By: Maryanne Salvat

Miami International Film Festival

Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival, the only major film festival worldwide produced by a college or university, is celebrating its 32nd edition. Running March 6 – 15, the 10-day annual event takes place at the Festival’s traditional home, the historic Olympia Theater at Gusman Center in downtown, plus six additional cinemas scattered across The Magic City; and includes a plethora of screenings, stylish parties, thoughtful panel discussions, spirited film competitions, awards ceremonies and immersive cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers attending from across the globe. This year’s Festival showcases 125 films, including 94 feature films and documentaries, 18 short films, 11 student films and 2 works-in-progress, produced and directed by both renowned and emerging talent from 40 countries. The Festival is pleased to announce numerous important premieres: 14 World, 6 International, 22 North American and 12 US premieres, debuting in Miami. General admission for each film is $13, but prices range for all events and packages. For more information, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM(3456). To purchase tickets, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com/program/ .

World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship

Taking place March 4-8, the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship is more than a world-class event featuring the greatest golfers from across the globe – it is also a must-attend international social event that brings the worlds of fashion, music and entertainment to one of the finest resorts, Trump National Doral.  Cadillac Miami Nights is the newly-named platform for the series of nightlife events during tournament week, notably the Dolce & Gabbana fashion experience on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Carlos Santana concert on Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m. The Championship also introduces enhanced culinary and hospitality offerings with the Escalade Lounge, GREY GOOSE Vodka 19^th Hole Lounge, Cadillac Experience Double Decker, Burger & Beer Joint, six local food trucks, and more.Visit www.CadillacChampionship.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Honey Bug Run/Walk

Philanthropist and founder of Honey Shine Mentoring Program, Tracy Wilson Mourning will host the Program’s first Honey Bug Run/Walk in honor of Women’s History Month on Saturday March 7, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Women’s Park (10251 W Flagler St.) More than 150 “Honey Bugs” are expected to participate in the March run/walk. And with the backing of the 5K’s patrons, including Mourning Family Foundation, JCP Printing and Designs, Baptist Health South Florida, and Miami-Dade County, Wilson Mourning looks forward to it being a great success. Registration for the general public and for Honey Shine Members is $25, $35 to the general public. To register and to find more information on the event and Honey Shine Inc., visit www.honeyshine.org.

A Night at the Bass Museum

The Bass Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser A Night at the Museum will be held on Wednesday evening, March 11. This year’s theme will recall the drama and glamour of the classic Hollywood genre Film Noir. Over 500 arts patrons, philanthropists and trendsetters are expected to attend to raise funds for museum programming. The festive evening will begin with Grey Goose cocktails and Chateau D’Esclans rosé, and delicious bites provided by STK Miami followed by desserts from Oolite Restaurant and Bar. Guests, who are encouraged to dress in the theme Film Noir, will mingle among projections of clips of 1940s crime drama classics, before they head to the dance floor. Tickets to A Night at the Museum: A Film Noir Experience are $250 for two and include an upper-level museum membership. Tickets at $1,000 include two tickets, membership and special donor recognition. To purchase, visit events.bassmuseum.org or call 305 673 7530 ext. 1018.

Women of Tomorrow Annual Black-Tie Gala 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will be honoring community leaders at its Annual Black-Tie Gala at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Saturday, March 7. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi, Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have put together highlights for the evening that will include a plush cocktail reception, a highly anticipated silent and live auction, an extravagant four-course dinner and a live performance by South Florida’s own Soul Survivors. For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Cinderella’s Glass Slipper

In celebration of Disney’s live-action film inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” Disney Consumer Products (DCP), in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, has collaborated with nine luxury designer shoe brands globally to assemble an enchanting collection of shoes that reimagine Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper. Distinguished designers include: Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman. Each brand has created its interpretation of the famed glass slipper Cinderella accidentally leaves behind when the clock strikes midnight.   Select styles will be available exclusively in the United States for custom order in select Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores starting in March. The shoes will be on display at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour from March 12 through March 18.

by: Maryanne Salvat

MIR Charities and Quality Meats Miami Beach 

Mission International Rescue Charities (MIR Charities) is partnering with Quality Meats Miami Beach for an exclusive, grand opening benefit party on Thursday, February 26. The event will mark 25 years of educational services and collaborative programs provided to families in need. The event is expected to bring together local dignitaries, celebrities and other influential personalities. Tickets to the event are priced at $150 per person; guests will have an opportunity to preview the restaurant’s delicious cuisine and ambiance by way of lavish food stations, free-flowing cocktails and a performance by Miami local, DJ Gringo. They will also have a chance to bid on not-to-be-missed items during a live auction. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mir-charities-and-quality-meats-grand-opening-benefit-party-tickets-15577253986.

PALO! at Ball & Chain

On Friday, February 27 GRAMMY Nominated PALO! will be performing their famous afro-Cuban funky tunes on the Pineapple Stage at Little Havana’s hottest new spot Ball & Chain.  Miami Boheme Friday’s are hosted by Joe Cardona – this Friday is a special celebration however, the birthday of Ball & Chain co-owner Zack Bush.  No cover, 21 and older.

Wall Brawl Miami

On Friday, March 6 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., join Wynwood’s most recognizable street artists as they battle it out at Wall Brawl Miami and raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to watch some of the biggest names in street art go face to face and compete for the title of the Best Street Artist of Miami.  Open bar by Bombay Sapphire and Zacapa Rum with lite bites by Morgans will be available for all those attending. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite artist and have a chance to take one of these originals home via auction. Artists include: HecOne Love, Skott Marsi, Bruno Vago, Furious (DAM Crew), KEDS (DAM Crew), Monique Lassooij, Claudia La Bianca, TeePop, NateD, Wilson, Jorge-Miguel Rodriguez, Ill Surge, GG, Atomik, Ivan Roque, Registered Artist, Aquarela Allyson Sabol, Nicole Salgar, Rigo Leon, Kazilla and Trek 6. Admission is only $40.00 at The Annex located at 44 NE 29 ST in Wynwood; for more information visit: www.wallbrawl.com.

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami Brunch

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami, presents a lavish brunch at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens featuring a stellar lineup of South Florida chefs, farmers, restaurants and authors. Participants to date include Oolite, Basil Park, Smith and Wollensky, Siam Oishi, Le Provencal restaurant Francais, Front Porch, Mise en Place; La Provence; Pastry is Art, Thierry’s Catering, A Fare to Remember, Small Tea, and Cookie Pursonality, among others. Restaurant participants will offer delicious brunch menu items; San Ignacio College and Miami Culinary Institute will host quesadilla and omelet stations; Le Cordon Bleu and Les Dames Miami will host additional culinary stations.  Republic National Distributing Co. and Sangria Lola will offer luscious libations.Attendees can also sample South Florida’s beautiful spring harvest from Verde Farms and Teena’s Pride, the latter farm owned by Dame Teena Borek; enjoy tasty eye-opening cocktails at the Bloody Mary bar, hosted by Patron and Smirnoff and savor a jolt of java from the Nespresso station.  Raffle items will include a trove of spa treatments, fabulous dining certificates, gift baskets, fine wines and other prizes. New culinary techniques will be featured at Les Dames d’Escoffier cooking demonstrations and Les Dames’ members, authors Ellen Kanner and Jen Karetnick, will offer signed copies or their current books, “Feeding the Hungry Ghost”, and “ Mangoes”, respectively. The Les Dames brunch takes place Sunday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Tickets may be purchased atreservations@lesdamesmiami.org or via PayPal: http://lesdamesmiami.org. 

MISO’s Golden Sounds from Hollywood

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) presents the sixth annual installment of “Golden Sounds from Hollywood” on Sunday, March 8, 6:00 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Maestro Marturet compensates for the days of inferior soundtracks by conducting a program that features works written specifically for motion pictures, and combining actual projections from the film onto the stage of the Knight Concert Hall. Executive Producer Fernando Duprat adds visual elements of excitement to Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001 Space Odyssey,” Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” and the soundtrack from Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.,” among many more popular and recognizable films. Tickets can be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center website, calling the MISO box office at 305.275.5666, or by e-mailing info@themiso.org.

#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.

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.

Chef Aniece Meinhold

By: Maryanne Salvat

Bravo’s Best New Restaurant Viewing Party at the Federal Food Drinks and Provisions

Excited to celebrate their debut on Bravo’s Best New Restaurant, hosted by celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio, Chef/Owner/Contestant Cesar Zapata and GM/Owner/Contestant Aniece Meinhold, along with the rest of the crew at The Federal, Food, Drinks and Provisions, is hosting a special dinner and viewing party at the restaurant on Wednesday, January 28. Offered all night long – and throughout the week as the show repeats on Bravo – guests will have the option to enjoy the four-course menu specially prepared by Zapata and team on the Best New Restaurant’s second episode for $39.00 per person. For those who prefer to snack as they cheer for The Fed’s to defeat Austin, Texas heavy hitter Swift’s Attic, the restaurant will offer a special late night Happy Hour from 9:30pm – close, including $15 bottomless house wines and bubbly, $5 cocktails, $4 beers and a limited snacks menu. Telephone: 305.758.9559; www.thefederalmiami.com. 

Ball and Chain Introduces Ladies Night and Super Bowl Festivities

Tonight, January 28, ladies will receive complimentary mojitos from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.  Ball and Chain will be hosting Miami local favorite SUENALO on January 30^th. Ball and Chain will also be hosting a Super Bowl viewing party with specialty cocktails and menus available. Anyone who reserves or purchases a table will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free pitcher of either Gronk Juice or Lynchburg Lemonade at the end of each quarter (a $100 value). Tables available for $150 package to include a specialty drink pitcher (either Gronk Juice or Lynchburg Lemonade), a bucket of beer and food platter with hot dogs, sliders and chicken wings.

The Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge

Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, Miami native and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumnus, will host The Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for thousands of area youth. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, Jay will bowl with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening will include red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more. Sponsorships are available. For sponsorship or additional event information, call Jennifer Brasile at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or jennifer.brasile@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information, visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Christian McCulloch

Dolce&Gabbana Make Up Hosts Spring Looks Events with Christian McCulloch in Bal Harbour

Christian McCulloch is known for his keen eye in designing chic and sophisticated beauty looks for top celebrities and major publications. He has recently worked with: Scarlett Johansson, Kate Bosworth, Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Christina Hendricks, Olivia Wilde and major publications such as: Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Marie Claire; On Saturday, January 31 from 12:00p.m. – 8:00p.m., McCulloch will be on-hand to introduce the Lifting Foundation & Primer and Skincare Collections creating custom makeup applications inspired by Spring Dolce&Gabbana beauty trends.Customers are invited to make an appointment with Christian and the team as he reveals his insider makeup tips and demonstrates the newest Dolce&Gabbana trends and application techniques.For appointments please call: 1 (305) 865 1100 ext. 5368

BLT Prime’s Rival Burgers Photo Contest

Football fans and foodies, rejoice! Throughout this week until Sunday, February 1, sports enthusiasts and burger lovers will get a chance to predict the winner of this year’s big game via BLT Prime’s Rival Burgers Photo Contest.  Super Bowl XLIX will take place between defending champion Seattle Seahawks and AFC champion New England Patriots in Glendale, Arizona. Guests can bring their A-game by ordering their choice between two rival burgers, representing Seattle and New England, to predict this year’s football champion for a prize.  Priced at $18 each, and available during lunch service only, the #BLTRivalBurgers include:

·the Seahawk – Angus Beef Patty, Hot Dog Links, Grilled Onion-Cream Cheese, Tomato, Lettuce, and Smoked Pepper Ketchup

·the Patriot – Crab Cake Sliders with Lump Crab Meat, Spicy Remoulade and Frisée

To enter, guests must order a Rival Burger and post their most creative snapshot onto Twitter, Instagram or on our Facebook page tagging @BLTPrimeMiami with the official hashtag #BLTRivalBurgers. Five winning photos will be announced the week following the big game and each winner will receive a $50 gift card, to use at ESquared Hospitality Restaurants. BLT Prime is located at the Trump National Doral Miami and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For more information and reservations, call 305.591.6066.

Super Bowl Sunday Fun day at The Rum Line

Miami Beach’s favorite new watering hole, The Rum Line,will celebrate the big game on Sunday, February 1.  The Caribbean-inspired al fresco bar will offer an array of specialty libations from award-winning bar director Robert Ferarra, along with sumptuous small plates, seafood and snacks. Featuring a 60-inch screen and multiple viewing areas, The Rum Line is the perfect perch to watch the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks, and of course the Katy Perry halftime show.  Discounted libations will include $4 beer and $8 daiquiris, mojitos, Cuba libres and rum Old Fashioneds.  Guests can also indulge in Ferrara’s signature cocktails including including The Donkey Kong with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Banane du Brasil, Orgeat and lime; the Green Eyed Bandit with Avuá Cachaça, fresh kale, cucumber juice and lime; and the Cargo Ship with Ron Zacapa 23, Batavia Arrack, Panther Coffee reduction and mole bitters, served in a Talisker Storm rinsed glass. A menu of tropical small plates and fresh seafood will also be on offer including Tuna & Salmon Tacos; Grilled Shrimp Skewers with mango salsa; Crispy Oysters; Baby Back Ribs with guava BBQ sauce and more.For private event inquiries or table reservations for large groups, call 305.695.0110.

4^th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Presented by Sergio Rossi

On Wednesday, February 4 join the 4^th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes (WW&S) presented by Sergio Rossi, benefiting the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Created for women who enjoy fine wine, great style, and supporting a noble cause, the fabulous event will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami on Wednesday, February 4. WW&S is one of the fastest-growing charity event series in the country and has become a big hit in South Florida. Last year, WW&S helped Miami Children’s Hospital raise nearly half a million dollars in a single afternoon with nearly 500 fashionable women of South Florida in attendance.  Sergio Rossi, renowned for its craftsmanship and feminine designs, presents the 2015 WW&S event. Guests will be treated to a sophisticated day of wine tasting, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, a delicious lunch, as well as a fashion show with featured items from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The “Shoe Guys” will also be in attendance, showcasing the latest women’s fashions on silver platters. Media sponsors include iHeart Radio and Ocean Drive Magazine. For more information about WW&S 2015 or MCH Foundation, contact Lisbet Fernandez-Vina at 786.268.1845 or visit  mchf.org/winewomenandshoes.

Matisyahu: Barefoot Concert Series on Sole on the Ocean

Reggae sensation Matisyahu headlines the latest installment of Sole on the Ocean’s Barefoot Concert Series on Sunday, February 15. In addition to Matisyahu, the Barefoot Concert Series will feature Bushwood, a six-piece reggae rock band, whose high energy and signature style have been igniting stages all across South Florida. Known for their ability to perfectly blend funk and reggae, this band loves to perform, and knows how to put on a great show. The event will take place beachside complete with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Monsieur Zonzon will provide additional musical entertainment in form of a DJ set. Guest are invited to enjoy refreshing cocktails and culinary treats from a specialty menu curated by the executive chef Phillipe Ruiz, who helms Sole on the Ocean Resort and Spa’s new restaurant Fresh American Bistro.

Link to purchase tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/events/ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=175191