Amigo For Kids 2016 Miami Celebrity Domino Night

Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, will host the 2016 Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle Island in Miami. Referred to as South Florida’s most anticipated annual fundraiser, Miami Celebrity Domino Night is an evening dedicated to raising funds and creating awareness about child abuse and neglect. The night features the renowned celebrity blue carpet, celeb domino players, bar courtesy of presenting sponsor Bacardí U.S.A., an impressive silent auction, live entertainment, South Florida culinary fare and much more.

The event’s silent auction will include original art by local South Florida talent, weekend getaway packages, high-end spa and beauty packages, gift certificates to area restaurants and much more. Guests will enjoy live performances by the Groove Republik Band, Locos por Juana and DJ Irie.

Among the noted celebrities and local personalities expected to attend this year’s event are confirmed Celebrity Chairs Telemundo’s Al Rojo Vivo anchor María Celeste-Arrarás and Edith Gonzalez and the Miami Heat’s official disc jockey DJ Irie.

Clinique’s “Summer in Clinique” Food Truck Heads to Miami, Florida

The leading cosmetics brand is popping up at various locations across the city of Miami. Guests will get to indulge in their choice of ice cold popsicles created by Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co. and inspired by Clinique’s new Lip Pop Colour Collection. Pop Artist, Zara Larsson has partnered up with Clinique to create the industry’s first interactive music video at PlayWIthPop.com. The inspiration is derived from the truth that a Lip Colour can change a woman’s entire mood and emotion. The Summer in Clinique Truck will encourage women to play with color and be their own Pop Star. Once beauty junkies test the latest shades from the newly launched collection at the Lip Pop Bar, they can jump in front of the camera, show off their new look and create a unique selfie GIF. Along with the Lip Pop Colour Collection, Clinique will also be previewing its summer collection.

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, June 10:

10am – 1pm: Dadeland Mall; near the Food Court entrance and Macy’s (7535 N Kendall Dr, Kendall, FL 33156)

2pm – 4pm: International Mall; near the Food Court entrance and Macy’s (1455 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33172)

6pm – 8pm: Westland Mall; Macy’s south entrance (1675 W 49th St, Hialeah, FL 33012)

Saturday, June 11:

10am – 1pm: Town Center at Boca Raton; entrance between Bloomingdales and Crate & Barrel (6000 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431)

2pm – 4pm: The Falls; main entrance parking lot off 136th St, near Talbot & Chico’s (8888 SW 136th St, Miami, FL 33176)

6pm – 8pm: Wynnwood Art Walk; Parking Lot A off NW 2nd Ave between NW 22nd St & NW 22nd Ln (2219 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127)

SOCIAL: @Clinique, #SummerinClinique

Mama Mia Italian Ristorante, Has An Amazing NEW Friday Surf or Turf Special Starting June 10^th

Every Friday at 6pm starting this week, guests at Mama Mia can choose to indulge in either sea or land! From the sea, Mama Mia is serving all-you-can-eat garlic Alaskan Snow Crabs with a side of linguine with a homemade crab marinara sauce — a seafood paradise! From the land, enjoy a whopping 1 1/4 lb. Filet Mignon Chateaubriand style served on top of golden roasted potatoes, mushrooms and caramelized onions. Both options are priced at $34.95 per person, a deal that will have your wallet as full as your stomach, and with an all-you-can-eat option and 1 1/4 lb. steak, that means really full. Being an Italian and family-style dish restaurant, it’s no surprise Mama Mia never lets you leave hungry.

Sundays Were Made For Asado

The Sunday Asado at Los Fuegos brings the remarkable Argentine culinary culture to Miami and offers a special family style menu envisioned by Chef Francis Mallmann, South America’s most celebrated and beloved chef. With a variety of dishes such as Empanadas, Pink Grapefruit Salad, Wood Oven Pizza, Giant Prawns and more, the asado (an outdoor, open-fire barbeque enjoyed by friends and family) menu captures the rich spirit of South American cooking and promises a memorable meal marked by vibrant flavors. During the Sunday Asado experience, diners will also enjoy live music performed by Javier Garcia. The Sunday Asado is $75 per person for adults and $35 for children ages 5-12.

South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry

Gearing up for its 28th year, South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry – the region’s premier culinary benefit featuring top chefs from Miami-Dade and Broward counties – will showcase over 80 of the hottest restaurants from Dade and Broward counties, top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists and an impressive array of auction items. On Friday, June 17, from 7PM (6PM VIP) to 10PM, the annual event migrates to Wynwood’s artsy neighborhood and takes place at Soho Studios, a 50,000 square-foot warehouse that will transform into a foodie oasis where top restaurants will showcase their concepts’ delectable bites. The soirée continues in Wynwood with an exclusive after party for VIP ticketholders and chef participants at R House, the vibrant restaurant and gallery, from 10:30PM to midnight. While dishes will differ with bountiful savory and sweet options, one thing will remain the same: the evening’s goal to raise money for No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.  In addition to tasty bites and libations, Taste of the Nation 2016 will also feature a curated silent auction with one-of-a-kind packages, a mystery wine grab, and interactive elements such as a Citi lounge – featuring hand crafter cocktails, an LG Farm-to-Table Kitchen activation, an “Urban Beer Garden” – curated by Events on the Loose – with a selection of South Florida’s iconic local brews and a Plinko game board with cool prizes.

General admission tickets are priced at $125 per person. VIP tickets are priced at $250 per person and provide access to the event one hour before the doors open as well as admission to the after party. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: NoKidHungry.org/SouthFlorida.

2016 Miami Spice Mash-Up/Mix-Up Dinner Series Returns

In its 15^th year, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)’s Miami Spice Restaurant Program is kicking off the summer with its exclusive Miami Spice Mash-Ups. The popular dinners will once again unite some of the city’s most beloved chefs for a night filled with indulgent dishes previewing their upcoming Miami Spice menus. The one-of-a-kind culinary experiences will also feature enticing libations by Diageo, Stella Artois and Terrazas wines.

The first collaborative dinner will take place on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 7PM in Miami’s hippest neighborhood, Wynwood, with two of the city’s most celebrated rising stars – Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef honoree, Brad Kilgore of Alter; and Chef/Owner, Brian Nasajon of the acclaimed eatery Beaker & Gray. Together, the two will serve an enticing three-course meal of duos, previewing menu items from their respective Miami Spice menus. Seating is limited to 50 seats; reservations must be made in advance and can be done so by calling (305) 699-2637. Price is $65 per person (excluding tax, tip and additional beverage purchases) and includes a Welcome Cocktail by Beaker & Gray’s mixologist Ben Potts sponsored by Diageo featuring specialty cocktails made with Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio, Zacapa Rum and Ketel One Vodka. During dinner, guests will have the choice of a glass of Terrazas red or white wine and a chalice of Stella Artois. Information on the July Mash-Up will be released at a later date. Beaker & Gray is located in Wynwood at 2637 N. Miami Ave. Dinner begins promptly at 7PM.  For more information on the Miami Spice Restaurant Program please visit iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

Celebrate Sushi Day at O’Lima

O’Lima Miami celebrates International Sushi Day with a complimentary order of signature rolls between 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 17. Just minutes from Bay Harbour Shops, guests at the upscale Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant choose between two rolls, each added to the menu, at full price, for the weekend. The Ceviche Roll ($16) includes Mahi Mahi marinated in aji amarillo chile sauces and topped with crispy onions, while the Glazed Duck Roll ($14) is a fusion between Peruvian and Japanese sushi with glazed duck, avocado and sweet potato. (1052 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor, FL 33154; (305) 864-4392)

Cheesesteaks for Charity at Pat’s King of Steaks to Benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation  

In an effort to join the fight against childhood cancer, Pat’s King of Steaks Guest Chef Series will feature Master Mixologist Owen Rothstein’s lemon-inspired sandwich to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation on Thursday, June 9 from 11 AM – 4 PM. The event will also feature a lemonade stand hosted by the local Ventresca family. Pat’s King of Steaks Guest Chef Series brings special cheesesteaks from celebrity chefs for great causes. Guest chef Owen Rothstein will cook up a delicious and mildly healthy, lemon pepper ribeye tossed with pan-roasted sunchokes, emerald kale and tart, dried cherries topped with Tavoliere cheese whiz. The “wit” option comes with shallot-lemon confit. Each cheesesteak is $10, which will be matched by Pat’s King of Steaks to benefit ALSF. Culinary excellence provided by Chef Dr. Neil Gottlieb. Philanthropic generosity provided by Frankie Olivieri. Members of the City Representative’s Office will be in attendance. Each cheesesteak is $10, which will be matched by Pat’s King of Steaks. 

 The Food Truck Border Brawl

On June 11, some of the Garden State’s finest food trucks will go head to head with the Keystone State’s most creative mobile food eateries in the inaugural Food Truck Border Brawl at SteelStacks. The event, which takes place from noon-7 p.m., will feature eight food trucks from the New Jersey Food Truck Association going up against eight food trucks from the Greater Lehigh Valley Mobile Food Alliance and Philadelphia Mobile Food Association, with the winning truck taking home the “Best Overall Food Truck” Award and earning bragging rights for his or her state for the entire year. Tickets for the Food Truck Border Brawl, which takes place at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, are $8 in advance and $10 day of the event and go on sale today, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org and 610-332-3378. A special VIP Pass, which includes a Mu sikfest 2016 Mug and early access to the Border Brawl from 11 a.m.-noon to enjoy all of the food trucks without the crowds, is $21 in advance and $23 day of the event. All proceeds from Border Brawl ticket sales will go to support the nonprofit ArtsQuest’s free music, arts and education programming for the region, including Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the nation, set for Aug. 5-14.

11^TH Annual Great Chefs Event

On Tuesday, June 14, more than 45 of the best chefs from across the country and around the world will convene in Philadelphia for the 11th annual Great Chefs Event hosted by the Vetri Family restaurants and Vetri Community Partnership. The event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. More than 1,200 guests will gather from 6-9 p.m. at the beautiful Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s corporate campus in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard for the culinary event of the year. The party will continue into the night at the equally in-demand After Party at Lo Spiedo for chefs, sponsors and VIP ticketholders. General admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale at www.vetricommunity.org.

Miami Fashion Week

Miami Fashion Week takes on a whole new form with honorary President Antonio Banderas featuring an impressive roster of Runway Shows and Master Classes with leading industry taste-makers from June 2-5, 2016 at Ice Palace Studios; for more information visit: www.Miamifashionweek.com.

#SpaceScooterMovement 

On June 5 at Marlins Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Space Scooter® (www.spacescooter-usa.com) is embarking on a nationwide tour with their highly anticipated Coast to Coast Challenge to get kids off the couch and set off for an adventure. Encouraging kids to embark on the #SpaceScooterMovement and tracking the total combined miles at each event, the tour will introduce America to a brand new way of “scooting.”  At the event, kids will be able to experience a Space Scooter® for themselves as they’ll ride on a custom made track, complete with a mix of terrain and US landmarks.  Each child’s ride time will be filmed, tracked and added to the official Space Scooter® Coast to Coast Challenge accumulator, which will display the cumulative distance covered throughout the tour. Already a sensation all across Europe and a smash hit at the American International Toy Fair, the Space Scooter® is a multi-functional scooter that provides not only hours, but also years of entertainment for anyone that loves being outside and engaged in active play. Featuring a patented design that is faster than a traditional kick scooter and an easier transportation vehicle than a bike, Space Scooter® is propelled forward by an up and down teeter-totter motion, the key feature of its unique design.

Sokai Sushi Bar

Inspired by artisanal culinary traditions from Peru and Japan, Executive Chef Nilton Castillo uses his extensive experiences and training to deliver international flavors to the table.   His diverse menu combines Peruvian and Japanese cuisine to create the Nikkei fusion menu that foodies have grown to love through restaurants like Nobu and others worldwide. Located at 10726 NW 74^th Street in Doral and 10141 West Flagler Street.

Miami Design District and Genuine Summer Series Presented by Lynx Grill and Cadillac

Sundown grill-outs, picnics, and movies…summer is truly here. On Friday, June 10^th from 6-9pm Lynx Grill and Cadillac present Sundown Grillout with James Beard Award Winning Chef and owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, Michael Schwartz. Enjoy a three-course dinner prepared on a state-of-the-art Lynx grill, wine pairing and the opportunity to dine as the sun goes down in the heart of Miami’s Design District. As the face of the South Florida Restaurant Industry and recognized for his incredible seasonal food sourcing, Michael Schwartz will be showcasing dishes he enjoys grilling at home on his Lynx outdoor kitchen. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour of tray-passed wine & hors d’oeuvres, followed by a seated dinner comprised of seasonal and tropical inspired dishes. This event is the first of a Summer Series of exclusive culinary experiences held at the Design District, focusing on good food, good company, and the art of grilling.  For more information visit: https://thegenuinekitchen.com/miami-design-district-x-genuine-summer-series/

Jose Garces Kicks Off Summer School Culinary Classes!

Summer School at Volvér kicks off with the culinary opportunity of a lifetime! Join Iron Chef Jose Garces when he leads an intimate master-class for 12 lucky students. Guests will work alongside the James Beard award winner to prepare a menu of recipes selected by Chef Garces himself. This hands-on lesson will feature tips, techniques and tools straight from the modern master of Latin cuisine. Currently, Chef Garces is the owner and operator of more than a dozen restaurants across the country, plus a thriving event planning division and 40-acre Luna Farm. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most gifted chefs and restaurateurs! $225/person. For tickets and the full schedule of events visit volverrestaurant.com.

Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection at the Philadelphia Art Museum

This month the Philadelphia Museum of Art will open a major exhibition entitled Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection. The exhibition will present one of this country’s finest collections of contemporary art, which includes outstanding works by some of the most influential European and American artists of the past half century, including Jasper Johns, Howard Hodgkin, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, Brice Marden, Bruce Nauman, Gabriel Orozco, Charles Ray, and Cy Twombly. Many of these works have either been donated to the Museum or pledged as promised gifts.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fundraiser Lemonade Days 

2016 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lemon Roll Benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation 

In her continuing efforts to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer, Leeann Morris is hosting the 2016 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lemon Roll during Alex’s Lemonade Days on Sunday, June 5 through Sunday, June 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Leeann has been busy recruiting other academies, gyms and sponsors to participate in the Lemon Roll. Her national network of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners will participate by holding their own fundraising events to raise money toward her goal of $4,000. The event will take place at World Class Martial Arts located at 2133 Macdade Boulevard.

Alex’s Original Lemonade Stand

Each June, on the Saturday of Alex’s Lemonade Days weekend, Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand is held. The stand invites Alex’s family, friends and all supporters of the battle against childhood cancer to an event complete with lemonade, food, games, crafts, face-painting, music and raffles. The inspiring event, held at Penn Wynne Elementary where Alex attended, includes a butterfly release to celebrate the lives of all children fighting cancer as well as those who lost their life to the disease. This year the stand will take place on June 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Alex’s “Original” is presented by Country Time and Volvo, with additional support from GEICO local office of Wynnewood, PA, Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms, Sila Heating & Air Conditioning, Dr. Ian Thomas-Springfield Orthodontics and Sabrina’s Café. The event is free to attend, but supporters can purchase Alex’s All Access passes, including a t-shirt, to cover all donations for activities and food; for more information visit: www.alexslemonade.org.

11^th Annual Great Chefs Event

On Tuesday, June 14, more than 45 of the best chefs from across the country and around the world will convene in Philadelphia for the 11th annual Great Chefs Event hosted by the Vetri Family restaurants and Vetri Community Partnership. The event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. More than 1,200 guests will gather from 6-9 p.m. at the beautiful Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s corporate campus in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard for the culinary event of the year. The party will continue into the night at the equally in-demand After Party at Lo Spiedo for chefs, sponsors and VIP ticketholders. General admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale at www.vetricommunity.org.

In addition to the stellar selection of food and drink, guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items. Auction items include one-of-kind culinary experiences, such as private dinners with participating chefs, hard-to- get concert tickets, autographed memorabilia, and much more.

At the Great Chefs Event After Party at Lo Spiedo, VIP ticketholders and sponsors of the event will have the exclusive opportunity to rub elbows with all of the event’s talented chefs in a laid back setting. Acclaimed barbecue chef Adam Perry Lang will be behind the grill once again, joined for the first time by James Bead Award Outstanding Chef finalist Michael Solomonov who will be representing Federal Donuts. After Party guests can also count on additional bites from select food trucks and vendors, as well as specialty cocktails and entertainment. Read the rest of this entry »