Foodies Rev Up Your Appetites

South Beach Wine and Food Festival

The 10^th Annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival is upon us once again.  To our fellow foodies who wish to attend and purchase tickets to events, visit www.sobefest.com for a complete line up of available tickets still available.  If your desired event is sold out, fear not- we will have a full recap with photos next week. To read all about last year’s SBWFF fun, visit: miamisocialholic.com.

Sweet Street Desserts Hits Lincoln Road

Join the sugar rush on Friday, February 25, as Sweet Street Desserts presents “The Sweet Ride” a mobile dessert truck that will be giving out their famous sweet treats including assorted cupcakes, Chewy Marshmallow Squares, Lemon Crumb Bars, Fabulous Chocolate Chunk Brownies and Toffee Crunch Blondies.  The sugar rush begins at 9:30 p.m. , and will be located at 1111 Lincoln Road. The Sweet Ride will also be touring Miami Beach over the weekend.  Sweet Street will also be donating 15% of its sales online at www.sweetstreet.com to the University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Customers simply enter “FIU” when prompted at check out.  The promotion runs until March 13, 2011.

Please note that the “Sweet Ride” will only be passing out samples to ticketed guests at Let Them Eat Cake. HOWEVER, it will be touring Miami Beach and passing out it’s luscious desserts, including the newest creation  Pipeable® Mousses, on Saturday from 12  to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Catch them if you can on Collins, Washington, Ocean Drive, and Lincoln Road.

STK and The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar

On Saturday, February 26,   The One Group’s STK Miami and Shareef Malnik’s award-winning The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar will host two of the most sought-after events during the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. 

STK welcomes celebrity chef and “Top Chef Master” Rick Moonen to team up with STK’s executive chef, and “Hell’s Kitchen” alum, Ralph Pagano, to present a highly-anticipated “Surf & Turf” dinner.  The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 8:00 p.m., followed by a private dinner at 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy Moonen’s signature, sustainable seafood dishes with a side of Pagano’s decadent prime cuts. The four-course dinner, priced at $150, will be perfectly paired with wines and spirits including Chambord vodka, Herradura tequila, Collingwood whiskey and a selection of wines from organic Bonterra Vineyards. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America. For more information call 305.604.6988.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, will present a second installment of its Wine Dinner Series along with original host partner Joseph Phelps Vineyards to lead diners through the six-course dinner and provide the perfect pairing for each dish. The Wine Dinner Series began in New York’s Greenwich Village during the restaurant’s “Fall in the North and South”-themed dinner at the James Beard House in October 2010.  Using the same menu, but with a few seasonal ingredient changes, executive chef Dewey LoSasso  teams up with the prestigious Joseph Phelps to create an outstanding dining experience. For more information visit www.theforge.com.

South Beach Comedy Festival

The South Beach Comedy Festival Local All-Stars kickoff this year’s festival on Thursday, February 24 at Buck 15 (above Miss Yip Chinese Café), located at 1661 Meridian Avenue on Miami Beach and is free to the public with a 2 menu item minimum. Doors open at 7p.m. The comedian lineup features previous winners from South Beach Comedy Festival’s “Best New Comedian Contest”, national touring headliners and even an Emmy winner. These local all-stars include: Lisa Corrao, Wendi Starling, Johnny Trabs, Gene Harding and Dave Williamson. The event is hosted by Miami New Times “Best Club Comic 2010” Jessica Gross and features sounds by DJ V2.  For more information on The South Beach Comedy Festival Local All-Stars visit www.SouthBeachComedyFestival.com or www.HaveNotsComedy.com

Angel Squads WANTS YOU!

The new Miami Beach-based promotional agency will host an open casting call for Massage Angels at Pics Boutique on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first company to utilize the European concept of incorporating massage into nightlife, Angel Squads’ team of trained Massage Angels (read: genetically blessed ladies in white corsets, white feathered wings, black leggings and black stilettos) can be found at high-end nightclubs and restaurants in South Beach, and offer patrons 10 minute relaxing chill neck, shoulder and Indian head massages. For more information, go to www.angelsquads.com.

Oscar Night^® America

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected the Miami Beach Film Society to host and be the beneficiary of the official celebration in Miami for the Oscar Night^® America (ONA) party.  Oscar Night^® America viewing parties are the official nationwide celebrations of the Oscars^®. ONA Miami Beach 2011’s cocktail soirée will also act as a grand opening event hosted at the film society’s yet to be unveiled cinematheque, located inside the historic Miami Beach City Hall, on Oscar^® Sunday,    February 27 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets to the 2011 Oscar Night America Miami Beach are available for $125 or $110 for Miami Beach Film Society & Cinematheque and MIFF members. Ticket prices include food and beverages, tax and gratuity, a $25 Escopazzo gift certificate, the official 83rd Annual Academy Awards^® program booklet and other event memorabilia. For more information, visit www.MBCinema.com.

Fashion Rules at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour 

On Thursday, March 3, at 6 p.m., join Haute Living’s Fashion Director, Jilian Sanz along with Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour,   as they celebrate the world’s top designers and their creations at THE FASHION RULES! Party.  Dress in your spring best  for  Haute Living’s “Be on the Cover” photo shoot followed by a fashion show displaying the latest spring trends.  For reservations call  305.993.4612 or rsvpbalharbour@neimanmarcus.com

Heather MacDonald

New Orleans Saint, Jonathan Vilma was seen eating lunch at Zuma Miami on Tuesday.

Comedienne, Heather McDonald, a regular on Chelsea Lately, performed at the Fisher Island School Gala at Palazzo del Mare. Notable guests included Brian Neff, Romero Britto, Adriana De Moura, Lea and Roy Black, James Ferraro, Ken Harte and Lori Ferrell.  The event was sponsored by Grey Goose vodka.

Miami’s Diamond Princess, rapper Trina was spotted last Wednesday at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort.  Trina and a group of 40 celebrated the birthdays of her mother and sister. 

Celebrity hair colorist Johnny Ramirez has partnered with Femme Coiffure Hair Spa’s South Beach location at the Ritz-Carlton.  Ramirez’s long list of celebrity clients includes Victoria Beckham, Carrie Mulligan, Whitney Port and Miranda Kerr.

Becoming overnight celebrities are the stars of the Real Housewives of Miami.  The show is scheduled to air on Bravo on Tuesday, February 22 at 10 p.m.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

New on the scene at the already lively Mary Brickell Village is Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant, (pronounced F’Ddoe) which recently held its grand opening celebration.  The large, cavernous space was designed and manufactured in Dublin and built and installed by a team of Irish craftsman and artisan painters from Ireland. How’s that for authentic? The name means “long ago” as the aim of the owners is to provide the typical atmosphere and pub grub of the neighborhood Irish pub- a central element to the Irish culture.

“It’s hard to deny the attraction to the casual conviviality of an Irish Pub,” says CEO & President Kieran McGill. “Pubs have always been the nucleus for Irish of every class, from dockworkers to aristocrats and genius writers. Fadó embodies the quintessence, customs and traditions of Ireland and we are full of pride to introduce our rich history to one of the most collective cities in the world.”  Read the rest of this entry »

Fati Rosenberg and Sofia Joelsson

A few weeks ago, the chic, eclectic Miami showroom, MIYO Home, hosted an elegant breakfast in celebration of its newly opened design space and Zen Garden.  Invited guests at MIYO (which stands for “Make It Your Own”-“mio” also means “mine” in Spanish) mingled and ogled the latest collections, which span the globe, and strolled through the recently finished Zen Garden, complete with a Bonsai-shaped olive tree, which will serve as an outdoor showroom space and relaxation lounge. As the premier destination to find the latest home design trends, MIYO Home has the signature must-have unique pieces which are surprisingly affordable, ranging from $2 hand-made Asian bracelets with Chinese coins to $2,800 Indonesian couch sets, making chic and elegant style available regardless of budget.  

MIYO’s biggest draw is meeting its charming owners, Istanbul native, Fati Rosenberg and niece, Stephanie Jourdan, who hand-pick each of the pieces and know a thing or two about style.  After all, Rosenberg and her sister, Ayse Cobani (Stephanie’s mother) owned and operated the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Boutique on the Champs Elysees for more than two decades and Stephanie’s great grandfather just happened to be shoe legend, Charles Jourdan.

 “The expansion of our showroom is a reflection of the growth of our collections,” commented Rosenberg. “Our nine signature collections feature an eclectic repertoire of furnishings and designs that adapt to fit in a variety of environments – all with originality and a touch of panache.”

By Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Cafeina-Fueled Weekend

Cafeina officially turns one on Thursday, February 17, and is throwing one heck of a bash in honor of its one year anniversary celebration!  The Wynwood lounge opens its doors   at 10 p.m., following a private cocktail, and invites the public to enjoy a live performance by Agape Nadia Harris in the garden and complimentary Dewar’s cocktails until midnight.  

On Sunday, February 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cafeina, in conjunction with Supermarket Creative, presents the debut of its weekly garden-and-gallery breakfast series “Brunch N’ Bazaar”, featuring a pop-up restaurant in the gallery that allows for indoor dining and an open-air market curated by New York-based Launche Arte. Guests will enjoy a newly designed menu by Executive Chef Leo Gutierrez that includes both health-conscious and hangover-cure selections, along with $20/two-hour unlimited mimosas. DJ duo Ess & Emm will direct the musical score, ranging from Brazilian Jazz to French Pop, while patrons shop and indulge in additional treats including table-side Bloody Mary’s, ‘made your way’ by Cafeina’s team of mixologists. The Miami bazaar will be housed within Cafeina’s lush 5,000-square-foot garden with over 15 vendors showcasing a variety of products including: jewelry and accessories, vintage, fashion, floral, pastries and an international news-stand. The first installment will include crystal retailer and tarot card reader Donna Hughes; handmade silk dresses by SeaSatin Couture; designer menswear such as Alexander McQueen and Dsquared, sold by Beau Beasley; and watches by Time-Peace, amongst others. For market vendor inquiries contact info@supermarketcreative.com or visit www.cafeinamiami.com.

Dylan Lauren Sweetens South Florida

Dylan Lauren, Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar and daughter of famed fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, celebrates the launch of her first book, Dylan’s Candy Bar – Unwrap Your Sweet Life.  Aside from a private book signing party at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa on Thursday, February 17,   Lauren will be hosting two additional book signings while in the sunshine state on Saturday, February 19.  The first at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, and the second is at Books & Books in Bal Harbour at 5 p.m.  For more information visit:   www.booksandbooks.com.

Surf’s Up! At MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art, a.k.a. MOCA will throw its over-the-top annual gala on Saturday, February 19, featuring a “Surf’s Up!” theme. The gala is a bargain, at only $175 per ticket. As anyone who’s been to a MOCA Bash will attest, this is one of the highlights of the social season every year, as the museum is transformed to fit the theme- a casino one year, a bohemian pad another, a Bollywood stage set another- and the artsy guests dress to fit the theme.  This year, Miami artists will transform MOCA’s galleries into a far-out celebration of surf culture with surfboards, simulated ocean waves, lifeguard stands, bonfires, classic surf films, dances, fire-eaters and beach bunnies. Guest DJs will keep the dance floor packed and top Miami restaurants China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Blue Door Delano, Adriana Restaurant, Meat Market, Sushi Samba and Shiraz Catering will have guests wishing their bikinis were a couple of sizes larger. Fortunately, Grey Goose will provide enough libations to make the unwanted bulges a little less noticeable. To purchase tickets, call 305.893.6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.  You can also start taking advantage of the silent auction, featuring a fantastic array of unique experiences and luxury items by visiting www.mocanomi.org/cmarket. 

Be a Voice

On Saturday, February 19, Voices for Children Foundation will host its largest and most elegant fundraiser at the Mandarin Oriental, (500 Brickell Key Drive) attracting over 500 of South Florida’s most influential and prominent members of the community. Emceed by CBS 4 News Anchor Shannon Hori, the gala will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, dancing and a special performance by the Miami City Ballet. The mission of Voices For Children Foundation is to raise funds to ensure that every abused and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational and social needs. Sponsorship opportunities for tables range from $5,000 to $15,000 with single tickets at $500 per seat. For more information and to purchase tickets or tables, contact Iris Ardon at 305.324.5678 or visit www.beavoice.org. 

Athletes at Play

Wonder where you can spot NFL football players after the season? Well many of them will be at Club Play (1045 5^th Street) on Saturday evening February 19 to help Philadelphia Eagle, Asante Samuels launch his Bring it Home Single Moms Foundation. The organization’s vision is to provide hard working, low income single mothers with a home to restore each woman’s pride optimism and stability. The party goes from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is free and all proceeds from drink purchases throughout the evening will go to the foundation. There will be a swimwear fashion show, body painting, entertainment and a bevy of confirmed NFL and NBA players with whom to mingle. RSVP is requested to: rsvp@bhsinglemoms.org or call 305.532.4340 for table reservations.

The MIAMI Institute Welcomes Dr. Phillip Craft

The MIAMI Institute for Age Management & Intervention (www.MIAMI-Institute.com) will host a special evening to welcome acclaimed plastic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Craft, to the dynamic surgical team.   Join Miami’s “Dream Team” of anti-aging specialists on Wednesday, February 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., as they celebrate the newest addition to their practice.  The MIAMI Institute will open its doors to the luxurious 9,000 square-foot facility – featuring two modern surgical suites furnished with the latest medical technology – for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  For more information or to RSVP visit:  www.miamiinstitute@thepattongroupinc.com or call 305.534.008.

JR Ridinger, President and CEO of Market America

In a motivating and captivating presentation, which included Lion Dancers, celebrity performances and fireworks, Market America’s founders, JR and Loren Ridinger detailed the company’s recent acquisition of SHOP.COM (www.shop.com) before 22,000 enthusiastic attendees at Market America’s  World Conference on February 3- which coincided with the Chinese New Year (ergo the Lion Dancers) . 

Read the rest of this entry »