McDonald’s Launches Street Art Inspired French Fry Boxes for FIFA World Cup

In conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2014, McDonald’s has changed the look of its iconic red French fry packaging globally with bold, new artwork to celebrate the upcoming soccer event. In addition, the new fry boxes will be the key to “unlocking” a new app “McDonald’s GOL!” that will reward French fry loving patrons with an engaging, virtual trick-shot challenge. The app will be compatible with most Android and Apple mobile devices and will be available for download in the Google Play store and Apple App Store™.

The redesign will treat customers and futbol fans with an exclusive collection of original street art that reflects the beauty and passion of the game of futbol. Twelve artists from around the world were chosen to create the special new designs, which will canvas McDonald’s Medium and Large fry boxes in the majority of company-owned and franchised restaurants worldwide. To view the different designs visit: www.gol.mcd.com.

SUSHISAMBA Mundial 2014

SUSHISAMBA is celebrating the World Cup by bringing the action from Brazil to its locations in Miami Beach and Coral Gables for ‘SUSHISAMBA MUNDIAL 2014!’ In celebration of the games, each restaurant has created the ultimate viewing experience for fans, featuring special events, festive food and drinks, and live coverage of all matches from June 12 – July 13, 2014! Drawing from the brand’s cultural and culinary heritage, Brazil will be the centrepiece of the month-long fête. Kickoff in true SAMBA style on Thursday, June 12 for the Brazil versus Croatia game with samba dancers, dj’s, a themed menu, and drink specials; www.sushisamba.com.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana World Cup 2014

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Lincoln Road’s Northern Italian dining destination will celebrate the World Cup with big-screen televised matches, a special 2-course menu and an array of cocktail specials. Available during all games, the World Cup 2-course menu is priced at $22.  All games will be televised and specials run from Thursday, June 12^th through the final match on Saturday, July 12^th .Reservations are suggested. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Telephone: 305.531.4833. www.quattromiami.com. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation South Florida

On Tuesday, June 17, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation South Florida – the region’s premier culinary benefit featuring top chefs from Miami-Dade and Broward counties – is returning to the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. More than 60 celebrated restaurants, fine wine and spirits and live entertainment come together in an unforgettable night for a fabulous cause – end childhood hunger in America. This year’s event will be bigger than ever, with pop-up stations located in the heart of the ballroom; a basketball hoop area where guests can challenge former WNBA starand Share Our Strength advocate Ruth Riley while raising money for the organization ($1 per hoop); and a bocce ball court. Miami Heat fans should not fret: there will be a beer garden with flat screen TVs set up for those in attendance that can’t miss Game 6, scheduled to air that evening.  100% of ticket sales from South Florida’s exclusive gastronomic extravaganza will benefit Share Our Strength, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working to end childhood hunger. This year’s soirée will be emceed by local culinary personality Ralph Pagano; VIP tickets are $250 each. General admission is $125 per ticket; Tickets for the Black and Blanco After Party are priced at $75 per person. Taste of the Nation South Florida VIP ticket holders will also enjoy complimentary access to the after party.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or by visiting CE.NoKidHungry.org/SouthFlorida.

The Hidden Kitchen 1^st Year Anniversary

Conceptualized and executed by Chef Michael B. Jacobs, The Hidden Kitchen Workshop is a unique underground dining series consisting of exclusive multi-course meals created and served by the Workshop’s honored guest chefs, along with Chef Jacobs. On Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m., Chef Jacobs will join forces with Chef de Cuisine Conor Hanlon of The Dutch for a one-night-only Southern Seafood Bash. The family-style, multi-course dinner will be priced at $120 per person including alcohol, tax and gratuity.  The evening will begin and end with hors d’oeuvres and dessert prepared by The Hidden Kitchen, along with courses prepared by Hanlon.  Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at http://www.strategichospitality.net/hidden-kitchen-workshop-tickets/. The Hidden Kitchen Workshop takes place at The Hidden Kitchen café, located inside the Imperial House condominium. Guests enter through an unsuspecting back door staffed with a member of The Hidden Kitchen Workshop team who escorts diners to the dining room.

Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon Specials for Summer

The Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon is celebrating teachers with Summer Spa Specials priced at only $20.14 each. With the end of the school calendar looming, it is time for teachers to unwind and be appreciated for all their hard work. To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion featuring luxury spa treatments at the discounted rate of $20.14 to celebrate the end of the 2013-2014 academic year; For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit http://www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Miami’s Who’s Who with an affinity for fried chicken and all of its accompanying comfort foods gathered on the beautiful bayside terrace of the Pérez Art Museum Miami on Tuesday, May 27 for the celebration of South Beach Wine and Food Festival founder, Lee Brian Schrager’s second cookbook, Fried & True: More Than 50 Recipes for America’s Best Fried Chicken and Sides.  The scene was set for a gorgeous evening of family style indulgence with oversized wooden tables and benches, covered with all the fixins, including gourmet corn on the cob, collard greens, carrots, coleslaw, biscuits and decadent mac and cheese; catered by Stephen Starr Events, which incorporated the recipes from Schrager’s book.  Food stations offering every variety of fried chicken imaginable were set up throughout the terrace, including offerings from Michelle Bernstein, Paula Dean, and our favorites:  Asha Gomez’s Keralan fried chicken and cardamom waffles and Yotam Ottolenghi’s seeded chicken schnitzel with parsley-caper mayonnaise.  All of the recipes from the evening appear in the book, copies of which were signed by Schrager – personalized for each guest.   Read the rest of this entry »

YOGiiZA fitness brand has launched its new collection, just in time for summer, designed to make you look hot but feel cool. Complete with new breathable pieces constructed with organic cottons, it is the perfect fit for the active yoga enthusiast.  

YOGiiZA has been generating buzz among yoga enthusiasts and celebrities alike, ( see Paulina Gretzky’s sizzling Golf Digest spread), with ultra- comfortable styles that work for a variety of fitness activities. All apparel is made of 100% organic pima cotton for long-lasting quality. Plus, they’re extra-breathable and don’t contain the synthetic fibers used by other mass fitness wear. All items can be purchased at www.yogiiza.com and fine spas and yoga centers around the country including select Ritz Carlton and Fairmont locations, The James Hotel, The Standard, ESPA at Acqualina, The Joule Hotel, Chamberlains Natural Food Market, Apple A Day, Miami Life Center and more. Read the rest of this entry »

Just in time for the summer and “lemonade season,” Philadelphia will once again prove that it’s the City of Brotherly Love by helping Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) commemorate 10 years since founder Alexandra “Alex” Scott challenged volunteers everywhere to help her raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, one cup of lemonade at a time. To continue Alex’s legacy, volunteers, sponsors and supporters across the area will join the fight against childhood cancer during the National Lemonade Days Initiative, June 6 through 8. Whether it’s hosting an Alex’s Lemonade Stand, attending one of the Foundation’s signature events or supporting the Foundation through visiting one of its many sponsor fundraisers, the Philadelphia area will be taken over by ways to help cure childhood cancer. 

National Lemonade Days

From Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, thousands of volunteers will host Alex’s Lemonade Stands from coast to coast during National Lemonade Days in an effort to raise $1 million for the kids’ cancer fight. Utilizing founder Alex Scott’s original fundraising idea, the stands will provide a fun and easy way for supporters of all ages to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer while learning the important lesson of giving back. 

June 2014 will mark 10 years since Alex challenged the nation to help her raise $1 million toward finding cures for all kids with cancer, one cup of lemonade at a time. Though Alex would ultimately lose her life to the disease that same summer (August 1, 2004), she would do so with the knowledge that she had reached her goal and laid the groundwork for her mission to continue. 

For those not able to host a lemonade stand, ALSF’s website allows visitors to search for events by zip code, event name, or host name: www.AlexsLemonade.org/search/alex_search

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On Tuesday, June 10, more than 40 of the world’s greatest chefs will convene in Philadelphia for the ninth annual Great Chefs Event, hosted by James Beard award winner Marc Vetri, restaurateur Jeff Benjamin, and James Beard award winner Jeff Michaud. The event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and The Vetri Foundation for Children. More than 1,200 guests will gather at Urban Outfitters World Headquarters on Philadelphia’s waterfront Navy Yard for the foodie charity event of the year, with an exclusive VIP after party at Alla Spina for sponsors and VIP ticketholders with special guest DJ, Questlove.

Chef Vetri has hand-selected the A-list of participating chefs, calling on his renowned chef friends from around the world, including top talent from L.A., Miami, New York City, and Chicago as well as those that have been kind enough to fly in from Italy. The chefs will donate their time, talent, and food, creating delicious samplings for guests in the walk-around tasting gala of the year. In addition to fine food, representatives from the best distilleries, wineries, craft breweries, will also be present.

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $1,000.00. For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Genevieve Lynch at The Vetri Foundation for Children, 215.735.0200, genevieve@vetrifamily.org.  General Admission tickets are $350.00 per person; VIP tickets include access to the exclusive after party at Alla Spina and cost $525.00. To purchase tickets and for a complete listing of “chef-lebrities” that will be present visit: www.vetrifoundation.org or www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/great-chefs-event.

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