By:  Maryanne Salvat

 Arts & Crafts Series at Buck15: Round 2

South Beach’s favorite hidden bar continues its local art contest this September with sneakers sponsored by Puma.  Locals are encouraged to pick up a white Puma sneaker and decorate it any way they wish. Artists have until the 13th of September to hand in their sneakers that will be displayed on the walls of Buck15 along with voting cards throughout the month.  Buck15 patrons will have up until the 28th of September to vote for their favorite piece.  The winners will be announced that Tuesday evening at 11:30 p.m.  First place winner will be awarded a $75 gift certificate to La Epoca Department Store located at 200 East Flagler Street in Downtown; second place winner will receive a $75 bar comp at Buck15 to be used by October 28; third place winner will receive a $25 Miss Yip gift certificate. To participate, contact Cesar@Buck15.net or www.buck15.net.

On Saturday, September 11 from 7  to 10 p.m., coinciding with Wynwood’s monthly art walk, Calix Gustav Gallery will debut its darkest exhibit to-date, Mörker, a look into the gloomy obscurity of children’s dreams. Together, featured artists Johan Björkegren and Ingrid Eliasson along with Jennifer Basile, create an intriguing juxtaposition of fear and serenity through their charcoal drawings and crocheted fiver tapestries. Gallery owner and curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon will also unveil CG Boutique, a smaller gallery within Calix Gustav’s walls intended for the younger art collector.
 

 September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

The Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation (MFOCF) is hosting an inaugural awareness week September 13 – 17th,  sponsored by 123 Lumpsum,  featuring a variety of social events to celebrate survivors while raising awareness and donations to fight the disease.  On Monday, September 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. enjoy complimentary martinis and makeovers in addition to a 10% discount on all beauty products with a portion of proceeds benefitting MFOCF.  The event is free and open to the public at  GBS, The Beauty Store 31 N. Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale.  On Tuesday, September 14th, from 6 to 8 p.m., wine and dine at a private east Fort Lauderdale residence with live entertainment for $20 per person with proceeds benefitting MFOCF.  There will be a presentation by Dr. Steven Poliakoff M.D., M.B.A., Finley’s doctor and the founder and CEO of South Florida Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Inc. and Executive Medical Director of The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation.  For additional information, contact: info@mfocf.com or jen@wasie.org.  On Wednesday, September 15th, from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. celebrate National Yoga Month and Ovarian Cancer Month at Ayama Yoga in Aventura with a 90-minute Vinyasa class.  A $10 donation will be made to the MFOCF for every student in attendance.  Students of all levels are encouraged to participate and experience the many benefits of yoga including improved health, posture, strength, balance and flexibility. The cost of the class is $18.  Complimentary refreshments provided by Honest Tea will be available after class.  Ayama Yoga Center is located at2624 N.E. 188th St., North Miami Beach.  Free parking is available.  On Thursday, September 16th, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., enjoy  a fashion fundraising soiree at Lilac And Lilies new boutique across from the Galleria Mall.  Twenty percent of proceeds from sales will benefit MFOCF.  Shop star-studded styles including Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection, Trina Turk, J Brand denim, Black Halo, Alex & Ani accessories and MM Couture.  The event is free and open to the public.  Lilac & Lilies, 2541 East Sunrise Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale.  On Friday, September 17th, head to SHO Nightclub from 8:00 to 10 p.m., make a $30 donation to the MFOCF, and enjoy 2 complimentary cocktails and appetizers and then dance the night away at Ft. Lauderdale’s premier, upscale nightclub.  SHO Nightclub  is located at 15 West Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale.

Mercadito Midtown 

In honor of the 200 years of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule, and 100 years of its revolution that began in 1910, Mercadito Midtown celebrates “El Grito de La Independencia” with authentic Mexican cuisine by Chef Patricio Sandoval in a lively, festive ambiance. In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, holiday offerings will include succulent cochinita tacos ($16), made with achiote marinated pork belly, sour orange, pickled onions, and chiles en nogada ($22); a traditional Mexican specialty dish featuring stuffed poblano, pork, beef, dried fruit, spices, walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, that will be available on the menu during the entire month of September. Mexican Independence Day festivities get underway at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15.  A live Mariachi band will perform from 9 to 11 p.m.  Guests will be able to order their favorite Mercadito cocktails, created by the Tippling Bros., at the bar indoors or at a special outdoor bar.  Mercadito Midtown is located at 3252 NE 1^st Avenue, in Miami’s Midtown Neighborhood. Valet and municipal parking is available. Reservations are suggested at (786) 369-0430; www.mercaditorestaurants.com.