On Monday, September 16, Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida and in-kind Ball donor InterContinental® Miami celebrated the 25^th Annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball VIP Kickoff Party at the InterContinental® Miami in anticipation of this season’s  MASTERPIECE XXV-themed gala on Saturday, November 2, a creative interpretation of Game of Thrones. Host Robert Hill, General Manager of InterContinental® Miami and Gala Host was joined by Shareef Malnik, Chairman of the Board Emeritus of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and Gala Chair of the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball, and Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida – the trio affectionately known as the “Three Amigos”– to honor the Ball’s donors and supporters.

Gala Chair Shareef Malnik announced that four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Steven Tyler with the Loving Mary band will headline The Ball, and that T.I. will perform at the Ball’s after party, the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Nightclub presented by E11EVEN MIAMI. Actress and documentary film director Gabrielle Anwar will return as the Celebrity Emcee for the 9th year. Malnik also announced that members of the Chairman’s Challenge Society have once again underwritten expenses associated with the Ball.

The cocktail soiree featured opulent food stations by InterContinental Miami Executive Chef Jhonnatan Contreras, decorated in a medieval theme with moat displays accented by ice statues of wolves, fortresses, copper cooking pots, wooden wheelbarrows, and market stalls. Dishes included the Field & Forest stall’s Farro Exotic Mushroom, Baby Carrot Salad, Caramelized Fennel & Apricot Salad, Roasted Beets with Goast Cheese Foam, Shaved Brussel Sprouts & Leek Spring Roll, and Zucchini Flower Stuffed with Cashew Cheese; the Sushi and Seafood station’s Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Oysters, Spicy Salmon Roll, California Roll, and Vegetable Roll; and a variety of sweets in the dessert “cave,” whose entrance was guarded by an elaborately carved chocolate dragon.

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails and wine served by a wait staff in renaissance costumes as they were treated to a special DECO Productions dance performance choreographed by New Century Dance Company. Attendees of the evening soiree included hosts Ball Chairman, Board Chair and Founder of Chairman’s Challenge Society Shareef Malnik; President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida Norman Wedderburn; InterContinental® Miami General Manager and Gala Host Robert Hill; actress and documentary film director Gabrielle Anwar; Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alberto Carvalho; Ball creative directors Maxwell  Blandford and Clif Loftin; socialite/philanthropists Stanley and Gala Cohen; Joseph Perez; Dennis Crowley; Eugene Frenkel; Danielle Rubinstein; Jodi Siravo; Brian Exelbert; Dr. Art Diskin; Drew Mandala; Robby Elias; Ramona Messore; Michael Capponi; Stephanie Sayfie; Yvonne Hila and Bret Beach; Linda Levy Goldberg; and Fabian Basabe.

The evening concluded with an endearing speech by Nicole Ciovacco, mother of 6-year-old Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida Wish kid, Evan Ciovacco. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in infancy, Evan’s dream was to go to Orlando Theme Parks as he has spent most of his life visiting doctors to battle his condition. His wish, granted by Greg Salsburg, was to go on a 7-day vacation with his family, where he met all his favorite characters, received fast-passes to all parks and attractions, and had breakfast and dinner with Mickey and friends. With tears in her eyes, Nicole described how Evan’s wish gave the Ciovacco family the will to move forward, become stronger and realize the importance of carving out family time. Nicole concluded her testimony by thanking Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida and the donors for making Evan’s dream a reality and giving him an extraordinary experience when he was facing one of the toughest challenges of his young life. Read the rest here »

Absolut Juice hosted the official afterparty for Lizzo’s Concert in Miami on September 11, 2019, at Irma’s at the W South Beach, as part of the brand’s partnership with the superstar. Lizzo treated fans to a boisterous and energetic performance and mingled with guests at the exclusive event. Lizzo’s friends and fans enjoyed Juice cocktails, photo moments and swag giveaways.

 Absolut Juice and Lizzo are making news by “squeezing” the moments of summer into a movement with fans across the country. From exclusive video drops to a summer of juicy surprises, fans can #GetJuicy with Absolut Juice and Lizzo by following @AbsolutVodka_US on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to be the first to see Lizzo‘s exclusive collaboration with Absolut Juice.

Watch Lizzo perform below.

Genuine Pizza Garden Party

Tuesday, May 14, 7-10PM

MGFD Miami welcomes chef-owner-author Michael Schwartz for a cookbook release day party. Join us as Genuine Pizza: Better Pizza at Home takes over the restaurant inside and out on the patio for a stationed event with plenty of pizza and awesome things to go with it, taken from the pages of his new book.

Each ticket is $100 and includes a signed copy to take home, tax and gratuity and a pizza party with assorted passed snacks, 6 pizzas, a selection of composed salads and entrées, cocktails, wine and beer all night long!

Cookbook Garden Party Menu

PASSED

Polenta Fries with spicy ketchup

Lollipop chicken wings with agrodolce & rosemary crema

Merguez Meatballs with creamy cucumber & herbs

Caponata Crostini with basil

Ricotta Crostini with peperonata & oregano

SALADS

Chopped Salad

Kale Salad

Escarole Salad

PIZZAS

Stracciatella

Procuitto Cotto

Short Rib

Rock Shrimp

Meatball

Broccolini

ENTRÉES

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with creamy polenta

Seared Cobia with kale, fennel stew, lemon aioli

Roasted Chicken with salsa verde

PASSED SWEETS

Mini Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Zeppole with honey whipped-ricotta

Milk Chocolate Cremoso with candied orange & crema

Panna Cotta with strawberry basil compote

ABOUT THE BOOK

James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, who redefined what fresh, local food means in Miami at his famed flagship restaurant Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink, shares the building blocks to making unforgettable pizza at home in the highly anticipated cookbook Genuine Pizza (Abrams; May 14; U.S. $29.99; Hardcover).

The popularity of pizza at Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink inspired Schwartz to open a casual pizza restaurant, Genuine PizzaTM, and this book reveals the chef’s tried and true approach for making his signature pies. Schwartz believes that the home cook can and should eat better pizza at home, and so Genuine Pizza is inviting and fun, covering the basics first, so that readers can then be adventurous in their own kitchens, mixing and matching ingredients that appeal to them, to create the perfect pie.

“My philosophy is simple and straightforward—the secret to good food is good food, and it starts with sourcing great ingredients,” says Schwartz. “Genuine Pizza is my approach as an American chef who puts quality and simplicity first. Pizza has always been an important part of all my restaurants. It’s an opportunity for expression and I want the home cook to feel like they now have a great resource that they can turn to and enjoy using.”

Beginning with Pizza Fundamentals, Genuine Pizza explores everything from useful equipment and must-have ingredients to detailed, step-by-step techniques for how to make incredible dough, including recipes for gluten-free and rye-based options. Part two is all about composing nuanced, flavorful pizzas, with recipes that include classics such as Margherita and Soppressata, as well as pies with more unorthodox, yet irresistible topping combinations. Schwartz shares his favorites, like Zucchini with ricotta, anchovy, chile, lemon, grana padano, mint, and basil, BLT with bacon with arugula, tomato, and taleggio, and Pastrami on rye crust. Inspired by the Miami locale, pizzas also feature local Rock Shrimp and Slow-roasted Pork, Schwartz’s nod to the Cuban sandwich in pizza form. Because no one can live on pizza alone, Genuine Pizza also explores Snacks, Soups, Salads, Main Courses, Desserts, and Drinks, forming a guidebook to creating balanced, vibrant meals, centered around everyone’s favorite food. “Pizza is just the beginning—it’s a jumping off point to colorful, delicious meals at home,” says Schwartz.

Follow #genuinepizzaathome and visit thegenuinekitchen.com for more information, events, and behind the scenes content leading up to the release.

Notable Trends from Paris Fashion Week Fall 2019

Paris is the ultimate culmination of Fashion Month. Every season, the world watches as designers pull out their biggest guns, presenting the most forward collections across halls and palaces. And while the momentum for some trends like animal print and workwear have long been established in other fashion capitals like New York and Milan, Paris showed no signs of falling behind. As the cradle of fashion, they delivered in commanding their own sets of trends to follow. Here are some notable ones to try for yourself:

Bucket Hats

The ‘90s resurgence has reached an all-time high. Tie-dye and denim on denim are making their rounds, but no piece is quite as nostalgic as the bucket hat. Overshadowing beanies and floppy hats, Paris officially cemented the bucket hat as the ultimate accessory of the season. According to fashion blogger Aimee Song, they’re actually more versatile than you think. They’re also pretty much everywhere now, from high-end versions at Prada, to more affordable options at Adidas.

Christian Dior Fall 2019. Photo Credit: Elle

Christian Wijnant Fall 2019; Photo Credit: Imaxtree

Neon Green

Another fixture of ‘90s fashion, neon is one of the most head-turning trends of the season, particularly in electrifying shades of green. On the runways of Marine Serre, reflective fabrics were even used to further amplify the show-stealing colors. If you aren’t feeling as bold, this Neon Alder sweater from Line & Dot is an easy way to incorporate highlighter hues in your wardrobe. Wear with your usual denim for a fun yet sophisticated ensemble.

Checkered

Checkered came in full force at the Paris Fashion Week. At Off-White, designers steered towards a new direction, showing a psychedelic version of the print in vibrant palettes. For a more casual approach, this classic flannel shirt from Woman Within features the print in various colors for a unique take on the trend. Wear it on its own for an everyday look, or throw it over a graphic tee and cut-off shorts to channel your inner “off-duty model.”

Off-White Fall/Winter 2019; Photo Credit: Off-White

 “No Make-up” Make-up Look

Although plenty of fashion trends were more on the maximalist side of the spectrum, the opposite can be said for runway beauty. Models at Loewe and Lanvin walked sporting clear skin and slicked back hair that allowed naturalism to shine. To get the same “no make-up” make-up look, The Luxi Look recommends Millennial favorite brand Glossier, whose straightforward products put more emphasis on healthy skin than heavy products meant to conceal.

Loewe; Photo Credit: Vogue

Statement Earrings

Jewelry can either make or break an outfit, and statement earrings can definitely drive your entire look. On the runway, designers went all out with luxurious chandelier crystals, metallic spiked hoops, and abstract sculptures — all hanging from the lobes of models. While not as bold, these asymmetrical earrings from Free People are a nice take on the mismatched style, able to inject glamor into the plainest of outfits.

Y/Project; Photo Credit: Daniele Oberrauch / gorunway.com

Power Pads

Shoulders became the canvas for creativity this fashion week. At Louis Vuitton, they commanded viewers’ full attention with their blinding sparkles. Meanwhile, Nicolas Ghesquière stole the show with towering ruffles even taller than some models. Whether they were on dresses, blazers, or plain tops, it’s clear that shoulder pads are back for their second life.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2019; Photo Credit: Imaxtree

Get ready to embrace your inner child and “Color Your Imagination!”  Considered by many to be the most unique and playful event of the South Florida social season, Miami Children’s Museum’s Be A Kid Again Gala brings together all the chic fashionable color in your life.  The gala features exceptional entertainment, luxurious auctions and a culinary experience unlike any other. This year’s gala, chaired by Heide & Jose Dans with Auction Chair Melissa Netkin, will be held on Saturday, March 16^th at 6:30 PM at Soho Studios located at 2136 NW 1st Ave in the arts district of Wynwood. All funds raised for the event will directly support the Museum’s educational programs.

            Sponsors for the event are Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin & Mr. Alan Potamkin; Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz; Heide & Jose Dans; Susan & Richard Lampen/ Jackie & Adam Malamed/Ladenburg Thalmann; Allied Universal Security Services; CPM Visit Ready; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; Northern Trust; The Fairholme Foundation; Plaza Construction; 1220 Exhibits, Academica; Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation; Felicia & Andrew Berkowitz/Jolie & Michael Berkowitz; Bilzin Sumberg; Capital Contractor Services; Carnival Foundation; City National Bank; Vanessa & Lee Krelstein/ Louis N. Cassette Foundation; Median Family Foundation; Motorola Solutions, Inc.; Rycon Construction, Stark Weber PLLC; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; US Trust and Century Risk Advisors/Tom Gallagher Insurance. Partners include: Miami Magazine, Miami Herald, Soho Studios, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits and Chef David Schwadron Cuisine and Event Design.

Guests will feel like a kid again from the moment they enter Soho Studios. Everyone is encouraged to dress in colorfully chic attire.  The night kicks off with a not to be missed cocktail reception filled with an extensive silent auction with unique pieces. 

Adding the spice to the colorful, imagination themed extravaganza is a taste tempting array of treats provided by Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design with a color infused twist that brings to life all the iconic visions of fantasy and fun.

Tickets for the 2019 Be A Kid Again Gala are $750 per person and ticket packages are available online. All funds raised benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For sponsorship and ticket information for the 2019 Be a Kid Again Gala “Color Your Imagination” contact:Daniella Cabezas at 305-373-5437 x142 or visit BeAKidAgain.MiChiMu.net.

The gala committee chaired by Heide & Jose Dans includes: Denise Alfonso, Loretta Anaya, Judy Añez, Rachel Bailine, Ryan Bailine, Marianne Devine, Taylor Donahue, Todd Gomberg, Claudia Gomberg, Kelly Ruane Melchiondo, Melissa Netkin, Albert Price, Jacklyn Taplin Schiffrin, David Schwadron, Chris Smith, Yoly Solano, Natalie Vilar, Alexis Wagner, Scott N. Wagner and Steven Weber.

Miami Children’s Museum offers bilingual and interactive exhibits, programs, classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.  The Museum has 17 interactive galleries as well as housing many exciting and fun traveling exhibits.  Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning through play and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Through arts and educational programs, the Museum seeks to include and target all audiences in Miami’s changing and diverse community by becoming the “town center” for Miami-Dade County’s children and families.

PAMM’s Art of the Party

The most eclectic and creative art party of the season takes place on Saturday, March 9, as   Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosts its fifth annual Art of the Party, the museum’s largest fundraiser event of the year. Three parties in one, this is one blowout you don’t want to miss! The hosts are a mix of Miami’s Who’s Who: influencers from the worlds of art, design, culinary arts, business, medicine, education and just about every philanthropist and socialite in town.

The event, presented by Valentino, will feature three exclusive guest experiences conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager, as well as culinary collaborations by Chef Norman Van Aken and Constellation Culinary Group. Bringing together cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders, and arts supporters, the evening will showcase the world-class museum’s unique architecture and celebrate Miami’s flagship art museum. Funds from Art of the Party directly support the museum’s robust arts education program, the largest program of its kind outside the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.

Art of the Party’s three unique experiences include:

CHEF’S TABLE SEATED DINNER | 6:30pm

Chef Norman Van Aken and Constellation Culinary Group will craft an unforgettable dining experience in the Promenade. Dinner guests will enjoy a cocktail reception featuring the evening’s program in celebration of honoree Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst and artist Christo. Chef’s Table guests are also invited to the Supper Club dinner lounge and Remix after party. Wine and cocktails for Chef’s Table are generously provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and Bacardi.  Read the rest here »