Smashed Flamingo

Weekend warriors rejoice – South Beach finally has its own beer garden for happy hour festivities and chill Friday night vibes. Smashed Flamingo takes over the outdoor garden next to Mokai at 235 23^rd Street, featuring a full scale bourbon bar and craft beers, along with delicious barbecue every Friday from 6:00 until 11:00 p.m. Guests can relax at picnic tables and wooden porch swings under string lights and the stars above, while rocking out to old school tunes and vibrant beats. Classic board games like Connect 4 and Knock Hockey will be on hand, as will pink flamingo décor as homage to the parties Smashed Flamingo name. Each week, the barbecue offering will rotate – kicking off January 23^rd with a traditional Caja China. No entry fee. Drinks and barbecue plates are $8.00 each;

For more information visit smashedflamingo.com and facebook.com/smashedflamingo.

 MISO for the Family

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), Jungle Island and the Bass Museum of Art present “MISO for the Family” on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. This year marks the third annual free concert in Collins Park, and the first inaugural performance at Jungle Island’s Parrot Bowl amphitheater. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet and Assistant Conductor Marco Real-d’Arbelles, the program includes Haydn’s “Toy” Symphony in C Major, plus a rare two-piano performance of Saint-Saëns’ popular Carnival of the Animals by the 2013 Bronze Award winners of the Dranoff International 2 Piano Competition, Sebastian and Barbara Bartmann of duo Impuls. South Florida models/actresses Barbara Becker and Athina Klioumi join the cast to narrate Saint-Saëns’ humorous work, putting a fun twist on an already delightful “grand zoological fantasy.”   Paying tribute to the City of Miami Beach’s 100th Anniversary, Sunday’s concert will top off an afternoon of special activities at the Bass Museum including tours of the exhibition One Way: Peter Marino at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and the museum’s monthly IDEA@thebass Family Day that will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with art projects and gallery games for kids that explore the theme “Making Music.” IDEA@thebass Family Day is offered at no charge, and entrance to the museum will be free all day. Tickets to Jungle Island are $30 for one adult/child, and $15 for each additional child (*price includes free admission to the park). Tickets to the Gusman Concert Hall are $20-$65. Admission to Sunday’s concert at Collins Park is free and open to the public.

courtesy of celebweddings.blogspot.com

#101GayWeddings

The 14^th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is pleased to partner with Chef Art Smith as he hosts #101GayWeddings at The James Royal Palm on Saturday, February 21.  A longtime friend of the Festival, Smith’s social media driven campaign to celebrate the legal passing of marriage equality in the State of Florida with a free wedding for 101 couples in the beautiful James Breezeway is the perfect addition to the star-studded weekend.

The Festival, alongside Smith and The James Royal Palm, will issue a social media driven campaign to release 50 passes to the public to attend the wedding reception with a guest.  Winners have the ability to make an optional direct donation to the LGBTQA Club at Florida International University (FIU). Following the wedding, newlyweds and winners of the social media driven campaign will enjoy a cocktail reception featuring bites from a handful of South Florida chefs and dance party featuring DJ Chi Chi Larue. FIU’s LGBTQA Club will be on-site to raise additional funds for the organization.

La Nuit en Rosé Food & Wine Festival

La Nuit en Rosé is the world’s first Food & Wine Festival dedicated to Rosé Wine and Rosé Champagne, bringing together the largest gathering of rosé wine producers and rosé wine lovers. Anything but a typical wine tasting, La Nuit En Rosé is a full culinary experience and a lavish lifestyle celebration. With more than 60 rosé wines and rosé Champagne, La Nuit en Rosé is the largest-ever gathering of rosé producers in the world. The 2015 season will start off in Miami, from January 30 to February 1 at the recently opened Miami Beach EDITION, one of South Beach’s most affluent hotels. La Nuit en Rosé Miami offers a variety of ways to celebrate pink wine, for a complete listing of the eventful weekend visit: http://nuitrose.com.

Living Room Introduces New Libations

Living Room the modern, nighttime playground located at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences, continues to earn raves and accolades for its sophisticated cocktails and sultry ambiance, including Zagat’s “Best Hotel Bars in Miami (2014)” and Food & Wine Magazine’s “2012 Fifty Best Bars in America.”  Known for their visually stunning artisanal concoctions, the cocktail team at Living Room has just rolled out a new cocktail menu, certain to please even the most discerning imbiber.   In addition to the Living Room favorites, new offerings include globally-inspired cocktails, such as the Portobello Road, named after London’s historical antique market, featuring gin, basil, cold-pressed apple and lemon juices, cucumber, jalapeño and an array of fresh berries.  Cold pressed juice cocktails include the Rosewood –gin, pressed yuzu juice, elderflower liqueur and jasmine bitters; and the El Camino – reposado tequila, lime, sage, red bell pepper, cinnamon syrup and cold pressed carrot juice. For more information call 305.938.3000.

Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series

Paying homage to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s opening in 1954, Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series is a monthly event that pairs the world’s most prestigious wines and winemakers with the award-winning cuisine of Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s signature dining destinations. The 2015 line-up features exclusive pairings at the hotel’s acclaimed signature restaurants with vintners from Italy, Spain, California and Australia. This year’s series kicks off at Scarpetta, the hotel’s award-winning Italian restaurant on Sunday, January 25. Diners will enjoy a decadent four-course menu prepared by chef de cuisine Marlon Rambaran complimented by hand-selected Giacomo Borgogno e Figli wines from the Piedmont region of Italy. Each of the four courses will be paired with a different varietal from the prestigious label. Priced at $215 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, the luxurious evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the restaurant’s private dining room. For questions, please call 877.326.7412. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.Fontainebleau.com/cellar1954. 

6^th Annual Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner

Slow Food Miami, the 100 percent volunteer non-profit dedicated to planting a fresher future for our children, announces its 6^th annual Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner will be held Tuesday, January 27^th at Paraiso Bay in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. After 5 years of plated dinners, Slow Food Miami’s 2015 event looks to the future with a refreshed, convivial format featuring all of The Genuine Hospitality Group restaurants and their chefs at the site of Schwartz’s future waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay. At the forefront of the meal is the Ark-nominated Florida stone crab, sourced from Miami’s own George Stone Crab. The star of the evening will be accompanied by locally-sourced ingredients including items from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink chef de cuisine Niven Patel’s backyard and other farms served by Farm to Kitchen, a local produce distributor.All proceeds will benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible School Garden Program.The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m., so that guests can savor spectacular views of the glowing sunset skies over the Bay, while enjoying a spirited cocktail hour featuring specialty libations courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, sustainable wines by Stellar Wines, and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Molly Brandt of Restaurant Michael Schwartz at The Raleigh.  An interactive and social dining experience unfolds with indoor and outdoor stations featuring each of The Genuine Hospitality Group restaurants and their chefs including Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink/Chef de Cuisine Niven Patel, The Cypress Room/Chef de Cuisine Roel Alcudia and Harry’s Pizzeria/Chef de Cuisine Daniel Ramirez. Schwartz will join The Genuine Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Bradley Herron to preview some food inspired by Paraiso Bay and its restaurant, slated to open in early 2016. Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith will offer passed desserts for a sweet cap on a delicious evening to remember. Each will showcase their individual style of local-sourcing with dishes that either feature the Florida stone crab or complement it with seasonal ingredients. This time around, Slow Food Miami turns its attention to stone crabs, a natural fit for Ark of Taste because it acts as an important reminder that the tasty crabs are seasonally-protected to ensure sustainability. Consumers are so used to stone crab season that they forget or are unaware what a rare, local product it is – highly allocated and always in danger of disappearing. By promoting and eating Ark products, Slow Food Miami and its supporters help ensure they remain in production, in the grocery isle, and on the plates of America’s best restaurants.

Tickets are $195 per person and can be purchased at miamisarkoftaste.brownpapertickets.com.

Bagatelle Launches “Destination St. Barths”

Renowned restaurant Bagatelle is launching “Destination St. Barths,” which is an amazing sweepstake promotion with villa WIMCO from St. Barths occurring from the 12^th of January to January 31^st. WIMCO Villas set in the luxurious St. Barths offers the best location for an unrivaled escape, crystal clear waters, white sands, tropical trees, and beautiful people.

Registration on the landing page is necessary in order to win the following prizes:

The winner will get a dinner for 4 at Bagatelle St. Barths, and a 7 night stay in a WIMCO villa including gourmet groceries and concierge service.

The runner-up prizes include a gift certificate for a $500 dinner in a Bagatelle location in the United States (NYC, Miami or LA, among others).

Please find below the link of the landing page to register for the sweepstakes: http://www.wimco.com/specials/promotions/bagatellexwimco.aspx

The National YoungArts Foundation’s annual Backyard Ball on January 10, raised more than $1.7 million to directly support the organization’s contributions to the artistic development of talented young artists from around the nation.  Master teachers such as James Caan, Phylicia Rashad, Jeff Koons, Sylvia Plachy, Livingston Taylor, Tierney Sutton, Rebecca Walker, Desmond Child and Carrie Mae Weems, worked with 170 YoungArts finalists during the week leading up to the ball and attended the party on the YoungArts campus.

Belvedere Vodka recently hosted a star-studded poolside party for Jeremy Scott’s book launch hosted by fashion house Moschino at The Thompson Hotel Miami Beach. Over 400 guests attended including Miley Cyrus, A$AP Rocky,  Nicky Hilton, Mr. Brainwash and Flaming Lips front man, Wayne Coyne. Robert Pattison, girlfriend FKA twigs and four other friends dined at Katsuya at SLS South Beach.

By:Maryanne Salvat 

#TedLovesMiami

Gino Campodonico, Netty Del, Juanjose Rangel,Rachael Russell, Jhon Jairo Santos and Jasmine Stewart are welcoming high end luxury brand Ted Baker London to Miami Beach on Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Expect vintage cocktails by the master mixologists at Zacapa accompanied by a special performance by The French Horn. Illustrator Mia Mandela will be on-hand to customizing Ted Baker totes! This is a private event, RSVP required.

The public is free to join in on the celebration this weekend for the #TedLovesMiami grand opening on Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17!

Art of the Party Presented by PAMM and Louis Vuitton

This year Pérez Art Museum Miami will put a contemporary spin on a classic tradition with a ‘modern gala’ on Thursday, January 17. Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton will debut a contemporary spin on a classic tradition with help from event mastermind Lee Brian Schrager. Taking the place of the annual Ball, this unforgettable celebration will allow guests to choose from a Chef’s Table seated dinner or the lively Supper Club dinner lounge; attendees will then reconvene for a live outdoor concert. The proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales fund the museum’s robust education program, which is the largest behind the Miami-Dade County school system and has garnered participation from more than 80,000 adults and children since December 2013. For more information visit: www.pamm.org.

Debris Free Oceans 

Debris Free Oceans is thrilled to announce the launch of their presence in Miami by hosting a cocktail soiree on Friday, January 16, at Treehouse. The Miami-based non-profit organization to inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from beaches, reefs and oceans. Suggested donations of $25 will be received at the door which includes an open bar from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.   Guests will enjoy a live art installation by Dave L – a local Miami artist whose work reflects the ocean and nature and music by Lance-O from Kulcha Shok Muzik.  The event will also feature a silent auction with items including: paddle board lessons courtesy of First Paddle Co., art work by Dave L, gift certificates from First Surf Shop, and much more. All guests must be 21+ to attend the event.

MISO Presents Ocean Drive in Vienna 

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet, presents the popular returning concert series “Ocean Drive in Vienna,” introducing the world premiere of “Concertino for Toy Piano” written by MISO Principal Trumpet and Composer-in-Residence, Sam Hyken. This new work highlights the musical talent of pianist Julia Bueno, a spirited young ten-year-old musician who started taking group piano classes at the SharpMinds Academy in Miami at age five. An avid composer, Bueno has already won First Prize of her age group in the Composition Contest at the MMTA Honors Recital, crediting her inspiration to history, creative writing and robotics.   Included on this year’s program is another world premiere by MISO Composer-in-Residence Paul Desenne entitled “Blues’n Danube,” a clever twist on the well-known waltz by Johann Strauss, Jr., as well as a South Florida premiere of “Sobre las Olas,” written by Justino Rosas. Salsa legend Oscar D’ León and Cuban-born journalist Ismael Cala from CNN Español will also make an appearance, combining elements of Viennese classical music with the nuances of Latin rhythms.   Sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge, recognizing the importance of MISO’s Composers-in-Residence program, MISO’s role as Miami’s hometown orchestra is to continually celebrate the cultural vibrancy of South Florida by being Miami’s distinctive musical voice. For more information, call 305 275.5666 or visit www.themiso.org.

“Be A Voice, Feel The Passion”

Voices For Children Foundation, a Miami not-for-profit organization advocating for children in foster care, and Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc., the  international fine jeweler and watchmaker, will serve as hosts to approximately 500 of Miami’s most influential and philanthropic individuals for the organization’s 30^th anniversary “Be A Voice, Feel The Passion” gala. The event will kick off with a cocktail hour at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at host sponsor Mandarin Oriental. At this premier annual fundraising event, film and television actor Christian Slater and his wife Brittany Slater will serve as honorary co-chairs, while radio personality Paul Castronovo of local radio station BIG 105.9’s “Paul and Young Ron Show” will serve as emcee. Guests may participate in live and silent auctions for luxury goods and travel experiences, providing desirable and unique items for guests and supporters. Up for auction are tickets to Stella McCartney’s Spring 2016 Presentation in New York, exclusive membership to The Edition Beach Club, the opportunity to drive a Tesla Model S for a day, and a private shopping spree at Ralph Lauren Bal Harbour. This year, the gala will partner with RedCap to provide guests safe rides to and from the events in the guests’ own cars. To learn more about underwriting opportunities and sponsorships, or to purchase a table or tickets to the event, call 786.469.3857 or emailRAmador@BeAVoice.org.

Carb-Up at Scarpetta 

In preparation for the upcoming 2015 Miami Marathon on Sunday, January 25, Scarpetta, Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s AAA four diamondaward-winning Italian eatery, will once again offer marathon runners a special $39 “Carb-Up” prix-fixe menu. This year, the menu is available early and late night on Friday, January 23 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again from 10:00 p.m. until midnight,as well as on Saturday, January 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The three–course menu is a delicious way to power up before the big run, specially crafted to ensure runners’ muscles are fueled and energy levels are up for optimal performance. Reservations are required; for more information visit: fontainebleau.com/miamimarathon.

The Board of Trustees of the Barnes Foundation announced that they have named Thomas “Thom” Collins as the new Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation. An innovative educator, accomplished art historian, administrator and author, Mr. Collins, a Philadelphia native, has more than 20 years of experience at some of America’s top arts institutions. He comes to the Barnes after serving for five years as director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Florida (PAMM). At PAMM, Mr. Collins oversaw construction of the new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building located in downtown Miami, which opened to great acclaim in December 2013. During his tenure, the museum achieved an overwhelming increase in membership, annual giving, attendance, and major gifts, published important exhibition and collection catalogs, added significant works of art to the collection, and began in-house production of critical new digital education tools.

“It will be a privilege to lead the Barnes Foundation in its next chapter,” said Mr. Collins. “With its world-class collection, critically acclaimed new building, award-winning programs, growing membership and engaging array of courses in art and horticulture, the Barnes has become increasingly accessible to a more diverse audience than ever before. I look forward to working with the staff and Trustees to further its mission.”

Prior to joining PAMM, Mr. Collins served for five years as director of the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, New York. Mr. Collins’ tenure at the Neuberger Museum of Art was highlighted by significant growth in attendance and annual giving, and the creation of major endowments for new programming initiatives and capital improvements. He also oversaw the museum’s exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and a far-reaching platform of community-based educational programs for school children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

Before heading the Neuberger Museum, Mr. Collins served as director of the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, 2003–2005; chief curator at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, 2000-2003; associate curator at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington, 1998-2000; and Newhall Curatorial Fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, 1994-1997.

Mr. Collins earned his MA in Art History from Northwestern University and his BA with honors in Art History and the History of Religion from Swarthmore College. He currently holds memberships in the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Art Museum Curators, and the College Art Association. For more information visit: www.barnesfoundation.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

National YoungArts Foundation Backyard Ball

On Saturday, January 10, the National YoungArts Foundation will be celebrating the 2015 YoungArts winners from across the nation at their annual Backyard Ball. This year the esteemed Arison Award Honoree is renowned visual artist Jeff Koons and the 2015 Arison Alumni Honorees are Grammy Award-nominated recording artist, singer, songwriter, actor, YoungArts Master Teacher and 1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater, Josh Groban, and Grammy and Country Music Association Award-nominated singer-songwriter and 2003 YoungArts Winner and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, Chris Young. The Gala is YoungArts’ largest annual fundraiser and the culmination of YoungArts’ signature program, National YoungArts Week, which provides a select group of YoungArts Winners with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, interdisciplinary activities, performances and exhibitions. The distinguished event will include an alumni performance directed by renowned dancer, choreographer and YoungArts Artistic Adviser Bill T. Jones and will be emceed by YoungArts alumna and actress Zuzanna Szadkowski. Tickets to the attend the Backyard Ball can be purchased at www.youngarts.org/purchase-tickets.

St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® is proud to announce its special partnership with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the national viewing party of the 72^nd Annual Golden Globe^® Awards. The party, St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope, will take place on Sunday, January 11 at the Trump National Doral Miami. This exclusive event will be hosted in Miami for the first time, and will help raise money for the lifesaving work of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.Guests will enjoy a red carpet reception, live auction, a dinner featuring stories from local St. Jude patient families and the live telecast of the Golden Globe^® Awards. Individual tickets are $250 for general admission. Table sales and sponsorships are available. To register, call 305.265.1371 or visit stjude.org/redcarpetforhope.

4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden

Lush, tropical landscapes become the perfect setting for Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s trendiest event of the year – the 4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. The event benefits Fairchild’s education, conservation science, and horticulture programs and is held on Wednesday, January 14 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Co-hosted with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, the event features Spring 2015’s hottest styles in a runway show presented by Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus Senior VP and Fashion Director. The event is co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa and is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Marquis Bank, and Perry Ellis International. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Miami Herald columnist and fundraiser for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund,serves as this year’s emcee. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a champagne reception on the sunny mosaic patio of the Visitor Center. The party then moves to the tented marquee overlooking the tropical foliage and sparkling Pandanus Lake. A refreshing lunch by Le Basque Catering starts the fashion show off on the right note. Models walk down the runway spotlighting the most coveted looks and colors for Spring 2015 with ensembles put together by Ken Downing. Guests who like the outfits they see on the runway can purchase them after the show at the Backstage Boutique. The day closes with recognizing the 2015 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees – those who have demonstrated dedication to supporting the growth of the Garden and the community at large. Tickets start at $300 and are available online, by emailing sshubin@fairchildgarden.org, or by calling 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Pérez Art Museum Miami Hosts Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its most important annual fundraising affair on Saturday, January 17.  The proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales fund the museum’s robust education program, which is the largest behind the Miami-Dade County school system and has garnered participation from more than 80,000 adults and children since December 2013.  Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton will debut a contemporary spin on a classic tradition, on a new date and with a modern format conceptualized by event mastermind Lee Brian Schrager. Louis Vuitton has a longstanding affiliation with the world of art and is proud to present Art of the Party. The event will showcase the architectural gem’s distinct, interconnected spaces with three forms of expression in a single evening: Chef’s Table, Supper Club, and Remix.The three adaptations of Art of the Party will be infused with the essence of Brazil with famed Rio de Janeiro-based Chef Thomas Troisgos of the internationally regarded Olympe Restaurant and a live waterfront concert by popular Brazilian band Batuke Samba Funk featuring Pee Wee Ellis, the legendary sax player and bandleader for James Brown.  Chef Troisgos, the fourth generation of a clan of chefs that has made history in modern gastronomy, will arrive to Miami specifically to present custom dinner menus for Art of The Party Chef’s Table and Supper Club. For more information visit: www.pamm.org.

Pitbull & La La Anthony

With a loud “Dale!,” and the charisma that has catapulted him to international fame- earning him the title “Mr. Worldwide,” Pitbull did not merely welcome 2015 at his New Year’s Revolution at the shiny-new Thompson Miami Beach hotel, Pitbull downright demanded the new year arrive with a BANG! And that it most certainly did. At the stroke of midnight, the 700+ revelers were doused by confetti shot from rooftop canons under what seemed like the world’s largest balloon drop. Pitbull’s co-hosts La La Anthony and Rocsi Diaz kept the crowd’s attention between exciting performances by Becky G., Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy, Fifth Harmony, The Band Perry, and world-class magicians The Misdirectors. Ne-Yo surprised fans by joining Pitbull on stage for a live performance of their new hit, “Time of Our Lives.”  Also at the party were  a series of FOX stars, including Benjamin McKenzie (Gotham), Ed Weeks (The Mindy Project) Lamorne Morris (New Girl) and Taraji P. Henson (Empire, debuting this month). Director Lee Daniels and ABC’s The Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis and former Family Matters’ star, Jaleel White, (aka Steve Urkel) were also spotted in the party’s exclusive VIP section.

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