By: Maryanne Salvat
Maryannesalvat@aol.com
Growing Together and Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar
On Saturday, October 3rd, Growing Together, a South Florida based youth group, will host the 3rd Annual Kick-off Event at Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar to welcome the 2015-16 board members. Guests are invited to shop for a cause while enjoying wine and tasty hors d’oeuvres. Growing Together aims to inspire teenagers to get involved in their community and make a difference. They strive to enrich the lives of the children at Chapman Partnership by providing them play opportunities and educational resources that inspire hope, create happiness and ultimately help children and their families thrive. 100% of the donations will benefit the children at Chapman Partnership. For more information: Contact Grace Ugalde-Wolpert at gugalde@chapmanpartnership.org or 305.329.3081.

The 4th annual Haute Tea hosted by the Young Society of Love and Hope

The Roaring 20s are coming back to life at the 4th annual Haute Tea hosted by the Young Society of Love and Hope at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Friday, October 2, 2015. Get transported to the era of prosperity and edgy fashion – all while helping to raise funds for the cure-focused work of Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Event Chairs Jillian Posner and Dr. Stacy Chimento encourage all guests to don their finest 20s-inspired headwear – from cloche hats to intricate headbands – to the festivities. In keeping with Haute Tea tradition, prizes will be awarded for the best headwear of the day as part of the annual hat contest.  Guests will also enjoy a champagne reception, a three-course lunch, formal tea service, an exclusive fall fashion show by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, live and silent auctions, and so much more. Sponsorship packages and tickets for Haute Tea happening at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort located at 9703 Collins Avenue can be purchased online via www.DiabetesResearch.org/Haute-Tea or by calling 954-964-4040 / 800-321-3437. Follow and share all things Haute Tea using #HauteTea on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

El Tucán
Opening for the first time on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, El Tucán is more than just a dinner and a show experience, It is a cabaret moment that pays homage to Cuba in the 1940s, transported to the heart of Miami’s expanding Brickell area. Presenting a range of eclectic musical acts ranging from from Afro-Latin to Parisian pop, El Tucán will also house a resident 12-piece Latin orchestra, carefully curated by Grammy award-winning pianist, composer and producer Marlow Rosado, that is reminiscent of the big bands from the jazz eras of the 40s and 50s. Food and drink will also be a mainstay at El Tucán, featuring boozy libations by Gabriel Orta and Elad Zvi of Bar Lab and Latin fare that will include hints of Amazonian ingredients created by Chef Jean Paul Lourdes. The intimate, theater-style venue will be open late night so partygoers can continue fêting after-hours. Located one block south of Mary Brickell Village, at 1111 SW 1st El Tucan will be open Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 pm – 3:00 am. In honor of the grand debut, El Tucán will open its doors at 8:00 pm with complimentary admission so revelers may be transported to the bygone era of Cabarets and live shows.

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival Ticket Sales
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (SOBEWFF) is pleased to announce its event line-up for the Festival’s 15th anniversary, taking place February 24 – 28, 2016. Recognized as one of South Florida’s favorite events, the Festival has raised more than $22 million to date for the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management located on Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus. The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s exclusive MasterCard® presale period begins on Monday, October 5 at 9:00 AM EST online at sobefest.com or by calling 877.762.3933 (phone sales open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST). Public ticket sales for the 2016 Festival open at midnight on Monday, October 19.

Ruth Reichl at Books & Books

At noon on Wednesday, October 14, The Café at Books & Books will host a delectable lunch in honor of famed restaurant critic and author Ruth Reichl. Former editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, Reichl is a respected culinary professional responsible for writing a series of critically acclaimed memoirs, as well as a number of books emblematic of her lifelong passion for food. My Kitchen Year, Reichl’s latest publication, centers on her deeply intimate journey as she rediscovers the joys of cooking and the healing power it holds. Tickets are $70 per person (excluding tax & gratuity) and include an author talk, a three-course lunch by James Beard Award-winning Chef Allen Susser, and an autographed copy of My Kitchen Year ($35 value). Reservations required. In addition, during the delicious lunch, Reichl will tablehop and chat with guests.When/Where: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at noon.
The Café at Books & Books, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Metered street parking is available. Telephone: (786) 405-1744; http://www.arshtcenter.org/Visit/Cafe-Books-Books/

 
Miami Children’s Museum Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash
Once again the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) is kicking off its Halloween celebrations with Halloween’s most fun and exciting event to South Florida. It’s the fantastic Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash, Sunday, October 18 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Watson Island. Chaired by Alexis and Scott Wagner and Kelly and Chris Melchiondo and sponsored by Whole Foods South Beach, Whole Foods Downtown Miami, Greenberg Traurig, Golden Sands General Contractors and Robert and Michelle Diener, this event promises to be your child’s highlight of the costume season.
Your little goblins will trick or treat around the Museum’s galleries with special treats supplied by Coldstone Creamery, GoGo Squeez , KIND Bars, Atelier Monnier, Dairy Farmers of FL and Yelp Miami , brave the Haunted House, test their knowledge in the Mad Scientist Lab and create crazed crafts. Other activities include: Zumba by Baptist, Monster Mash/Dance Contest (Music Gallery), MCM Players (Meet & Greet with Guests, in costume, WOZ), Sugar Skulls (Art Gallery), Toddler Room, Face painting and Pumpkin decorating. All proceeds raised for the event will directly support MCM’s educational programs. There is also a photo opportunity and backdrop by Pottery Barn Kids with a Phantom of the Opera theme and Manicures, chair massages and Halloween makeup by Exhale Spa and Glam and Go. Tickets to the Not So Scary Halloween Bash are $40.00 for individual tickets and $30.00 for members. Special Family packages are also available. To purchase tickets go to our website at www.miamichildrensmuseum.org or visit the Museum at 980 MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island in Miami.
Eric Trump Foundation Golf Tournament for St. Jude Children’s Hospital
On Friday, October 30, the Eric Trump Foundation is hosting a golf tournament to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The tournament is open to the public and will be held at Trump National Doral’s newly redesigned and iconic Blue Monster golf course, which has been home to the PGA Tour’s World Golf Championship for more than 50 years. This event is not only a great way to give back, but an even better way to get the family together for a round on a legendary golf course. For nine years, the Eric Trump Foundation has been dedicated to raising money for children battling life-threatening diseases at St. Jude Hospital. All proceeds from the tournament will be presented to St. Jude during the post-event awards ceremony. Using only Trump-owned and operated facilities to cut down on venue costs, as well as full-time volunteers, pro-bono celebrity hosts and performances and donated food and beverage, the Eric Trump Foundation has achieved one of the lowest expense ratios of any charity in the world and has also grown to be one of the largest foundations in the nation, pledging nearly $28 million to St. Jude. You can learn more about the event as well as here: https://www.trumphotelcollection.com/miami/st-jude-golf-tournament.php.

On Sunday, October 4, RSVP has partnered with Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown to host their 10th Annual Run Wild 5K & 1 Mile Walk, benefiting RSVP’s Children’s Programs in Montgomery County. The event/run will take place at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. The course will start at the Zoo and continue on the quiet neighborhood streets before ending at the zoo’s Canopy Pavilion, offering participants a chance to visit with some wild friends. One mile Animal Safari Walk travels through shaded course inside the zoo. Crafts are planned for children and story time by noted children’s author Chyrsa Smith. Admission to the zoo is free with race registration, making this a family-fun event. USAT&F Certified course and chip timing by Run the Day ensures state-of-the-art accurate race results.  The event begins at 9:00 a.m. (registration at 8:00 a.m.) and finishes at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. This is a rain or shine event. Register before October 1st to receive a free tee-shirt. To register visit www.rsvpmc.org or www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/31698 or call (610) 834-1040, ext.30.

RSVP welcomes NBC-10’s Deanna Durante as host. Durante will present awards to medal winners. Cash awards will be given to the overall male and female winners. Additional medals will be awarded in eight age-division categories, allowing participants to run and compete with their peers. Special 10th place overall award to commemorate RSVP’s Run Wild 10t. h Anniversary.

Little Havana hotspot, Ball & Chain, simultaneously celebrated its 80th and first birthdays with a three day music festival during Labor Day weekend. The world famous live music venue has made its mark among nightlife and music lovers thanks to its exciting programming- including live jazz, top performing artists and our favorite: the Saturday night Pachanga- which features a live, 12-piece Cuban band that would make Ricky Ricardo proud. On any given night- you will find a lively crowd enjoying one-of-a-kind cocktails, accompanied by unique bites in the gorgeous and nostalgic space.

Ball & Chain, originally a live jazz lounge on Calle Ocho was open from September 1935 until the 1950s. It was reopened and remastered last September by nightlife impresario Zack Bush, his brother, Ben Bush and their childhood friend Bill Fuller, of the Barlington Group. Read the rest of this entry »

Pasta Vino Miami is a hidden gem nestled in a quaint shopping center in North Bay Village. If you didn’t set out looking for it, chances are you’ve driven down the causeway and missed out on this fantastic neighborhood spot. Here, executive Chef and Owner Yiannis Devert prepares authentic Italian cuisine, with a twist.

Chef Devert uses his classic French training along with his Greek and Italian background to prepare a menu of unique dishes as well as daily specials that run the gamut of French, Greek and even Thai cuisine. Chef Devert’s passion for his craft is evident as he busies himself between the kitchen and interacting with his customers, excitedly blending dishes and offering customers something creative and memorable that keeps them coming back for more. Must-try dishes include the eggplant parmigiana, Risotto al Funghi, lasagna, vongole white, homemade pizzas and the Veal Scalopina al Fungi. And don’t forget the fantastic chocolate mousse cake and authentic Tiramisu for dessert.

Pasta Vino offers unbeatable deals that make the high-quality cuisine even more irresistible–daily happy hour from 5-7 PM with 25% off drinks and dinner; “Buy One Get One 50% off Pizzas;” and delivery options that include a complimentary bottle of Italian wine with any order above $80.

Pasta Vino Offers lunch, dinner, happy hour and delivery and is located at 1624 NE 79th JFK Causeway, North Bay Village.

Hannya Sushi Joins Forces with St. John Bosco Clinic
On Thursday, September 24,Hannya Sushi joins forces with St. John Bosco Clinic (SJB Clinic) to create a special fundraiser to assist the underserved children and adults of Miami Dade. Come join Hannya for this one-time-only event benefiting SJB Clinic, a part of Sister of ST. Joseph of St. Augustine. This local organization, which last year assisted over 1,000 patients in our local area, depends on your generosity and donations to run successfully. Hannya is providing this heart-felt organization with 100% of the proceeds collected at the door and providing the patrons with special deals on some of the fan favorites; 1063 Brickell Plaza $5 entrance fee.

Peppa Pig’s First-ever U.S. Theatrical Tour
More fun than a muddy puddle! On the heels of strong U.S. ticket sales for its first leg of tour dates, and by popular demand, an additional 65 cities and 100 performances have been announced for Peppa Pig’s first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. Peppa Pig, star of Entertainment One’s (eOne) top-rated TV series, airing daily on Nick Jr., and her all-new live stage show will visit more than 90 cities through 2016 including the Fillmreo Miami Beach on Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 / 5:00p.m. Reserved Seat tickets for Peppa Pig’s first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 / 5PM are $42.50, $34.50 and $26.50. They go on sale Saturday, September 19th / 10AM at LiveNation.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000 and at the Fillmore Box Office during normal business hours (Mon. – Fri., 11AM – 6PM and during show days). All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, parking and service and handling charges. Citi® Cardmember and Facebook presale tickets, as well as “pink carpet“ VIP packages that include a meet and greet, will be available September 16 at 10:00 a.m. Citi® Cardmember Preferred Tickets and general public tickets are on sale beginning September 19. Fans can purchase tickets and find more information at www.peppapiglive.com.
Fashionably Conscious for Coconut Grove Cares
Fashionably Conscious, one of the most sought after fashion fundraising events in Miami, is heading to Cocowalk this year to celebrate its eighth annual fashion event. The event will take place from September 25-27 and feature discounted prices on gently used high-end designer items donated by some of Miami’s elite philanthropists and community leaders. This year, shoppers will be able to get their hands on items by Prada, Chanel, Chloe, Jimmmy choo, Gucci, and more! The best part? All proceeds go to Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard Center- a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children raised in poverty stricken homes in the historic West Coconut Grove; For more information visit www.fashionablyconscious.org.

Thompson Miami Beach Hosts Papaya Playa
This Saturday, Thompson Miami Beach is hosting a limited one-time Saturday pool party, Papaya Playa. Guest will enjoys $10 cocktail specials including Mint Juleps and Jalisco Mules while Dude Skywalker and Lazaro Casanova are spinning. That’s not all! Thompson Miami Beach recently announced its NEW FALL PROGRAMMING and partnership with experienced based concert production company III Points. Together, they created a banging lineup of events at the hotel’s 1930s House and its two pools, with live entertainment (bands, performers, DJs), taking place over the next three months.

Clarins Presents Mission Perfection and Spa Facial Specials
Celebrity Makeup Artist and Clarins Brand Ambassador, Dayan Herrera will present the latest revolution from the Clarins luxury line, Mission Perfection Serum, this week. Additionally, Clarins is offering $50 Spa Facials for the month of October at Nordstrom Merrick Park and Bloomingdale’s Aventura.

Libertine Downtown Miami
Introducing Libertine, downtown’s new bar where eclectic beats and renegade cocktails take center stage. Opened in Summer 2015 at 40 NE 11th Street, Libertine is a bar for the people; start the night sipping a proper Old Fashioned from an arm chair, bring in the new day swigging whisky on top of the bar’s Baby Grand, and if not for a dusting of glitter and memories of Iggy Pop piping from the DJ booth, forget everything that happened in between. With an interior harkening back to the glamorously decayed watering holes of turn of the century London, Libertine’s interior features eclectic décor like a floor covered in thousands of pennies, easy leather sofas a DJ booth fashioned from a repurposed Baby Grand piano, and an expansive cocktail bar featuring a comprehensive mixology program. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday’s from 9am until your heart desires; For more information visit www.libertinemiami.com.

1 Hotel South Beach Presents Music-centric Experience, 1Sound

The sophistication of the French Riviera is finally making its way to Miami Beach. 1 Hotel South Beach is thrilled to announce its new monthly music-centric experience, 1Sound. The intimate events will feature some of the world’s top DJs, in a chic, tropical setting. The first event will kick off on October 3rd, 2015 with famed headliner Lee Foss. Serge Devant, Pirate Stereo, and Santiago Caballero will also be performing throughout the day. This is an exclusive VIP event. Entry is determined by the doorman’s discretion. To guarantee access to this exclusive all-day experience, your party must reserve a table or a cabana at 1 Hotel Rooftop.
MISO Kicks Off 2015/2016 Season
The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) kicks off the 2015/2016 season at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall on Sunday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m., celebrating 10 years of leadership under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet. Single tickets are now on sale, and start at just $44. For more information, visit www.themiso.org or call (305) 275-5666.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

We suspected Byblos was going to be something extra special when we attended the opening celebration in June, which featured everything from exquisite bites and drinks to a full concert by Marina and the Diamonds; on-the-spot poets and an A-list crowd. But we had no idea just how extraordinary this jewel of a restaurant would be. Fast forward a month later and we were treated to one of the most elegant, unique and outstanding dining experiences to date. Most noteworthy is the attention to detail that is prevalent throughout the entire Byblos experience- from the attentive staff (Arturo spoiled us) to the beautiful and eclectic, traditional one-of plates and silverware to the rituals, such as the French press service- served in antique tea cups; tableside spirit infused cold tea trolley and the desserts which are served atop a silver platter. Read the rest of this entry »