By: Maryanne Salvat 

Exhale Mind Body Spa Launches Tata Harper Pure Facial 

Tata Harper the eco-friendly skin care line and Exhale Mind Body Spa are thrilled to announce the launch of the all natural Pure Facial with Tata Harper’s newly formulated back-bar products, available for aesthetician use only. The luxurious and may I say quite relaxing, facial consists of cleansing, exfoliation, beta hydroxyl, hyaluronic acid, collagen reinforcement, moisture retention, lipids, omegas and an infusion of antioxidants, all enjoyed with signature aromatherapy. (It will make you feel and look many years younger). Tata Harper products are also available for purchase at exhale locations. Founder Tata Harper redefined natural skincare with her eponymous line, which offers innovative products that are 100% natural and 100% effective. “Our mission to support overall well being with our nontoxic products that are results oriented, is very much in line with exhale’s mission,” says Harper. “We strive to encourage a healthier lifestyle for consumers everywhere through our business, and Exhale’s transformational programs and therapies work toward that as well.”; for more information on the skincare line, visit www.tataharperskincare.com or to schedule an appointment with Exhale Mind Body Spa, www.exhalespa.com. 

Nicky’s Week at RA Sushi

RA Sushi will host its eighth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago. 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. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $943,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and RA Sushi hopes to surpass the $1 million mark this year.The special Nicky’s Week menu, available at RA Sushi in South Miami includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages. All 25 RA Sushi locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and Texas will participate in the fundraiser.

City Theatre’s 17^th Annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly presents City Theatre’s 17^th annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL, South Florida’s fast and furiously fun program of the nation’s hottest short plays, staged in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House) from June 1 through17. Under the new direction of Producing Artistic Director John Manzelli, the sizzling 17^th season of the company’s acclaimed SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL features fifteen performances of eight original short plays – some raucous, others innovative and poignant, but with the ultimate goal to make audiences laugh. Tickets are $35, and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305.949.6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Over 1000 guests flew in from all over the globe for nightlife impresario/ philanthropist/entrepreneur (Swiss Army Knife) Michael Capponi’s 40^th birthday party benefit at Capitale in New York City on May 4- a veritable who’s who of the city’s top nightlife heavyweights, models, celebrities and promoters.  No stranger to extravagant birthday bashes, Capponi has celebrated past birthdays in a tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; aboard a pirate ship at the now defunct Jimbo’s; and in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport to name a few.  We had no doubt that Capponi would pull out all the stops for his latest milestone, which, as expected, would require an airplane ride.

This year’s Jacmel Carnaval themed event shone a spotlight on Capponi’s progress in providing quality education, diverse vocational training, industry development and job creation in Haiti throughout his 60 trips to the island nation since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Capponi created the Haiti Empowerment Mission, to which Capponi’s guests donated a whopping $120, 000.  Read the rest of this entry »

Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon

Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon is celebrating the grand opening of its Lincoln Road boutique and salon on Wednesday, May 16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Brilliance New York’s two-story facility is the ultimate destination for all things beauty. Guests will get a sneak peek at the boutique’s latest expansion of its full-service salon, while indulging in mini-makeovers, a Q&A with celebrity hair stylists, raffles, light bites provided by West Avenue Café, cocktails and more.  RSVP to BrillianceNY@taraink.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge One Year Anniversary

Join Haven Gastro-Lounge for its one year anniversary bash this Thursday, May 17 at 10:00 p.m. The high-tech hotspot on Lincoln Road will celebrate the milestone with a public party featuring complimentary cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka until midnight, in addition to music by DJs Al B Rotten and Johnny Strokes. Guests will also enjoy small bites as a limited complimentary preview of Chef Todd Erickson’s new menu, which will be available for purchase beginning Friday, May 18; RSVP to RSVP@havenlounge.com is encouraged.

10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala 

On Saturday, May 19, the 10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala celebrates the 50^th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital led by Latin power couple and event chairs Juanes and Karen Martinez. This year’s event will also include live performances by Latin sensation David Bisbal, Vicente Garcia and others. This year’s honoree is Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra who will receive the 2012 “Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his unwavering commitment to providing resources to needy children in the Dominican Republic and Latin America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

The star-studded event also will include a special recognition to television personality and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes, who was one of the first celebrities to support the gala. Award presenters will include Latin personalities Giselle Blondet, Julian Gil, Blanca Soto, Pamela Silva Conde, and Raul Gonzalez of Univision, among others. To purchase tickets, get information on sponsorship opportunities or donate items for the silent auction, call (800) 278-3383, email paola.cassana@stjude.org or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.   

 Soyka Unveils New Menu 

Soyka, a staple on Biscayne Boulevard’s food scene since 1999, will unveil its newly updated menu boasting classic and new dishes on Tuesday, May 22, with fashion and music live performances and video presentations by Chef Christian Martin. 
Menu prices apply but guests who attend on Tuesday between 6:00 and 9:30p.m. receive a $20 gift certificate that can be used during future visits. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, entrees from $8 to $32 with burgers and pizzas averaging $13. RSVP to soykaevents@graspagroup.com or call 305.759.3117.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Eighth Annual Miami Beach Polo World Cup  

The sport of kings returned to South Beach for the eighth consecutive year featuring top polo players from around the globe for the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup which took place from Thursday, April 26through Sunday, April 29 featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches and a three-day men’s tournament. 

Thousands of polo enthusiasts enjoyed a series of lifestyle daytime and evening VIP events such as fashion shows by La Martina and Blank Silk, shopping, cocktails and gourmet food by Kung Fu Sushi in the Catalina Hotel and Kone Sushi- which made for lots of revelry in between and long after the chukkers.

Despite wind and soggy conditions, the teams fought and frolicked in the sand until Mother Nature forced the matches to come to an abrupt halt when the rain and the winds off of the Atlantic Ocean were too much for the Miami Beach polo arena, forcing the cancellation of the final three matches of the tournament on Sunday, April 29. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Iran Issa-Khan at Books & Books Coral Gables

On Friday, May 11, join Iran Issa-Khan for an intimate lunch, celebrating her first book of photography. Lunch from the Books & Books cafe will be served at 12:00 p.m. followed by a presentation and Q&A with the artist. Cost for the event is $25.

Style Rack at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge

On Saturday, May 12, at 10:00 p.m. join Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge along with Valerie Durado for the Style Rack shopping event. The fashion soiree will feature a trunk show by local designers Mandalynn, RDo, Fake Frivolity & Pop-Up Vintage Boutique Shop bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Florida Cancer Association. Other fabulous hosts for the launch event include:  Kat Turner, Emma Lucia Jauregui, Mariana Loumiet, Ninoska Osorio and Cristina Menendez and Heather Hannon; to attend the event or for more information contact Mariana@ChalkMiami.com.

Celebrate the Spirit of Community with Cabot Creamery Cooperative 

The 2012 Community Tour created by Cabot Creamery Cooperative has partnered with Volvo Ocean Race Miami to celebrate those who give their heart, time and skills to strengthen communities. The two-month program kick off on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Downtown’s Bicentennial Park, and continues up the East Coast, following the route of the East Coast Greenway culminating in Portland, Maine, on July 7, the International Day of Cooperatives. The Tour features eight major weekend stops in key cities along the northerly route, including Charleston, Durham, Fredericksburg, Wilmington, New York City, Providence and lastly, Portland. Additionally, smaller weekday events will take place at stops along the route between the key cities. While events and activities will vary by market, the overall theme of cooperatives, community service and volunteerism will be the hallmark of each celebration. This festival full of entertainment will consist of sailing and extreme water sports activities, educational programs for children of all ages, interactive pavilions, 3- D Marine Cinema of the global race, live musical acts, water sports, a classic steamboat race, an antique auto show and more. In the center of all this excitement, The Cabot Community Tour will host a Cabot Village that will include cooking and cheese-making demonstrations, a photo booth, a milk truck from the Florida Dairy Farmers and other activities designed to bring families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of community. Guests will also gather as 80 bikers kick off their 2,300 mile journey up the East Coast Greenway, the traffic-free path linking cities from Florida to Maine. For more information, visit www.communitytour.coop.

Mother’s Day 2012!
 

Dancing with Moms

Forget the decorative candles, the flowers and the overly-scented beauty products. This Mother’s Day give your mom the gift of Dance with Body & Soul’s special class, “Dancing with the Moms”.Body & Soul along with instructor Jay Marcos will be hosting a special VideoSync class in honor of the women who bestowed us all with the gift of life. Your mom will have a blast in the popular aerobics dance class feeling like she is a star in a high-energy music video. Marcos’ enthusiastic instruction and mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country music come together for a riveting hour of cardiovascular dance. The class will take place in Body & Soul’s extra large studio equipped with nightclub style lighting and a revolving disco ball.At $22 per person for non-members, Dancing with the Moms is the perfect supplement to the usual Mother’s Day dinner or card. What more of a bonding experience can you ask for than moving and shaking to the tunes of Rihanna, Usher, Shakira, Maroon 5 and Diana Ross alongside your mother for an hour straight? Guaranteed to be the best gift she’s received in ages, you are almost certain to become the favorite child. If you feel like sharing the love, feel free to bring your sister, aunt and best friend as well. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your and your mother’s spots by calling 305.441.BFIT (2348). 

 Mother’s Day Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mother’s Day Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, May 13. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of afternoon tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, call Marnie Valent at 305.663.8059.

Kitchen 305 All-You-Can- Eat Mother’s Day Brunch

Keeping with tradition, Kitchen 305 hosts an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day champagne brunch for $29.95 per person on Sunday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music and free flowing champagne throughout the day. To ensure this holiday brunch is extra special, moms receive a long stem rose and a $25 gift card to the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon to use on a future visit. For reservations please call 305.949.1300.             

 Mother’s Day at SUGARCANE  

Midtown Miami’s sweetest sensation, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, is the destination of choice for moms to kick back, eat well and be spoiled for a while this Mother’s Day.  “A greatest hits of delicious dishes;” as quoted by Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, SUGARCANE raw bar grill’s Chef de Cuisine, Timon Balloo, will prepare five brunch specials in addition to the regular brunch menu.  For reservations and brunch specials contact 786.369.0353 or visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com. 

Mama Knows Best at Café Prima Pasta

We all know Italian mothers have a special way around the kitchen and Mama Cea of Café Prima Pasta is no exception with her traditional award-winning cuisine, which for the last 19 years has made celebrities such as Matt Damon, Lenny Kravitz and Dwayne Wade regulars of the family owned and operated restaurant. Prima Pasta will be celebrating Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 with their regular menu plus some new dinner specials;early bird families can enjoy half off regular menu items from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Free-flowing champagne and long stem roses will be hand delivered to mom throughout the evening. Reservations recommended, visit www.primapasta.com.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.

 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Miami’s legendary landmark, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. The customized menu will feature an array of hot and cold dishes by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso including offerings such as Almond Seared Chicken Paillard, Malted Berry Pancakes and Organic Egg Roll Ups. This family oriented menu is sure to please all palates and will leave your entire family feeling wholesome and happy.

*Cost is $55 per person (menu attached)

For reservations, call 305.538.8533 | www.theforge.com | 432 41^st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Cecconi’s Miami Beach. Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House will celebrate Mom with an intimate outdoor brunch. An egg station, sweet station, raw bar, cold-cut corner and carvin station will offer a variety of delectable selections. Guests can customize every dish as chefs will be on-hand prepared with the freshest ingredients.

*Cost is $35 per person

For reservations, call 786.507.7902 | www.cecconismiamibeach.com | 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

RA Sushi. Go back in time and connect with memories of your youth with old family and friends at RA Sushi’s popular happy hour. Far east-inspired drinks will tantalize your senses as rolls and salads with taunt your taste buds. The menu includes favorites like Tuna Tataki, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings and Salmon Carpaccio with drinks such as Hot Sake, Shiso Naughty, Emperor’s Cucumberita, Kirin and Samurai Cowboy to name a few.

*Cost is $3 – $7 per item

For reservations, call 305.341.0092 | www.rasushi.com | 5829 SW 73^rd Street, South Miami, FL 33143

Vesper American Brasserie. Vesper American Brasserie’s brunch will take Mom on an adventure this Mother’s Day – after all, you have to walk through the kitchen to get to your table! Bond over Applewood Smoked Bacon & Link Sausage, Smoked Salmon, Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna or Chicken Salad or Italian Cured Meats. If those choices don’t tickle your senses, an omelet station with all your favorite toppings will be there too!

*Cost is $48 per person

For reservations, call 305.341.1500 | www.shelborne.com | 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

By: Maryanne Salvat

Beachwear Bash at Bliss Spa   

Just in time for summer, Shortcuts to Fabulous, the go-to blog for all things fabulous, presents the Beachwear Bash at Bliss Spa at the W Hotel on Thursday, May 3, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Electric Blogarella, Ginger Harris, guests will shop swimwear by Kariza, beachwear by Aquarius and jewelry by Septimo, while receiving complimentary mini-spa treatments courtesy of Bliss Spa. Indulge in free hand massages, rapid rub massage and energizing vitamized oxygen spray facial treatment while imbibing on cocktails provided by Grey Goose; to attend or for more information contact: RSVP@shortcutstofabulous.com.

Miami Surf Archive Project Annual Fundraising Party

The Miami Surf Archive Project and the Miami Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will be hosting their annual fundraising party on Saturday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m., at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. The Miami Surf Archive Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, presentation and promotion of surfing in Miami-Dade for the appreciation and education of current and future generations around the world. The Surfrider foundation is an environmental non-profit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a screening premier of Rumors: a Cinematographic journey into Mexico’s deepest surf scene will be shown, as well as a presentation of rare, vintage surf footage from 1970s Miami Beach, courtesy of filmmaker Bruce Walker. The evening’s activities will include: music by local artist Mike Maytin; a raffle that includes a new surfboard; a ticketed bar serving beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages; catering provided by local food truck Gastropod; and various multi-media stations displaying Miami’s surf history.  Admission is free, drinks and raffle tickets are $5.00.

13th Annual Hugs & Kisses Fashion Show

On Sunday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m., join the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach for the 13th Annual Hugs & Kisses Fashion Show: How Sweet it is, featuring children from infants to age 18 modeling fashions from Peace Love World. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet lunch, silent auction, marketplace, entertainment from Hip Hop Kidz and a children’s fashion show highlighting both grateful parents and local children – and of course, a variety of sweet surprises. Jeanine Mason, winner of the 5th season of So You Think You Can Dance, is scheduled to serve as Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies. The event will be featuring some of Miami Children’s Hospital’s Bald, Brave, Beautiful™ pediatric cancer patients as part of our efforts to support and enhance their self-esteem and self-image by eliminating the stigma and bullying that coincide with baldness, while raising funds and awareness for Miami Children’s Hospital. The event also showcases the 5th Annual I Make a Difference Awards, honoring outstanding student philanthropists who have made a significant positive impact in the lives of others, and the 2nd Annual Thank You for Making a Difference Award which recognizes a community activist who sets a positive example for children. This year’s honoree is Sandra Muvdi, founder of the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation. CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori is scheduled to return as Awards Mistress of Ceremonies. For more information or tickets visit mchf.org/hugsandkisses.

10th Annual Honey Shine Hats Off Luncheon

On Tuesday, May 8, the Honey Shine Mentoring program celebrates ten years of happiness, love, and good luck with an Asian inspired Hats Off luncheon. More than 600 guests and young girls will gather at Jungle Island for the highly anticipated event; hosted by founder Tracy Wilson Mourning and co-chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani, the mid-day luncheon includes an annual awards presentation, a fashion show featuring children’s apparel provided by Gap, Aleren, and Bloomingdale’s, and a silent auction with more than 120 items that include jewelry, sports memorabilia, and popular brand accessories like Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Prada, to name a few. All proceeds benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program. Tickets to the annual benefit start at $125. RSVP required by contacting Isabella at (305) 854-2444 or by email at RSVP@honeyshine.org. For more information on the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and membership opportunities, visit HONEYSHINE.org.