By: Maryanne Salvat 

The Friends of St. Jude Present: It’s All About the Kids

On Saturday, September 29, join The Friends of St. Jude-Miami Chapter for a night   All About the Kids! The fifth annual celebration benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be held on the 19^th floor, also known as the basketball court, of the JW Marriott Marquis. DJ Irie will be spinning sounds sure to make the cirque-chic event a night to remember. Guests can expect a fabulous evening filled with dancing and live entertainment all for an amazing cause. Friends of St. Jude – Miami members -$150; Non-members – $175 advanced purchase (includes membership for one year) $200 at the door. For more information visit:  paola.cassana@stjude.org.

Strawberries and Champagne Spa Package at Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon

The Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon is brining extra heat to the steam room by introducing its Couple’s Strawberries and Champagne Spa Package. Pairs can enjoy a full-service spa day including dual massage, hand dipped strawberries, private beach cabana and free flowing champagne made for two. Starting October 1, couples can enjoy a 90-minute Aveda Elemental Nature Massage in a luxurious, private suite including free flowing champagne, hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and access to steam room and showers. Following the sensual treatment, pampered pairs can escape to a secluded Tiki cabana on the beach with all day pool access. Valued at $500 the impressive package is available for $250. Complimentary valet parking is included. To book, visit www.sevenseasspasalon.com.

Monday Night Football Viewing Party at Haven Gastro-Lounge

HaVen Gastro-Lounge is proud to announce a Monday Night Football viewing party series, screening each game in high-definition on its wrap-around walls with its state-of-the-art surround sound system. After the massive popularity surrounding the NBA play-off viewing parties and Miami Heat victory, HaVen boasts its idyllic entertainment system, providing the best seats to any sporting event. The Lincoln Road hotspot will feature specially priced beers, select craft cocktails by mixologist Isaac Grillo and global small plates by executive Chef Todd Erickson, perfect for sharing in between high fives. Guests may expect $7 Double Cross Vodka, $4 Coronas and Heinekens to be accompanied by small plates including but not limited to: Buffalo-Style Tots, Mini Bratwursts, Mini Corndogs, and Popcorn. Good Mondays, the weekly Monday night installment, will to continue the nights festivities with DJ Damaged Goods, providing the best of old and new-school hip hop until 5 a.m.

Third Annual World Festival presented by Common Threads

On Tuesday, October 2, Executive Chef Michelle Bernstein will host the Third Annual World Festival presented by Common Threads, in support of the organization’s mission to prevent childhood obesity while celebrating our cultural differences. The evening will feature 20 local chefs from restaurants across Miami. Guests will be treated to delicious samples from some of Miami’s top chefs paired with students from the program as they come together to benefit Common Threads’ cooking and nutrition programs from Miami’s youth. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Common Threads programs in Miami.  For more information on the World Festival and ticket information, visit www.commonthreads.org.  Tickets can be purchased online for $150.

Toscana Divino Presents Wine & Fashion Florence Week

Toscana Divino is debuting Miami’s first-ever Tuscan infused celebration called “Wine & Fashion Florence Week.” Toscana Divino is hosting a week full of events with authentic dining, wine, fashion and art straight from the cultural epicenter of Europe from October 8 through October 12, at the peak of grape harvesting season in Chianti Rufina and on the heels of fashion industry’s most famous week in Milan. With the support of The Beacon Council, Toscana Divino’s Wine and Fashion Week highlights, Tuscany’s top sommeliers and winemakers, will be offering wine tastings of new labels, a menu designed by Michelin Star Marco Stabile. Tuscan designers will also be on hand creating unique bags showcasing their talents to guests. To view a complete schedule of upcoming events, visit www.toscanodivino.com.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Eight blissful days of runway shows and presentations showcased the trends for next spring and summer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 in New York City.  It appears that brilliant orange, is next season’s “hot pink” a perfect complement to our year-round Miami tan. Just ask Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Nanette Lepore, Zac Posen, or Peter Som.  In addition to the typical pastel shades, floral prints, and free-flowing fabrics, geometric patterns and stream-lined styles appeared in several shows.  While it’s difficult to pinpoint pervasive trends, as the looks were as varied as their designers, many collections boasted bold colors, solids, cut-outs, black and earth tones, leather and lace, pleats and pantsuits.  Some designers gained inspiration from foreign lands, including Mexico, Spain, France and India.

Minimalist pieces in black, white and nude were present in a number of shows including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, Vera Wang, Herve Leger and Donna Karan- opting for solids over prints and color blocking.  Sexy cut-outs allowing for a peek of sun kissed skin were also prevalent. Geometric shapes and stripes were everywhere- dominating the Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors shows.   Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Gourmet Breakfast for M-DCPS Students

The students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools are in for a treat! Local Celebrity Chefs and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department of Food and Nutrition are joining forces creating special breakfast menus for students attending M-DCPS. Eating Breakfast at school is a slam dunk for kids.   Research links eating breakfast with better test scores, better attendance and better health.  M-DCPS Celebrity Chef Partners, Michelle Bernstein, Kris Wessel, Michael Schwartz, Julie Frans, Doug Rodriguez, Richard Ingraham and Lorena Garcia, will be out at schools supporting Florida School Breakfast Week and jump starting the District’s initiative to expand the FREE Breakfast program which is available to all M-DCPS students.

Decadence in Design

On Thursday, September 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., join MIAMI magazine, Artefacto Merrick Park and Ketel One Vodka for Decadence in Design, a joint anniversary soiree celebrating South Florida’s art and design scene. Delicious bites by CRAVE, specialty cocktails by Ketel One Vodka, whimsical desserts by Sigal Sweets Decor, an exclusive preview of HOUSE nightclub, and beats from DJ Mad Linx. To attend and RSVP to the event visit: rsvpmiami@modernluxury.com.

Her City Card “End of Summer Bash”

Shoppers are invited to Her City Card “End of Summer Bash” slated for Thursday, September 20, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Penthouse of the Riviera Hotel on Miami Beach. A farewell to summer, the event will feature VIP goodie bags, discounted shopping and beauty treatments, raffles, giveaways, cocktails and more. For more information visit the event website: www.HerCityCard.com/september20.

New World Symphony’s 25th Anniversary

On Saturday, September 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., celebrate the New World Symphony’s 25th Anniversary. The beloved Friends of New World Symphony present a “Passport to Musical Journey for a New Generation,” kicking off another eclectic season with a “Hip Hop Symphony, featuring fames Miami HEAT DJ Irie. VIP members will start the evening at the Frank Gehry designed New World Center with renowned guitarist, Manuel Barrueco and conductor, Michael Francis as the orchestra debuts the world premier of “a dance into reflected daylight” by Jeffery Mumford and plays Concierto de Aranjuez.Guests are then invited to the Symphony After Hours Party where Miami’s favorite celebrity DJ Irie and Opus Love Quintet play in tandem poolside at Shore club as guests sip on cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. MIAMI Magazine, celebrating their 5th Anniversary, will also be part of the festivities. Combining classical compositions with contemporary musical styles, Friends of NWS’ upcoming season will pair traditional and emerging musical genres with memorable performances to create a truly unforgettable series of events; Free admission to Friends of NWS members, non-members $40 single tickets. For individual event tickets contact the NWS box office at 305.673.3331. For membership information contact Nathalie Cadet- James at 305-428-6733 or Nathalie.Cadet-James@nws.com. 

Cointreau Ambassador of Libations

The Search for the Cointreau Ambassador of Libations event takes place on Monday, September 24, at W South Beach from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The following local Miami bartenders will go head to head for a chance to win the coveted role of Cointreau Ambassador of Libations at Cannes 2013:  Mark Kinzer from Zuma, Cameron Scholderer from Living Room @ W South Beach, Tiffany Soles from Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, Isaac Grillo from Haven, Philip Khandehrish from Setai, Nick Nistico from Soho Beach House, Julio Cabrera from Club 50 at Viceroy, and Rebecca Kenton from St. Regis Bar. The Grand Prize winner receives the honor of creating cocktails for a high-profile audience at the Cannes Film Festival.

Tacos For Strength at Mercadito Midtown

As Mercadito Midtown continues its yearlong Tacos for Strength program benefitting Share Our Strength, Chef/Partner Patricio Sandoval welcomes China Grill Brickell’s Chef Sean Mohammed as October’s featured chef. After dedicating himself to working his way through some of the of the country’s finest restaurants such as the four – star Le Cirque and Gramercy Tavern, Chef Mohammed joined China Grill Management in Miami managing Tuscan Steak and China Grill South Beach. Mohammed is now part of the developing team and executive chef of the soon-to-open China Grill on Brickell Avenue. Chef Mohammad’s taco, which will be featured throughout the month of October, includes lamb spare ribs with tzatziki sauce. The cost of the featured taco is $16.50 for an order of four tacos. Five percent of sales generated from Chef Mohammed’s taco will be donated to Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by 2015. Visit Mercadito Midtown’s website for more information. Reservations may be made by calling 786. 369.0430.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2^nd Annual Miami Children’s Hospital 5K

On Saturday, September 29, Run or walk for healthier, happier kids at the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2^nd Annual Miami Children’s Hospital 5K (MCH5K) presented by TotalBank. Michael Baiamonte, Voice of the Miami Heat, NBA Champions, is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremonies. The MCH5K is open to runners and walkers of all levels. Individuals and teams are invited to participate and fundraise to support the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams; Walkers/Runners, $30, Student Walkers/Runners (ages 10-18), $20, and Kids Fun Run (ages 2-9), $10. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities available, register today at MCH5K.com.

Community Dog Wash Event Benefitting Women In Distress of Broward County

On Saturday, September 29 from noon to 4:00 p.m., celebrate the last “dog days of summer” by pampering your pooch at a community dog wash event sponsored by Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and retailers at the Victoria Park Shoppes to benefit Women In Distress of Broward County. Stop by the Victoria Park shopping plaza with proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and your favorite store owners will bathe and beautify your pooch (with a suggested donation of $10). One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Women In Distress of Broward County in celebration of their 14^th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN 5K. This organization is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County.If you aren’t sure whether your favorite furry friend is up to date on his shots, Victoria Park Animal Hospital will also be offering discounted canine exams and rabies vaccines for $15.00. To cool you off, Jamba Juice will be on hand to offer patrons free smoothie samples. For more information, email Info@DrPattyDental.com or call 954.523.2400.

Taylor Owen Beautiful Supports Breast Cancer Awareness           

South Florida-based Taylor Owen Beautiful is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.  Twenty percent of proceeds from each ‘The One Serum and Cream’ (retails for $325), which is the latest innovation for the natural reduction of wrinkles, purchased during the month of October will be donated to Breast Cancer Research. To support Breast Cancer Awareness and rejuvenate your skin visit: www.taylorowenandco.com.

Dan Marino turned out to Lilac and Lilies Boutique in Fort Lauderdale to support Fashion’s Night Out and the launch of his daughter’s fashion blog – Ali vs. Ali.

On Thursday, Jennifer Lopez arrived at SLS Hotel South Beach around noon with a caravan of tour buses- in town for the final shows of her tour with Enrique Iglesias. JLo was with her boyfriend Casper, twins Max and Emme, manager Benny Medina and her entire dance crew. Later that afternoon, J Lo lounged poolside at Hyde Beach with Casper, her children and a small entourage. Security and Hyde Beach staff made extra efforts to shade JLo from the impending paparazzi. Thursday evening JLo, Casper and her dance crew dined at Katsuya sitting upstairs in the Dragon Lounge. Saturday afternoon J Lo and her family lounged next to the SLS Hotel guest pool while her family enjoyed some shade in one of the pool’s oversized cabanas, JLo opted for some sun and laid poolside in a lounge chair. The family played in the pool and munched on some poolside snacks and drinks all afternoon. 

Grammy Award Winning Super Producer Timbaland launched his new brand LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, while kicking off the resort’s BleauLive series through a weekend-long celebration of events and performances over Labor Day weekend. This exclusive, celebrity-studded weekend included poolside parties with delicious LeSUTRA cocktails developed by the resort’s mixologists and a performance on Saturday night by Timbaland, Nas and Missy Elliott. Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed tastings of LeSUTRA and celebrated BleauLive performance series’ one year anniversary. 

Spanish soap opera heartthrob, William Levy had an ultra exclusive, invitation-only birthday party on Saturday night at The Forge. Levy and 60 of his closest friends came and enjoyed dishes specially created by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso. Levy shared memories and reminisced about times in Miami with good friends, Herman and Alexia Echevarria, RHOM star and editor ofVenue magazine. 

Zuma was a celeb hotspot this week.  Suge Knight, rap star music producer to 2Pac, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog, had a business meeting over Sapporo Reserve at Zuma last Friday afternoon. Later that evening, Lenny Kravitz, had a late dinner at Zuma with close friends. They dined on Zuma favorites such as wagyu beef, black cod and king crab. All were in good company and seemed to be having a very nice time at dinner.

Miami Dolphins player Cameron Wake dined at STK with his girlfriend on Friday night. The couple ordered the signature Lil’Burgers and Porterhouse to share accompanied by broccolini and truffle fries. Jacksonville Jaguars player Marcedes Lewis also dined at STK on Friday night with a party of eight.

Actor Emilio Ourciolo, Film Director Felipe Joffily, Scriptwriter Ale Felix

By:   Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 Gisele Bündchen, the Samba, Ronaldo…just a few gifts from Brazil. Meaningful and enchanting films are just another way Brazil continues to delight and draw us in.  Twenty two of these films attracted several celebrities to the Magic City for the Inffinito Festival Circuit, the Brazilian Film Festival, which took over Miami from August 18 to 25 to celebrate its 16^th year as the foremost showcase of Brazilian cinema abroad.  This year’s Festival consisted of competitive screenings at the Colony Theater and special screenings at the recently renovated Miami Beach Cinematheque.

Considered the largest event solely dedicated to Brazilian cinema outside of Brazil, and viewed by the local government as a successful business and communication platform between media, industry professionals and investors in the audiovisual sector, the Festival brought 22 Brazilian productions to Miami representing the most recent, top tier Brazilian productions.  Read the rest of this entry »