By: Maryanne Salvat

Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution Live from the Thompson Miami Beach

The shiny-new, stylish Thompson Miami Beach will be the official location for FOX’s New Year’s special entitled: PITBULL’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION. Staged throughout various indoor and outdoor venues at the upscale oceanfront Thompson Miami Beach, including its two spacious pool decks and the lush Raymond Jungles-designed Garden, the New Year’s Eve show will feature performances by an all-star lineup of entertainers, including Mr. 305 himself, Enrique Iglesias, The Band Perry, Fall Out Boy, Becky G. and Fifth Harmony and a few surprises. Miami native and the evening’s host, Pitbull, will lead the party from Thompson Miami Beach in front of legions of on-site fans. PITBULL’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION will air live on FOX Wednesday, December 31, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Then, following the local news, Mr. 305 returns from 11:00 p.m. –12:30 a.m. eastern standard time. Check listings for other time zones.

Those interested in gaining access to this New Year’s Eve broadcast at Thompson Miami Beach on December 31, can submit a request to join in on the fun here: http://1iota.com/Show/424/Pitbull’s-New-Years-Revolution.

Rockin New Year’s Eve at Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain, the historic and world famous live music bar in the center of Little Havana is thrilled to announce their “Rockin New Year’s Eve” event on December 31. The recently reopened bar on Calle Ocho presents a live musical performance by After School Special, an all-star classic rock cover band. After School Special will feature the Foo Fighters and Wallflowers keyboardist Rami Jaffee, Dave Krusen original and former drummer of Pearl Jam, Lazy Stars lead vocalist and guitarist Jonny Kaplan and Jessy Greene violinist from Foo Fighters, Pink, Fistful of Mercy and Sound City Players. The rock legends collectively have sold over 40 million records worldwide. The doors open at 8:00 p.m. where the rock legends will take the Pineapple Stage performing covers of classic rock songs such as Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Rod Stewart as they count down to 2015. Immediately following the live show will be a special DJ set by Foo Fighters and Wallflowers keyboardist Rami Jaffee. Ball & Chain is offering exclusive table and bottle service reservations only, followed by general admission depending on availability. The general admission will be free RSVP and confirmation code is mandatory as it is a limited guest list. All guests must be 21+ to attend the event. For Table Reservations: NewYears@BallandChainMiami.com.

Love is Blind in the New Year!

Ring in the New Year like a true local at Miami favorite spot in Coral Gables Love is Blind! Enjoy tunes and bubbles with friends, family or that special someone you plan to give a New Year’s Eve kiss to because in the end it’s all about LOVE! Love is Blind has prepped a delicious pre-fixed menu for all to indulge. Start off with their infamous Serrano Ham Croquettas before moving on to a Burrata Caprese Salad. After the appetizers it’s time to have the best of both worlds with a Surf and Turf main course consisting of Filet Mignon with a Mushroom Demi-glaze (6oz) and Jumbo Garlic Shrimp paired with Grilled Asparagus and White Truffle Infused Mashed Potatoes. Finish off with a mouthwatering Creole Bread Pudding with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; for reservations, call 305.748.6118.

Tamarina

On the heels of a successful opening, Tamarina owners Yona and Tunu Puri are excited to announce their New Year’s Eve plans for an Italian inspired prosperity feast. The dinner will feature an abundance of luxury and decadence designed to promote well-being and good fortune in the coming year. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail titled “Calends Fizz”. Custom created for the occasion by Tamarina’s lead mixologist Nathan Rogers, the cocktail is inspired by the ancient Roman tradition of exchanging gifts of honey-soaked figs and dates in glass jars as a symbol of abundance and promise of plentiful things to come in the New Year. Attendees will be welcomed to stay after dinner and dance the night away to the fun sounds of our Guest DJ with special open bar cocktails and drinks;for more information and reservations, please contact Jessica Marrero 305-579-1888/ Events@tamarinarestaurants.com.

The Royal White Affair at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach

The Ritz- Carlton, South Beach will once again host a luxurious New Year’s white party. After much success, the revelry will return Wednesday December 31, 2014 as a “Royal White Affair”. This year, the New Year’s Eve event will feature over-the-top specialty entertainment, renowned DJ’s, and opulent décor poolside at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Dancing to the beats of DJs Tony G, Chris Valencia, and Malone, attendees will enjoy a night filled with mystique, live entertainment, aerialists, and performances. Eye catching visuals will enhance the guest experience, bringing storybook and iconic royal figures to life. Presented in part by Perrier Jouet Champagne, “Royal White Affair”- will feature a theme based exclusively around the color white which is synonymous with the clean slate that a new year represents. Required dress for the event is evening wear and white is encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BlancNYE.com. Presale tickets are priced at $99 and include a premium open bar from 9:00PM until midnight. Table reservations are available. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is located at One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL. For additional information visit ritzcarlton.com/southbeach or call (786) 276-4006.

The Wonderwalls

The Wonderwalls, an avant-garde design and home décor brand, will host an event at CABLE Design on Saturday, December 13, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. during Wynwood Art Walk to celebrate its U.S. inauguration. The Wonderwalls is currently composed of 10 renowned artists from Barcelona, Spain— Alex Trochut, Ariana Perez, Josep Basora, Flavita Banana, Inocuo, Laia Munnà, Laura Meseguer, Losiento, Maria Diamantes and Philippe Fernandez—who use rich typography, minimal art and inspirational narratives to create unique, powerful wall décor perfect for the home. The event, sponsored by Estrella Damm, will showcase the artists’ designs, including famed artist Trochut’s exclusive vinyl designs for The Wonderwalls—featuring “Lipstick-Bullet,” “Cat-Girl,” “Feather-Knife” and “Razor Blade-Queen.” Complimentary beer, bites from local food trucks, and live music will keep the vibe festive throughout the day. To request an interview or RSVP to the event, e-mail Rebecca Astorga at Rebecca@taraink.com.

Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach

On the heels of making history after winning the 2014 U.S. Open – her 18th Grand Slam title – Serena Williams will join thousands of avid running enthusiasts from South Florida and around the country for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach, taking place on Sunday, December 14th. The Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), 5K Run/Walk and Ultimate KIDS Dash will bring together runners of all ages and abilities to support the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them. Registration for each event is still open at www.TheUltimateRun.com.

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Café Philadelphia for Toys for Tots

The Christmas season is just around the corner! Instead of waiting in line for hours at the mall for a picture with Santa, join Hard Rock Cafe for their annual Breakfast with Santa. On December 13-14 and 20-21, 8:30am – 10am, Hard Rock will offer a delicious breakfast buffet, complete with story time with Santa, goodie bags, and digital photos with Kris Kringle himself. Tickets are $18, and children 2 and younger are free with a paid adult. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, Breakfast with Santa will benefit Toys for Tots. This is the perfect excuse to skip the holiday madness without skipping the photo op, so make your reservations today. Tickets available here: http://www.hrcphillymusic.com/event/695631-breakfast-santa-philadelphia/

Délice by Chandon

Chandon, known as California’s sparkling wine pioneers, have introduced Délice their newest addition. In keeping with the style established when the winery was founded, Délice draws on French heritage and the innovative spirit of California. Like all Chandon wines, Délice is a sophisticated and vibrant sparkling wine that enlivens all occasions; Available in Florida and Texas in 2014 and nationwide in spring 2015.With a generous creamy, luscious mouthfeel, Délice is semi-sweet and refreshing. It tantalizes the palate with nectarine, pear, golden apple and ruby grapefruit flavors. Délice is the perfect match for all kinds of spicy dishes, such as Thai curry, Cajun jambalaya and Mexican salsa. It is also delicious with creamy cheeses of all kinds and rich, decadent desserts such as lemon meringue pie or crème brûlée.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Art Basel, the Mecca for art collectors and enthusiasts will take over Miami this week. The most prestigious art show in the Americas will feature hundreds of leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, among the most respected in the world that will showcase works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art and musical experiences. Art Basel will provide a vital platform for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-caliber artworks. In addition to the actual show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, art museums throughout South Florida, satellite art fairs, and events for and by curators provide the perfect forum for encountering and experiencing art and design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel – and the requisite parties keep the locals and the visitors in an art-induced state of bliss. Without a doubt, sunny Miami is the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world. Below, we have highlighted just a few of the major events that are scheduled this year, and are sure to make Art Basel 2014 the best to date. Read the rest of this entry »

On Friday, December 5, join the Women’s Committee of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a Holiday Boutique Shopping Day on from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. at the Merion Cricket Club. Lunch and Shopping are $35 at the door. Shopping only tickets are $10/person at the door. 25 percent of all boutique purchases and all ticket sales benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Women’s Committee grants process. Vendors are curated from top boutiques and artisans, around the country and locally.

Non-local vendors include:

Atlantic Nantucket (Nantucket, MA) European designer clothing, jewelry and decor

Boo Gemes (Bronxville, NY) Fun, stylish women’s clothing

Charbellum by Sabra Albert (Aspen, CO) Aspen made jewelry, JOTT USA down jackets

Clara Williams (Chicago, IL) Bold classic jewelry with interchangeable embellishments

Collared Greens (Richmond, VA) Eco friendly men’s apparel and gifts

Devon Baer (New York, NY) Luxury women’s apparel

Glamourpuss NYC (New York, NY) Chic, easy accessories for carpool to cocktails

Island Outfitters (Newport, RI) Cashmere sweaters and jewelry

Jingle Nog (Armonk, NY) Glass ornaments and gifts

johnnie-O (Santa Monica, CA) West Coast preppy clothing with a twist

Lined Design by Marni Gutkin (New York, NY) Personalized stationery and gifts

Oliver and Adelaide (New York, NY) American, luxury made gifts for babies and children

Recreo San Miguel (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) One of a kind wraps and shawls

Rungolee (St. Louis, MO) Unique and unusual women’s clothing

Sister Parish Design (Bedford, NY) Home and fashion accessories

Susan’s Jewelry Collection (Jupiter, FL) Jewelry from around the world

The Silk Road (Bronxville, NY) Unique gifts from around the world

Local vendors include:

Argyle Boutique (Ardmore) cut flowers and arrangements

Blue Claw Co. (Philadelphia) Travel bags and accessories made in the USA

Main line Monograms- formerally Dragonfly Gifts (Newtown Square) Onsite personalization of gifts

Jennie Seward & Co. (Bryn Mawr) Hand painted desk and home accessories

John & Kira’s Chocolates (Philadelphia) Artisan confections

The Ellie Rose (Chester Springs) Sweet simple children’s clothing and accessories

Valley Forge Flowers (Wayne) Topiaries, home accessories and holiday accents

Vanessa Fox (Bryn Mawr) Whimsical and colorful swim trunks and resort dresses

For more information please visit www.CHOPHolidayboutique.org

On Saturday, November 22,  head to the rooftop of the Collection Building  for the launch of  Love & Wine – an event that brings together exclusive wine and spirit producers, leading figures in the culinary scene, live entertainment and local influencers in one of the city’s most posh rooftop settings. Attendees will enjoy the characteristically breezy atmosphere unique to South Florida in the fall season while iconic labels such as Moët, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and Ketel One, provide unique opportunities to taste select wines & spirits that have brought them worldwide acclaim. Guests will also have access to other wine and premium spi- rits while indulging in flavors from the most widely recognized kitchens in Miami. Ameri- can chef and television personality, Ralph Pagano will host the Love & Wine- Cooking with Love stage which will feature cooking demonstrations from various well known Miami chefs like; Dustin Ward, Richard Hales and Giorgio Rapicavoli. Pagano appeared on the first season of Hell’s Kitchen and hosted the series Pressure Cook on MOJO HD. He also challenged chef Bobby Flay on the American version of Iron Chef. Participating restaurants showcasing their kitchens include; BLT Prime, Batch Gastropub, Cibo Wine Bar, Love is Blind and more.  For more information visit:  http://www.rooftopaffair.com.