By: Maryanne Salvat 

Benihana Children Helping Children 

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has officially kicked off the sixth annual “Children Helping Children” coloring contest as part of its Children’s Day activities. From now until May 5, children ages 12 and younger visiting any Benihana location nationwide are encouraged to participate by drawing a picture to depict what the theme of “Children Helping Children” means to them. For each entry form received, Benihana will donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. On May 6, one winning entry will be selected from each restaurant and the child will be awarded a dinner for eight. Benihana will also name one winning entry through Instagram. An adult parent/guardian simply needs to take a photo of the child’s submission and upload it to Instagram now through May 5 with the hashtag #BENIKIDS and/or #CHILDRENSDAY to be eligible. Additionally, 100 percent of the purchase price of all Benihana Kabuki Kids meals served on Children’s Day, May 5, will be donated to St. Jude. Since the program began, Benihana has donated more than $160,000 to St. Jude. The total collected funds from 2014 Children’s Day initiatives will be presented during a private event for St. Jude patients and their families held on the hospital campus in Memphis, Tenn., on May 21. For more information about Benihana’s “Children Helping Children” promotion and contests, visit www.benihana.com.

Michael Bastian at Cottage Miami 

Ariel Burman and Cottage Miami host CFDA Menswear Designer Recipient of the Year Award winner Michael Bastian, this Thursday, April 10, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.  for a presentation of his much acclaimed Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. Bastian will be presenting his Spring/Summer 2014 Collection and preview his current designs at the Sunset Harbour menswear shop. Guests will be treated to light bites. The event will resume in the evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with cocktails; For more information call 305.534.9917 or RSVP to rsvp@cottage-miami.com.

PB Fish

Pubbelly Boys Andreas Schreiner, Jose Mendin and Sergio Navarro announce the launch of a new pop-up concept, PB Fish, a Sunset Harbour fish shack, launching Tuesday at PB Steak at 1787 Purdy Avenue on South Beach, and featuring affordable seafood specialties and innovative rum-based cocktails, weekdays from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Their weekday Happy Hour, normally 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. will move from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. to accommodate the expected crowds. Reservations will be available through www.pbsteak.com, www.cityeats.com, and by calling the restaurant at 305. 695.9550.

26th Annual AIDS Walk Miami

One Step Closer to the Cure will occur on Sunday, April 27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center located on 1901 Convention Center Drive. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The walk begins at 9:00 a.m. For this year’s walk, Philip Levine, Mayor of Miami Beach is the Master of Ceremonies. In addition, television personality Alexia Echevarria from the Bravo Network’s hit reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Miami’ is the Grand Marshal; visit www.aidswalkmiami.org for more information.

By: Maryanne Salvat

MIYO Home Presents Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched”

MIYO Home is proud to present Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched,” an exhibition of travel photography exclusively for MIYO Home. On Thursday, April 3, MIYO Home is teaming up with Amigos For Kids, anon-profit organization committed to child abuse awareness and prevention, to kick-off the annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. To commemorate the upcoming annual signature fundraiser ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night, MIYO Home will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Amigos For Kids. For the unveiling of the photography exhibit, Noelia Madiedo will personally introduce 25 limited and numbered works in editions of 19 that will be on display and available for purchase at MIYO Home until June 2014. 

Taperia Raca 

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli and business partner Alex Casanova, the talented young duo behind Coral Gables’ foodie favorite Eating House, launch their latest concept, Taperia Raca, a casual and fun Spanish tapas restaurant and wine bar, Friday, March 28 at 7010 Biscayne Boulevard, in the heart of Miami’s MiMo District on the Biscayne Corridor.A trip to laidback Spain, the cozy restaurant seats 16 inside and offers an expansive outdoor garden seating 40. Inspired by the laidback atmosphere of the Corridor, area vintage stores and quirky architectural motifs, Rapicavoli and Casanova put art and music at the center of the experience with brick lined walls, cardboard bullheads and a custom made mural to the tune of Spanish reggae music. Taperia Raca accepts reservations via CityEats. Telephone: 305.751.8756. Website: www.taperiaraca.com. Twitter/Instagram: @Taperia_Raca. 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 26^th season this week in South Beach.  As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach, will fuse music and fashion like no other city in the world does!!  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event for designers to showcase their new collections. As with every season, they allow the general public to attend free of charge. Highlights will include HOLT, Miami Based; KrelWear, and also a Del Wear swim show with a live band made up totally of Military Veterans hosted by producer Stephan Morris.   Guests can rsvp at:  WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

 An Intimate Evening with Roger Sanchez

Grammy Award winner and architect of the electronic dance music movement, Roger Sanchez, will be giving an exclusive performance at The Setai this Thursday March 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. With Opening sets by Joey Grenier and Lupe Fuentes, revelers can expect an unforgettable night of musical boundaries being pushed. RSVP a MUST and table reservations strongly advised as capacity is limited. RSVP/Table Reservations: Setai@statusluxurygroup.com

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 26^th season!! As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will fuse music and fashion like no other city in the world could do. FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will utilize the fashion tents at Collins Park in Miami Beach as the location for all shows.  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event that provide an intelligent, innovative platform for progressive and established designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and select style makers. The shows are geared towards designer diffusion collections and innovative lifestyle brands; general public to attend free of charge. First 100 people to rsvp – per show. Visit WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM  for a full schedule.

Wolfsonian-FIU Inaugurates Power of Design 2014: Complaints 

The Wolfsonian-FIU inaugurates Power of Design 2014: Complaints from March 20 through March 23. The four-day think tank uses art to highlight challenges and initiate collective problem-solving by exploring the relevance of ideas. The festival unites world-renowned thought leaders and visionaries from multiple fields including Pulitzer Prize–winning author Michael Chabon, virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier, designer Todd Oldham and Wired magazine powerhouse Clive Thompson for discussions, presentations and performances in an effort to sway locals from dissatisfaction to action. This year’s topic of “Complaints” is not intended as a gripe fest but rather an ideas exchange on what comes next: action, innovation, and solutions. Thursday events are free to the public. On Saturday, March 22, Sean Donaldson, hair mastermind, beauty expert, and owner of Sean Donaldson Hair in Miami Beach, invites the public to confess their inner insecurities at the “Complaints” program. Beauty, life, and wellness experts will play high priest and priestesses giving the best realistic solution to those with complaints related to hair, skincare and body image from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets to the entire festival are $1,000 and include exclusive dinners with special guests. http://powerofdesign.wolfsonian.org/about.

MOCA Presents a Night of Music

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami will host a special evening of chamber music featuring musicians from The Cleveland Orchestra Miami and UM’s Frost School of Music, Thursday, March 20 at  8:00 p.m. A total of 24 musicians will take part in a diverse program which includes musical selections by J.S. Bach, Béla Bartók, Claude-Paul Taffanel, Alejandro Viñao and Witold Lutoslawski performed in an intimate museum setting.  The program will include the premiere of two new chamber works by Frost composition students Peter Learn and Richard Yates under the direction of Andrés Jaime, a doctoral student in conducting at Frost.The event showcases the musical collaboration between Cleveland Orchestra Miami and Frost School of Music during their annual residency and is presented in partnership with MOCA. General admission to Music at MOCA performance is $20; $10 for MOCA members, and University of Miami students and faculty.  To purchase tickets, visit www.mocanomi.org or call 305 893 6211. Advance purchase is strongly recommended as seating is limited.  

 The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition has joined forces with Miami Rescue Mission to help feed the hungry of south Florida, while offering Youth Fair guests an opportunity to support the cause and earn a special discount. From Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 30, guests who bring two cans of food per person to the designated tent area in the front gate area, will receive a coupon that can then be presented at any Main Gate Ticket Booth in order to receive a $4 discount off admission.  The canned items will be deposited into a large container, allowing visitors to see the impact their donations are making to assist Miami Rescue Mission, whose volunteers will be on-hand to assist guests. Gates open on weekdays at 3:00 p.m.; weekends and spring break at noon, March 21 through March 30. General admission is $12 with FREE admission every day, all day for children 5 years and younger, as well as adults 65 and better.  Parking is always FREE! Preferred parking is available for $12 per vehicle.  Preferred parking is limited.

Afrojack Launches Capsule Collection at G-Star RAW

Next Thursday, March 27 EDM producer and DJ, Afrojack will be launching his new capsule collection done with G-Star RAW at the G-Star RAW Miami Beach store. The event is open to the public and will run from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. To RSVP, contact  g-star@exposure.net.

EXPRESS Runway Show at the Raleigh Hotel

EXPRESS will take over the Raleigh South Beach on Thursday, March 13 for an exclusive runway show presenting the newest collection for 2014. Special guest appearance by Miami Heat favorite Chris Bosh and live music by DJ A-Trak will set the mood for the evening. The party starts at 4:00 p.m. and the fashion show at 7:00 p.m. RSVP required for attendance by March 12; RSVP@Express.com must be 21 and older to attend. 

bebe’s Sunglass Collection 

Supermodel Nina Agdal and the face of bebe, will be presenting bebe’s Sunglass Collection on Thursday, March 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the boutique’s Miami Beach location. Agdal will be greeting fans at her personal appearance along with other attendees Marysol Patton and Adriana de Moura; Must RSVP to events@bebe.com to attend. Open to the public.

BrazilFoundation 

On Saturday, March 15, BrazilFoundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support social projects in Brazil, will hold its third annual gala at the new Pérez Art Museum Miami. Sponsored by American Airlines, Artefacto, Audemars Piguet, St. Regis Bal Harbour, Goldman Sachs and Credit Agricole, the evening will bring together over 450 guests to generate resources for the community-led initiatives funded by the BrazilFoundation.  The evening will feature live music by Batuque Samba Funk, and a performance by Miami City Ballet School Ensemble and Quabales.  Notables including international supermodel Adriana Lima, Brazilian television personality Sabrina Sato, Latin Grammy Award-winner Ivete Sangalo, among others are expected to be in attendance.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science‘s Annual Galaxy Gala 

On Saturday, March 15, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science‘s annual Galaxy Gala will benefit the Museum’s new building under construction in downtown Miami’s Museum Park. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science’s Gala Committee is led by co-chairs Nancy and Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole and Edgar Lozano. Philanthropic Chairs are Trish and Dan Bell and Host Chairs are Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and Alberto Lamadrid. This year’s Galaxy Gala will take place at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. The event will be an out-of-this-world sensory experience incorporating interactive screens and preview technology that will be showcased at the new Museum. Guests will experience a seasonal transformation that begins in a tropical environment complete with lush greenery and palm trees before being whisked away to a winter wonderland featuring LED icicle chandeliers and falling snowflakes. The party will continue once the Gala winds down with the Museum’s Big Bang young professionals after party. Catering to young professionals ages 21 to 40, the Big Bang begins at 10:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and at 11:00p.m., the doors will open to the main event where attendees will join Gala goers and “crash” the party. The Gala will then be transformed into a nightclub-inspired event with a DJ, dancing, special performances and cocktails. The Gala is expected to sell out again. Individual tickets start at $500, with tables ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. For information on tickets and sponsorships, please visit www.miasci.org/gala or contact Ruth Robinson at rrobinson@sciencegala.com. The Big Bang is also expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased at: http://ypbigbang.eventbrite.com/ or by contacting Thamiah Tutt at ttutt@miamisci.org or 305.646.4283.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Feast With the Beasts 

The Zoological Society of Florida and Zoo Miami are hosting Feast With the Beasts on March 7, to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments.  Proudly presented by Ryder, Feast With the Beasts will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami. From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Feast With the Beasts returns in its 21^st year as one of the best events in town featuring tastes from 40 local restaurants & caterers, full open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment, and complimentary valet parking. Visit www.fwtb.org or call 305.255.5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.  

Miami Fine Beverage, Chocolate & Food Show at Pinecrest Gardens

Life just got a little sweeter March 8 through 9 with the Miami Fine Beverage, Chocolate & Food Show at Pinecrest Gardens! Expect outstanding cuisine, craft beverages, and gourmet chocolate from the likes of Spartico Restaurant of the Mayfair Hotel, Gallo Wines and Cacao Art, to name a few. Chef Allen Susser will host a rare “Bean-to-Bar” chocolate seminar and “Miami Smoke Affair,” a pop-up event at the gardens, has been designed special for aficionados featuring more than 15 cigar brands. General admission is only $20, and all-inclusive VIP tickets with open bar, free food and complimentary valet is an excellent value at $95. For more info and to buy tickets, visit www.miamifinefoodshow.com.

Delish 2014 Presented By The Wasie Foundation

ARC Broward, a not-for-profit human services organization dedicated to providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, hosts its third annual superb fundraising event—Delish 2014, presented by The Wasie Foundation. The event will be held on Friday, March 7, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Nationally renowned celebrity chef, Michelle Bernstein, returns as honorary chair of this year’s event which celebrates the success of the ARC Broward Culinary Institute. This is the second year that Chef Bernstein will be judging the event’s cooking stations which showcase the culinary creations of ARC Broward’s graduates. This year’s Delish theme, “Fire& Ice,” will feature a faceoff between two of nature’s strongest elements and allow battling chefs to experiment with different techniques to make the perfect hot and cold culinary experiences. All proceeds from the event will support critically-needed services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and those with various other life challenges. During the evening, special guest Celebrity Chef Michele Ragussis from television shows such as Food Network Star, Chopped and 24 Hour Restaurant Battle will be competing in a quick-fire-type challenge against Hilton Executive Chef Sean McDonald. Both chefs will have an ARC Broward Culinary Institute student chef assisting them with the challenge and Chef Michelle Bernstein will judge two groups and crown the winning team. Guests will enjoy an evening of gourmet treats, refreshing cocktails, dancing, live entertainment, a silent auction, amazing Fort Lauderdale Beach views and much more. Attendees will also have the chance to judge competing food stations comprised of culinary delicacies created by ARC Broward Culinary Institute student chefs paired with chefs of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Tickets to attend Delish are $125.00 per person; www.arcbroward.com.

Miami Made Festival 2014 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to present the sixth annual Miami Made Festival, featuring for 2014 a weekend-long showcase of new works-in-progress created and performed by a roster of Miami-based artists across multiple disciplines, most of whom have previously collaborated with the Arsht Center. Miami Made Festival 2014 will take place from March 6 through 9 and includes staged play readings and a multi-media performance in the Center’s intimate Carnival Studio Theater. Admission to Miami Made Festival 2014 is free. Free first access pass will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the show at the Box Office (limit four per person). Passes provide guests with guaranteed admission.

Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program Gala 2014

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its gala at the Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 8. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas and founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have planned for an unforgettable evening in celebration of its 18th year of mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida. There will be more than 3,000 girls benefiting from the program this year. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a silent auction.

A Night at the Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art, one of Miami Beach’s key cultural landmarks, along with a select group of the city’s leading arts patrons, socialites and tastemakers will host its annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” on Wednesday, March 12, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sponsored by Vogue Mexico and Latin America, guests will receive a private preview of Vanitas: Fashion and Art. While enjoying cocktails, refreshments and beats by DJ Mauricio Parra, attendees will explore the institution’s latest exhibition, Vanitas: Fashion and Art. Continuing its mission to “inspire and educate by exploring the connections between our historical collections and contemporary art “Vanitas: Fashion and Art explores  the theme of vanitas as expressed in avant garde ready-to-wear and haute couture as well as in contemporary paintings, sculptures, industrial design and new media. The exhibition will include works by contemporary designers and artists. The installation will also highlight rare examples of the Bass Museum of Art’s remarkable collection of historic frames by incorporating them spatially in the
installation to create a dynamic and interactive engagement of artworks and viewer. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to participate in a silent auction including art, experiences and luxury items. Admission to the fundraising event is $250 for two and includes a Rubens Level Membership to the Bass Museum of Art for one year; To RSVP visitwww.bassmuseum.org or call 305.673.7530.  

The Way of the Rain Miami 

On Tuesday, March 11, the National YoungArts Foundation will present the world premiere of The Way of the Rain Miami, a performance art piece directed by Sibylle Szaggars Redford. This interdisciplinary performance will feature an all-star creative team including YoungArts alumni Dave Eggar and Desmond Richardson, co-music directors Will Calhoun and Chuck Palmer, renowned lighting designer Steve Cohen and legendary sound engineer Ron Saint Germain.  There will also be a short film presentation by F. Thomas McBee III, acclaimed video artist and performance by Redford’s husband, Robert Redford. This unique multidisciplinary show pays homage to Earth and its universal elements through the exploration of light, sound, color and texture.a collaborative directed by with Sibylle Szaggars Redford next week’s YoungArts events. Additionally, presented for the first time in Miami will be The Way of the Rain Paintings, a coinciding exhibition featuring Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s artwork will be on display starting March 11 in the YoungArts Gallery.  On Wednesday, March 12, the second of six YoungArts Salons will feature award winning actor, film director, and producer Robert Redford and environmental artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford at 6:00pm at the YoungArts Campus in Miami. The discussion on art and activism will be moderated by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Vice President/Arts, Dennis Scholl.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Whoopi Goldberg at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to announce the anticipated return of Whoopi Goldberg, the undisputed queen of comedy and entertainment. As part of the Center’s 2013-2014 Live at Knight series, Goldberg will present a new, wickedly funny stand-up show on March 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets to Whoopi Goldberg are currently on sale at $50, $80 and $95*. Tickets may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305. 949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

Be A Kid Again 

The Miami Children’s Museum’s Be A Kid Again Gala takes place this Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 980 MacArthur Causeway.  This party is a must for anyone who wants to go back to the “Disco Era.”  For the party, MCM will be transformed into “Studio MCM.” Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo will present a live auction before guests get the chance to get their groove on during the Boogie Knights: Complete Studio 54™ Tribute. The night kicks off with a cocktail reception inside the museum’s galleries filled with an extensive silent auction, featuring a wine section with exclusive lots from all over the world, followed by food tastings, the live auction and dancing. Dressing up in your best disco attire is encouraged. For more information, visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org. 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Gala 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its gala at the Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 8. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have planned an unforgettable evening in celebration of the Women of Tomorrow’s Annual Gala and its 18th year of mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida.  While the gala is sold out, there are still opportunities to get involved in the event and support the more than 3,000 girls benefiting from the program this year.  Honorees at the annual event include Honorary Chairmen Wayne & Cynthia Boich; Legacy Builder Honorees Bruce & Tracey Berkowitz, The Fairholme Foundation; Leadership Award Honoree Edie Lutnick; Champion Award Honoree Miami HEAT; Excellence Honorees Tara Solomon & Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Ink; and Mentor of the Year Robbin Newman.  For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.

Tropical Brunch in the Garden with Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami

On Sunday, March 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami (LDEM) will present their annual Tropical Brunch in the Garden. Join LDEM at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach for a chance to savor culinary creations amongst the flora and fauna. Priced at $55 for adults and $20 for children (5-12) in advance, attendees will sample and enjoy dishes from celebrity restaurants, exquisite gourmet shops, cooking demos from LDEM, and student stations from Mast Academy and the Miami Culinary Institute. Tickets will be $65 and $30 at the door for adults and children, respectively. Children 4 and under are free. Casual attire; live music and a relaxing vibe; to purchase tickets online email reservations@lesdamesmiami.org or call 877.467-7725.

For more information, www.lesdamesmiami.org.