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.

McDonald’s Launches Street Art Inspired French Fry Boxes for FIFA World Cup

In conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2014, McDonald’s has changed the look of its iconic red French fry packaging globally with bold, new artwork to celebrate the upcoming soccer event. In addition, the new fry boxes will be the key to “unlocking” a new app “McDonald’s GOL!” that will reward French fry loving patrons with an engaging, virtual trick-shot challenge. The app will be compatible with most Android and Apple mobile devices and will be available for download in the Google Play store and Apple App Store™.

The redesign will treat customers and futbol fans with an exclusive collection of original street art that reflects the beauty and passion of the game of futbol. Twelve artists from around the world were chosen to create the special new designs, which will canvas McDonald’s Medium and Large fry boxes in the majority of company-owned and franchised restaurants worldwide. To view the different designs visit: www.gol.mcd.com.

SUSHISAMBA Mundial 2014

SUSHISAMBA is celebrating the World Cup by bringing the action from Brazil to its locations in Miami Beach and Coral Gables for ‘SUSHISAMBA MUNDIAL 2014!’ In celebration of the games, each restaurant has created the ultimate viewing experience for fans, featuring special events, festive food and drinks, and live coverage of all matches from June 12 – July 13, 2014! Drawing from the brand’s cultural and culinary heritage, Brazil will be the centrepiece of the month-long fête. Kickoff in true SAMBA style on Thursday, June 12 for the Brazil versus Croatia game with samba dancers, dj’s, a themed menu, and drink specials; www.sushisamba.com.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana World Cup 2014

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Lincoln Road’s Northern Italian dining destination will celebrate the World Cup with big-screen televised matches, a special 2-course menu and an array of cocktail specials. Available during all games, the World Cup 2-course menu is priced at $22.  All games will be televised and specials run from Thursday, June 12^th through the final match on Saturday, July 12^th .Reservations are suggested. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Telephone: 305.531.4833. www.quattromiami.com. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation South Florida

On Tuesday, June 17, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation South Florida – the region’s premier culinary benefit featuring top chefs from Miami-Dade and Broward counties – is returning to the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. More than 60 celebrated restaurants, fine wine and spirits and live entertainment come together in an unforgettable night for a fabulous cause – end childhood hunger in America. This year’s event will be bigger than ever, with pop-up stations located in the heart of the ballroom; a basketball hoop area where guests can challenge former WNBA starand Share Our Strength advocate Ruth Riley while raising money for the organization ($1 per hoop); and a bocce ball court. Miami Heat fans should not fret: there will be a beer garden with flat screen TVs set up for those in attendance that can’t miss Game 6, scheduled to air that evening.  100% of ticket sales from South Florida’s exclusive gastronomic extravaganza will benefit Share Our Strength, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working to end childhood hunger. This year’s soirée will be emceed by local culinary personality Ralph Pagano; VIP tickets are $250 each. General admission is $125 per ticket; Tickets for the Black and Blanco After Party are priced at $75 per person. Taste of the Nation South Florida VIP ticket holders will also enjoy complimentary access to the after party.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or by visiting CE.NoKidHungry.org/SouthFlorida.

The Hidden Kitchen 1^st Year Anniversary

Conceptualized and executed by Chef Michael B. Jacobs, The Hidden Kitchen Workshop is a unique underground dining series consisting of exclusive multi-course meals created and served by the Workshop’s honored guest chefs, along with Chef Jacobs. On Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m., Chef Jacobs will join forces with Chef de Cuisine Conor Hanlon of The Dutch for a one-night-only Southern Seafood Bash. The family-style, multi-course dinner will be priced at $120 per person including alcohol, tax and gratuity.  The evening will begin and end with hors d’oeuvres and dessert prepared by The Hidden Kitchen, along with courses prepared by Hanlon.  Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at http://www.strategichospitality.net/hidden-kitchen-workshop-tickets/. The Hidden Kitchen Workshop takes place at The Hidden Kitchen café, located inside the Imperial House condominium. Guests enter through an unsuspecting back door staffed with a member of The Hidden Kitchen Workshop team who escorts diners to the dining room.

Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon Specials for Summer

The Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon is celebrating teachers with Summer Spa Specials priced at only $20.14 each. With the end of the school calendar looming, it is time for teachers to unwind and be appreciated for all their hard work. To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion featuring luxury spa treatments at the discounted rate of $20.14 to celebrate the end of the 2013-2014 academic year; For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit http://www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Campo Viejo at Cafeina Wynwood 

On Thursday, June 5, Cafeina Wynwood Lounge will host an intimate wine tasting of the Campo Viejo range from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., led by winemaker Roberto Vicente to launch their limited edition Reserva Art series bottle. Urban artists Remed and Okuda, designers of the bottle’s artwork, will be painting a mural that references the vibrancy and expressiveness of Campo Viejo wine, Rioja and Spanish culture. The mural will be unveiled following the wine tasting, and will be celebrated with an evening reception at Cafeina; RSVP@cafeinamiami.com.

The W SpeakerBox Concert Series Presents Gaby Duran  

Gaby Duran’s powerful voice will fill the Living Room at W South Beach on Thursday, June 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. As guests mix and mingle to Duran’s musical styling, the talented mixologists at Living Room Bar will be crafting the signature artisanal libation for the evening.  Snacks from Living Room’s exclusive menu crafted by Conor Hanlon, executive chef of Andrew Carmellini’s award-winning American restaurant at W South Beach, The Dutch, will also be available.  

Kalla Pop-Up Experience at Lilac and Lilies Boutique 

Kalla, a one-of-a-kind, luxuriously curated bouquet service, is celebrating its Fort Lauderdale launch with a custom, month-long pop- up experience at Lilac and Lilies Boutique starting Wednesday, June 4.  Just in time for Just in time for summer, Kalla’s innovative online boutique, which has set out to revolutionize the flower industry, will spring to life; curious shoppers can enjoy the multi-sensory Kalla experience.  A modern day flower cart will showcase Kalla’s floral couture collection of bold blooms bursting with fragrant, floral notes and styled in limited edition vases of hounds tooth, polka dot and chevron patterns; For more information visit: www.lilacandlilies.com. 

Catwalk for Charity 

Catwalk for Charity the annual fundraising event will take place on Sunday, June 8 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Miami at 12:00 p.m.  The event will benefit Breakfast with Santa, supporting underprivileged children in Miami’s Little Haiti and neighboring cities, as well as various towns in Haiti. Joanna Krupa, supermodel will be the honorary chair and will be honored for her Nationwide Philanthropy along with other celebrities supporting the cause. Actor Brian J. White will serve as the Master of Ceremony for the third year in row. General admission tickets start at $150 and include the champagne brunch, fashion show, gift bag and silent auction access, featuring art, fashion and exclusive getaways.  A runway front row seat is available for $250 and is all-inclusive, with attendance at the Celebrity VIP Reception; For more information, visit www.catwalkforcharity.org and www.breakfastwithsanta.org. 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts 2014 Man/Woman of the Year Gala in Miami

On Friday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m., The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosts an evening of recognition and celebration at its annual Miami Man & Woman of the Year event, a 10-week national campaign, hosted by the Southern Florida chapter to raise funds to help find cures for blood cancers at the InterContinental Miami. The candidates who raise the most funds will be awarded the title Man and Woman of the Year. Candidates run in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year, who are local blood cancer patient survivors and sources of inspiration for all. To donate or to purchase tickets visit one of our local candidates running to help this wonderful cause, Zachary Scott; his  is link:http://www.mwoy.org/pages/sfl/mia14/zscott.

3rd Annual Miami Underwater Festival at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science (formerly Miami Science Museum) is inviting the public to “dive into” its 3rd Annual Miami Underwater Festival on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The festival is being held in celebration of the global World Oceans Day, which honors the body of water which links us all, for what it provides humans and what it represents. This will be the first time guests will be able to access Knight Plaza, and have many opportunities to see/takes photos of the progress of the new museum. On this day, all events are free (parking fees may apply.) For more information, visit www.miamisci.org.

Amigos For Kids: Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night

Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, will host the 2014 Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 14, at 8:00 p.m. at Jungle Island. Recognized as one of Miami’s most highly anticipated fundraisers, Amigos For Kids is fortunate to partner with its major corporate sponsors Voya Financial, Bacardí U.S.A. and Lincoln Motor Company for the 2014 Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night.Domino Night 2014 will feature the renowned celebrity orange carpet, celeb domino players, bar courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bacardí U.S.A., a silent auction, live entertainment, South Florida culinary fare and much more.   This year’s Celebrity Hosts include Alicia Machado, ex-Miss Universe and Deco Drive’s Louis Aguirre, a longtime supporter of Amigos For Kids, as well as local news anchors Alina Mayo Azze and Jackie Nespral. Tickets to the 2014 Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night are $150/person in advance, $175/person at the door, and reserved domino tables of four are available for $1,000 each, with all proceeds benefitting Amigos For Kids; For more information regarding tickets and reservations, contact Amigos for Kids at 305. 279.1155, or visit at www.amigosforkids.org.

Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill benefits Angel’s Pediatric Heart House

Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill has announced it will be donating money to Angel’s Pediatric Heart House through two fundraisers this summer.  Angel’s Pediatric Heart House, a local nonprofit, provides South Florida children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) and Childhood Acquired Heart Disease with emergency financial assistance and raises CHD awareness in the community. As part of a 12-week fundraising series, two dates with festive themes were chosen for Angel’s Pediatric Heart House to receive a portion of the evenings’ total proceeds. The party theme on Thursday, June 5 will be “Fiesta,” and Thursday, July 10 will be “Under the Sea.” Both adults and children are encouraged to come dressed up in costumes inspired by the themes; for more information visit: mulligansbeachhouse.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat

maryannesalvat@aol.com 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand National Lemonade Days! 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, will commemorate a milestone in their history, 10 years of fighting childhood cancer, with the return of National Lemonade Days, June 6 through 8.  This summer will mark 10 years since 8-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004) challenged the nation to help her raise $1 million for childhood cancer cures, one cup of lemonade at a time. The Foundation will once again invite volunteers across the country to host lemonade stands over the course of three days to continue Alex’s mission and bring renewed attention to the fight against childhood cancer. Following in the footsteps of Alex Scott, the Foundation encourages volunteers everywhere to participate in National Lemonade Days, including many stands held by children. During National Lemonade Days, ALSF offers support to all volunteers who sign up to host lemonade stands. In addition to having access to a member of the Foundation’s staff to help with any lemonade stand needs, Lemonade Days participants also receive a limited edition box while supplies last. The box consists of materials to assist in the fundraising process including: a 2ft X 3ft ALSF banner, thank you notes, stickers, balloons, posters, adult and child speaking points and a pre-paid return envelope for proceeds. This year the Foundation will also launch a social media campaign to encourage support across the country and world to utilize the hashtag #OneCupAtATime. All participants, whether they host a lemonade stand, visit a stand, or encourage others to do so, will utilize the hashtag to show their support for the Foundation on twitter, instagram, Facebook and more. For more information on National Lemonade Days, and to sign up to host a lemonade stand, visit: AlexsLemonade.org/LemonadeDays.  

Soccer Party Presented  by Coors Light 

To celebrate the biggest soccer tournament of the summer Coors Light is throwing a lively soccer party and inviting those over 21-years-old on Saturday, May 31 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Courtyard, Shops at Midtwon.  Miami’s own artist, Lebo, will be in attendance to paint the bodies of Coors Light models in colors reminiscent of the USA, Colombia, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Chile and Uruguay, and attendees are encouraged to take photos with the models.  Additionally, body painters will be on standby to paint party-goers their own game face. Attendees are invited to take part in games and activities, and there will be a chance for them to take home exciting giveaways throughout the night.  Super fans will also be able to sign up to win a chance at a trip to watch the final game from their favorite team’s home country.* Samba dancers are scheduled to perform at 9:00 p.m. ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard will host.

3^rd Annual Claws for Kids 

On Sunday, June 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will celebrate the 3^rd Annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising brunch at Joe’s Stone Crab Miami Beach. The event will kick off with at 11:30 a.m. with a reception, followed by brunch at 12:30 p.m. All event proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s state-of-the-art South Beach location. Entertainment will be provided by Frank Sinatra impersonator Jeff Grainer of Sinatra Sounds Entertainment. “Claws for Kids” committee members include Goldberg, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President Olga Guilarte, Gian Traina, Judy Kramer, Kaleena Mayan, Lou Esquerdo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Mark Walker, M.D., Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors Member Rudy Lleonart, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors Member Susan Geiger, Vanessa M. Bertran and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Yuni Navarro. For more information about sponsorships, underwriting or tickets, contact Kati Foley at (305) 446-9910 ext. 30, or via email at kfoley@bgcmia.org.