Archive for November, 2013

Every Little Thing Was Magic

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On November - 14 - 2013
Norman Wedderburn, Shareef Malnik, Gabrielle Anwar, & Robert Hill

Norman Wedderburn, Shareef Malnik, Gabrielle Anwar, & Robert Hill

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

On Saturday, November 2, the InterContinental® Miami was transformed into a night of magic and Vaudevillian shows for the celebration of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida’s 19th Annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish Ball.  Nearly 1,000 generous A-listers joined celebrities in raising $2,020,421 for Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. Actress Gabrielle Anwar served as celebrity auctioneer for the evening’s live auction while Grammy-nominated recording artist, and upcoming Glee star, Adam Lambert entertained guests with an energetic, hour-long performance.

Guests were in awe upon entering the reception which featured Vaudevillian vignettes with details and characters so well-conceptualized, that we felt as if we’d stepped into a parallel world, filled with magic and illusion.  We’re talking sword swallowers, traveling bands of minstrels and misfits, bars stocked with mysterious potions, a full-blown burlesque show and a “human” gorilla in a cage above the ballroom entrance.  As if this alone was not enough to  cause sensory overload, the Ball’s much buzzed-about, decadent food stations included a raw bar filled with oysters, lobster, shrimp, king crab and stone crabs and a full sushi bar.  And this was just the beginning. Read the rest of this entry »

 Helen NashBy: Maryanne Salvat

 
Helen Nash Book Signing
 
Helen Nash – known for being an innovator in the field of kosher cooking and author of Kosher Cuisine and Helen Nash’s Kosher Kitchen – will be speaking at the opening event for the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center’s Jewish Book Month festivities on November 13 at 7:30pm.  Her latest cookbook is HELEN NASH’S NEW KOSHER CUISINE: Healthy, Simple & Stylish.  For more information about Helen and her cookbook visit http://www.helennashkoshercuisine.com/.

Evening in the Gardens LACOSTE_Everglades_Miami_Invite_-_Nov_15

On Friday, November 15, join LACOSTE for the annual Everglades Foundation “Evening in the Gardens” on at Pinecrest Gardens.  Music, cocktails and buffet supper will take place in The Meadow from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. For tickets and more information about the event visit: http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/events/save-the-date-foreverglades-miami/. 

 

JetBlue Airways and HaVen Gastro-Lounge’sDestination Saturdays”

On Saturday, November 16, JetBlue Airways will take over HaVen Gastro-Lounge’sDestination Saturdays” party series in honor of the airline’s new daily nonstop service to its southernmost destination, Lima, Peru.Destination Saturdays is a themed party series that “transports” guests to a different exotic locale each week via the high-hotspot’s digital wrap-around walls, complete with a wait-staff dressed as flight attendants and captain DJ Kristian Caro to pilot the revelry. South Florida foodies will also have an opportunity to preview cocktails and eats from Chef Todd Erickson’s “South Florida-meets-Peru” collaboration menu – created in tandem with Peruvian top toque Pedro Miguel Schiaffino of Lima’s critically acclaimed Malabar Restaurant. Guests will enjoy Avion tequila bottle specials and the chance to win one of five sets (10 total) of round-trip travel vouchers, valid on JetBlue Airways service from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Int. Airport to Jorge Chavez Int. Airport in Lima, Peru. Destination Lima runs from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at HaVen Gastro-Lounge. One raffle winner will be announced each hour during the event. Admission is complimentary and based on capacity. For more information on Destination Saturdays or to reserve a table contact RSVP@havenlounge.com or call 305.987.8885.Lima will be JetBlue’s 81st BlueCity and its fourth destination in South America. Fares for U.S.-originating flights to Lima are available at www.jetblue.com for travel beginning November 21. 

 

LuckyLUCKYRICE Miami Feast Presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East®

LUCKYRICE Miami Feast presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East® will return on Friday, November 15 from 7:30-11:00 p.m. at The Raleigh Pool and Oasis. The Miami Feast follows on the heels of the popular fourth-annual New York Festival and events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. General Admission tickets are $88 for general admission and $125 for VIP. A limited number of American Express VIP tickets (which includes early access from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and a private demo and meet-and-greet opportunity with Iron Chef Morimoto prior to the start of the event) are also available for $150.Tickets are available at www.luckyrice.com;Tickets are $88 for general admission and $125 for VIP. (VIP access is from 7:00 -8:00pm and provides all-evening access to the VIP Chefs Lounge). To add to the festivities, guests will be invited to dress in “firecracker” or “chili pepper” red to reflect the spicy flavors prominent in Latino and Asian cuisines. 

 

Shop to Stop MS

The University of Miami MS Center for Excellence, hosts the fifth annual Shop to Stop MS on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Alina Villasante, Creator of Peace Love World and Diana Riser, MIAMI Magazine Publisher. Local tastemakers and MS activists will be invited to enjoy fine wine, cocktails and tastings from local restaurants. Participating establishments include; Aroma Espresso, Brio Tuscan Grille, Eventology, Earl Kitchen + Bar, Fare to Remember, Joanna’s Marketplace, Joelle’s Desserts & Gifts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pernod Ricard USA, RA Sushi Bar, Town Kitchen & Bar and Southern Wine & Spirits.  Tickets to the event are $60; in addition, guests will receive a $25 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card to use anytime. Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to donate 10 percent of the event sales to benefit the University of Miami MS Center for Excellence. Moreover, guests can purchase Peace Love World selected merchandise during the event at Saks Dadeland. One hundred percent of the purchase price of Peace Love World benefits the University of Miami MS Center of Excellence MS Research and Patient Care Fund.  For more information and to purchase tickets call 305.243.1388 or visit www.miami.edu/shoptostopms. 

 

scarpettaScarpetta Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary

On Wednesday, November 20, Scarpetta, Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s award-winning Italian eatery helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a four-course prix-fixe dinner with the renowned chef as the host. Featuring recipes from Conant’s new The Scarpetta Cookbook (October 15, 2013, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) executed by Scarpetta’s chef de cuisine and Top Chef contestant, Nina Compton, the delicious four-course menu is priced at $95 per person and includes a copy of the book. An optional wine flight may be added to the meal for an additional $45 per person (includes four 3 oz. premium selections). Tax and gratuity are not included and reservations are required. Scarpetta opens daily for dinner at 6:00 p.m. For reservations, call 877.326.7412 or book online at http://www.opentable.com/scarpetta-miami-beach

 

Tongue & Cheek “KITCHEN COLLAB” Wrap Up

Tongue &Cheek’s series of special guest chef dinners, “KITCHEN COLLAB,” will wrap up its 2013 edition on Wednesday, November 20 with executive chef/ owner Jamie DeRosa pairing up with one of South Florida’s most celebrated local talents, Chef Paula DaSilva, who recently returned to 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. Following the success of the previous collabs with acclaimed chefs Lindsay Autry and Clay Conley, DeRosa and DaSilva will team up to create an intimate, multi-course dinner that incorporates each other’s cooking styles resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience. Priced at $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) diners will be welcomed by complimentary cocktails and an array of hors d’oeuvres. Afterwards, they will enjoy an amazing five course dinner created by the talented duo and will receive a special “swag bag” to take home at the end of the night. A beverage pairing is also available for an additional $25 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Start time: 7 p.m. Seating is limited and must be purchased in advance. For reservations, call: 305.704.2900. As the New Year approaches, make sure to stay tuned for upcoming collaborations with some special twists.

 

 

 

 

Don’t Miss:

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On November - 7 - 2013

By: Maryanne Salvat 

umThe “Wig and Stache Bash” for the Lowe Art Museum at UM 

On November 9, join Beaux Arts at the “Wig & Stache Bash” to celebrate Miami’s oldest costume ball and the organization’s ongoing support for the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum at the Coral Gables Country Club. Evening events will include a large silent auction, featuring over 200 items valued at over $150,000, a sit-down dinner, dancing, a costume and skit competition, and an exciting raffle, in which the purchase of a raffle ticket will go toward sending an underprivileged student to Beaux Arts Art Camp.  61st Annual Beaux Arts Ball sponsors include Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Bermont Advisory Group of Raymond James, AON, Northern Trust, Lowell International Realty, The Haggard Law Firm, Hillary Littlejohn Scurtis Interior Design, TUUCI, Windhaven Insurance, and Nicole Wilson Lozano. Funds raised at the event will be used for exhibitions, improvements and acquisitions to the Lowe’s permanent collection, as well as to finance the organization’s flagship program, Hands On!, which exposes underserved children from Miami-Dade to the visual arts. Tickets are $250 per person; to reserve, email beauxartsinfo@beauxartsmiami.org. 

 

kc

Kenneth Cole Book Launch at Bloomingdales Aventura 

On November 9, legendary designer Kenneth Cole will be celebrating the launch of his coffee table book, This is a Kenneth Cole Production, a commemoration of Cole’s 30 year career in fashion and social engagements. The designer will be on hand at Bloomingdales Aventura Mall for his first South Florida appearance. All profits from the book will be donated to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bgcBoys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Hosts “Wild About Kids” Gala

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is once again hosting its acclaimed annual “Wild About Kids” black-tie gala on Saturday, November 9, at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, Grand Ballroom. The 7th annual fundraising event will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and its many positive programs, such as after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts & crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area children who need them the most. The event’s Presenting Sponsor is 4 Beauty Aesthetic Institute Inc./Dr. Constantino and Mrs. Nina Mendieta.  The gala will kick off with a VIP party offering photo ops with honorees at 6:30 p.m. A cocktail reception will take place at 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 8:30 p.m. An after party, also at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, will begin at 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening into the wee hours with Frank Sinatra-style entertainer Jeff Grainer, a D.J, dancing, an open bar and small bites. Underwriting opportunities, starting at $300, still remain. Table sales are sold out. Individual tickets for the gala are still available at $500 per ticket, and for the after party at $50 per ticket. 

Gala co-chairs are Lana DeSimone, Irene Korge and Eris Thomas; special events chair

For more information about sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, in-kind gift donations, and tickets, contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein, director of special events & development at 305-446-9910 ext. 30 or aehrenstein@bgcmia.org.

 

 

spainSpain’s Great Match

On Tuesday, November 12, gain greater knowledge of Spain’s wine, food and culture during Spain’s Great Match. Meet and greet winery representatives, importers and distributors during this exclusive trade and media preview tasting at 12:30 p.m. at the Moore Building in the Design District. Discover new wines, grapes and regions as you taste your way through Spain with the more than 200 offerings. Attend an in-depth seminar of Grandes Pagos de España* with renowned experts. To RSVP visit: sgmmiami.eventbrite.com; a business card or proof of affiliation at registration is required. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. For information, call 646.624.2885 extension 112 or by email at: events@colangelopr.com.

 

 

 

Colette Little French Bistro

For an authentic slice if Paris, head to  Colette Little French Bistro, Chef Frederick Boldron and French restaurateur Francis Pittilloni’s new restaurant-so French- you will forget you are in bustling Lincoln Road.  Colette Little French Bistro proves its name is as authentic as the menu. The French bistro fare includes mussels marinieres, (not to be missed), escargots, steak au poivre, French onion soup, and Colette’s signature Cajun chicken. Thanks to Francis’ French/Italian roots, other outstanding menu items include the mushroom risotto and the Colette pizza- a white pizza of Swiss and goat cheeses drizzled with honey- the recipe of which has been in the family for centuries.  Watch chef Frederick Boldron perfectly execute his dishes through the visible kitchen that sets the home-style atmosphere for the equally cozy and chic dining room interior. From Serge Gainsbourg to Amy Winehouse, and everything in between, the eclectic soundtrack will keep you guessing, as will the pizzas you will unexpectedly find on the menu. An extensive list of French wines will tantalize your palette and your wallet. The entire menu is approachable for everyday dining, geared for locals-with no occasion necessary to enjoy. Open for dinner seven days a week, and opening for lunch next month, Colette Little French Bistro is proud to present great food and service wrapped in a warm and inviting setting. Nice born Chef Boldron, who started his career in the kitchens of France’s top Michelin rated restaurants including L’Ane Rouge, La Grande Cascade and Le Bristol, has most recently served as Chef de Cuisine in some of Miami’s most bustling kitchens including Tosca, Villa Mayfair, La Goulue and Vita.

 

Mayoral Candidate, Michael Góngora

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On November - 1 - 2013

mgBy:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 

Cuban-American Mayoral Candidate, Michael  Góngora serves as a Mami Beach Commissioner and has been a long time Miami Beach resident and business owner.  For decades, Gongora has served in numerous civic, charitable, business and legal communities throughout Miami-Dade County and has worked closely with many public benefit organizations such as the Little Lighthouse Foundation and Equality Florida to name a few.  

As a result of his long-term community activism, Michael Góngora was first elected Miami Beach Commissioner in 2006. Some of his many other public service efforts were serving as chairperson of the Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches, the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Miami Beach Bar Association. In 2007, as the president of the Miami Beach Bar Association, Commissioner Góngora was able to successfully accomplish the reinstitution of the North Beach Pro Bono Law Clinic.  Read the rest of this entry »