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.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Dress For Success Miami Honors Senator Gwen Margolis

On Thursday, January 23, Dress for Success Miami is having a yearlong celebration honoring Senator Gwen Margolis for her 40 years in public service. The evening will begin at 6:30 with red carpet arrivals ath the Hilton Bentley Miami Beach. A silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, entertainment and much more will set the stage for a wonderful event. Sponsors include: Diageo Learning for Life, Pace Charging, Ken and Nikki Noya Fields, Baptist Health South Florida and Miami Jewish Health Systems.  Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, please visit http://dfs20-kickoff.eventbrite.com.

St. Louis Cardinal Jon Jay Hosts FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay will host the FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge this Friday, January 24 at Lucky Strike Miami Beach. The event will run from 7:00-10:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. 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. Individual tickets: $450 per bowling team and $100 per person. This event is open to the public; for sponsorship or additional event information: call Tom Hagan at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or tom.hagan@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information: visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Why Can’t We Be Friends At Cecconi’s Soho Beach House 

Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House is currently running their “Why Can’t We Be Friends” campaign along with Instagram during the next week. To help build the list “Friends of Cecconi’s” send in your photo during your next visit and become and official “Friend”. Instagram social media handles: @CecconisMiami, #WhyCantWeBeFriends. When you Become a Friend of Cecconi’s (FOC) and get: 50% off your entire bill every Monday night (for up to 4 people), 20% off your bill (for up to 4 people) Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., invitations to special events such as wine pairings, truffle dinners, cooking classes, menu tastings, private lunches and more, receipt of our newsletter including upcoming festivities & recipes from Chef Sergio and $5 preferred valet parking (Monday-Friday 7:00 am-7:00 pm).

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Mystery Dates

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s popular fundraiser Mystery Dates combines culture, philanthropy, and intrigue in one fun and fabulous evening. Mystery Dates, presented by the  MOCA Shakers, the museum’s young international members, and lead sponsor Braman Motors, takes place Saturday, February 1 when private collectors around Miami host glamorous dinner parties in their homes.  The mystery is that guests learn only that evening, which dinner they will attend. Mystery Dates, now in its 7^th year, begins at MOCA with an elegant cocktail party where guests will discover which fabulous dinner they will be attending that evening.  Guests will tour the “Tracey Emin: Angel without You” exhibition and bid on silent auction items while enjoying cocktails from GREY GOOSE Vodka and tasty hors d’oeuvres from Lyon + Lyon.  A surprise musical guest will perform. From an artist studio on the Miami River to MiMo house in Morningside to Venetian Island home with stunning cityscape views, each dinner locale reflects the fascinating range of people who love and collect art in Miami.  Among the hosts this year are George Sanchez Calderon, Lizzie Dascal, Jessica and Elliot Dornbusch, Lorena and Evelio Gomez, Raul Guijarro de Pablo, Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, and Marcella and Daniel Novela.  After dinner, guests are invited to rendezvous at the nightclub SET, for drinks and dancing. Tickets for Mystery Dates are $200 and may be purchased by calling 305.893.6211 or visiting www.mocanomi.org.  Members of the MOCA Shakers are eligible for a $50 discount. Proceeds from the event benefit MOCA exhibitions of experimental and emerging artists.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

63rd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art 

The 63rd annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art presented by City National Bank will bring more than 230 fine art juried exhibitors to the grounds of the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus on January 18 and 19. Widely recognized as one of the region’s most popular outdoor art exhibitions and a South Florida tradition, the festival attracts thousands of visitors annually and offers works in 10 mediums for a variety of budgets.   Admission and parking are free. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Lowe Art Museum, which will be open to the public all weekend. For more sponsorship and general information, visit www.BeauxArtsMiami.org, and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeauxArtsFestival. 

Engelbert Humperdinck at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County presents the “King of Romance,” Engelbert Humperdinck, as part of its 2013-2014 Live at Knight series. Engelbert Humperdinck will make his Arsht Center debut showcasing classic hits such as “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz,” as well as brand new music from his upcoming duets album featuring greats such as Sir Elton John, Smokey Robinson and Willie Nelson. This performance will take place on January 18, at 8:00 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets to Engelbert Humperdinck are currently on sale at $39, $59, $79, $99* and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305.949.6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.  

The Annual Ark Taste Benefit Dinner 

Slow Food Miami, the local, 100 percent volunteer non-profit dedicated to planting a fresher future for our children, has announced its annual Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner featuring The Cypress Room and to be held Tuesday, January 28 at the historic and incomparable Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden.  In his fifth year of anchoring the meal, James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz brings to the table his new elegant American dining room to present a meal celebrating a delicious and often overlooked native treasure, the Everglades Tomato. All proceeds will benefit both Slow Food Miami’s Edible School Garden Program and the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden. Tickets are $250 per person and can be purchased at http://sfmarkoftaste.brownpapertickets.com. All proceeds benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible Garden Program and the Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Follow the event on social media on Facebook and with #sfmarkoftaste on Twitter.  

Chinese New Year at Hakkasan 

In honor of the Chinese New Year, Hakkasan, the AAA Four Diamond award-winning modern Chinese restaurant located in Fontainebleau Miami Beach, will celebrate the Year of the Horse with a special family-style prix-fixe menu offered at $128 per person. The menu will be available from Monday, January 27, through Friday,  January 31. The official Chinese New Year celebration will take place on Friday, January 31 and will include entertainment and a traditional Dragon Dance that will begin at Bleau Bar at 9:30 p.m. and end at the restaurant. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 877.326.7412. Please note: the $128 price is per guest based on a two guest per table minimum, excluding beverages, tax and service charges.  

Miami Media Mixer 

Don’t miss the Miami Media Mixer next Friday, January 24 at 12:00 p.m. at Toro Toro at Intercontinental Miami! This month’s edition will feature guest speakers Jared Shapiro (Ocean Drive), Jocelyn Cortez-Young (85 Broads Miami), Enrique Santos (Univision) and Thamiah Tutt (Miami Science Museum). The lunch is $30 inclusive of tax, gratuity and valet parking. RSVP payment must be paid in advance via Eventbee. To RSVP and secure your seat, visit http://www.eventbee.com/v/janmiamimediamixer.

By: Maryanne Salvat

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com 

Benihana Passport Challenge 

Join Benihana for their yearlong Passport Challenge promotion celebrating their 50^th anniversary! Guests who visit the most Benihana locations during the calendar year will be eligible to win a grand prize trip to Tokyo, Japan! Other prizes include a trips to the Benihana location of choice within the United States and over $10,000 in gift cards. Readers can register to participate at www.Benihana.com and earn additional entries by uploading a digital photo taken when they visit any participating restaurant in 2014. 

Whitney Linen Resort Wear Trunk Show 

This weekend Whitney Linen will launch their second exclusive Resort Wear Trunk show. The Mediterranean-inspired pieces will be showcased at Canyon Ranch Miami on Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The Linen home collection will also be presented alongside the luxurious women and menswear; for more information visit www.whitneylinen.com or contact whitney@whitneylinen.com. 

Dinner in Paradise with Chef Dewey LoSasso 

Chef Dewey LoSasso of Acqualina Resort & Spa’s presents Dinner in Paradise at Paradise Farms (19801 SW 320th St, Homestead) on Sunday, January 12 starting at 5:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit local charity “Learning in Paradise” an outreach program that will host children’s field trips to the farm. Chef LoSasso will be cooking alongside Chef Wolfgang Birk and Chef Nicolas Cabrera. Tickets are $165.50 per person plus tax and processing. To purchase tickets visit:  http://paradisefarms.net/dinner-in-paradise/.

YoungArts Week

Beginning this week through January 12, The National YoungArts Foundation will host YoungArts week. A select group, 171 to be exact, of the most talented blooming artists will participate in the life-altering competition that will award a series of cash prizes ranging up to $10,000; master classes and workshops with internationally renowned artists such as Frank Gehry, Irving Sandler, Rita Moreno, Andrew Rannells, Shelly Berg, Shalita Grant, Lourdes Lopez, and Judith Hill and much more. The YoungArts finalists will have the opportunity to wow audiences with public performances, readings and a visual arts exhibition at venues including the New World Center, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the National YoungArts Foundation Campus. Tickets are available starting at $10 and can be purchased here via the YoungArts website. Ticket Information: gala@youngarts.org or 305.377.1140. Event Website: http://www.youngarts.org/gala.

Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami Host Giant Gourmet Garage Sale 

Mark your calendars, on Saturday, January 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami   (LDEM) will present their annual Giant Gourmet Garage Sale at the Galleria of the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables.  LDEM is  a non-profit organization comprised of female culinary, wine, hospitality and farming professionals dedicated to funding scholarships for young South Florida women, supporting regional agriculture and funding organic school vegetable gardens, nutrition and cooking educational programs for area youth and South Florida’s farm labor force. The event is free and open to the public and proceeds from sales will help underwrite Les Dames projects; for more information, www.lesdamesmiami.org. 

Drink Around The World Festival to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of South Florida 

On Saturday, January 25, the first annual Drink Around the World Festival fundraising event will celebrate the diverse wines, spirits, and microbrews of the world in the Moore Building in the Miami Design District. Proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of South Florida, whose mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children in South Florida. The fundraising event will showcase 100+ libations from around the world, all for sampling under one roof. Designed to give every guest a VIP Experience, Drink Around the World event goers will enjoy unlimited samplings of hand-picked wines, vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, gin, microbrews and more from all corners of the world. For complete listing of participating wines and spirits, visit and like them on Facebook facebook.com/DrinkAroundWorldFest.

To purchase tickets,visit: www.drinkaroundtheworldfestival.com. This event is for patrons 21 and older. 

ASSASSINS

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Zoetic Stage are proud to present the Miami premiere of ASSASSINS, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning revue-style musical based on the men and women who have attempted, successfully or not, to assassinate American presidents. Playing January 30 – February 23, 2014 in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House), ASSASSINS continues the Arsht Center’s highly acclaimed 2013-2014 Theater Up Close Series which features artistic collaborations from stellar local theater ensembles and nationally acclaimed theater companies.  ASSASSINS is made possible with support from Jerry and Adrianne Cohen.Tickets to ASSASSINS are $45*, and may be purchased now through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305.949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org.    

Vodka Latke  

The Tribe’s highly anticipated 8th annual Hanukkah Soiree takes place on Thursday, December 19 at LMNT in Wynwood (55 NW 36th Street).  There’s an open bar sponsored by Ketel One and complimentary Perrier, endless latkes, sounds by DJ Crespo, Capture POD and more surprises. The party goes from 8-11 pm. To purchase tickets, or for more information visit:   .  To join the committee or to sponsor: Olivia@ooandco.com. 

The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Toy Drive 

LLF’s Holiday Toy Drive collects toys for over 140 children from the Chapman Partnership, donating over 400 total toys. Volunteers participate in a morning shopping spree at Target to supplement the toys already collected at drop off locations like Warren Tricomi on Miami Beach, the offices of Luxury Brand Partners, and The Firm Miami.Toys are distributed at the Chapman Partnership on Saturday, December 21st, from 4-5 pm, after a Story Hour program from 3-4 pm. Register to volunteer at the toy shopping spree, Story Hour, or distribution, by emailing volunteer@thelittlelighthouse.org.  

Healing Light Grant 

LLF also create the Healing Light Grant this holiday season, awarding one lucky child in South Florida with supplemental funds to subsidize existing and future medical bills or future procedures. LLF commits to donating $20,000 to the Healing Light recipient during the holiday season every year, through matching dollar for dollar, the donations of its strong support group. LLF has selected Ellie suffers from Crouzons Syndrome as its Healing Light Grant recipient with a goal of providing $20,000 to cover her current and future medical expenses. The Little Lighthouse is reaching out to its strong support system and has pledged to match donations, dollar for dollar, until that goal is reached. Follow the link here to support Ellie’s Healing Light Fund:  http://www.thelittlelighthouse.org/volunteer-with-us/healing-light-grant/.

Nautical Nights 

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is now Nautical Nights, a new seafaring feast at The DiLido Beach Club, for a Hamptons-meets-South Beach dining experience with an unlimited seafood menu for $59 on Saturdays from 6-10 pm,  $45 for unlimited Veuve Clicquot.  The beachside restaurant features al fresco seating and fresh from the sea delicacies.   Opulent local seafood creations by Chef De Cuisine Andres Meraz include a “wrecked” raw bar, 40 pound roasted grouper and seafood bake for $59 per guest.  For Nautical Nights reservations call 786.276.4000. 

Food is like Art at POC 

Port of Call Restaurant Group has raised the bar with the debut of POC Modern American Cuisine. Situated in the Village at Gulfstream Park, the newly opened eatery is open daily and artistically blends culinary traditions from Asia and Europe with modern American influences. Dishes are handcrafted to create a cuisine that redefines fusion and presents a true evolution of flavor using the freshest ingredients, preserving a natural balance of aroma, texture and taste.  

POC Restaurant Group has rolled out its weekend brunch where you can enjoy a $21 prix fixe menu including savory dishes such as Eggs Benedict topped with Sriracha Hollandaise and the choice of short rib, spinach or salmon gravlax, Belgian waffles or Braised Pork Belly with twice-cooked chicken eggs and truffled potatoes. Specialty cocktails such as Sparkling Passion, fresh passion fruit purée with prosecco, or Bloody Maria, 1800 Silver, homemade bloody mary mix, fresh lime and lemon juice with a salt and pepper rim, will be offered to complement the brunch menu for $12 each. Brunch will be available on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Dinner service will start at 5 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.pocrestaurants.com. 

Life In Color is Back at Sun Life Stadium 

Life In Color is back and BIGGER than before, debuting Miami’s first ever Life in Color Festival on Saturday, December 27 at the Sun Life Stadium. Calvin Harris, acclaimed Scottish EDM Master, was the first headliner to be revealed exclusively on the companies Facebook page. Deemed the “World’s wealthiest DJ”, Calvin has collaborated with top songstresses such as Rihanna and Kylie Minogue, scoring him nine top-ten singles from one studio album. Along with Calvin Harris, Life in Color fans will go hard in the paint with: Chuckie, Head Hunterz, Excision, R3hab, Steve Aoki, Major Lazer, Dirthy Phonics, David Solano, Brass Knuckles, Etc!Etc!, Heroes & Villains, Xkore, and 2 Chainz.  Life in Color’s Miami Festival will be one of the top music events in the country, and will promise fans an interactive experience like no other. With over 500 sold out shows worldwide, LIFE IN COLOR transports fans into the ultimate mind blowing, head bumping, and heart pumping experience.Tickets are on sale at www.lifeincolor.com;Headliners & Show info available on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/lictour.