Bal Harbour Welcomes MISTER COLLINS

Bal Harbour welcomes a new American classic to the neighborhood! MISTER COLLINS will make its debut at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for both locals and international jetsetters alike on Thursday, June 16. MISTER COLLINS offers flavorful, home-style American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local, high-quality ingredients and exceptional execution. The menu is peppered with bold favorite: a well-seasoned Prime New York Strip, sous vide Pop’s Pork Chop, Mac and Cheese, True Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and a fruit-forward Ahi Tuna Salad. Every aspect of the meal is hand-crafted on-site from scratch, from the dressings and ketchup, right down to the chocolate ice cream that sits atop the decadent 99% Peanut Butter Pie. For more information, visit www.ONELuxuryHotels.com or call 305.455.5460.

RA Sushi Honors International Sushi Day  

On June 18, RA Sushi in South Miami is celebrating International Sushi Day, an informal holiday created to encourage sushi lovers around the world to eat more sushi. In honor of this special day, anyone who “likes” RA Sushi in South Miami on Facebook can print a special offer good for one complimentary Tootsy Maki.To make this holiday even more official, RA Sushi has declared June 18 as International Sushi Day in the 2011 Chase’s Calendar of Events, the most comprehensive and authoritative reference book available on special events, worldwide holidays, civic observations, and more. The complimentary Tootsy Maki certificate must be printed and redeemed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, International Sushi Day. It is valid at RA Sushi in South Miami. 

Father’s Day 2011 Restaurant Round Up!

Il Corso Trattoria will offer a special a la carte brunch with an array of Italian favorites.  Start with their gamberoni al limone: sautéed jumbo shrimp with lemon butter sauce and sautéed shallots; or their antipasto di la casa: salame, sopressata, coppa, gorgonzola dolce, ciligiene, taleggio, marinated baby tomatoes and baby arugula; or opt for a soup, salad or pizza.  Entrees include risottos such as bistecca alla griglia e risotto: grilled flat iron steak with creamy herb risotto; or frutti di mare e risotto: sautéed shrimp, mussels with spicy tomato marinara, herb risotto, an array of Chef LeRoy’s signature pasta dishes along with several meat, fish or chicken entrees to choose from.  For more information, call 305.603.7137.

Maya Tapas & Grill is giving dad a complimentary steak for lunch or dinner at both locations on Miami Beach.  This family-run restaurant gives fathers the option of choosing either their signature NY Strip or Skirt Steak.  Fathers must be accompanied by their entire family.For more information, visit www.mayatapasandgrill.com.

POC American Fusion Buffet & Sushi: From 11:30a.m. until 10p.m., dad can enjoy the ultimate feast POC style with more than 120 items on display for just $28.99 per person.  Father’s Day specials include lobster, baked Scottish salmon, roasted rack of lamb, kanisu rolls, lobster rolls, baby tuna sashimi and Korean BBQ short ribs. For more information, visit www.pocbuffet.com.

The National Hotel Miami Beach will treat Dad to a hand-rolled stogie, all-he-can-drink beer bar (Dads only!) and specialty grill station. Also featuring a traditional brunch menu for $39 per adult and $19.50 per child (add $10 for unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys; $10 for Dad’s beer bar), National Hotel’s Father’s Day celebration will satisfy all of Dad’s temptations. For reservations, call 305.532.2311.

Drinks of the Grove at the Burgundy Room

Next Tuesday night, June 21, at 7p.m., The Burgundy Room will host the first annual The Drinks Of The Grove.  Mixologists (bartenders) from local Coconut Grove bars and restaurants will compete for the best summer cocktail.   This is open to the public and drinks are only $25 for 10 drink tickets, so bring a friend.  Winner will be determined by the mixologist with the most drink tickets. The competition will be followed with Karaoke with a live band playing behind the brave singers!  For more information call 305.846.9315 .

Patricia Arquette

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

2011 Eco-Lifestyle Gala  

South Florida Green Drinks’ 2^nd Annual Eco-Lifestyle Gala, paid tribute to environmentally-minded actress, Patricia Arquette, at the picturesque five-star Boca Raton Resort & Club a couple of weeks ago. Guests enjoyed organic cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres poolside overlooking the scenic Intracoastal while marveling at a gorgeous sunset.  After the cocktail and silent auction, witty rising-star NYC comedian Jessica Kirson took stage inside the resort, to entertain the hip, eco-conscious crowd of 500, several of whom ventured all the way to Boca from South Miami. 

Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui, co-founders of South Florida Green Drinks, served as the gala’s emcees and welcomed the evening’s honorary host, Patricia Arquette, who gave a heartfelt presentation on the dire conditions in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that hit the poverty stricken country in 2010. Read the rest of this entry »

Feel the Heat at Cafeina

Cafeina is feeling the Heat this Thursday as Game 5 the NBA finals is broadcasted live on the garden wall. Guests will enjoy $3 selected beers including Modelo Especial, Amstel Light, Heineken and Corona, $4 Heat Slammer Shooters, and $4 tequila shots all night. Food specials include ½ dozen chicken wings ($6) or one dozen chicken wings ($10). 80s and 90s cover artist Alvy Perdomo will keep patrons grooving all night. Reserve prime seating by calling 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com.

Fins Weekend 

The Miami Dolphins Foundation will host “Fins Weekend” on June 9-11, the organization’s signature fund-raising event featuring current players, alumni, cheerleaders.  The festivities begin on Thursday, June 9, with the Celebrity Draw Party at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive). The party will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games. On Friday, June 10, Dolphin players and alumni hit the green at Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s award-winning golf course for the FinsWeekend Golf Tournament followed by a luncheon presented by Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to announce the winners.  Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party will take place at the Miami Beach Marina. The following morning, on Saturday, June 11, amateur and professional anglers will meet at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament presented by eDiets.com, followed by “Hooters Weigh-in” and the Scott Financial/HMY Awards Ceremony to find out who walked away with the biggest catch and bid on fabulous live auction items. This years’ grand prize is a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Miami Dolphins away game. For more information about the weekend, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit www.finsweekend.com. 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity will be hosted by E!’s, Giuliana Rancic, and Vivica A. Fox, on Sunday, June 12 at 12 p.m at the JW Marriott in Brickell.  Catwalk for Charity will benefit the children of Little Haiti and assist in establishing a boarding school within Haiti. Featured designers include local favorite Gabriella Arango, and exotic skins handbag designer, Francoise Elizee. For more information on this event, visit, www.breakfastwithsantafl.org or call 305.310.7557. 

Fashion Fun for Sylvester 

The Miami Style will present a fashion show by JB Couture by Judith Barnes at the Double Tree Hotel’s Grand Ballroom (1717 North Bayshore Drive) on June 12, from 5 -10 p.m. to help raise awareness and funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Guests can enjoy a special performance, wine and  hors d’ oeuvres. The cost for entry is $50/ $75 per couple and proceeds will be donated to cancer research. To RSVP, email katherine@blinkpr.com. 

Summer Brunch at Essensia  

Essensia is unveiling a new Sunday brunch a la carte menu, to be offered alongside their extensive breakfast buffet. Available every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., brunch features a selection of wholesome, seasonal, and natural gourmet brunch favorites, smoothies and natural cocktails in a leisurely and relaxed ambiance ideal for families and larger parties. The breakfast buffet costs $24 per person and $12 (per child 12 yrs & under). A la carte Sunday brunch menu prices range from $6 to $18. Valet parking is discounted to $9 for brunch patrons.  For reservations call 305.908.5458 or visit www.essensiarestaurant.com.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

Mayfair Hotel Craft Beer Tasting

Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove leads the trend launching Craft Beer Tastings, offering a sampling of over 40 craft beers from favorite local microbreweries plus bites from local eatery, Trattoria Spartico, at just $20 per person. A certified Cicerone, a sommelier of brewskies, who has been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years, will be conducting tastings every third Wednesday of the month, beginning on June 15. Fresh Beer, an innovative company who supplies beer straight from the brewery to achieve ultimate perfection, will be rotating selections from a vast array of microbrews. Limited seating; reservation required 305.779.5100.

Grand Opening of Il Corso Trattoria

Il Corso Trattoria owners Geovanna  Accetta and Yamil Yordi have teamed up with nationally renowned chef, LeRoy Bautista, formerly of Angelique Euro Café, to bring bona fide Italian cuisine to Coral Gables. Taking place on Thursday, June 16, the grand opening celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jim Cason.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine, domestic draft beer, Wodka Vodka cocktails and antipasti along with live music until 10 p.m. RSVP to ilcorso@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.603.7137.  

Play Dominoes with the Amigos 

Amigos for Kids celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at the highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Island.  Expect a buzzing domino club, live entertainment, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, open bar courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A., live entertainment by Albita and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.  One more thing:  be sure to wear comfortable shoes- the dancing goes all night at this party!  Tickets cost $150 in advance and $175 at the door. Domino tables for four are priced at $1,000 each. Proceeds from tickets and domino tables will benefit Amigos For Kids™. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amigos For Kids™ at 305-279-1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.  

Schools Out, Spa Summer  

To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion from June 10 to August 21.  Select luxury spa treatments will be offered at the discounted rate of $20.11 to celebrate the end of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Guests will also receive complimentary steam, glass of champagne, beach deck access, and free valet parking. For more information call 305.749.2100.

Miami Heat Coach, Eric Spoelstra was spotted enjoying a salad at Hillstone Coral Gables on Saturday night.

Pharrell dined at Zuma on Saturday night and enjoyed the rock shrimp and beef tenderloin.

On Monday night, fashion designer Naeem Khan – whose designs are a favorite among Michelle Obama, Eva Longoria and Carrie Underwood, was seen at Zuma, dining with a group of friends.

Last Wednesday, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals all-pro wide receiver and fiancé of Vh1’s spicy cast member Evelyn Lozada was spotted at Equinox South Beach.

Chef Michael Shikany

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

SHIKANY, a new 5-star nomadic culinary series, held a one-of-a-kind kick-off dinner for thirty VIPs at Chef Michael Shikany’s fabulous Miami Beach home. The seven-course meal was exquisite – Jerk Rubbed Foie Gras on Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, Butter Poached Lobster “Mac & Cheese” on Marscapone Truffled Orzo, and Vanilla Scented Seared Scallop with Candied Meyer Lemon were but three. Each course was paired with white wine, red wine, sake, plum wine, prosecco or a SHIKANY martini. 

Immediately following dinner, after DJ Vidal provided mood-setting music, guests boarded a limousine bus to a $9 million, 80’ Ferretti yacht for a sunset cruise, where they enjoyed Moet Imperial Ice and Cloud Nine cupcakes. The night was the perfect preview of what is sure to become among the most sought after experiences in Miami. Read the rest of this entry »

Let the Sun Shine On: HAIR at the Adrienne Arsht Center

If Big hair, psychedelic grooves and shocking scenes are your thing…or if you were a “flower child” or possess an inner Hippie, then you are sure to find the Public Theater’s new production of HAIR to be one of the most electric celebrations on Broadway! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Featuring an extraordinary cast and dozens of unforgettable songs including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Its relevance is undeniable. Its energy is unbridled. Its truth is unwavering. It’s HAIR, and it’s time. For tickets and shows visit www.arshtcenter.org.

Summer Is Here!  Endless Fried Chicken on Wednesday Nights       

Michy’s fried chicken feast returns on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. Available every Wednesday during dinner service, this unbeatable weekly special – priced at $38 per person, (excluding tax/gratuity/beverage) features endless helpings of Bernstein’s signature recipe fried chicken (American or Korean style topped with chilies, garlic and soy) served with a bottomless parade of sides which will change weekly: cornbread, pickled cucumber slaw, and watermelon Greek salad.  The dinner also includes a luscious red velvet cupcake for dessert.  Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, call 305.759.2001 or visit www.chefmichellebernstein.com.

Summer Splash Fundraiser at Soho Beach House

Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc. invites guests to attend its Summer Splash Fundraiser at the ultra exclusive Soho Beach House on Miami Beach, Saturday, June 4, at 7:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of music, the warm beach breeze and delightful company in celebration of the major sponsors that have allowed Miami Bridge to continue to be the city’s only emergency shelter for children and teens. Guests will indulge in delectable passed hors-d’oeuvres, unlimited top-shelf cocktails and irresistible paella from the club’s Penthouse, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. To make a single reservation ($150) or to make a donation, please contact Monique Bain at 305.636.3520.

Tobacco Road Presents: Save the Ta-Ta’s Foundation

On Saturday, June 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., in celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of  the passing of the 19th Amendment, Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road, is celebrating all women with a down home country “Hoedown”!  The event, will include a mechanical bull riding contest, specialty Ultimat vodka cocktails, Miller Lite buckets, and 15 of Miami’s favorite slow food trucks!   The Road will be tickled pink to show love for the ladies, women’s suffrage and the importance of breast cancer research. For more information, visit www.Tobacco-Road.com.

Summer Sessions at Electric Pickle

This Saturday, June 4, Wynwood’s Electric Pickle is hosting a 12-hour party (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.) featuring live acts such as electronic pop duo Benoit & Sergio, DJ Robert James and late night fun in the “Bolero Room” with the Spam Allstars, DJ Induce and Brad Strickland. Guests will enjoy complimentary beer from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Zignum Mezcal signature cocktail specials all night. In addition, the club’s outdoor “playground” will boast an oversized Zignum Mezcal cabana complete with a photo booth, giveaways, plush couches and gratis mezcal shots throughout the evening. $10 advanced tickets are available through Saturday (noon) at Wantickets.com (http://www.wantickets.com/Events/ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=90939).For more information, visit www.electricpicklemiami.com and www.zignummezcal.com. 

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 89^th Annual Dinner Gala 

On Saturday, June 4, more than 1,200 of Miami Beach’s most influential business professionals and community members will join the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the 89^th Annual Dinner Gala honoring local icons for their outstanding contributions to the community. The event will take place the Miami Beach Convention Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. The extravaganza will be a flash back to the black and white television era of Miami Beach in the 50s and 60s. Individual tickets start at $300 and sponsorship opportunities begin at $3,000, which includes a table for 10 guests.  For tickets, sponsorships or more information, call 305.674.1300 or email, valerie@miamibeachchamber.com. Additional information is also available at www.miamibeachchamber.com. 

RA Sushi in South Miami hosts the 7^th Annual Nicky’s Week

RA Sushi in South Miami is hosting its seventh annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser through Saturday, June 4 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, the nation’s top children’s cancer research center. The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. The special Nicky’s Week menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Chicken Yakitori and select beverages. Saturday’s Nicky’s Week Closing Party is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a live DJ, food and drink specials. In addition, guests who make a monetary donation to St. Jude on their check will receive a ticket to enter into RA Sushi in South Miami’s week-long raffle. Prizes include gift certificates to SEE Eyewear, bottle service at WALL South Beach, an overnight stay at legendary Hotel Breakwater on Ocean Drive, spa experience at mySpa at InterContinental Miami, three-month gym membership at Equinox, luxury accessory from Capretto Shoes and much more.  Winning tickets will be drawn during Nicky’s Week closing party on Saturday, June 4. For information on “Nicky’s Week” call 305.341.0092.

Sushi Classes with Chef Jorge Montes

Chef Jorge Montes will give a hands-on sushi cooking class on Thursday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Shane Center Miami Beach. The class, limited to 15 guests, will take place in the large kitchen of this waterfront catering facility.  Price is $65 per person. Guests will learn to prepare sticky rice, knife and rolling techniques and traditional sauces and will have the opportunity to roll two to three sushi rolls with their desired ingredients and creativity. The menu for the evening includes Saketinis, Miso Glazed Tuna with Sesame Rice Cake and Chili Sauce, assorted Sushi rolls; make your own signature roll and sake and honey marinate strawberries with green tea ice-dream. After the cooking class guests will sit down and eat the meal they helped to prepare. To rsvp for the class, call 305.861.8837 or visit .