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.

By: Maryanne Salvat

4^th Annual Miami Underwater Festival at the Frost Museum of Science

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science invites South Floridians to “dive into” its 4^th Annual Miami Underwater Festival, sponsored by festival founders Shelly and Marko Dimitrijevic, taking place from Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14 with the theme of “Coasts, Reefs and Open Oceans.” The festival is being held in celebration of the global World Oceans Day, in honor of the oceans that link the world together, the products they provide to our daily lives, and to raise awareness of the current challenges faced. Visitors will get a chance to explore some of the themes and topics that will be featured in the Living Core Aquarium at the Museum’s future facility, opening in downtown Miami’s Museum Park in 2016. The Miami Underwater Festival is the Museum’s last signature event at its current location before its move to the new museum. For more information about the 4^th Annual Miami Underwater Festival, visit www.miamisci.org/underwaterfest or call 305.646.4200. Join the conversation! #UnderwaterFest 

HaVen South Beach Turns 4!

Haven South Beach celebrates its 4 year anniversary. The VIP after party will begin at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at HaVen located at 1237 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach.

Neon or Nothing Night Swim at the Thompson Miami Beach

Thompson Miami Beach will be debut its newest summer party “NEON OR NOTHING NIGHT SWIM” this Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.  “KIRILL WAS HERE”—star of Showtime’s new docu-series 3AM and famed photographer and sounds by DJ Scott Melker will set the vibe as guests dance the night away with cocktails in hand. So put on your best neon swim suit or attire and join the fun on Saturday for the ultimate summertime pool party that will be one for the record books.

Alex’s Lemonade Stands across the Nation

Alex’s Lemonade Days are held each year during the second weekend of June commemorating the time of year when Alexandra “Alex” Scott held her annual lemonade stand. Her supporters across the country carry on this tradition during Lemonade Days weekend, this year during the weekend of June 12 through June 14, holding thousands of lemonade stands and grassroots events – all dedicated to fighting childhood cancer!  For more information visit: http://www.alexslemonade.org/

Care Resource Offers Children’s Health Month

June is Children’s health month at Care Resource. This month, new pediatric clients without Health Insurance can receive a free comprehensive check-up and sports physical. To redeem this promotion, one must first make an appointment. To make an appointment, one can call 305.576.1234 ext.: 470 (English) and 471 (Spanish). Care Resource is staffed with board certified pediatric staff, is dedicated to developing advances in pediatric / adolescent care, promoting the well-being of children and families, and serving as advocates for children’s health related issues. Services include well child care; pediatric hearing, vision and dental care; immunizations; routine health screenings and adolescent care.

CENA by Michy

James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein and husband/partner David Martinez, have reopened their doors as CENA by Michy with a completely new look, new menu concept and new spirit. Joining Bernstein in the kitchen is chef de cuisine Mikey Mayta, a Michy’s alumnus and Johnson & Wales graduate.  CENA by Michy is located at 6927 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.  Dinner is served nightly beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Telephone: 305.759.2001; www.cenabymichy.com.

Brendan O’Hara & The Rescue at Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain is thrilled to present the Brendan O’Hara & The Rescue official album release party and live show on Sunday, June 7, at 6:30PM where the Miami-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter will take the Pineapple Stage in the garden debuting songs off his newest album co-produced by Ball & Chain. The event will also feature the funky and star-studded jam band Vlade Divak, who will play live from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The “Live at The Ball & Chain” album is a compilation of the 10 best tracks recorded live and part of an on-going series co-produced by the taste making, chart-topping venue. The “Live at The Ball & Chain” album will be available for purchase on-site for $10. For additional information about Brendan O’Hara visit www.btotherescue.com; all guests must be 21 and over to attend this event. This is event is free and open to the public. For Table Reservations: info@BallandChainMiami.com.

The Fourth Annual Miami Film Month

Greater Miami and The Beaches continue to be a place of cinematic excellence and unparalleled movie experiences. With the film industry continuing to grow and position itself as one of the destination’s strongest brand pillars, the area has become synonymous with spectacular art cinemas and unique film festivals. To celebrate the big screen’s presence in Miami, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has partnered with Stella Artois to host the fourth annual Miami Film Month from June 1-30, with a stellar line-up of activities. Miami Film Month gives visitors and residents a front row seat to the destination’s diverse film culture with discounted pricing at participating art cinemas.  This includes $8 movie screenings with a Miami Film Month coupon, available online at the website, www.MiamiFilmMonth.com. 

El Cielo Miami

Brickell’s newest gem El Cielo Miami will open its doors on Thursday, June 11 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. with a white and gold fete complete with golden carpet. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, one of the 50 Best Chefs of Latin America, invites guests to experience his first Miami restaurant where sensory gastronomic experiences are created through a menu inspired by Colombian roots and the study of neuroscience to stimulate the senses. Fine cocktails, live entertainment and stunning views of the Miami River from El Cielo’s outdoor patio dining will delight throughout the evening; RSVP to elCielo@taraink.com is required.

By: Maryanne Salvat

A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue

Culinary personality, restaurateur and New York Times best-selling author, Fabio Viviani returns to participate in the Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence Awards (The OBIES): A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue as this year’s Celebrity Chef. The event takes place on Friday, May 29 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. The OBIES: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue features a night of extraordinary food, entertainment and giving as the Orange Bowl Committee celebrates those who share organization’s values in giving back to the South Florida community. Many of the area’s top culinary chefs and restaurants will serve their best bites for the chance to be named Flavor of South Florida. A group of graduating high school senior student athletes from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties will receive scholarships and one outstanding South Florida resident will be honored with the 2015 Keith Tribble Community Service Excellence Award for the work he or she does to make a difference. Proceeds from The OBIES: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue will go toward Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Special Olympics Florida and the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy; for more information and tickets visit: http://community.orangebowl.org/obies/ or call 305.341.4701. Stay connected by following @OrangeBowlOBIES.

Siena Tavern and GrubHub Delivery

If you feel like staying in and relaxing this summer, don’t worry! Thanks to GrubHub, Miami Beach’s favorite Italian eatery, Siena Tavern is now offering delivery and takeout services, making it swift and easy for guests to enjoy a flavorful feast in the comfort of their own home. Siena Tavern is quickly becoming the go-to spot all locals can depend on. Its convenient hours, beautiful ambiance, and new delivery / takeout options make it easy for its South of Fifth neighbors and visitors to enjoy delicious dishes and desserts.

And for dessert, Siena Tavern is offering their new Gelato to go pints, which complete the meal and beat the Miami Heat. Some flavors to choose from include Double Chocolate, Pistachio and the popular, Salted Caramel.

Feel the Force at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

Warning! You are now entering the danger zone! On Saturday, May 30, just before the start of hurricane season, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will reveal to visitors the science behind hurricanes and other powerful weather hazards at a free event, “Feel the Force: Hurricanes and Other Hazards.” On Saturday, families can enjoy a ton of free activities.

Sponsoring partners are FIU’s International Hurricane Research Center, Miami-Dade County Emergency Management, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“Feel the Force: Hurricanes and Other Hazards” Family Day; 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., free admission; Museum is open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Learn more at www.miamisci.org or call 305.646.4200.

Fresh American Bistro Barbeque Benefits  Surfers Healing Foundation

On Saturday, May 30, Fresh American Bistro announces its official kick-off to summer with a beach party and poolside barbeque. The evening’s menu, curated by Fresh American Bistro’s Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz, will include the chef’s famous pork and beef sliders, along with spicy sausages and chicken kabobs. The evening will include live music by The Rhythmatics, Rythmation Band and Monsieur Zon Zon. Champagne will be provided by Nicolas Feuillatte along with a chance to enter-to-win a surfboard signed by roster of pro-surfers. All of the evening’s proceeds will go to benefit the Surfers Healing Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. The barbeque will precede a surf camp event that will take place on Sunday, May 31, during which autistic children will receive surfing lessons by pro-surfers such as Blake Michaels, Bucky Barry, Raul Gonzalez, Ossian Farmer and Che Pilago to name a few; for more information visit: visit www.soleontheocean.com.

A Celebration at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Miami’s Southern hospitality hotspot, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, warmly welcomes Lee Brian Schrager, founder and director of South Beach Food & Wine Festival and author of Fried & True, into the restaurant to celebrate Lee’s birthday with his favorite dishes. Guests can mix and mingle with Lee’s friends and family at this honorary guest supper event. The dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $55 per person and guests may reserve a seat, at runchickenrun.com/blog/ or call 305.538.5220. 

PAMM Participates in Blue Star Museums

PAMM is proud to announce its participation in Blue Star Museums, a national collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Defense that honors all active duty military personnel and their families with complimentary museum admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  PAMM kicks-off its participation in this great program with a special Memorial Day celebration on the terrace under the hanging gardens and overlooking the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Music by local indie folk band, The Wynwoods, and BBQ and drink specials starting at $5, by Verde Restaurant and Bar, will set the stage for the beloved American holiday. Inside the galleries, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt, exploring PAMM’s exhibitions by Nicolas Lobo, Antoni Tàpies, Iman Issa, Eugenio Espinoza and more. The event is open to the public with museum admission and free for active duty service members and their families with U.S. Military Identification, as well as for those who arrive by Metromover with proof of transport; for more information, visit www.pamm.org. 

Brownes Merchants & Trading Co.

Coachella may have come and gone, but Brownes Merchants & Trading Co. is recreating the trendsetter’s paradise with a Miami twist on Thursday, May 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at its South Beach location. Beauty buffs looking to achieve a trendy, festival-ready style (frolicking in the desert not required) will enjoy complimentary makeup and nail polish touchups with the latest haute hues from Nars, before topping off their look at the Brownes’ bohemian braid bar. Those looking to indulge in the ultimate festival fashion trend can stop by the Lulu DK metallic jewelry tattoo station for a gratis application of their favorite design. Children are welcome to attend. To keep energy high and good vibes flowing, Brownes’ team of knowledgeable hair, skin and nail experts will be on-hand to provide complimentary brow, paraffin, massage and facial mini-treatments and sample swag bags, while guests sip on summer-fresh rose. Those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can take matters into their own hands at the DIY cotton candy corner. Since no festival would be complete without a quintessential display of boho baubles, Brownes’ has teamed up with local designers to host a pop-up jewelry bazaar to cater to shopper’s every need. In addition, Brownes will offer 10 percent off all retail purchases from their expertly-curated product assortment of beauty brands including Briogeo, Molton Brown, Nars, Skinceuticals, Diptyque, Caudalie, Red Flower, Escentric Molecules, Bumble & Bumble, Bliss and more; For more information, check out Brownes online at www.BrownesBeauty.com.

Banyan Fest: Teens Against Distracted Driving

On May 16, Banyan Fest will be a 100% community-oriented, charitable event with all proceeds donated to Teens Against Distracted Driving (T.A.D.D.). With the participation of local music talent and the support of Mayor Lerner, the Youth Advisory Council and other local small business owners and sponsors, this evening of music is sure to be a great success! Banyan Fest will be held at the Banyan Bowl outdoor amphitheater in Pinecrest Gardens, located at 11100 Red Road, Pinecrest. Festival will run from 6:30-10:00 p.m. and tickets will be sold at the door for $10.00. Banyan Fest is a not-for-profit, community-supported, charitable EDM music event for teens, with proceeds being donated to Teens Against Distracted Driving (T.A.D.D). For more information, visit jbenzadon@aol.com or elliott@gfxcorp.com.

13th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ® where no family ever receives a bill for treatment,travel, housing or food, will celebrate its 13th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. The event, co-founded by Daisy Fuentes, is dedicated to support children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Chilean-born television icon Don Francisco will be recognized for his world-wide commitment to giving back to others. Don Francisco is the host of “Sábado Gigante,” Univision’s longest-running program that will end its successful on-air stretch of more than 53 years this coming September. Don Francisco will join approximately 600 guests for an evening of celebration that includes a special testimony by a

St. Jude family, live and silent auctions, and a performance by one the most famous groups of Cuban reggaton in today’s music industry, Gente D’ Zona. The evening will also feature live performances by Latin crossover R&B star Frankie J., and the man known as the “DJ of the Stars,” DJ Africa. Also, television and radio personalities Cristián de la Fuente, Karla Monroig, Ismael Cala, Alberto Sardiñas, Enrique Santos, Gaby Espino, Lili Estefan, and Rashel Diazwill serve as celebrity award presenters.

In the past, the gala has honored some of the most recognized and celebrated artists in Latin music and entertainment for their humanitarian work, such as Romero Britto, Juanes, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Tommy and Thalia Mottola, Chef Adrianne Calvo and Coach Don Shula.

For more information about tickets, sponsorships and auction items, visit www.stjude.org/miamigala or contact Carolina Masri at (800) 278-3383 or carolina.masri@stjude.org.

Big Hats and Bow Ties Brunch

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), together with Conductor Eduardo Marturet, requests your presence for a special “MISO Brunch” presented by estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis at 730 1st Street, Miami on Saturday, May 30.This unique fundraiser will take you on a musical journey into Greece’s hospitality as it’s meant to be experienced – unpretentious in style, uncompromising in service. The islands of Greece are crowned by an unspoiled estiatório, offering the rich bounty of local seas and vineyards. This visual feast will be equally unforgettable, enhanced by Greece’s time- honoured ingredients of sun and salt-flecked surf. Tickets:$350/pp call: 305.275.5666.

RA Sushi Supports “Nicky’s Week”

RA Sushi will host its largest annual fundraiser, “Nicky’s Week,” from Monday, May 25, through Sunday, May 31, to help kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In its 11th year, the weeklong fundraiser benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, where thanks to community support, no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for anything including treatment, travel, housing or food, so that they can focus on helping their child live. During Nicky’s Week, RA Sushi will donate 100 percent of sales from a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $1.5 million because unlike any other hospital, the majority of funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital comes from individual contributions.