By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Dubbed “the party of the summer,” the annual Miami Celebrity Domino Night, benefiting Amigos for Kids drew a crowd of 1,700 supporters to Jungle Island on June 20, for a steamy party filled with food, fun, fanfare, dancing and of course, fierce domino competitions.

The party began with a blue carpet on Jungle Island’s first level, where celebrities and television personalities, including actress Elizabeth Gutierrez, Mexican actor Khotan, Univision Network anchor Maria Elena Salinas, Venezuelan actress Sonya Smith, Primer Impacto anchor Pamela Silva-Conde, singer Pablo Argenis, and Mexican TV host Maggie Jiménez posed and mingled with guests. Throughout the first floor of the venue, food stands from various restaurants and catering firms prepared delightful treats for partygoers. Our favorite? A Joy Wallace’s buttermilk fried chicken. Other standouts included Donut Divas’ fried Oreos in red velvet donuts (don’t judge!) and the Café & Sweets Bistro by Café La Carreta and Versailles Restaurant. Presenting sponsor Bacardí U.S.A. kept guests well-hydrated with free-flowing cocktails. Read the rest of this entry »

COMO Shambhala Urban Escape 

Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach, the inaugural hotel property in the U.S by COMO Hotels and Resorts, invites enthusiasts and aficionados of holistic health to experience COMO’s award-winning wellness and spa concept for the months of July and August, at the hotel’s COMO Shambhala Urban Escape during the spa’s participation in Miami Spa Month 2015. Located on the hotel’s eighth floor, COMO Shambhala Urban Escape will offer a broad selection of the most popular and diverse signature treatments to choose from – all at exclusively reduced rates from July 1 through August 31. Local South Florida residents receive 15% off any treatment 60 minutes or longer on the full COMO Shambhala Treatment Menu (not combined with any other promotion).  COMO Shambhala follows a healthy living philosophy that takes its inspiration from mythological roots: in ancient Buddhists texts. “Shambhala” refers to the center of peace and harmony in Sanskrit. Reservations at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach can be made by calling 305-695-3600 or emailing met.mia@comoshambhala.com. For more information on COMO Shambhala, visit www.comoshambhala.com.

Nikki Beach Miami Does the 4^th of July 

Nikki Beach Miami, the quintessential South of France style beach club known for it’s joie de vivre and larger than life celebrations does 4th of July the good, old American way – with explosive beats, over-the-top BBQ, and a massive fireworks display across the South Beach sky. Celebrated at each of the twelve Nikki Beach locations across the world, Fourth of July Nikki Beach-style has become legendary. This year, IndepenDance DJ’s include Boris, Cocodrills, Vanjee, Patrick M, ALX, Allan Gallego, Bill Kelly, Donnie Lowe, Carabetta & Doon, Thinking of Us, Chiri, Yander Delgado and surprise guests take to the decks, leading guests into hours of dance floor revelry.

Beachside, guests can feast on the ultimate BBQ featuring eight kinds of burgers – from The St. Tropez Foie Gras Burger, featuring seared foie gras, sautéed mushrooms and a fried egg, to the ‘Meeerrrica Burger featuring American cheese and pork belly bacon smashed between two glazed donuts – and many more. Also on the menu are a variety of foot-long hot dogs smothered in chili and slaw, and Chef Frank’s famous truffle fries, fried macaroni and cheese balls and many more. The night is complete with a massive fireworks show – one of only two that take place directly on South Beach – exclusively for Nikki Beach guests who can recline on the beach club’s luxurious day beds or sit with their toes in the sand teepee-side while watching the night sky.

IndepenDANCE takes place July 4th from noon til 11pm and is 21+. Tickets start at $20.00 and burgers start at $10.00. For more information visit www.independance.com. Nikki Beach is located at One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach FL. www.nikkibeach.com.

Passion at First Bite with Chef Jenny Patrizia at Kitchen 305

Kitchen 305, located in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, is spicing up Tuesday nights in South Florida with a new culinary experience that will leave participants craving for more. This summer celebrity chef and aphrodisiac culinary guru, Jenny Patrizia, world-renowned as the Sexy Nutritionist, will be raising the temperature at Kitchen 305 as she teaches classes on how to create healthy aphrodisiac meals, succulent desserts and delectable drinks. Passion at First Bite, a company founded by the Sexy Nutritionist, specializes in unique, fun, sexy cooking classes that only use aphrodisiac ingredients. Couples, groups and singles can participate in the class for only $37.50 a person. Classes are every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Kitchen 305; For reservations, call 305.749.2110.

For the first time, CoZara is offering a Hamachi dinner as a unique summer delicacy prepared by Chef Phila Lorn. The dish costs $250 and will feed six to eight people. The hamachi is salt roasted and comes with three varieties of hamachi maki including: yellowtail jalapeño mango, yellowtail scallion and spicy crunchy yellowtail. The hamachi is served with three accompanying sauces, including ponzu, Hiro’s spicy sauce and mango mint. Grated daikon, soy pickled jalapeños and grilled lemon are served alongside each dish. A limited number of Hamachi Platters will be available each day, and must be reserved 24 hours in advance by calling CoZara at 267.233.7488.

CoZara is located at 33rd and Chestnut Streets in Chestnut Square.

Maximum Flavor Social by Chef Adrianne Calvo

Award winning Chef Adrianne Calvo is scheduled to team up withBarnes & Noblethis Friday June 26, for an interactive book signing event for her latest cook book, #MaximumFlavorSocial. Event will feature bite sized portions of her award winning dishes and a Q & A where foodies can get insight on how to add #Maximumflavor into their own kitchen.  Event will take place at the West Kendall location at 7:00p.m. Chef Adrianne recently appeared as a celebrity judge at the Grand Cochon presented by Cochon 555 in Aspen, Colorado along with Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern choosing the winner of the best whole Heritage Breed Pigs.

 Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice Takes Over Miami

This summer, Barcelona takes over Miami with the Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice experience, featuring original 3-course meals prepared by 25 of Miami’s top chefs inspired by flavors of the Mediterranean. Each menu will be unique to each participating venue, but they will all include pulpo (octopus) in the main dish and will be paired with Estrella Damm, brewed in Barcelona with Mediterranean ingredients since 1876. Available from June 20 to July 5, the 3-course menus will range in price from $30 to $52 and offer the participating chefs an opportunity to showcase their creative talents and push their boundaries with the pulpo and Estrella Damm pairing. Staying true to its strong gastronomic ties, The Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice menus will bring a one-of-a-kind experience, where pulpo (octopus) entrée will be the main attraction and include an appetizer and dessert.

Participating venues include: Barceloneta (Miami Beach and South Miami), Bin18 Bistro & Beer Loft, Bulla Gastrobar, Cena by Michy, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, Fooq’s, Jimmy’z Kitchen Wynwood, Joey’s Italian Cafe, Klima Restaurant and Bar, La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Morgans Restaurant, Novecento (Aventura, Brickell, Key Biscayne and Midtown locations), Ortanique on the Mile, Perfecto, Segafredo Brickell, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, Tapas y Tintos, The Embassy, Tongue & Cheek, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar and Xixón.

All-American Summer Fest at Miller’s Ale House 

Miller’s Ale House and some of its talented restaurant employees have created a new summer food and beverage menu called the All-American Summer Fest, designed to remind guests of backyard BBQs and the fix’ins. The All-American Summer Menu promotion includes a chance to win a trip for two to the Budweiser Made In America concert. In addition, Miller’s Ale House employees will be honoring All-American civil servants including police, fire fighters and EMS with discounts and treats in addition to the 25% off they receive year-round. For more information about Miller’s Ale House All-American Summer Fest, visit millersalehouse.com.

Miami Spice Mash-Ups

To celebrate the 14^th Annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program, taking place from August 1 to September 30, 2015, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is bringing back last year’s sold-out series of exclusive Miami Spice Mash-Ups. The beloved mash-ups will once again unite chefs for a night filled with indulgent dishes from their upcoming Miami Spice menus. The first of two chef collaborative dinners will take place on Tuesday, June 30, when James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein hosts esteemed Chef Michael Pirolo of South Beach’s Italian dining destination Macchialina at CENA by Michy. Together, the two will serve an enticing three-course meal of duos, previewing menu items from their respective Miami Spice menus.  This first Mash-Up of the 2015 season will be a rare opportunity for foodies and Miami Spice devotees to have a sneak taste of what is sure to be two of the hottest Spice menus.  Seating is limited to 70 attendees; reservations must be made in advance and can be done so by calling (305) 759-2001 or logging on to  www.CenabyMichy.com. 

4^th Annual BBQ Series

Back by popular demand, The Dutch at W South Beach Hotel & Residences will host its annual Bourbon, Beer and ‘Cue July dining series. Featuring a summer filled with the best BBQ Miami’s top chefs have to offer, the weekly event will take place every Wednesday evening in July from 7PM to close in The Dutch’s very own backyard, the Grove.Each week, Chef de Cuisine Conor Hanlon will team up with a rotating list of guest chefs and mixologists to craft a mouth-watering BBQ feast served family-style, featuring seasonal pies and summer sweet treats by pastry chef Josh Gripper. Kicking off on Wednesday, July 1, Hanlon will team up with Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Miami for tantalizing feast of classic smokey southern BBQ with all the fixins. Tickets to the weekly BBQ series are $40 per person, including tax and gratuity; excluding beverages. In addition to refreshing bourbon libations, The Dutch will also partner with local breweries to highlight several limited small batch brews perfect for the summer BBQ season.

Pazzo Ristorante has taken traditional Italian cuisine and enhanced it with a new age culinary twist all being lead by Chef Fabrizio Romani. His venture into fine Italian dining began in 2001 with a wildly successful restaurant in Caracas, Venezuela. Pazzo is conveniently located in between the Brickell and Coral Gables area. Customers know they will be receiving only the finest and freshest local and imported Italian ingredients when they dine at Pazzo. The restaurant offers entrees such as Linguini al Boccato di Cadinale which includes linguini with shrimp topped with asparagus, arugula and mushrooms; their delicious Involtino di Pollo alle Mandorle, the Gnocchi di Spinaci su Fonduta di Brie Tartufato, a spinach gnocchi with molten brie cheese and truffle sauce to die for. Not only is Pazzo a great authentic experience of delicious Italian cuisine, but you can come and enjoy multiple special events throughout the week, like the Viva La Pasta every Tuesday where you can choose from their different homemade pastas for only $10.99 all day long or Celebrate Wine Wednesdays with your friends where select wine bottles are 50% off for ladies. Hours of operation: 12:00PM – 10:30PM Monday through Saturday.

Buena Onda Offers Online Ordering 

Buena Onda is now offering online ordering through their website www.buenaondatacos.com. Orders placed on-line are typically ready in 20 minutes or less for guests wishing to carry-out the Baja-Inspired deliciousness at home, work or wherever the day leads. Guests can also plan ahead for future pick up. Buena Onda continues to offer delivery via Caviar (www.trycaviar.com). The house specialty is fish tacos, featuring Atlantic mahi mahi and jumbo Pacific shrimp. Other favorites include carnitas tacos, chicken tacos and mission-style quesadillas. Fish is fresh, sustainably sourced, and chosen in partnership with seafoodwatch.org. 50 cents from every guacamole and bottled water purchase
will go to the Garces Foundation. Founded in 2012, the Garces Foundation is an IRS registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that raises funds to provide Philadelphia’s immigrant community access to the care and education they need.

The Fifth Annual Burger Brawl

The Fifth Annual Burger Brawl takes place this Sunday, June 14 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at XFINITY Live! 60+ restaurants will compete to win the title of Best Burger and raise funds to increase literacy through technology for Philadelphia’s children. The Brawl funds literacy programming through technology for Philadelphia’s underserved children in public elementary schools. The event has raised more than $500,000 in the last four years for the cause. Tickets for the event are $35 for general admission, $100 for VIP. Open to all ages. Free for children 10 and under. Tickets are available at www.phillyburgerbrawl.com

Competitors:

Aldine, Baby Blues BBQ, Bank & Bourbon, Barbuzzo, Bareburger, Beast and Ale, Bierstube, Blue Duck Sandwich Co., Bridget Foy’s, Brigid’s, Brittingham’s, Bru Craft & Wurst, Butcher and Singer, Circles, City Tap House, The Dandelion, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Dettera, Dog and Bull House, Ela, Eulogy Belgian Tavern, Fat Jack’s BBQ,

Good Dog, Harvest Seasonal Grill, Hip City Veg, The Industry, Iron Hill Brewery, Jerry’s Bar, JJ Bootleggers, Kildare’s Irish Pub, La Peg, Lo Spiedo, London Grill, Lucky’s Last Chance, Masters Bar & Restaurant, Misconduct Tavern, New Wave Café, Nick’s Roast Beef in Old City, P’Unk Burger, Pacific Prime, Parc, Paesanos, Prohibition Taproom Prime Stache, Red Star Craft House, Rex 1516, Rogues Gallery Bar, Smiths, South Bowl, Spot Burgers, Taproom on 19^th, Tredici, Twisted Tail, Village Whiskey, Vintage Wine Bar and Zavala. Rouge and 500 Degrees will participate but will not compete.

CoZara Introduces New 3,4,5 Happy Hour

This week brings a new happy hour menu to CoZara, Chef Zama Tanaka’s Izakaya at 33^rd and Chestnut Streets. The menu is available Monday-Friday from 4:00-close, downstairs. The outdoor patio on the second floor will remain available for dining only. The menu includes a value-based sipping and snacking menuHappy Hour offered Monday-Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Featuring $4 draft beer, $6 house red and white wine, $8 specialty cocktails and $5 tartines, cheese and charcuterie.

Garces Trading Company

Garces Trading Company completed its transition to a full service, refined, neighborhood Bistro offering the best of Spain, France and Italy.  Chef de Cuisine Kyle Baddorf is offering new brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour menus effective now. Garces Trading Company originally opened in 2010 as a multi-purpose space with a gourmet market featuring house-made and imported foods sold under the Garces Trading Company label, coffee service to go and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s first wine boutique. The restaurant has evolved over recent years and is now officially the casual, comfortable and chic bistro the neighborhood craves.