Wine, Women & Shoes 

One of Miami’s most notable fashion events, Wine, Women & Shoes will be celebrating its seventh anniversary! This social event provides an opportunity for women of all generations to slip into their stilettos and join together for shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. This sophisticated event will feature the “Sole Men,” wine tastings, a silent auction, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show.

Friday, March 2, 2018 ∙ 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ∙ JW Marriott Marquis Miami ∙ 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way

Event Co-Chairs
Susanne Birbragher, Suzy Buckley Woodward & Melinda Gonzalez

For more information, contact Marilen Marnett at marilen.marnett@nicklaushealth.org or 786.624.2986. 

Sabah Pop-Up at The Standard Spa Miami Beach

Sabah, the lifestyle shoe brand that celebrates travel, style, and comfort, brings its homegrown hospitality to warmer climates with an in-residence pop up at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach. Now through March 5th, Sabah will be kicking it at The Standard Spa’s ‘Room 38,’ just a stone’s throw from the pool oasis and courtyard haven.

Room 38 will embrace Sabah’s open-door policy, inviting visitors to socialize, drink, and discover the art of craftsmanship behind each and every shoe. Modeled after the collective aesthetic of each Sabah House, Room 38 will be adorned with a colorful wall of handmade, Turkish shoes, displayed in artful fashion, accentuated with Miami flair. Along with a wide variety of shoes available for purchase, Room 38 showcases Sabah’s signature hospitality, inviting guests to mix, mingle, and slip into a private fitting.

To close out the in-residence at Room 38, Sabah will release two unique Babas, the brand’s latest style of backless leather slides, which will be sold exclusively at The Standard Spa Miami Beach. Crafted in collaboration with the Standard’s design team, Sabah’s Baba shoes feature a one-of-a-kind custom leather, hand-sourced from one of the oldest tanneries in Turkey. The limited-edition shoes will launch launch on March 4th and will be available for purchase at retail price of $170, at The Standard Spa.

Sabah Room 38 will take place through Sunday, March 5th at The Standard Spa, located at 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

Model Volleyball at Resorts World Bimini

Volleyball? Check. Models? Check. Bahamas? Check. Located just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Resorts World Bimini invites beach volleyball fans to join the winning teams of the Hawkers Model Volleyball Miami Beach Tournament for a rematch at Michael Capponi and Eric Milon’s latest venture, Luna Beach, the resorts newest, lifestyle beach club from March 2 – 4, 2018. With the Model Volleyball Tournament Hotel + Ferry Package travelers can revel in luxe accommodations, round-trip transportation on the FRS Caribbean Ferry and access to all Model Volleyball Tournament events, placing guests in the middle of all the action while basking in the beauty of Bimini’s turquoise waters (and the models). After a day of events, travelers can enjoy their Bahamian escape while unwinding at the adults-only infinity pool and lounge or indulging their appetite at the six on-site restaurants. Those looking to make the most of their trip and on the hunt to discover Bimini bliss can explore the seven-mile island with some of the best boating, diving and fishing in the world. For more information or to reserve visit: www.lunabeachbimini.com.

4th Annual Wings For Wishes Block Party Benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida

The 4th Annual Wings For Wishes Block Party will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018, behind Sports Grill South Miami. Wings For Wishes is a family-friendly event centered around Sports Grill’s famous Special Grilled chicken wings and raising money to sponsor wishes through Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. The event offers a ‘block party’ format with a savory wing tasting component, in addition to the crowd-favorite wing eating competition. Sports Grill will feature six different tasting stations, allowing patrons to pair their food with a variety of craft beers, wine, and premium spirits provided by Bacardi. A variety of tickets are available for purchase. The Food & Drink Bracelet is $35 and allows access to all tasting stations, beer, wine, and spirits.  The Child Food and Drink Bracelet (Ages 12 and under) is $10 and allows access to all tasting stations and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.  The cost of entry for a Wing Competition Team (4 people) is $200. Each Wing Competition Team will be entered into the Wing Eating Competition. Additionally, each competitor will have access to all tasting stations, beer, wine, and spirits. For access to alcoholic beverages, attendees must be of legal drinking age and show valid identification. Visit http://wingsforwishes2018.eventbrite.com to purchase all tickets or register a team. You may also visit wingsforwishesmiami.com to donate directly to Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. 

Zoo Miami: Feast With The Beasts 2018

Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami are hosting Feast with the Beasts on March 16, 2018 to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments.  Feast with the Beasts will help support the Zoo Miami Foundation wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami. From 8 p.m. – 12 a.m., Feast with the Beasts returns in its 23rd year as one of the best events in town featuring tastes from more than 30 local restaurants & caterers, full open Bacardi bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and a fabulous silent auction with trips, sports memorabilia, and jewelry. 

Admission tickets to FWTB are available for $250 and Beastkeeper VIP are $500.  VIP Beastkeeper perks include one-hour early entry into the Main Event path, exclusive Florida Room lounge access from 7 pm to 9 pm, a reserved section in the Hookah Lounge and exclusive restaurant access and animal encounters.  Cocktail attire with a tropical flair is encouraged.  This event is only for adults 21+.  Sponsorship packages are available.  A special drawing for $50/entry will take place to win a trip to Africa for a safari.  Visit www.fwtb.org or call (305) 255-5551 to purchase event or special drawing tickets. General zoo admission is: $22.95/adult, plus tax and $18.95/child (3-12) plus tax.  Children under two, zoo members, and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; last ticket sold at 4 p.m.  For more information visit http://www.zoomiami.org.

The Poetry of Music and Design

Maestro Eduardo Marturet and his wife Athina present a tribute concert inspired by Zaha Hadid’s Elastikainstallation, at the Moore Building: “The Poetry of Music and Design”. 

Enjoy an art display by Sandra Muss developed specifically for this occasion and the music of “@Zaha’s Place” composed and dedicated by Maestro Marturet as an homage to the amazing and unforgettable architect. This special event will take place on Sunday, February 25 at 6:00 p.m., at the Moore Building; For tickets contact us at (305) 275-5666 or via EVENTBRITE (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-poetry-of-music-and-design-and-homage-to-zaha-hadid-tickets-42571300907?aff=Eventbrite)

Texas de Brazil- Something for Everyone

Whether you’re on a diet or wanting to splurge,  Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, with locations in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale and Miami) is the perfect place for lunch or dinner. With seemingly endless menu items such as plentiful and delicious meats grilled the authentic gaucho way – over hot wood coals– and/or unlimited visits to the beautifully presented, 60 item seasonal salad area, filled with hot and cold dishes, the possibilities abound.  Made fresh daily, the salad bar selections include gourmet vegetables such as grilled Portobello mushrooms, herbed sweet onions, steamed asparagus with strawberry sauce and Brazilian hearts of palm; spicy surimi sushi, feijoada (black beans), pineapple ‘carpaccio’ drizzled in pesto, soups (lobster bisque is top notch) and an impressive variety of charcuterie and imported cheeses to satisfy every palate and preference.

But the real superstars here are the meats- step aside “Salt Bae!” Texas de Brazil serves the best steaks in town- grilled to perfection.  Ketogenics and Atkins dieters will feel right at home with the unlimited selections, (prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausage) cooked to order.  Each guest is in control if his/her dining experience with the illustrious red and green cards, which indicate when more cuts of meat should be served, or when a break is needed.  Service is friendly, knowledgeable and extremely attentive.

It comes as no surprise that Texas de Brazil has received countless awards.  The Dadeland location, is a sprawling 6,000 foot, elegant space, complete with a fully-stocked bar. and wine cellar.  Outdoor patio seating is also available.

In short, Texas de Brazil is the perfect place to dine when seeking a garden of plenty.  It’s also a dining destination where guests with different appetites (and diets) can co-mingle in a stylish setting. Salad Area Only pricing begins is $24.99 for dinner and $19.99 for lunch (Varies per location).

Visit www.texasdebrazil.com/reservations/ to make reservations or for more information.

The 17^th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF^®) returns to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. February 21 – 25, 2018.  One of America’s most prestigious gourmet gatherings, the Festival has raised more than $26 million to date for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU).  This year’s edition will feature more than 90 events, including signature fan-favorite soirées, an array of new parties and intimate dining experiences, expanded CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series, and much more. Illy Coffee will once again be on-hand to give festival goers a much needed delicious caffeine fix throughout the weekend.

The 17^th annual Tribute Dinner presented by Bank of America part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series gets a fresh new format this year, with a star-studded line-up of more than a dozen chefs cooking at this walk-around affair in honor of restaurateur, author and beloved Food Network personality Bobby Flay and Treasury Wine Estates managing director and chief executive officer Michael Clarke.  Top-rated radio host Elvis Duran will serve as the emcee during this not-to-be-missed evening taking place at Loews Miami Beach Hotel on Saturday, February 24, 2018.  Also new this year, the celebration will continue at Sweet Moves: Late-Night Desserts & Dancing hosted by Bobby & Sophie Flay with beats by lifestyle guru and popular DJ Hannah Bronfman. 

Iconic Miami Beach events continue to evolve and tantalize the taste buds of passionate fans from around the world, kicking off with Italian Bites on the Beach sponsored by HCP Media and the Miami Herald Media Company hosted by Giada De Laurentiis.  The beloved Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons gets a new twist this year, with resident Food Network Rockstar Guy Fieri serving as its host.  Additionally, the music revolution that began last year at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid^® Culinary Demonstrations expands with the David Grutman Experience spanning both Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25.  The BACARDÍ Beach Party also returns with late-night beats and eats under the Festival’s sparkling white tents on the sand, and the new Beachside BBQ hosted by Michael Symon closes out the weekend on Miami Beach.

The third annual CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series returns with an all-star schedule of events in Broward County, including:

• Signature Wine Seminars presented by Bank of America, a BBQ Dinner hosted by Chris Lilly and Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Chef Jorge Ramosand Clambake hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Jorge Ramos; all taking place at the brand-new Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• The introduction of the Festival’s fan-favorite Lucky Chopsticks hosted by Andrew Zimmern and a Rooftop Rosé Happy Hour hosted by television star, jewelry and shoe designer, True Roots cookbook author and all-around lifestyle guru Kristin Cavallari – who is also a new part-time fixture on the South Florida scene thanks to the addition of husband Jay Cutler to the city’s beloved Miami Dolphins – at the W Fort Lauderdale.
• Plus, a selection of intimate dinner experiences with renowned chefs and a Grand Bloody Mary Brunch hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian to top-off the series.

A variety of late-night parties accent the line-up, including returning fan-favorites like Tacos After Dark hosted by Rick Bayless and King’s Hawaiian presents the Taste of Aloha and Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown hosted by Anne Burrell, and new experiences like Midnight Munchies hosted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten on the Art Deco oasis Española Way featuring special guest DJ Action Bronson round out the midnight owl offerings.

EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.  For tickets visit sobewff.org or by calling 877.762.3933 (phone sales open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST). 

With Super Bowl LII Sunday around the corner, here are a few places to catch the game offering game-day specials. Make sure you huddle with family and friends to watch the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots battle for the NFL Championship Title.

At Casa Faena, enjoy specially priced Game Day dishes like delicious sliders, Wagyu beef empanadas, $1 wings and loaded nachos, along with $5 Maestro Dobel Blanco Tequila cocktails and buckets of refreshing Peroni beer as you watch NFL’s elite battle it out on an epic 70” big-screen television.  Reservations encouraged. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner menus also available. For booking and more information, call +1 305 604 8485 or emailcasareception@faena.com.

Nautilus South Beach hosts a Backyard BBQ featuring the big game at no charge on big screen TVs, serving BBQ staples of ribs, wings, nachos, and burgers, specialty cocktails and bottle service. Those seeking to host their own private watch party can take advantage of the poolside cabanas with TV offering access to the salt-water pool. Cabana prices vary on party size/location. For a rate, please call 305.503.5700. 

Impress your guests with the ultimate football feast from Smokey Bones this Super Bowl Sunday. Be the party’s MVPwith the BBQ To-Go Party Pack which offers an array of savory wings, ribs, and more for under $100! Guests can get fired up for the big game and place their orders online here: https://smokeybones.alohaorderonline.com/. 

Bokamper’s – with televisions covering every wall – is the perfect place to enjoy the fun!

In addition to the action on TV, Bokamper’s will offer an Open Bar (premium house liquor included) and a big game buffet, plus prizes and giveaways for guests.

Looking to watch the game at home? Order Bokamper’s Tailgating Platter to-go or on UberEats. The platter includes 5 lbs. of award-winning smokehouse ribs, 5 lbs. of boneless wings and 5 lbs. of macaroni & cheese (feeds 6–8, $149). All to go orders will receive double MVP points (excludes delivery from third party services such as Uber Eats, Bite Squad, Naples Express Meals).

Super Bowl Sunday, is also known as Championship eating day — and apparently fans are not moving far from their TV screens. Jersey Mike’s Subs expects a 15 percent increase in online orders for the big match up. And here’s a winning deal. On Thursday, February 1, Jersey Mike’s is sending email club members an offer for $5 off a catering box order. It’s not too late to sign up!

For more information, visit www.jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jerseymikes) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/jerseymikes)

Nikki Beach will be pre-gaming for Super Bowl with their “Amazing Sundays” Brunch featuring a Pre-Game Tailgate with Pats and Eagles themed Color Wars, Football Trivia and Blue and Green goodies for guests from 11am to 4pm. Brunch is $49.95. Nikki Beach is located at 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Later in the evening starting at 7pm, Nikki Beach will kick off Sunday Night Flights – $25 champagne flights featuring 4 different sips for “Football Widows” and bubbly lovers alike. This week, Nikki Beach Sunday Night Flights will feature Veuve Cliqout, Veuve Cliqout Rich, Moet & Chandon, and Moet Ice. This program will continue every Sunday night starting at 7pm. For more information, visit www.nikkibeach.com or www.nikkibeachhotels.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkibeach

By: Maryanne Salvat

Maryannesalvat@aol.com

33rd Annual 99.9 KISS Country Chili Cookoff 

The 33rd Annual 99.9 KISS Country Chili Cookoff takes place on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at C.B. Smith Park in Pembrokes Pines.Acts include Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Big & Rich, Maren Morris, Midland, and Brandon Lay.  Visit WKIS.com for details and ticket information.

Veuve Clicquot Carnaval Returns to Miami

The 4^th annual Veuve Clicquot Carnaval returns to Miami’s Museum Park on Saturday, March 10, and tickets will be on sale beginning Thursday, January 18 at VCCarnaval.com! Veuve Clicquot once again transports the excitement of Carnaval to Miami at the beautiful Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay. The unique daytime fête will welcome guests to participate in the electrifying spirit of the international celebration with traditional entertainment, featuring samba dancers, drummers, live music, and more. In the past the event has been attended by the likes of Adriana Lima, Ciara, Gabrielle Union, Karolina Kurkova, Tyson Beckford, Chanel Iman, Olivia Culpo, Solange Knowles, Nina Agdal, Emily Ratajkowski, Eiza Gonzalez, Prince Royce, Diego Boneta and more. Veuve Clicquot expects another star-studded turn out this year! General Admission tickets are available for $45 and include entry to the event, access to all entertainment, including a parade featuring three unique Carnaval celebratory interpretations with classic Batucada dancers, drummers, Capoeiras, and samba dancers in exuberant feathered costumes. 

New to the event this year, Veuve Clicquot is introducing the Rosé Garden, an elevated consumer experience. This ticket retails for $350 and includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, gourmet lunchbox by Starr Catering, dedicated event entry, and access to exclusive lounge seating with premium views of the day’s vibrant entertainment.

MISO Presents Ocean Drive in Vienna

After the success achieved in past seasons, The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), under the baton of Maestro Eduardo Marturet, in a never-ending commitment with the cultural development of our community, will be returning this January with its first concert of the year, “Ocean Drive in Vienna”. A mesmerizing merge of choreography, polkas, and overtures with Viennese melodies will delight the audience at the Adrienne Arsht Center – Knight Concert Hall in Miami (www.arsthcenter.org).

“Ocean Drive in Vienna”, sponsored by Mercantil Bank, will take our breaths away with the most cheerful waltzes and dances, along with divine surprises from Maestro Eduardo Marturet. Music by Johann Strauss, Von Suppe, Paul Nero, Victor Espinola, and arrangements by Tarcisio Barreto among others. 

We will have the honor of witnessing the special performance of acclaimed Paraguayan harpist Victor Espinola, who has shared stages with work-renowned artist Yanni, and currently holds the harp soloist residency at Walt Disney World in Orlando. 

Once again Venezuelan ensemble 7/4 will bring their South Beach twist while blending sounds with The MISO, giving the night an unexpected turn in a magical Viennese setting. These and more surprises will create a night to remember at “Ocean Drive in Vienna”.

Date: January 21st, 2018

Venue: Adrienne Arsht Center – Knight Concert Hall. 

Time: 6:00 p.m.  

Tickets: www.arsthcenter.org or Call MISO Office (305) 275- 5666

Bokamper’s Celebrates National Hot Sauce Day

Calling all hot sauce addicts! Get ready to try Bokamper’s signature ‘Killer B’ wings with an extra kick, because Bokamper’s is partnering with Tabañero hot sauce to pick up customer’s dining tabs for National Hot Sauce Day on Monday, January 22, 2018.

Guests at select Bokamper’s restaurants can simply tag their restaurant location on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #PickUpMyTab for the chance to have a Tabañero representative pick up their entire dining check and receive free hot sauce!

One lucky winner will also walk away with a year’s supply of Tabañero hot sauce.

Participating Bokamper’s locations include:
Bokamper’s Fort Lauderdale: NE 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Bokamper’s Miramar: 15500 SW 29th Street, Miramar, FL 33027
Bokamper’s Plantation: 1280 S Pine Road, Plantation, FL 33324

For more information visit http://www.bokampers.com/

YoungArts Backyard Ball

On Saturday, January 13, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) will bring together the nation’s most promising artists, industry leaders, alumni and celebrities for the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and the kick off to the Backyard Ball performance and gala. The celebratory evening will be the culmination of National YoungArts Week, YoungArts’ signature program beginning January 7 for 166 Finalists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts selected from approximately 8,000 applicants. The event will honor Academy Award winner and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney (1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater and YoungArts master teacher) as the 2018 Arison Alumni Award recipient for his contributions and commitment to the arts. The Backyard Ball is presented by Max Mara, an Italian luxury brand aligned in YoungArts’ mission to support young artists in their educational and professional development. This is the fourth consecutive year that Max Mara has joined YoungArts in the celebration of burgeoning talent. Max Mara will also showcase new designs during the cocktail reception, and honor 2017 Max Mara Young Visionary Award recipient Torrance Hall (2017 Winner in Photography). New and unique this year is the format of the production. The entire show will take place on one stage with TV personality and local celebrity Louis Aguirre leading as Master of Ceremonies.

National YoungArts Foundation 2100 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137

SUPPORT AND TICKETS: The Backyard Ball performance and gala is supported by Presenting Partner Max Mara, EventStar Structure, Bacardi, Miami Herald and MIAMI Magazine. Tickets to the Backyard Ball start at $1,500 and tables are available starting at $15,000. Tickets can be purchased here or by contacting Lauren Nesslein at gala@youngarts.org / 305.377.1140 ext. 1808.