen to, then depending on the weather, relax on the beach or by the pool, pop in somewhere for a cocktail or two, and then my boyfriend would cook me dinner (he’s impressive in the kitchen!) while we listen to records on vinyl and end the night with a movie or episodes of our current TV obsession, Designated Survivor. Nothing crazy, a perfectly chill, relaxing day.
What inspires you?
Writing has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. I always excelled in it throughout school, and knew from the get go it was what I wanted to do with my life. I know it’s a pretty broad topic, but I feel that you can reach so many people and touch their hearts, trigger their emotions, and even help them heal, all through writing. Knowing that people read my work, grow from it, appreciate it, and are inspired by it — that’s what inspires me.
It's been such a pleasure getting to know Shaina so for more, simply Follow Her!
Instagram: @takeabiteoutofboca
Facebook: Take A Bite Out of Boca
Twitter: @takeabiteblog
LinkedIn: Swizov