By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Ninety locals took a leap of faith last weekend, in an adrenaline-rushing demonstration of their commitment to improve the lives of Miami children and families, by literally going “Over the Edge” – to rappel 19 stories (200 meters) down the side of the JW Marriott Marquis building on Biscayne Boulevard Way.  The second-annual event raised $115,000 for the  Miami Children’s Initiative, a nonprofit organization developed to  improve Liberty City by investing in every child. Participants included local community, civic and business leaders, elected officials, celebrities, philanthropists, and members of the general public. 

The organization’s signature “Over the Edge” fundraiser, which is unique to South Florida, featured a new twist this year.  Read the rest of this entry »

While many celebrities who frequent our town have been spotted on and among the runways of New York Fashion Week (check back for our recap next week) and/or the Toronto International Film Festival, we did catch a glimpse of music superstar,

Drake, on September 4 at Soho Beach House sipping on Coconut Cartel all-natural, organic coconut water.  Our favorite beach house is just one of the many hotels and restaurants in the Miami-Dade area who have recently picked up the brand for retail.  In a matter of 6 weeks, Coconut Cartel has become an instant overnight success. Coconut Cartel’s founder Michael Zig, is a Miami native who started the company just six months ago.  For additional information, check out www.thecoconutcartel.com. 

Intentional music star and Grammy award winner, Gloria Estefan held a press conference last Tuesday at the Mandarin Oriental to launch her latest album, The Standards.   Estefan shared, “I am so happy to be able to release this…the songs are so important and cathartic and  I wanted  to give this album a  great mood and vibe, especially just before the holidays.” 

Congratulations to Miami’s own, Julio Cabrera (Regent Cocktail Club and Fifty Lounge at Viceroy Hotel), who has just been announced as the 2013 National winner of Bombay Sapphire & USBG’s Most Imaginative Bartender competition.  After earning the regional title in Miami last month, Julio advanced to the national finals this past weekend in Las Vegas – competing against 51 of the nation’s most talented mixologists.

By: Maryanne Salvat

The 19^th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Kick-Off Cocktail

InterContinental Miami will host a kickoff celebration in honor of the upcoming 19th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Thursday, September 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Held each year at the downtown icon and attended by more than 250 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, the exclusive preview event will celebrate the annual Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 2; Invitation Only. To RSVP or for more information contact

Matt@taraink.com.

Sardelli Italian Steakhouse and Solerno Blood Orange Liquor Host a Four Course Paired Cocktail Dinner

Monday, September 16, Solerno Blood Orange Liquor and Sardelli Italian Steakhouse in Hollywood, FL is hosting a 4 course paired cocktail and dinner party with Jackie Patterson, the amazing Brand Ambassador for Solerno.  Creative cocktails and a 4 course dinner all for just $55! RSVP is required to take advantage of this special night.  Seating is limited, so please RSVP soon to  Lauren.Sanchez@momentumww.com.  Cocktail reception starts at 6pm and dinner at 7:30pm.  

Island Bistro Coffee Bar

In gearing up for The Island Bistro’s official launch in November, the french-inspired restaurant in Brickell Key is first celebrating the addition of its coffee bar with take-out service featuring South Florida’s finest, Panther Coffee. Locals are invited early to preview the space and sample complimentary mini coffee and pastries through Friday, September 13 between 7:00 and 11:00 p.m. The coffee bar will officially open for business on Friday, September 13.

The 100K Ultimate Guys Golf Package at Turnberry Isle

Turnberry Isle Miami, the legendary South Florida retreat, is launching the Ultimate Guys Golf Weekend aka “the $100K Package.” Available for a group of 20 guys, the all-inclusive package breaks down to $5,000 per person. It includes a variety of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences including professionally fitted Scotty Cameron Putters, and customized MyJoys Golf Shoes, with VIP treatments and daily rounds of golf to just name a few.  For more information on this exclusive package visit: http://www.turnberryislemiami.com/ultimate-guys-golf-weekend-package-,specialsPackages_viewItem_61-en.html.

The Sizzling History of Miami Cuisine at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

On Thursday, September 19, executive chef Miguel Aguilar of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar,and Mandy Baca, the author of The Sizzling History of Miami Cuisine, will give diners a glimpse back into Miami’s humble culinary scene with a collaborative six-course dinner beginning in the 1940’s and progressing to the 1980’s and beyond. History buffs and food aficionados will enjoy a pre-fixe menu for $70 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), with each course relating to a specific and influential time period. As part of the experience, guests will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail, the Nat Gubbins sangria, a lost cocktail originally served at The Biltmore Hotel, as well as a copy of The Sizzling History of Miami Cuisine. A cocktail reception will be held at 7 p.m.; dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. As part of the experience, guests will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail, the Nat Gubbins sangria, a lost cocktail originally served at The Biltmore Hotel, as well as a copy of The Sizzling History of Miami Cuisine. A cocktail reception will be held at 7 p.m.; dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations for the Sizzling History of Miami dinner can be made by calling 305.722.8959.

The Salon at GBS Offers $5 Blow-Outs

Five dollars doesn’t buy much these days, but during an exclusive four-day event at The Salon at GBS Coral Gables, five dollars will get you shiny, beautiful hair. Whether before an important meeting or a night on the town, from Wednesday, September 18 through Saturday, September 21, on-the-go glam girls can enjoy professional blowouts by expert stylist Cristina Coego-Ruiz for a flat rate of only $5 (value: $35+). Catering to the women who want salon-perfect hair without the hassle of doing it themselves, Cristina’s sought-after blowouts create bouncy or sleek styles.With years of experience as an in-demand stylist among local celebrities and TV personalities, Cristina specializes in cut and color artistry, extensions, styling and blowouts, the DevaCurl system and keratin treatments. Space is limited so call 305.443.6246 to schedule an appointment.

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America

Join the The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast,” a national traveling food festival that will visit Miami on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21. The five weekend festival will visit 10 cities from September 20 through October 19. Taste America will showcase culinary all-stars and public events exploring the nation’s unique range of local cuisines in Miami, along with nine other cities including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Taste America is presented by the James Beard Foundation (JBF) in partnership with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Signature®. Tickets for the public are available at http://www.jbftasteamerica.org/tickets.

Robin Thicke in town for his gig at  Fontainebleau Miami Beach with Pharell Williams dined at Hakkasan on Friday night – he and his wife shared a dim sum platter,sesame prawns, lobster soup and a bottle of Dewazakura sake.  Artist Romero Britto was spotted entering the Forge just before 10 p.m. with a group of a few friends on Monday (Labor Day). The artist arrived and began his evening with Champagne around the bar prior to being seated at his favorite table within the main dining room. After a great dining experience, the group finished their evening with a Sommelier guided tour of the restaurant’s subterranean wine cellar.  On Saturday, August 24, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and its Arsht Families committee, a volunteer group of parents committed to supporting children’s access to the performing arts, hosted an exclusive Slava’s Snowshow meet and greet event inside the Ziff Ballet Opera House’s Next Generation Green Room. Guests included Arsht Center members and VIPs, as well as an appearance by Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar, her fiancé, Miami-based restaurateur Shareef Malnik, and Anwar’s children: Willow Anwar, Hugo and Paisley Verea. The family enjoyed time with the Slava’s Snowshow clowns, participated in winter-themed arts and crafts, and indulged in sweet treats courtesy of Prelude by Barton G.  

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Ciroc Launch Event at the Dream Hotel 

In addition to a great vibe, a beautiful rooftop sunset, and a cast of some of Miami  notables, there was plenty to celebrate at the CIROC Amaretto Launch event with OK Magazine held at the Dream South Beach Tuesday night.  The event was hosted by Jason Derulo, with sounds by DJ Michelle Pooch, (yes, the philanthropist and socialite is a DJ too!) on the heels of Derulo’s single release “Marry Me”.  To show her support of her soon to be fiancé and the song that was a tribute to her, Grammy nominated American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks also made a guest appearance at the event.  Others in attendance to welcome the newest member of the CIROC family included world acclaimed artist Domingo Zapato, NFL Star Jeremy Shockey, DJ Laz, Mack (Y100), Adam Kuperstein (NBC6) and Chef Richard Ingraham and Johanna Gomez (Channel 10). Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Julien Farel Salon & Spa’s Up-Do Bar 

French-inspired, chic salon, Julien Farel Salon & Spa introduces the first Up-Do bar in Miami with a launch party on Thursday, August 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Enjoy complimentary Up-Do styles, hors d’œuvre, wine and cocktails courtesy of Oceannaire, Dolores but you can call me Lolita, Wine Depot 555, Atelier Monnier and Blue Martini.  After its launch on August 29, the up-do bar will be available from September 1st with prices starting at $25.  

Fashion + Beauty Fix

On Thursday, August 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Identity Media presents Fashion + Beauty Fix and Hoxton Urban Beach House Ladies Night hosted by Andrea Chediak, fashion correspondent. Chediak will share her secrets of the industry while guests enjoy an evening of fashion tips and tricks, cocktails provided by Little Black Dress Vodka, manicures by celebrity manicurist Ingrid Burke, make up makeovers by Melanie Rodriguez, and music performances  by Problem Kids. To RSVP visit: http://fashionandbeautyfix829-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=1 or via email at rsvp@identitymediaco.com.

Dishcrawl in Miami Beach 

Dishcrawl, a national start-up founded on the premise that communities can be brought together through good food and good company, is exploring Miami Beach with a taco-themed event on September 3. Food lovers are taken on a gourmet Dishcrawl to four distinctive restaurants in one night similar to a pub crawl—but more delicious!  After several successful events in neighborhoods like Brickell, Midtown and Coconut Grove, Dishcrawl is checking out the Miami Beach dining scene. Dishcrawl’s mission is to give folks a reason to go out and socially engage with each other while helping local restaurants gain exposure. Participating restaurants are kept secret until two days before the event, at which time the first location is revealed to ticket holders. Reservations can be made at dishcrawl.com/miami.For more information about Miami’s upcoming Dishcrawl events visit www.dishcrawl.com/miami, or check out their Facebook or follow @Dishcrawlmiami.

 Juntos 

Juntos, a fashion startup based in Miami, has launched with the goal of educating Ecuadorian children, one shoe at a time. The brand, which reimagines the traditional Ecuadorian el Zapato de Lona, or Canvas Shoe, offers the style-savvy a chance to do good by donating a school supply-filled backpack to an at-risk  child in Ecuador for every pair purchased. The shoes are available in black, white and powder blue, and retail for $48.00 a pair.  The brainchild of Mauricio Laniado and Andrew Tupper, Juntos was sparked by a trip to Ecuador and Laniado’s observations about the social stigmas surrounding the working class.  To view and take part in Juntos’ Indiegogo campaign, visit www.FirstStepJuntos.com.  A digital look book featuring the many styles of the Zapato de Lona is available atwww.JuntosProject.com/lb. 

Mercadito Summer Menu and Taco Tuesdays

Favorite Mexican Cantina, Mercadito invites diners to try the summer menu, and to get their fill of tasty tacos with the Taco Tuesday celebration.  Starting at 4:00 p.m., guests can receive two tacos for only $5.50, with their choice from an array of tasty combinations including estilo baja (crispy beer-battered mahi mahi, chipotle aioli, Mexican-style coleslaw), carne (rosemary-marinated skirt steak, potato-poblano rajas, avocado-tomatillo crema, crispy manchego), pastor (chile ancho rubbed pork, chile de árbol salsa, grilled pineapple) and more.  This month, Mercadito Midtown’s Tacos for Strength tacos offer some Cuban flavor, courtesy of Entertainment & Hospitality Strategist Tony Guerra’s–Picadillo Rojo taco– that features red bean paste, Cuban-style Picadillo ground beef, criollo sauce, jalapeños, sweet plantains and a Chicharrón topping for crunch.  The cost of August’s featured taco is $16.50 for an order of four tacos. Five percent of sales generated from Tony Guerra’s taco will be donated to Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by 2015. September’s Tacos for Strength featured participant will be Tressa Eaton, Editor of Tasting Table New York.   For more information about the summer dinner menu and all of Mercadito’s specials, visit:  http://www.mercaditorestaurants.com.