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.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Bobby’s Burger Palace Opens in Dadeland Mall 

Chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay brings his passion for burgers, fries, and shakes to Miami with the opening of Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP), his very first restaurant in the “Sunshine state.” Located in Miami’s Dadeland Mall, Bobby’s Burger Palace is anchored on the second floor of the mall’s highly-anticipated redeveloped two-story wing. BBP Miami is also the very first store, among the impressive list of 22 retailers and restaurants, to open in the new wing. BBP Miami offers an assortment of burgers inspired by Bobby’s extensive travels throughout America, including Miami. One of BBP’s signature burgers is the Cuban sandwich-inspired Miami Burger, which is pressed with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise. Visit www.bobbysburgerpalace.com or call 305.667.4617 for further details. 

PAMM Kicks Off Free Second Saturday Presented By Target 

Visitors of all ages are invited to Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to kick off the museum’s free, monthly program featuring a day of art-making, family-friendly gallery tours, performances and more! This month, celebrate Miami’s new cultural port, by building personalized model boats inspired by PAMM’s bay front location and artist Hew Locke’s installation of suspended sea vessels, which hang from the ceiling at the museum’s entrance. Get pumped up with “First Beat,” a special drum performance taking place throughout the museum. Each hour, on the hour, 12 female drummers (from Miami and New York City) will fill PAMM with beats that were intended to be performed exclusively by men, but were re-written to be performed by everyone! Visitors will be invited to create their own percussion instruments and join in the fun! The commissioned performance is composed by Mindy Abovitz, founder and publisher of Tom Tom Magazine, the only publication dedicated to female drummers. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am – 6pm, and Thursday evenings 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit pamm.org or call 305.375.3000. 

Nikki Beach Miami Spanish Sundown Dinner 

Nikki Beach Miami is bringing a bit of Ibiza, Mallorca and Marbella to Miami Beach every Saturday night with their new Spanish Sundown Dinner series. Featuring flamenco shows, weekly food & cocktail specials and a live Paella station, Nikki Beach Miami is the perfect spot to dine before a night out on the town! Open every Saturday, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Reservations.miami@nikkibeach.com | 305. 538.1111; for menu and more information: http://www.nikkibeachmiami.com/saturday-dinner/. 

Spa at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne 

Join the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne for a cocktail event celebrating the recent renovations of the Spa at the Ritz! They’ve got surprises galore, but to give you a hint, mermaids will be involved. It’s all happening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 at the Ritz Carlton KeyBiscayne.

RSVP to Clayton.McRory@ritzcarlton.com<mailto:Clayton.McRory@ritzcarlton.com> to secure your spot! 

MIAMI Magazine and Sony Host a Toy Drive  

MIAMI Magazine partners with Sony in the Aventura Mall for a Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the Boys & Girls Club. On Saturday, December 14 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. the Sony store in Aventura will be collecting unwrapped toys and will be giving a $25 or $50 gift certificate towards merchandise in the store. Raffles will be held throughout the event.  RSVP to rsvpmiami@modernluxury.com.