By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

It’s no secret that we love swanky hotel stays. After all, who wouldn’t want to live just like Eloise at the Plaza? There’s no denying that one of the absolute, best parts of said stays, to quote Pretty Woman, is the “Room Service picnic.” Seriously, there’s just nothing more delicious after a long night of fun than having gourmet food delivered to your room- the squeaky wheels of the delivery cart, the giant silver domes concealing what will certainly be cause for remorse in the light of day…aaahhh, we digress… 

Now, thanks to Room Service Restaurant Lounge, one of the most unique restaurant/lounge concepts to date, you can delight in the fabulous food fest, complete with the feel of being at the hotel, without the hefty surcharges.  What makes Room Service so unique? Well it’s actually a restaurant and late-night lounge, disguised as a hotel- complete with a front desk where guests can “check-in,” sexy bellhops wearing gold spandex mini-skirts, French maids in fishnet stockings and butlers.  Yes, you get your own private butler.  After checking in you’ll be escorted to a private suite to feast on an extensive, eclectic menu served on room service carts, squeaky wheels and all!  Read the rest of this entry »

Rock of Ages on Stage 

Five-time 2009 Tony® nominee, ROCK OF AGES is an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on! ROCK OF AGES is part of the Broadway in Miami 2012-2013 subscription season and is made possible with the generous support of Bank of America and is presented by Florida Theatrical Association, Broadway Across America and the Adrienne Arsht Center. For tickets visit www.arshtcenter.org, or call the Box Office at 305.949.6722. 

Texas Tuesdays at Brother Jimmy’s 

Brother Jimmy and his Southern ways have brought finger-licking great BBQ to to Brickell and made quite an impression on the Brickell bar scene, by doing things a bit differently. In addition to the perfect ribs, cowboy steaks and brisket sliders, you can now work off that scrumptious grub line-dancing! Brother Jimmy’s BBQ Miami will continue to serve up their unique brand of Southern fun with the launch of “Texas Tuesdays, The Best Lil’ Honky Tonk in Miami.” Starting at 8:00 p.m., a crew of professional line dancers will provide a crash course on everything a newcomer needs to know to pull off the Texas Two-Step, Boot Scootin’ Boogie and even the Watermelon Crawl, in style. Whether a Yankee amateur or seasoned cowboy, with 2-for-1 drinks, and Miami’s Top Country DJ, DJ Risi spinning all of the Honky Tonk hits, Tuesday’s at Brother Jimmy’s Miami will be that something different you’ve been looking for!!

Noodles in the House 

Machiya Ramen Noodle House is the newest culinary addition to the Midtown neighborhood and is slated to open its doors next Monday, October 15. The name Machiya refers to wooden townhouses found throughout Japan where the front of the building traditionally served as the retail, shop or restaurant space. Situated on the ground floor of Mid Block East inside Shops at Midtown Miami, Machiya will serve Japanese comfort food and introduce a whole new dining experience to the area. The menu ranges from an array of small plates, innovative sashimi and unique salads such as Steamed Rock Shrimp Buns with Spicy Aioli, Tuna “Pizza”, Sweet Sake Roast Black Cod, Filet Mignon “Yukke” with Asian Pear, signature dishes including six types of ramen dishes and “Chawan Mushi”, Japanese Custard Chicken with Snow Crab and Black Truffle, Kim Chee Pork Belly with Crispy Shallots, and “Dote Nabe” Red Miso Braised Short Rib, among others. The cocktail menu offers classics with a twist, as well as original creations. Highlights include the Yuzu Drop with Ketel Citron, Japanese citrus and Cointreau; the Midtown Manhattan with Basil Hayden, fresh pineapple juice and tamarind water; and the Machiya, combining Double Cross Vodka, fresh pomegranate, Briottet Crème De Cassis and Prosecco. Machiya will offer Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with daily specials.The restaurant will operate Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.machiyamidtown.com, call 786.507.5025 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/machiyamidtown and twitter: @MachiyaMidtown.

Squat the District 

Young brands in fashion, art, and music, “Squat the District” during Art Walk, on Saturday, October 13, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., pinning what’s next and what’s fresh against the most iconic walls of art in the world. Located at 120 NW 25th Street, The Wynwood Squat joins more than 30 creatives to showcase what’s on trend including fashion apparel, accessories, vintage, and more. For now during Art Walk days, visitors to Miami and locals are invited to experience a new breed of retail that combines a community of designers and artists, monthly rotating art exhibits, sounds by DJ I.A.N., spirited mixology and bites, O Cinema crafted video installations, and the energy that nightlife in Wynwood can only provide. To add, at the launch of The Squat, a collaboration between Annie Vazquez, The Fashion Poet, and notable Photographer Alexander Tamargo, of Alta Images, will benefit The Florida Foundation for Breast Cancer with an unveil of their Fashion For a Cause Campaign and photo exhibit featuring 26 Miami Fashion Bloggers. 

Community Supper at the Light Box 

Miami Light Project will host a Community Supper at The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse on Saturday, October 13. The pot-luck style dinner will be an opportunity for art lovers to mix, mingle and get a sneak preview of the 2012-2013 Miami Light Project season.  Attendees will also be offered the opportunity to purchase tickets to the season’s shows before the program and ticket sales go live on the MLP website on October 14 as well as program artists. The Community Supper is limited to the first 100 RSVP’s. The event is open to the public but attendees are requested to bring a savory dish or baked goods for eight to ten people.  The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse located at 404 NW 26 Street in Wynwood.  Abundant street parking is available.

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013,  the hottest ticket in town this season was the formal, Mercedes-Benz–sponsored, invitation-only party to toast former French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book on Saturday, September 8 at the Frick Collection, for which tuxedos and long gowns were de rigueur.

Roitfeld mused, “It’s very different from my last party,” referring to the wild karaoke extravaganza she hosted last year at Westway NYC, a strip club on the West Side Highway for her Barneys campaign.  By contrast, this year’s party was set in the posh surroundings of the Frick Museum on the Upper East Side.  That’s not to say this wasn’t quite the bash, as evidenced by the din of broken champagne glasses, accompanied by laughter and applause and the pile of mile-high stilettos gathered in the center of the dance floor by the end of the night. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Fashionably Conscious Fundraising Sale

Hundreds of shoppers, including:  VIPs, socialites, and philanthropists raided the donated designer goods of Miami’s most elite crowd last week at the annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, raising almost $85,000 for Coconut Grove Cares, The Barnyard, a locally beloved and cherished community center which provides after school and community care services to families of the West Grove Community.  From Valentino and Giorgio Armani suits to Chanel dresses and Prada and Jimmy Choo shoes, Fashionably Conscious brought the best of the best to the generously donated space provided by Village of Merrick Park. The weekend began with a VIP sale where more than a hundred devoted shoppers lined up outside the space waiting for doors to open. By Sunday the fully stocked space was nearly cleared and little to nothing remained to be purchased. The fashionably conscious crowd sipped on champagne, shopped for a cause and mingled with Miami’s biggest trendsetters. Read the rest of this entry »

Heart Gallery Luncheon

On Friday, October 5, Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crabhouse at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale will open the entire restaurant for a unique sit-down pledge luncheon benefiting The Heart Gallery of Broward County, a traveling photography exhibit of foster children who are waiting to be permanently adopted. The public is invited to attend the special event, which will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. A pledge of $150 or more is suggested to attend the luncheon, benefitting The Heart Gallery. Truluck’s is also challenging donors to pledge $1000 or more – those who do will receive a $100 gift card for the restaurant. RSVPs are required for the event, and luncheon sponsorship opportunities are available. To RSVP and for more information, contact Jennifer Thomason, The Heart Gallery of Broward County Director of Development and Community Relations at 954.439.1916 or jennifer@heartgalleryofbroward.org.

Disney Cinderella Diamond Editon is a Girl’s Best Friend

For all those with fond childhood memories of the famous words “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!” the newest edition of the Disney Classic Cinderella will add dazzle to your collection. The beautifully re-mastered Diamond Edition DVD/Blu-Ray set radiates the beloved story with amazing digital imagery and high-definition sound; it’s hard to believe that the original film was released over 60 years ago. Children of all ages, as well as adults, will truly enjoy the feature film over and over again. It is a timeless piece of Disney artistry that will touch your heart and leave you with that familiar joyful feeling as Cinderella and her prince live happily ever after.  The Cinderella Diamond Edition includes: a two disc set (DVD and Blu-ray), the animated short film Tangled Ever After, and a behind the scenes look at the highly anticipated Princess Fantasyland. Get your copy quickly, before the clock strikes and time runs out! (Couldn’t resist!)

Fairchild’s Premier Bridal Event 

David Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens will soon be in full bloom with brides-to-be this Fall when it hosts its premier Bridal Event and Fashion Show on Thursday, October 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. Unlike any other bridal event in South Florida, Fairchild’s event presents guests with a true “Garden Wedding Experience,” as well as providing them with local resources to help make their special day truly unique. The highlight of the “Garden Wedding Experience” will be a fabulous runway fashion show that takes place in the breathtaking Bailey Palm Glade, Fairchild’s most popular location for wedding ceremonies. The fashion show will feature original bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses by Ella Bella Rozio the most elite Haute Couture house, dresses for the mother of the bride and children’s wear from Bloomingdales and menswear by Hugo Boss. Hair and makeup for the fashion show is generously provided by Brilliance New York, a salon and boutique that utilizes their own organic line of make-up, skin and hair care products. The Bridal Event will feature a cocktail lounge on the Garden House lawn where guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, sample a light dinner and indulge in sweet treats prepared by Fairchild’s preferred caterers including Chef David Schwadron, Fare to Remember Creative Catering, Lasso the Moon, Le Basque Catering, Macy’s Catering, Mena Catering, Theirry’s Catering and We’re Having A Party. Guests will also have the opportunity to peruse local vendors—ranging from full-service caterers and photographers to florists and linen rentals—that will be on site. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door. Each ticket admits two guests. Tickets are $40 for general admission in advance, $60 for VIP admission in advance and $50 for general admission at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.fairchildgarden.org/GardenWeddingExperience or Anna Brickner at 305.663.8058.  

 PLACE Kids Model Search

Calling all aspiring – and adorable – models, The Children’s Place is launching its second annual model search this fall to discover its next superstar. Does your little star shine for the camera? Submit a photo of your handsome little man or darling little girl, and he or she just might win a starring role in the upcoming photo shoot for The Children’s Place, as well as a $500 shopping spree. Simply visit http://childrensplace.promo.eprize.com/model2012/?affiliate_id=bloggerto upload your photo and vote on your favorite rising star. Each grand prize winner, along with two designated guardians, will receive round-trip air transportation to the glam set of The Children’s Place photo shoot, as well as a $500 gift card to spend on all the latest styles. Additionally, one entrant will be randomly selected each day to receive a $50 gift card to The Children’s Place, and one lucky bonus sweeps winner will receive a $500 gift card at the end of the contest. 

A Stone Crab Dinner Deal

Stone crabs lovers are invited to dip and dance every Friday, beginning October 19, at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort with an all-you-can-eat stone crab dinner for only $55 per person accompanied by live DJ.  Just a “stones” throw-away from the ocean, Kitchen 305 will serve-up claws in batches of five, accompanied by a choice of steaming soup, a crisp Caesar or the signature house salad, freshly baked bread and savory sides including herb-roasted, red bliss potatoes and corn on the cob. Whether its butter, mustard or lemon that’s the sauce of choice, Kitchen 305 invites seafood lovers to come “get their dip on.” This seasonal supper club party books quickly and guests are encouraged to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. To reserve visit: http://www.kitchen305miami.com/.

Miami Seaquarium ‘Hopetober’

Miami Seaquarium will go pink this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as it welcomes its guests with the opportunity to make a $5 contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and receive half off regular general admission. The offer is valid from October 1 through October 31. To participate, guests may visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form. Miami Seaquarium is a sponsor of the 2012 Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race For the Cure® that will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Bayfront Park in Miami, for more information visit www.komenmiaftl.org. Also, during Totally Teachers Weekend, Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14, Miami-Dade and Broward County teachers, in both private and public schools, will receive complimentary admission to Miami Seaquarium; plus a discount for up to four guests at half- off of regular admission. Teachers must show a valid school ID card or pay stub along with a picture ID to redeem discount. 

Breast Health Week at Canyon Ranch

The Power of PINK: To celebrate this month’s breast cancer awareness campaign, The Salon at Canyon Ranch is offering Complimentary polish changes using the INPINK collection infused with Bamboo for strong, beautiful, healthy nails. 20% of the proceeds of the In Pink collection sales will be donated to Cancer Schmancer. Every bottle of lacquer has a pink ribbon charm attached.  Healthy Makovers: Chemical free makeovers using Mineral makeup.  OMG My Legs Feel Great!: Your lower legs and feet will feel light as a feather with their 2-step treatment using Omega-Body Buff, their paraben-free scrub made with natural micro-ground pumice and omega-rich Sweet Almond Oil, followed by a mini massage with Lucky Legs cooling leg gel that glides on to instantly soothe weary limbs from knees to tip toes. Made with a blend of safe, essential plant oils, Lucky Legs will leave a super-subtle shimmer on your shins and a spring in your step. Clarisonic a Day Takes the Stress Away: See what a difference Clarisonic can make….healthy, radiant skin. Come in and enjoy a Skin treatment starting with a cleansing that leaves the skin six times better than manual cleansing alone, followed by a sonic infusion treatment that will help diminish fine lines and reduce puffiness. The sonic micro-massaging provides your first defense against anti-aging and can also help relax tension at the end of the day.

BLEAU GOES PINK RETURNS OCTOBER 2012 

Fontainebleau Miami Beach proudly announces the return of “Bleau Goes Pink” in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, the legendary Miami Beach resort will once again partner with the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to help raise funds for breast cancer research and increase awareness for the disease by offering “Dine for the Cure” menus at the resort’s AAA Four Diamond signature restaurants, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta.  For the fourth year in a row, these restaurants will offer special $45 three-course prix fixe dinner menus in which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Each participating restaurant will also offer the option of menu wine pairings for an additional $20 or $30. “Dine for the Cure” dinner menus are available Sunday-Thursday throughout the month of October and discounted valet parking ($12 with validation) will be available to diners.  For reservations, call (877) 326-7412.