By: Maryanne Salvat

Miami International Film Festival

Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival, the only major film festival worldwide produced by a college or university, is celebrating its 32nd edition. Running March 6 – 15, the 10-day annual event takes place at the Festival’s traditional home, the historic Olympia Theater at Gusman Center in downtown, plus six additional cinemas scattered across The Magic City; and includes a plethora of screenings, stylish parties, thoughtful panel discussions, spirited film competitions, awards ceremonies and immersive cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers attending from across the globe. This year’s Festival showcases 125 films, including 94 feature films and documentaries, 18 short films, 11 student films and 2 works-in-progress, produced and directed by both renowned and emerging talent from 40 countries. The Festival is pleased to announce numerous important premieres: 14 World, 6 International, 22 North American and 12 US premieres, debuting in Miami. General admission for each film is $13, but prices range for all events and packages. For more information, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM(3456). To purchase tickets, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com/program/ .

World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship

Taking place March 4-8, the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship is more than a world-class event featuring the greatest golfers from across the globe – it is also a must-attend international social event that brings the worlds of fashion, music and entertainment to one of the finest resorts, Trump National Doral.  Cadillac Miami Nights is the newly-named platform for the series of nightlife events during tournament week, notably the Dolce & Gabbana fashion experience on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Carlos Santana concert on Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m. The Championship also introduces enhanced culinary and hospitality offerings with the Escalade Lounge, GREY GOOSE Vodka 19^th Hole Lounge, Cadillac Experience Double Decker, Burger & Beer Joint, six local food trucks, and more.Visit www.CadillacChampionship.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Honey Bug Run/Walk

Philanthropist and founder of Honey Shine Mentoring Program, Tracy Wilson Mourning will host the Program’s first Honey Bug Run/Walk in honor of Women’s History Month on Saturday March 7, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Women’s Park (10251 W Flagler St.) More than 150 “Honey Bugs” are expected to participate in the March run/walk. And with the backing of the 5K’s patrons, including Mourning Family Foundation, JCP Printing and Designs, Baptist Health South Florida, and Miami-Dade County, Wilson Mourning looks forward to it being a great success. Registration for the general public and for Honey Shine Members is $25, $35 to the general public. To register and to find more information on the event and Honey Shine Inc., visit www.honeyshine.org.

A Night at the Bass Museum

The Bass Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser A Night at the Museum will be held on Wednesday evening, March 11. This year’s theme will recall the drama and glamour of the classic Hollywood genre Film Noir. Over 500 arts patrons, philanthropists and trendsetters are expected to attend to raise funds for museum programming. The festive evening will begin with Grey Goose cocktails and Chateau D’Esclans rosé, and delicious bites provided by STK Miami followed by desserts from Oolite Restaurant and Bar. Guests, who are encouraged to dress in the theme Film Noir, will mingle among projections of clips of 1940s crime drama classics, before they head to the dance floor. Tickets to A Night at the Museum: A Film Noir Experience are $250 for two and include an upper-level museum membership. Tickets at $1,000 include two tickets, membership and special donor recognition. To purchase, visit events.bassmuseum.org or call 305 673 7530 ext. 1018.

Women of Tomorrow Annual Black-Tie Gala 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will be honoring community leaders at its Annual Black-Tie Gala at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Saturday, March 7. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi, Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have put together highlights for the evening that will include a plush cocktail reception, a highly anticipated silent and live auction, an extravagant four-course dinner and a live performance by South Florida’s own Soul Survivors. For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Cinderella’s Glass Slipper

In celebration of Disney’s live-action film inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” Disney Consumer Products (DCP), in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, has collaborated with nine luxury designer shoe brands globally to assemble an enchanting collection of shoes that reimagine Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper. Distinguished designers include: Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman. Each brand has created its interpretation of the famed glass slipper Cinderella accidentally leaves behind when the clock strikes midnight.   Select styles will be available exclusively in the United States for custom order in select Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores starting in March. The shoes will be on display at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour from March 12 through March 18.

On Saturday, February 28 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, join The Friends of CHOP for the 2015 Cheers for CHOP at the Valley Forge Casino! This year’s event will benefit CHOP’s Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy program—one of the first programs in the country to recognize the therapeutic value of play for hospitalized children. Guests will be treated to a special live performance by the chart topping hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa as well as a live auction benefiting CHOP. To purchase tickets or for more information visit: www.cheersforchop.org.

dineKOP Restaurant Week

King of Prussia District (KOP-BID) is excited to announce dineKOP; KOP-BID’s unique interpretation of a restaurant week launching March 2-8. KOP offers diners the opportunity to experience the best culinary offerings in the area, with the participation of nearly every major steakhouse, lively sports bars, and locally owned establishments alike. A portion of the proceeds from participating dineKOP restaurants will be donated to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) new Specialty Care Center, slated to open in King of Prussia in summer 2015. In addition, participating dineKOP restaurants will be welcoming CHOP families to dine with them and enjoy a special restaurant experience during dineKOP. During dineKOP, participating KOP restaurants will create special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for guests to enjoy at affordable prices*: $10, $15, or $20 for lunch and $20, $30, or $40 for dinner; For a list of restaurants and more information visit: visitKOP.com/dineKOP. *Price does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol.

Diego Boneta, Carrie Hyman, and Nick D’annunzio

Siena Tavern Miami Chef Fabio Viviani and co-owners David Rekhson and Luke Stoiff welcomed actor Diego Boneta to the restaurant, where he celebrated his return to music and onscreen with the premiere of his new song Warrior–which will be the theme song for his upcoming mini-series Dovekeepers set to air on CBS this April. The group enjoyed the intimate SOBEWFF Tuscan Trio Dinner hosted by Viviani, Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos.

World champion boxer and actor Lennox Lewis was at the Forge on Tuesday with his wife and a group of friends.

Ken Lowe, head honcho of the Food Network, had dinner at the Forge last Thursday night with a group of twelve. Taking place simultaneously, an ultra-exclusive Chateau Lagrezette Malbec four course Wine Dinner by Chef Christopher Lee.  The dinner was presented by Haute Living magazine and hosted by Alain Dominique Perrin, owner of Chateau Lagrezette, Forge owner, Shareef Malnik and Kamal Hotchandani, CEO of Haute Living.  Special guests included Scottie Pippen, Gabrielle Anwar, and Wayne Chapin.

Joe Jonas was spotted at the SLS South Beach. He spent a couple of nights relaxing at the hotel before heading to New York Fashion Week.

In light of a recent partnership with The Miami HEAT, CGI Merchant Group was honored to announce the attendance of NBA champions Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers for the 55 Miracle Mile ribbon-cutting ceremony.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Solange Knowles, Emily Ratajkowski, Jamie Chung, Padma Lakshmi, William Levy, Chelsea Leyland, Brendan Fallis, Kelly Framel, Gala Gonzalez, Hassan Pierre, Chef Carla Pellegrino and a few hundred of Miami’s influencers joined Veuve Clicquot champagne for a beautiful brunch on Saturday, February 7 at The Thompson Hotel in Miami Beach. The celebrities and socialites celebrated Clicquot Carnaval complete with a multi-course dining experience, Carnaval games and dancers and of course, lots and lots of bubbles. The action-packed afternoon started with a sophisticated Brazilian-inspired brunch followed by Carnaval entertainment including Samba dancers, steel drum bands, and capoeira performers, accompanied by seemingly endless flutes of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Read the rest of this entry »

by: Maryanne Salvat

MIR Charities and Quality Meats Miami Beach 

Mission International Rescue Charities (MIR Charities) is partnering with Quality Meats Miami Beach for an exclusive, grand opening benefit party on Thursday, February 26. The event will mark 25 years of educational services and collaborative programs provided to families in need. The event is expected to bring together local dignitaries, celebrities and other influential personalities. Tickets to the event are priced at $150 per person; guests will have an opportunity to preview the restaurant’s delicious cuisine and ambiance by way of lavish food stations, free-flowing cocktails and a performance by Miami local, DJ Gringo. They will also have a chance to bid on not-to-be-missed items during a live auction. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mir-charities-and-quality-meats-grand-opening-benefit-party-tickets-15577253986.

PALO! at Ball & Chain

On Friday, February 27 GRAMMY Nominated PALO! will be performing their famous afro-Cuban funky tunes on the Pineapple Stage at Little Havana’s hottest new spot Ball & Chain.  Miami Boheme Friday’s are hosted by Joe Cardona – this Friday is a special celebration however, the birthday of Ball & Chain co-owner Zack Bush.  No cover, 21 and older.

Wall Brawl Miami

On Friday, March 6 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., join Wynwood’s most recognizable street artists as they battle it out at Wall Brawl Miami and raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to watch some of the biggest names in street art go face to face and compete for the title of the Best Street Artist of Miami.  Open bar by Bombay Sapphire and Zacapa Rum with lite bites by Morgans will be available for all those attending. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite artist and have a chance to take one of these originals home via auction. Artists include: HecOne Love, Skott Marsi, Bruno Vago, Furious (DAM Crew), KEDS (DAM Crew), Monique Lassooij, Claudia La Bianca, TeePop, NateD, Wilson, Jorge-Miguel Rodriguez, Ill Surge, GG, Atomik, Ivan Roque, Registered Artist, Aquarela Allyson Sabol, Nicole Salgar, Rigo Leon, Kazilla and Trek 6. Admission is only $40.00 at The Annex located at 44 NE 29 ST in Wynwood; for more information visit: www.wallbrawl.com.

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami Brunch

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami, presents a lavish brunch at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens featuring a stellar lineup of South Florida chefs, farmers, restaurants and authors. Participants to date include Oolite, Basil Park, Smith and Wollensky, Siam Oishi, Le Provencal restaurant Francais, Front Porch, Mise en Place; La Provence; Pastry is Art, Thierry’s Catering, A Fare to Remember, Small Tea, and Cookie Pursonality, among others. Restaurant participants will offer delicious brunch menu items; San Ignacio College and Miami Culinary Institute will host quesadilla and omelet stations; Le Cordon Bleu and Les Dames Miami will host additional culinary stations.  Republic National Distributing Co. and Sangria Lola will offer luscious libations.Attendees can also sample South Florida’s beautiful spring harvest from Verde Farms and Teena’s Pride, the latter farm owned by Dame Teena Borek; enjoy tasty eye-opening cocktails at the Bloody Mary bar, hosted by Patron and Smirnoff and savor a jolt of java from the Nespresso station.  Raffle items will include a trove of spa treatments, fabulous dining certificates, gift baskets, fine wines and other prizes. New culinary techniques will be featured at Les Dames d’Escoffier cooking demonstrations and Les Dames’ members, authors Ellen Kanner and Jen Karetnick, will offer signed copies or their current books, “Feeding the Hungry Ghost”, and “ Mangoes”, respectively. The Les Dames brunch takes place Sunday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Tickets may be purchased atreservations@lesdamesmiami.org or via PayPal: http://lesdamesmiami.org. 

MISO’s Golden Sounds from Hollywood

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) presents the sixth annual installment of “Golden Sounds from Hollywood” on Sunday, March 8, 6:00 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Maestro Marturet compensates for the days of inferior soundtracks by conducting a program that features works written specifically for motion pictures, and combining actual projections from the film onto the stage of the Knight Concert Hall. Executive Producer Fernando Duprat adds visual elements of excitement to Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001 Space Odyssey,” Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” and the soundtrack from Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.,” among many more popular and recognizable films. Tickets can be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center website, calling the MISO box office at 305.275.5666, or by e-mailing info@themiso.org.

One of the highlights of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival was the private dinner party held at a gorgeous waterfront residence in North Miami Beach to celebrate famed Uruguayan hotspot La Huella, which is opening its first stateside restaurant, Quinto- La Huella later this year at the EAST hotel in Brickell City Center. Hosted by Laurent Fraticelli, General Manager of EAST, who operated the exclusive Soho Beach House for several years, the La Huella party treated VIP guests to white glove service and exquisite signature Uruguayan dishes featuring a selection of prime grilled meats. A live band kept partygoers dancing while sipping on top shelf cocktails and glasses of Uruguayan Tannat and Caipiroskas. Read the rest of this entry »