By: Maryanne Salvat

Fish ‘N Chips  

The Marlins Community Foundation (FMCF) will host the 4^th annual Fish ‘N Chips Casino Party “A Night in Casablanca” on Thursday, September 2 at 6:30 pm at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle. All proceeds from this signature event will benefit the Marlins Community Foundation’s Cornerstones for Kids programs. Guests are welcome to join Marlins players, coaches, and an elite group of community leaders and other celebrities for an evening of fun and stakes at the Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and Poker tables. The evening will feature an array of hors d’oeuvres from Miami’s finest restaurants, signature cocktails by John Lermayer, Celebrity Bartender of The Florida Room, music, a Silent Auction filled with exciting items and the Tiffany & Co. “Mystery Wall.”  A ticket of $100 admits one, a $175 ticket admits two and $200 admits a VIP Poker Player (one guest) with a seat in the poker tournament. Each Casino Player will receive a “$25 Lucky Chip” to get started and Poker Players will receive their “buy-in” at the Poker table for the Texas Hold ’em Poker Tournament.  Guests will be able to up their chances and keep playing for great prizes by purchasing extra Casino Chips throughout the night. Poker players will also be able to purchase more chips during the Texas Hold ’em Tournament. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle is offering a promotional rate of $99.00 to attendees, valid from 8/30-9/5 based on availability. To make reservations, visit www.fairmont.com or call the Global Reservation Centre at 1(800) 257-7544 and mention the Marlins Fish ‘N Chips event.  Event registration is available online at www.marlins.com/fishnchips. For more information please call the Marlins Community Foundation at (305) 623-6497 or email fmcf@marlins.com. All guests must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Labor Day Weekend at WALL Lounge

WALL Lounge at W South Beach is celebrating Labor Day weekend with a stellar line-up.  Check out DJ Ross One Friday, September 3^rd, DJ JASK on Saturday, September 4^th and celebrate Miami nightlife fixture and velvet rope king, Laurent Bourgade’s birthday on Sunday, September 5^th.

Udonis Races for the Children

Miami Heat Forward, Udonis Haslem will hit the water with the four-time World Champion Miss GEICO race team in an effort to raise money for his Children’s Foundation. The public is invited to join Haslem and his kids at The Water Club located at 3969 NE 163^rd Street in North Miami from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 5.  Door prizes, raffles and autographs will take place during the afternoon festivities. This event is free and open to the public. A portion of food and drink purchases will benefit the Foundation.

Happy Independence Day Brazil!

 SUSHISAMBA dromo pays homage to its culinary heritage by hosting a celebration to mark Brazil’s Independence Day on Tuesday, September 7 at 9 p.m., the same night as the restaurant’s famed weekly party, Cosplay.  Located on Lincoln Road, SUSHISAMBA dromo will host an evening full of festivities with a specialty cocktail, limited-edition dishes and the celebratory movements of Samba and Capoeira (a 400-year-old Brazilian dance that incorporates martial arts). The show will feature performer Gil Santos and will include dancers and Brazilian drummers with a live show at 9:00 p.m. followed by a Brazilian inspired Cosplay celebration.  Pop-off the night with a Sambista ($15) cocktail,  a creative mix of Pop Rocks, cachaca, strawberry-cinnamon “conserva” and sweet basil.  Authentic specials will be available September 4 through 7, and include Espetinho de Camarão ($12), grilled shrimp, cashews, grilled lime, coconut and tomato sauce; Frango Recheado ($22), stuffed chicken roulade, crispy polenta, orange emulsion and heart of palm salad; and Quindim ($8), Brazilian coconut flan, almond crust, passion fruit foam and coffee reduction.  For more information, go to www.Sushisamba.com.

 Save the Date for Fashion’s Night Out (FNO)

 Village of Merrick Park

 On Friday, September 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., Village of Merrick Park will host an official Fashion’s Night Out. The event will take place throughout the center as well as in participating retailers. Event components will include a Fashion’s Night Out Lounge which will feature cool music, light bites provided by SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, informal modeling and a sneak peak of Fall 2010 trends as well as many other exciting initiatives. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails provided by Belvedere Vodka & Atlantico Rum, as well as a coffee station provided by Café Bustelo. Patrons will be able to capture their Fashion’s Night Out experience by receiving a complimentary professional picture with any purchase of $25 or more from any retailer throughout  the center. Fashion’s Night Out participants will include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo and Etro.  For more information vist www.villageofmerrickpark.com/events/fashions-night-out

 Grey Goose Vodka Hosts…

 Saks 5th Avenue Bal Harbour  invites you to join hosts Sarah Harrelson, Christina Getty Maercks, Lucy Burks and Jillian Jacobson-Altit and meet celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein as you enjoy light bites from Michy’s and Sra. Martinez and sip on couture cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose vodka.  Rock and shop for a good cause with 5% of the weekend’s sales benefitting Common Threads.

 Miami Design District

 Miami’s Design District invites you to splurge at boutiques such as Y-3, Maison Martin Margiela and En Avance as you sip on couture cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, enjoy live music and munch on bites compliments of the Miami Design District shops from 6-10 p.m.

We promise a full line-up of FNO next week. 

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Small Miracles in Miami

Join the Easter Seals of South Florida for a free luncheon and fundraiser on August 26, at the Bank United Center at the University of Miami. The event starts promptly at 11:30 a.m. in the Hurricane 100 room and ends at 12:30 p.m.  One of the main objectives is to inform and educate guests on all of the “miracles” the Easter Seals South Florida provides for the children and adults in the surrounding communities.   For more information, call:  Paula Mejia 305.547.4713 or Marilyn March 305.547.4758.

EQ Sessions

During the month of August, Equinox Fitness Clubs is offering their downloadable celebrity playlists on EQ Sessions, an eclectic mix of tunes that will undeniably maintain your momentum during workouts! If you want to know what Katy, a.k.a. the California Gurl, listens to while working out or gallivanting around Los Angeles, guests can download a heart-pumping playlist handpicked and sequenced by Katy Perry via iTunes or Equinox.com at the cost of $11.70 for the entire mix, or songs can be purchased separately.  A portion of each download will benefit Equinox’s Cycle for Survival, an indoor cycling event that raises money for research of rare cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. For more information, go to: http://www.equinox.com/Life/Music.aspx.

Spazio Nero Re-Opens

Spazio Nero, one of Brickell’s most popular nightclubs will re-open this weekend after undergoing extensive renovations and upgrades to accommodate its continuous and growing popularity. Expect to see 3,000 square feet of additional space making Spazio Nero, the on-premise nightclub at Segafredo Brickell a total of 5,000 square feet. From the state-of-the art sound and light systems to the comfortable and relaxed yet chic design, Brickell residents no longer need to go to South Beach for a night out with friends.  Spazio Nero is located at 1421 S. Miami Avenue.

Grey Goose Rising Icons, Laura Izibor and Melanie Fiona Perform this Week

Irish R&B singer, songwriter and producer, Laura Izibor, will perform at MIA Lounge this Thursday, August 26.  Izibor’s sound is a combination of classic R&B and modern sensibility. Affectionately known as “The Soul of Ireland,” she has opened for acts such as James Brown, The Roots, Angie Stone and John Legend. In 2007, she released “Live from Crawdaddy EP,” and her single “Shine” was used on the soundtrack for The Nanny Diaries. In 2009, she released her solo debut LP “Let the Truth Be Told” with her smash hit single “From My Heart to Yours.” The Atlantic Records recording artist was nominated for a MOBO for Best UK Newcomer and a Soul Train Music Award for Soul Approved/Underground Artist. Izibor will perform at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Visit www.miabiscayne.com for more information and to add your name to the guest list. 

 Melanie Fiona, takes over at LIV on Sunday, August 29.   Melanie is a Canadian singer/songwriter whose music is a melodic fusion of pop and neo-soul. The Grammy Award nominee is returning to the RISING ICONS line-up after the success of her debut album “The Bridge,” featuring her breakout singles “Give it to Me Right” and “It Kills Me,” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 R&B Charts. She has had two successful tours opening for Kanye West’s European leg in 2009 and Alicia Key’s “The Freedom Tour” in 2010.  She is nominated for four 2010 B.E.T. Awards including Best Female R&B Artist, Best New Artist, B.E.T Centric Award and Video of the Year. Fiona will perform at 1 a.m. Doors open at 11 p.m.  Go to www.livnightclub.com for more details.

Get Ready, Get SET, and Give

 SET joins the race to help children with special needs by hosting the 7^th Annual Porsche Boxster S Giveaway on Saturday, August 28. A donation of a $100 entitles enters you into a raffle to win a Porsche Boxster S (maximum 1,000 sold), open vodka bar from 11p.m. to 12a.m. and complimentary admission until 12:30 am; a $25 donation gets you free vodka from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. and complimentary admission.  All proceeds benefit   the Danielle Demarzo Foundation.  Doors open at 11 p.m. but registration begins at 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.SETMIAMI.com.

Pitching for Charity

Want to strike out like P.Diddy, Chris Bosh or Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan? Then here is your chance to throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch at a Marlins home game between September 13^th - September 30th !  Go to CharityBuzz.com, ( right now), to bid on this chance of a lifetime!  All proceeds from the auction benefit Gene Spotlight, which provides medical research grants for genetic disorders. Bidding ends soon!

by: Maryanne Salvat

Sushi 101 

Miami Beach’s favorite multi-cultural restaurant, SUSHISAMBA dromo, is offering Floridians and visitors alike an opportunity to sample sake and learn special culinary techniques from the sushi and sake experts of SUSHISAMBA dromo.  The class will be offered bi-monthly and will be conducted under the leadership of SUSHISAMBA dromo’s beverage director, Mackenzie Parks.  Sushi & Sake classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.  The two-hour class offers an educational experience, which includes five flights of sake and a sushi sampler platter for the reasonable price of $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Classes will begin August 11, 2010.    To reserve a space for one of the upcoming classes or to learn more, call SUSHISAMBA dromo at 305.673.5337.

Dance for Best Buddies

On Friday, August 20, head to Arthur Murray Studio from 4 to 5 p.m. to learn some sizzling summer moves and help Best Buddies.  Best Buddies is a non-profit  organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Arthur Murray Studio is located at 1060 Brickell Avenue.   To RSVP contact: yailen@zakarinpr.com.

Bartender’s Challenge

 Leading Ladies 

The Leading Ladies League will be hosting a charity cocktail party at the Miami Institute for Age Management & Intervention (Four Seasons Hotel & Tower), on Wednesday, August   25, from 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit The Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Guests will enjoy light bites, cocktails, music, artwork, and cosmetic treatments.  For more information, visit http://www.miami-institute.com.

Social Miami and Segafredo Turn 10!

Join Social Miami, on Friday, August 27, as it celebrates its ten year anniversary at Epicure, with a grand fête featuring gourmet food and cocktails.  Music and entertainment   will be provided by Rudy Perez.   The festivities begin at 7 p.m. at Epicure Sunny Isles Beach, 17190 Collins Avenue.

On Sunday, August 29th, Segafredo on Lincoln Road, also referred to as “L’Originale,” will be celebrating its 10th year in business as the first Segafredo branch to open in Florida. As usual, this Miami favorite will be serving delicious meals and amazing beverages, but for their anniversary celebration they are going all out with a block party, where DJs Mr. V. and Miss Patty will be spinning their best tunes for all to hear.  The festivities begin at 5 p.m.

 Help with the Oil Spill at JB

JB Kitchen & Bar (1250 South Miami Avenue) will host the Oil Spill Relief Happy Hour alongside the accredited National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and a team of young professionals, invites South Florida residents to a charitable happy hour event on Thursday, August 12 from to 9 p.m., featuring music by popular local fixture DJ Ethics. JB Kitchen & Bar will donate a percentage of the proceeds from drink sales and a select menu of appetizers towards funding the rehabilitation of wildlife and the environmental cleanup of the affected area. There will be additional donation opportunities at the venue, as well as information on how to further get involved with the NWF. For more information or to make reservations call 305.415.0071 or visit www.jbkitchenandbar.com .

Celebs at City Oyster & Sushi Bar

On Thursday, August 12, head to City Oyster & Sushi Bar (213 Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach), where celebrities including Olympic Medalist Dara Torres, LPGA Golfer Kurt Bagwell and local philanthropists will tend bar and serve guests their favorite cocktails at a fundraiser for Palm Beach County JDRF Ride to Cure cyclists – who will cycle 72 miles around Lake Tahoe in September to raise money for Type I Diabetes research. Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will be provided by City Oyster & Sushi Bar and all tips will be donated to JDRF. There will also be a raffle with great prizes. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 7:30.  Call 561.686.7701 or visit www.jdrf.org/greaterpalmbeach

The 4th Annual “CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS” Luncheon

 Young and notable business professionals from around the community will join the  Emerging Leadership Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) to experience and learn from the best of the best at the 4th annual “Champions of Business” Luncheon on August 13.  Individuals will have an opportunity to not only enjoy the divine creations of the newly improved and most iconic restaurant in town, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, but interact with a discussion by a panel of champions in their field.   This year’s 2010 “Champions of Business” panelist discussion will begin at 11:30 am and will be moderated by Michelle Villalobos, principal of Mivista business skills training, and Willard Shepard, investigative reporter for NBC 6. Panelists include: Ricky Arriola,  President & CEO of Inktel Direct Corp, Misha Kuryla-Gomez, owner and creator of Misha’s cupcakes, and Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.  The event is open to the public and tickets are available starting at $60 for Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members and $75 for guests, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $700.  For more information or to RSVP, call Valerie Rasken at 305-695-6833 or valerie@miamibeachchamber.com.

 Paredes Fine Arts Studio Opening and After Party

 Celebrated local pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban impressionist, Miguel Paredes, will continue making his mark in the Wynwood Arts District with the opening of his first solo gallery Paredes Fine Arts Studio on Saturday, August 14 during the district’s monthly “2^nd Saturdays Art Walk.” Paredes is scheduled to be present on opening night and be part of the gallery’s cocktail reception at 8 p.m. which is open to the public. The artist will exhibit select pieces and sculptures from collections such as Boroughs, Digital Art, Pop Collages, Urban Dreams and Los Niños. Guests should confirm their attendance by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com .   All guests are also invited to attend Paredes’ official after-party at Florida Room located inside South Beach’s Delano hotel.  After-party event begins at 11 p.m. and guests must RSVP to LoveCat at lovecatllc@gmail.com.

 Gold-Diggers Cut-A-Thon

Camelot Salon & Spa (2600 Galiano Street, Coral Gables) is sponsoring The Gold-Diggers, Inc.’s Third Annual Cut-A-Thon charity event on Sunday, August 15, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a salon experience like no other, all in the name of charity.  Guests at the salon can receive a haircut for $20, nail polish change for $5 and/or a relaxing chair massage for $10.  Gourmet “couture” will be served from Cupcakes Nouveau and Giardino Gourmet Salads; fitness tips from Gables Fitness. The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, now in its 33^rd year, and has raised over one million dollars for its beneficiaries, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network.  The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is made up of 40 women from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who raise money for these charities through fall fundraisers and their annual spring musical revue.  Visit www.gold-diggers.org for more information or www.camelotspa.com.