#SOBEWFF 2015 IS HERE!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, for all foodies that is. The 14^th Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE hits South Beach this weekend and consists of more than 75 events during the four-day, star-studded gourmet extravaganza, featuring new parties and talent alongside a noticeable refresh of the Festival’s most signature tastings.  As it has since its inception, the Festival benefits the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at Florida International University. Stay up-to-date with the excitement by following the Festival at www.Facebook.com/SOBEWFF; for more information about the Festival, visit www.sobefest.com or call 877.762.3933.
Food Talk with Geoffrey Zakarian

Head to The Thompson Hotel South Beach on Friday, February 20 for the recording of Geoffrey Zakarian’s Sirius XM radio show, “Food Talk.” Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres poolside at the resort, while rubbing elbows with the likes of  Robert Irvine, Anne Burrell, Ted Allen, Rachael Ray. Marcus Samuelsson, Marc Murphy, Al Roker, Carla Hall, Aaron Sanchez, and many more. The fun takes place from 2:30-5:00 p.m. and is presented by Sirius XM, and Key Group Worldwide.

Martha Stewart’s Clean Slate

On Saturday, February 21, at 5:00 p.m.,Macy’s Dadeland welcomes founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur and bestselling author, Martha Stewart, for a special signing of her new cookbook Clean Slate: A Cookbook and Guide: Reset Your Health, Detox Your Body, and Feel Your Best. The book offers great recipes and helpful tips for eating clean and restocking your pantry.  With any Martha Stewart Collection purchase of $50 or more in the Home department, customers will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card, a copy of Martha Stewart Living’s Clean Slate, and an opportunity to meet Martha and have her sign your cookbook. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested as space is limited; RSVP to 305.577.1818 then press 1 when prompted;One per customer while supplies last.

Over the weekend, actress Goldie Hawn paid a visit to Seaspice restaurant on the Miami River, arriving and departing by boat along with two other ladies.

Celebrity chef Todd English took a tour of SooWoo Miami with owner and chef Bok An on Sunday.  Joe Jonas was spotted at LIV late Sunday night.

Wall Miami hosted the Model Beach Volleyball kickoff event with DJ Irie, Lenny Kravitz, Billionaire Avi “Vivi” Nevo and actor Pauly Shore.

Miami’s own and Grammy nominated rapper Rick Ross celebrated his 39th birthday at Wall Miami last week, with friends including DJ Mr. Mauricio. The now svelte rapper drank and others at his table drank lots of vodka, champagne and tequila from cups bearing Ross’ face.

At 1am super producer DJ Tiesto joined the celebration and took over the Dj booth for a quick set. The party went until after 4 am.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

More than 600 well-heeled socialites shopped, sipped and savored in stilettos at the glamorous 4th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes luncheon presented by Sergio Rossi at the JW Marriott Marquis on Wednesday, February 4th.  The fun-filled afternoon raised more than $600,000 to benefit the children and families of Miami Children’s Hospital.

The stylish “ladies who lunch” spent a couple of hours shopping at an impromptu pop-up designer marketplace that was set up outside of the ballroom, featuring items by:  Ana Mari Ortega, Artesano, Cudesso, Dennis Basso, Eberjey, En Avance, Lostmarc’h, Monisha Melwani Jewelry, Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, Purificación García, Sergio Rossi, and Sirissima/Clement Willoch. Read the rest of this entry »

Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacturer with 260 years of uninterrupted history, celebrated the opening of its new Miami Design District boutique on Thursday, February 5^th with a night of festivities at the prestigious Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).

The event, hosted by Vincent Brun, President of Vacheron Constantin North America, and Craig Robins, President and CEO of DACRA, allowed guests to experience the world of Haute Horlogerie and to interact with Vacheron Constantin Master Artisans and Watchmakers flown in from Geneva. New and exceptional Vacheron Constantin timepieces were displayed, alongside a historical exhibition from the Maison’s private collection. “Constantinis” – a specialty martini made of vodka, basil, lime and mint – and hors d’oeuvres were served, accompanied with a live music performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Valentine’s at the St. Regis 

Dinner at J&G Grill Indulge in a dinner with the most seductive ingredients curated by J&G Grill’s new Chef Dagan Stocks, along with specialty desserts by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour. Highlights of the four-course prix-fixe menu includes shareable canapés to start, along with Kumamoto Oysters, Salad of Shaved Asparagus and Crispy Poached Egg with Black Truffle Vinaigrette, Cox Farms Chateaubriand of Beef for Two and a decadent Pistachio Cake with Chocolate Mousse and Passion Fruit Sorbet for dessert. $165 per person; advanced reservations required.

Ultimate Romance Go beyond expectation and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a private butler-served romantic dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Start with a bottle of vintage Dom Perignon Champagne, followed by a four-course dinner by Chef Dagan Stocks. A luxurious Oceanfront Day Villa is yours to enjoy throughout the evening. Only one experience is available; $1,800+ tax & gratuity. 

Mixology for Two J&G Grill head mixologist David Ferre will lead couples in an interactive course in cocktail creation designed just for two. Learn how to fuse and infuse unique ingredients to create your partner’s perfect cocktail. Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5-6 p.m.; Located at J&G Grill Bar; $50 per person. For more information or to book these activities, visit http://www.stregisbalharbour.com/valentines-day.  Read the rest of this entry »

Clicquot Carnaval

Veuve Clicquot is bringing the excitement of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval to Miami with an invite-only VIP brunch and day party on Saturday, February 7 at The Thompson Hotel. For $2,000 the event is open for champagne lovers and party-goers alike; A Clicquot Cabana includes seating for four to six guests, a magnum of both Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé, gourmet Carnaval-inspired bites, Veuve Clicquot gifts and a personal cabana attendant. The brunch will feature a Brazilian-inspired menu paired with Veuve Clicquot champagne. Following, guests will enjoy an extravagant afternoon packed with traditional Carnaval entertainment including Samba dancers, fire dancers and much more! For more information contact: cabanas@vccarnaval.com.

The 6^th Annual LeSutra Model Beach Volleyball Tournament (MBVT) 

On February 7 and 8, the 6^th Annual LeSutra Model Beach Volleyball Tournament (MBVT), presented by WILDFOX, brings together the hottest co-ed teams from Miami’s top modeling agencies for a thrilling two-day contest in South Beach. Sports Illustrated cover girl Nina Agdal and Miami Heat official DJ DJ Irie will be on hand to host the event. On day one, the battle will consist of a bracket-style competition during which participating teams will compete against one another in a round robin format. Day Two, there will be a single elimination game for the tournament title, which will include a complimentary round trip to an unknown destination. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit modelbeachvolleyball.com. To purchase VIP tickets & limited table service, visit modelvolleyball.eventbrite.com.