By: Maryanne Salvat 

Batch Gastropub  

Batch Gastropub celebrates their new brunch with a bang sure to please foodies and brunch connoisseurs from all over. Guests can indulge with $20 Bottomless Mimosas, Sangria, Bellinis & a delectable Brunch Menu Saturday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Standing by their “Quality vs. Quantity” motto, Batch Gastropub patiently perfected selections before releasing their full brunch menu. Brunch-goers will savor the new additions, such as the Batch Hash ‘n’ Egg which features pork belly and short rib served with potato, red onion, and a sunny side up egg. Another new dish is the Belgium Waffle & Country Fried Chicken made with maple butter, powdered sugar, and sticky honey chicken served on top of a finger-liking-good Belgium waffle. Sugar fiends can turn to Homer’s Doh’nut Waffles, made with donut batter, cinnamon-sugar, and a donut glaze.

The Restaurant at the Setai Wine Dinner Series  

The Restaurant at the Setai continues its monthly Wine Dinner series on Thursday, August 28 at 7:30 pm. Guests are invited for an intimate evening to enjoy a four-course menu designed by Executive Chef, Mathias Gervais, paired with guest winery, Bodega El Porvenir de Cafayate. Tickets can be purchased for $105 and can be reserved by contacting 305.520.6400 or dining@thesetaihotel.com. On Saturday, August 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Chef Mathias will be hosting an interactive cooking class where guests will have the opportunity to learn to prepare The Restaurant’s Langoustine and Hamachi. After the demonstration, guests will have a chance to taste the dishes with drink pairings. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person and can be reserved by contacting 305.520.6400 or dining@thesetaihotel.com.

Read the rest of this entry »

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that when its first Miami-Dade store opens in Sweetwater, FL on August 27, it will recognize loyal, enthusiastic customers by giving away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise – including an iconic EKTORP sofa for each of the first 39 adults in line, and a POANG armchair for the next 100 visitors.  Other highlights include a free mattress for the first 39 on Thursday, August 28 and free weekly meatball meals for the year to the first 39 on Friday, August 29.   (Customers may begin lining up on 9 a.m. EDT on Monday, August 25 – 48 hours before the store’s opening at 9 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 27.)  Also, Sweetwater Mayor Jose M. Diaz and IKEA U.S. CFO Rob Olson will join store manager Selwyn Crittendon in the official opening of the new store.

IKEA Miami is the Swedish company’s 2^nd store and restaurant destination in South Florida, 4^th in the state, 39^th in the United States, and 361^st worldwide.  (Florida’s first IKEA store opened in the Broward County city of Sunrise in 2007, followed by one store each in Orlando and Tampa.)  The 416,000-square-foot IKEA Miami was built on 14.6 acres adjacent to Dolphin Mall, near both the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) and Florida’s Turnpike, in the City of Sweetwater.  The store employs more than 350 coworkers and features 10,000 exclusively-designed items, a 600-seat IKEA Restaurant, 44 inspirational room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area and approximately 1,500 parking spaces.  Reflecting the company’s solar presence atop 90% of its U.S. locations, IKEA installed South Florida’s largest rooftop solar array at IKEA Miami.  Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Miami Spice  showcases the very best of Miami cuisine. From August 1 through September 30, restaurants offer three-course meals featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs at reduced prices: Lunch $23 and Dinner $39. Below are a few signature restaurants that we have had the pleasure of previewing.

Azul, the Five-Star restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Miami announces the appointment of William Crandall as chef de cuisine. Chef Crandall brings his sophisticated, eclectic cuisine of French flavors with Asian influences to the new menu at the 120-seat waterfront restaurant. The delightful Miami Spice Menu includes: Scallop “Poke” trout roe, fingerling potato, sorrel, Kurobuta Pork Belly tenderloin, pumpernickel, braised cabbage, rainbow carrot; Caramelized Banana Cake – Dominican milk chocolate cream, chai tea ice cream. Diners at Azul will also enjoy a refreshed design, which was unveiled in 2014 and includes a new private chef’s table overlooking the restaurant’s open white marble kitchen, accommodating parties up to 12. Reservations are suggested at 305.913.8358 or momia-restaurants@mohg.com. Valet parking; all major credit cards accepted. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim July 2015 

South Beach will once again come alive this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event returns for the ninth year. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will heat up the sands of The Raleigh Hotel with five days of designer runway shows, presentations and parties beginning on July 17 through July 21. For a complete look at events as well as an extensive list of incredible designers who will be presenting their latest Collections visit: www.mbfashionweek.com. 

NICOLITA Swimwear and a Weekend in Havana 

NICOLITA Swimwear, known for its signature fit of ‘Cuban-style bottoms,’ and ExploreModeling.com, a leading online modeling agency, host the 4^th annual “Search for the Perfect Booty” Model Casting. NICOLITA celebrates natural beauty and real curves, and is looking for models of all shapes and sizes to represent the feminine figure during their upcoming 2015 “Weekend in Havana” Collection photo shoot. Hopefuls are encouraged to apply online at ExploreModeling.com. Once the online casting closes, a group of applicants will be selected and invited to attend the final casting call on Thursday, July 17 at The Surfcomber Hotel. This year’s NICOLITA online casting features two special guest hosts, Megan Parken, YouTube sensation and creator of the highly-visited page – meganheartsmakeup, and Cassandra Bankson, YouTube personality best known for her successful modeling career despite suffering from acne; for more information on NICOLITA Swimwear, visit www.MyNicolita.com.  For official rules or to sign up for the NICOLITA Model Casting, visit http://exploremodeling.com/Casting/NicolitaModelSearch/Default.aspx. 

Style Saves 

Fashion and philanthropy join forces once again as Style Saves launches ticket sales for their fourth annual fashion show fundraiser. Kicking off Miami Swim Week on Friday, July 18, FORD models will work the runway at the ultra-chic Soho Beach House from 9:00 p.m. to midnight for the mission of “building confidence through clothes.” This Swim Week show bolsters the cause of Style Saves to raise funds for underprivileged students in South Florida. In collaboration with The Miami Foundation, Style Saves works with retailers, designers and boutiques to provide new back-to-school outfits, edifying the self-confidence and assurance these students need to succeed academically and personally. Style Saves dedicates all funds to their back-to-school event, which will take place on August 16 and 17 and offers students the opportunity to “shop” outfits in a department store-style environment before returning for the new school year. This year, the Back-to-School event will be hosted at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami and will benefit more than 500 students from Miami-Dade public schools. Tickets for the Style Saves Swim Show are $125 in advance at www.stylesaves.org or $150 at the door. To learn more about Style Saves visit, www.stylesaves.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Uncle Tom’s Barbecue Grand Re-Opening! 

Uncle Tom’s Barbecue is celebrating its long awaited grand reopening on Tuesday, July 8, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring a salute from City of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado promptly at 6:00 p.m. Staying true to its original recipe for success from its inception in 1948, Uncle Tom’s Barbecue has been resurrected in the same spot on Tamiami Trail but with new and improved owners and a truly classic southern menu. Following the ceremony, DJ Ethics will provide the soundtrack to the evening while guests sip on complimentary house wine or beer and enjoy bite-sized portions of Uncle Tom’s Barbecue signature dishes including pulled pork, brisket and sliced pork sliders, stuffed mac and cheese, wings and ribs. RSVP is required; RSVP to UncleTomsBBQ@cm-publicrelations.com.

Fourth of July Happenings: 

Mandarine Napoléon at The Broken Shaker

On Thursday, July 3, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., Mandarine Napoléon, the 19^th century citrus liqueur created for Napoléon Bonaparte, launches The Emperor’s Social Bar at The Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami. Join them for a night of socializing and complimentary Mandarine Napoléon cocktails, where Instagrams and Tweets are the currency! For each new and unique Instagram post or Tweet, guests will get a branded token towards a Mandarine Napoléon cocktail. 

Caviar & Cocktails 

The Restaurant at The Setai will be offering at their Bar & Courtyard a more exotic approach to the celebration. On July 3, they will host Caviar & Cocktails – featuring real caviar; premium “European” caviar, cocktails that will include ingredients like Capers and vodka; Elite Vodka (high-end Stoli vodka) and vermouth – carbonated, make it like champagne to pair w/caviar. Premium caviar; first hour complimentary cocktails, each w/a spoon of caviar; $12 for next 2 hours cocktails served with a spoon of caviar.  

Biltmore Stars and Stripes BBQ Dinner and Fireworks Spectacular 

Beginning at 4:00p.m., Biltmore offers an all you can eat BBQ buffet and open bar, along with a spectacular Fireworks display. Get a front row seat with for this annual event. Members $120; guests $150.

APT606 for “DUSK” at The Standard Spa 

Join APT606 for “DUSK” at The Standard Spa for an exclusive menswear collection by fashion’s golden boy, Christopher Kane, and curated by APT606.   The atomic inspired collection will be accompanied by cocktails at sunset and beats by DJ Cassinelli from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Members of The Standard receive 10% off the FW2014 Christopher Kane collection; RSVP to Scott Hauser Hauser4@aol.com.

Cavalli Lounge

On July 3, Cavalli Lounge is proud to have Capital Cities DJ  Set joining them for the night. With their song “Safe and Sound” at the top of all the charts, they will be opening Katy Perry’s concert in Miami and then ending off the night partying at Cavalli Lounge. On the 4^th, Cavalli will be featuring a special menu for the day.

Wall Lounge  

Every day this week, Wall Lounge will have a different Dj jamming out to all of your favorite tunes.  For a complete line visit: http://www.wallmiami.com/.

Seasalt & Pepper

On July 4, Moët Ice Imperial Presents Seasalt & Pepper’s Fourth of July event. It will consist of Dj Digital Rebels playing his dance mix all day long, delicious food and fun in the sun.

Afrojack 4^th of July Weekend at Mansion 

Afrojack has become one of electronic dance music’s major icons. From humble DJ beginnings in his native country of Holland, he has grown to become a multi-award winning, platinum-selling producer. His skills are some of the most sought after in the world, and with two Grammy Awards under his belt, it’s easy to see why. In addition to this, his DJ sets have fast become both iconic and unparalleled, providing an explosive take on the current state of dance music across the board. Join us this 4th of July weekend at Mansion nightclub as we present Afrojack; July 3, 2014 / Doors at 11pm / Tickets starting at $50. http://opium.wantickets.com/Events/157361/Afrojack-at-Mansion/.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Irie Weekend

On Thursday, June 19 through June 21, Miami’s own DJ Irie will celebrate a decade of giving back with the return of the highly anticipated Irie Weekend (IWX: www.irieweekend.com).  IWX will be filled with an action-packed schedule of events and a first ever “takeover” of the newly renovated National Hotel. Over the last ten years, the weekend has evolved into one of the summer’s hottest tickets and has been attended by the likes of Selita Ebanks, Chris Kirkpatrick, Christina Milian, Jeremy Shockey, Audrina Patridge, Kevin Dillon, Kristin Cavallari, Nick Cannon, Luke Wilson, Ne-Yo, Timbaland, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Jonathan Vilma and Miami HEAT players, coaches and staff just to name a few.  The event kicks off  with on Thursday evening with a VIP reception at The National Hotel; for a complete line-up of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.IrieWeekend.com.

Macchialina’s Bar Takeover

Macchialina‘s 2nd-ever Bar Takeover series, will be held this Thursday, June 19, from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00a.m. Guest bartender Rob Ferrara of Lure Fishbar will be “taking over” the bar from new lead bartender Will Rivas – using everything from his own menu including ingredients as well as glassware and ice.  Ferrara will also be choosing the theme (A Night at the Jersey Shore) for the night and Chef Michael Pirolo will make a menu to compliment the drinks that fit the theme; for more information visit: www.macchialina.com.

Adlens Sundials

With summer in full force, Adlens Sundials Sunglasses are the perfect accessory to take with you on any of your travels.  Available in four colors, Sundials provide UVA/UVB protection while adjusting for near, intermediate and distance vision needs with the turn of dial – all with a single pair! These innovative and revolutionary shades are a must-have for active those who love to travel, golf, sail, hike, camp or garden. They provide a smart and affordable solution to the problem of lost or broken glasses while on the road; for more information or to purchase visit:  www.adlens.com.

Miami Spice Mash-Up

The 13^th Annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program (August & September 2014) is just around the corner and to kick-start the celebration the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is launching a series of special Miami Spice Mash-Ups, chef collaborations at which each chef will preview select dishes from their upcoming Spice menus.The first of three Mash-Ups will take place on Wednesday, June 25 – Chef Brad Kilgore of J&G Grill at St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will host visiting Chef Jose Mendin of the Pubbelly family of restaurants.  Together, the two will serve a six course meal previewing menu items from their respective Miami Spice menus.  The meal will finish with a duo of desserts, one from Mendin the other from J&G’s pastry chef, Antonio Bachour.  Seating is limited to 40 attendees; reservations must be made in advance and can be done so by calling 305.993.3333.  Price: $65 per person, including a complimentary cocktail featuring Botran Rum(excluding tax, tip and alcohol).  Destinations and chef line-ups for July and September Mash-Ups will be released at a later date.  J&G Grill is located at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.  For more information on Miami Spice visit iLoveMiamiSpice.com.