By: Maryanne Salvat 

Benihana Invites you to Be the Chef 

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a fun, interactive cooking and dining experience- as only Benihana can provide! The Benihana “Be the Chef”  package includes personal training on tabletop hibachi and knife skills, a signature Benihana chef hat and apron, diploma and commemorative photo. A perfect treat for yourself or an aspiring chef! Guests of the newly trained chef will also enjoy a delicious meal of Benihana soup, Benihana salad, shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, Splash ‘N Meadow entrees, homemade dipping sauces and Japanese hot green tea. All of Benihana’s steaks and vegetables are hand-cut in-house and delivered daily-to ensure freshness. The “Be the Chef Basic Package” costs $140 for four people (the chef and 3 guests), and additional guests are $35 per person. The “Be the Chef Special Package” is $250 for a party of 8.  One thing is for sure- you and your entire group will have an unforgettably fun and filling adventure! For more information, visit: http://www.benihana.com/be-the-chef/. 

17th Annual Zenith Watches Best Buddies Miami Gala 

Best Buddies International will be hosting their 17th Annual Zenith Watches Best Buddies Miami Gala on November 22 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The groundbreaking nonprofit foundation established in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver has created a global volunteer movement that builds opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year Best Buddies is pleased to announce that Carlos Slim Helú will be honored during the Miami gala.   The event will have a festive Art Deco theme and will feature a fabulous cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, exclusive live and silent auctions, and a performance by special musical guest Sean Paul.  For tickets or to become a Miami Gala sponsor contact Natalie Van Eron at NatalieVanEron@bestbuddies.org.

Gilt City Warehouse Sale 

On November 23, join The Gilt City Warehouse Sale at Miami’s Ice Palace. The legendary Gilt City Miami Warehouse Sale features Gilt’s top designer brands—from men’s and women’s fashion to home accessories, kids goods and more— all at up to 90% off retail prices!  For the ladies, you can expect to see fashion’s from the likes of Zac Posen, Missoni, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera and more.  And for the men, you’ll find John Varvatos, Paul Smith, and GANT to name a few.  Fashion-lovers will be able to peruse dresses, jackets, sweaters, skirts, denim, suits, coats, tees and tanks from their favorite Gilt brands.  And for those who love accessories – you’ll find handbags, bangles, boots, pumps, sneakers, belts, sunglasses and more! Plus, new this year, Gilt.com has partnered with Infiniti to offer a pair of all-new 2014 Q50 sedans designed exclusively by Thom Browne and Zac Posen.  The two custom tailored vehicles – one designed by Mr. Browne and one designed by Mr. Posen – will be on showcase within special concept rooms at the Gilt City Miami Warehouse Sale, fashioned by the two designers.  Gilt City Miami members are invited to view the two one-of-a-kind Q50 vehicles at this special elevated shopping event, combining the world of fashion with the luxuriousness of the all-new 2014 InfinitiQ50.  Infiniti will also provide attendees with the opportunity to test-drive or ride-along in one of their new fleet of vehicles, including the 2014 Q50.  On December 12 the two custom designed vehicles will be available for purchase exclusively on Gilt at www.gilt.com/InfinitiQ50  . 

Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Christmas Tree Sale 

For over 35 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been selling Christmas trees and wreaths to help bring holiday cheer into many South Florida households, and it continues this tradition in 2013. One hundred percent of proceeds from the trees and wreaths sales will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, which serves thousands of boys and girls in Miami-Dade County with positive programs year-round.  To kick off the 2013 selling season, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will hold a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at the tree lot on Monday, November 25 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hank Kline Club. Attending will be Santa Claus himself to visit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade children, local dignitaries and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade board members and representatives. The trees, gorgeous Fraser firs hand selected in North Carolina by Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s President Alex Rodriguez-Roig, stand 5’ to 14’ feet tall and sell for $55 and up. Plain and hand-decorated wreaths will also be for sale, starting at $35. The tree lot will be open seven days a week or until all trees are sold out.