SOBEWFF 2014

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) will take over South Beach for four days and nights filled with decadent tasting, sipping and celebration. From February 20 through 23, culinary giants from all over the nation will be gathered on our shores for America’s most prestigious (and fun!) gourmet gathering.  For more information visit: www.sobefest.com. 

C1 Bank Opens Wynwood Branch 

C1 Bank is combining cool with cash at the grand opening of its Wynwood branch this Friday, February 21 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. After its soft opening last month, C1 has been building buzz with a million dollar art collection, space-age design and extravagant laser security system. Now, the bank is literally turning up the volume with an over-the-top opening celebration. C1’s floor-to-ceiling glass storefront will open up to North Miami Avenue and expose its swanky, circular “Clients First” table which will be turned into the evening’s main bar. The night also inaugurates C1’s fully equipped stainless steel kitchen. Available for all events at the space, the kitchen will be helmed for the evening by former Bravo’s Top Chef contestant, chef Jeffrey Jew, who is preparing a special menu for the occasion. The 3,700-square-foot bank features modular conference spaces which at night can be arranged to accommodate events, from charity parties to fashion shows.

1826 Restaurant & Lounge

Situated at the bustling center of South Beach on Collins Avenue, 1826 Restaurant & Lounge is anticipated to open its doors on Friday, February 21. The highly refined yet approachable restaurant will offer Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on elegant dishes in a stylishly modern setting. The seasonally driven menu, created by two Michelin-starred and 2012 Food & Wine Best New Chef Danny Grant and his team, features a forward-thinking approach to Grant’s contemporary classical techniques. Emphasizing the use of local, regional and luxury ingredients, dishes build flavor through every detail to deliver a thoughtful experience that will leave diners wanting more; for more information call: 305.709.0000 / Email: info@1826Collins.com  / Online: www.1826Collins.com

Fairchild Farmers’ Market 

More than 30 vendors will sell their products including local and organic produce, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, herbs, cheeses, handmade soaps and more at the new Fairchild Farmers’ Market. The market is located in the Lowlands parking lot and is free to attend; Every Saturday (excluding festival weekends) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 
Art at Fairchild: Hugo França 

Fairchild is pleased to host 16 design pieces by Brazilian designer Hugo França on exhibit through May 31. Each piece uses reclaimed wood from felled, burned or dead trees found in Brazil. França hand-carves them into functional and intricate designs, breathing new life into trees that are massive and sometimes hundreds of years old. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, $12 for children 6-17, and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under.

The Preservation Luncheon at Vizcaya

Vizcaya’s only major daytime event held on the estate will take place on Tuesday, February 25. The Preservation Luncheon attracts approximately 250 guests and has become known as the “hat luncheon,” as attendees are encouraged to wear creative headwear.The Preservation Luncheon begins with a late morning cocktail reception in the Courtyard of Vizcaya’s Main House and continues with an elegant seated lunch on the East Terrace overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay and the estate’s spectacular formal gardens. Classical music and champagne set a genteel and convivial tone. This annual fundraiser was founded in 2009 to support the preservation of Vizcaya and the organization’s educational programs; Individual Tickets $300 or Table (10 seats) $3,000. For more information or to purchase tickets call305.856.4866 or www.vizcaya.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Designed For A Cure Collaborates with Oscar de la Renta

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center announces their collaboration with internationally acclaimed designer Oscar de la Renta for their signature fundraising event, Designed for a Cure, scheduled for February 13 in Miami. The event will focus on bringing awareness and the importance of cancer research through community partnerships and an inspiring runway show featuring designs by de la Renta. The designer will be participating in Designed for a Cure in support of his doctor and close friend, Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester. The VIP reception provides first access to the highly anticipated silent auction and tasting tables, featuring more than 30 of Miami’s finest restaurants and bars. The highlight of the evening will combine a powerful runway show featuring patient/ survivors escorted by their Sylvester physicians in de la Renta designs and models dressed in de la Renta’s spring 2014 collection. The fundraising event will conclude with a festive after-party including dessert tastings, music and dancing. During the evening, Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, former event chair for Designed for a Cure, will be honored with the first Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Philanthropist of the Year Award in recognition of her hard work and dedication to Sylvester.   Designed for a Cure will take place at the Ice Palace, located at 1400 North Miami Avenue in Miami. VIP cocktail reception tickets are $400 each and include exclusive, first access to the event at 6:00 p.m. along with seating at the fashion show. General admission tickets are $200 each, and the doors will open for general admission at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 305.243.9088 or visit www.sylvester.org/designedforacure.

2014 Be A Voice, Empower Brilliant Futures Gala

On February 15, Voices For Children Foundation and the Mandarin Oriental Miami will host the 2014 Be A Voice, Empower Brilliant Futures Gala with presenting sponsor, The House of Harry Winston, along with Honorary Gala Co-Chairs and Voices board members Christian and Brittany Slater, and Jim Ferraro and Alena Gavrikova, to show support and raise funds for the foster care youth of Miami-Dade County. This event will welcome 500 of Miami’s most philanthropic and influential community leaders and dedicated business professionals. Individual ticket starts at $500; premier seating $1,000. To RSVP and attend the event visit:    or contact Tania Rodriguez,  TRodriguez@BeAVoice.org, 305.324.5678.    

 J NELSON Presents Mario Buatta and Geoffrey Bradfield

On February 20, at 2:00 p.m. design legends Mario Buatta and Geoffrey Bradfield will discuss their careers with Lloyd Princeton.  Buatta, aptly named “The Prince of Chintz” has designed interiors for S.I. Newhouse, Malcolm Forbes, Nelson Doubleday, Henry Ford II, Barbara Walters, Mariah Carey, among others.  Bradfield has decorated residences for Oliver Stone, the late King Hussein of Jordan, the estate of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and many “Silent Celebrities”, fervently guarding their privacy.  Both have appeared in Architectural Digest numerous times, and have had long-runs in the AD 100, the most prestigious list of designers the world over. Lloyd Princeton, who will moderate the lecture, is an author,  renowned design business consultant and motivational speaker.Mr. Buatta and Mr. Bradfield will give a lecture and a visual presentation showing their opulent flair and artfulness of interior decoration. They will also sign and remark copies of their recent publications Mario Buatta: Fifty years of Interior Designand Geoffrey Bradfield: Artistic License; RSVP to mario@mkarte.com 212.939.6431.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Pinkberry Comes to South Beach 

Pinkberry, the global yogurt retailer, will open its fifth store located at 1523 Alton Road in South Florida on February 7. “We are excited to arrive at Alton Road,” said Ron Graves, CEO of Pinkberry. “We are happy to serve and become a local favorite of the community in South Florida with our one of a kind experience and light and refreshing taste”. Pinkberry has partnered with Miami Beach High School for the entire month of February and when anyone mentions Miami Beach High at the register, the school will receive 20 percent of the purchase.  The proceeds at the end of February will all go toward the Miami Beach High graduation fund.  

Restaurant Michael Schwartz Live Concert Series

The Raleigh Hotel, in partnership with Steinway & Sons, announces today the Restaurant Michael Schwartz Live Concert Series, a weekly live music program featuring performances by Grammy Award-winning musicians and some of the most in-demand artists in jazz. A Steinway & Sons Crown Jewel Edition Grand Piano will reside in the restaurant’s main dining room for the 8:00 p.m. Guests who RSVP in advance to rms@sbe.com will have access to an intimate meet-and-greet with the featured musicians in the hotel’s Martini Bar at 7:00 p.m., where complimentary signature snacks from Restaurant Michael Schwartz and Atlantico Rum cocktails will be served. Additionally, at every concert, a representative from Steinway & Sons will recognize an influential individual who has made an important cultural contribution to the community with a Steinway Cultural Achievement Award. Throughout the music series, the special piano will be available for sale and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization of the award recipients’ choosing.An official announcement regarding the remaining concerts and award recipients will be coming soon. For more information, visit www.RaleighHotel.com. 

3^rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes

The 3^rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes (WW&S) presented by Roger Vivier Paris benefiting the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital will be back to celebrate great fashion, and a noble cause.  Roger Vivier, the fashion house credited with the design of the first stiletto heel, presents the 2014 WW&S event. Guests will be treated to a sophisticated day of wine tasting, red carpet, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, a delicious lunch as well as a fashion show presented by U by Kotex with fashions from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and a creative shoe contest. The “Shoe Guys” will also be in attendance, literally showcasing the latest women’s fashions on silver platters; Thursday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. at Coral Gables Country Club. Created for women who enjoy fine wine, great style, and supporting a noble cause, Wine Women & Shoes is one of the fastest-growing charity event series in the country. The popular national fundraising event platform has been a big hit in South Florida. For more information about WW&S 2014 or MCH Foundation, contact Lisbet Fernandez-Vina at 786.268.1845 or visit mchf.org/winewomenandshoes. 

To honor St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and its mission of finding cures and saving children, Ann Taylor has created a limited-edition jewelry collection of elephant charm jewelry.  Available exclusively at Ann Taylor stores nationwide and at www.anntaylor.com, prices range from $29.50 – $39.50 and 50 percent of the purchase price will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Cycle for Survival Returns to Miami to Raise Funds for Rare Cancer Research

Close to 300 people will gather on Saturday at Equinox Coral Gables for Miami’s second annual Cycle for Survival, a high-energy indoor team cycling event that raises money for rare cancer research. Instructors from Cycle for Survival’s founding partner, Equinox, will lead participants in this family-friendly event that is committed to making more treatment options available to help patients and their families by helping fill the funding gap for rare cancer research. Everyone is invited to attend Cycle for Survival to cheer for riders, donate and join the fun. 100% of every donation goes to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and is allocated to pioneering rare cancer clinical trials and research studies within six months of the event. Doctors, rare cancer patients and caregivers will be at the event to share their personal stories. Cycle for Survival is one of the fastest-growing athletic fundraisers. Since 2007, the movement has raised over $37 million to fund 85 clinical trials and research studies. This year more than 16,000 riders will participate in events in 13 cities nationwide. Visit www.cycleforsurvival.org and follow   Cycle for Survival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

HighBoy at the 53rd Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show

HighBoy is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the 53rd Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show, January 30 through February 3. The HighBoy is a new, curated online marketplace for antiques, fine art and intriguing objects launching this month. As part of the partnership, The HighBoy will create a collector’s lounge for partnered dealers and invited guests, which will offer catered bites, wine, and espresso in an immersive and inspiring space. On Saturday, February 1 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., THB invites visitors to meet Mario Buatta and celebrate his latest book, Mario Buatta, Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration. Immediately following the book signing, stay and enjoy The HighBoy Happy Hour from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Details: Miami Beach Convention Center, Entrance Hall C; Go to rsvp@thehighboy.com for complimentary passes to the show.

Cache Presents 2014 Chinese New Year

On Friday January 31, join Club Fifty Viceroy roof top for an event hosted by Cache’s Senior District Sales Manager Connie Valdes, featuring newest Spring 2014 “Moonlight Bouquet” & “Belle of the Ball” collection. Fashion blooms bouquets this season with a special guest appearance by New Fashion Designer Haydee Callejas; Callejas designs transcend the beauty of exotic skins Python, boa and alligators, the night rings in the New Year of the Horse! For more information contact CValdes@cache.com.

Nothing But The Best in The Roads Neighborhood

Owner/ Chef Yann Rio opened Nothing But the Best restaurant in the heart of the exciting Roads neighborhood. The menu is French Fusion, with globally-minded cuisine, infused with non-traditional ingredients such as saffron and ginger, mint. Rio, whose previous restaurants include Sequoia in Montpellier, France, which was recognized in the famous Michelin Guide, is looking forward to bringing something different to the Miami culinary landscape. Despite the restaurant’s grown-up feel, well-behaved children are welcome and invited to try the Kid’s Menu that was created just for them. The bar-lounge, however, is for the adults and is open until 1:00 a.m. Nothing but the Best is at 2525 SW 3rd Avenue (Coral Way), Miami, FL 33129; valet available for $3. The restaurant is open for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.  The bar-lounge is open until 1:00 a.m.; For reservations call: 305.858.2525.

Big City Moms Present the Biggest Baby Shower Ever

Big City Moms, the largest social group for moms is returning to Miami, with their highly anticipated, annual and original Biggest Baby Shower Ever on Tuesday, February 4 at The Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. The Biggest Baby Shower, which has been attended by celebrity parents including Jessica Alba, Melissa Joan Hart, Soleil Moon Frye, Tiffani Thiessen, Giuliana Rancic, Tia Mowry, Kelly Rutherford, and more will roll out the red carpet treatment for Miami moms-to-be. From sweet treats and mocktails to refreshing bubbly flavored waters from LaCroix,guests can expect to mingle with foremost industry experts including Sage Spoonful’s Founder and CEO, Liza Huber, as well as attend educational seminars and mini-lectures on topics from how to create a nursery given by Project Nursery founders Melisa Fluhr and Pam Ginocchio, to topics like sleep (or how to get some) and general health and safety tips for baby. Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower will also feature Bellies For Bella in support of the Live Like Bella Foundation. Pregnant mommies attending the shower can make a donation of any domination and have professional photographer take a photograph of them and their bump. Big City Moms will donate the proceeds to the Live Like Bella Foundation. Tickets range from $35 for individuals to $150 for couples. The Super Pass ticket holders will not only receive early entrance to the event at 5:30pm, but also an Ergo Baby Carrier (retail vale of $120).  All ticket holders with the exception of the Basic Pass will receive the sought-after, overflowing gift bag. To purchase tickets, visit babyshowermiami.bigcitymoms.com.