By: Maryanne Salvat

Julien Farel Salon & Spa’s Up-Do Bar 

French-inspired, chic salon, Julien Farel Salon & Spa introduces the first Up-Do bar in Miami with a launch party on Thursday, August 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Enjoy complimentary Up-Do styles, hors d’œuvre, wine and cocktails courtesy of Oceannaire, Dolores but you can call me Lolita, Wine Depot 555, Atelier Monnier and Blue Martini.  After its launch on August 29, the up-do bar will be available from September 1st with prices starting at $25.  

Fashion + Beauty Fix

On Thursday, August 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Identity Media presents Fashion + Beauty Fix and Hoxton Urban Beach House Ladies Night hosted by Andrea Chediak, fashion correspondent. Chediak will share her secrets of the industry while guests enjoy an evening of fashion tips and tricks, cocktails provided by Little Black Dress Vodka, manicures by celebrity manicurist Ingrid Burke, make up makeovers by Melanie Rodriguez, and music performances  by Problem Kids. To RSVP visit: http://fashionandbeautyfix829-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=1 or via email at rsvp@identitymediaco.com.

Dishcrawl in Miami Beach 

Dishcrawl, a national start-up founded on the premise that communities can be brought together through good food and good company, is exploring Miami Beach with a taco-themed event on September 3. Food lovers are taken on a gourmet Dishcrawl to four distinctive restaurants in one night similar to a pub crawl—but more delicious!  After several successful events in neighborhoods like Brickell, Midtown and Coconut Grove, Dishcrawl is checking out the Miami Beach dining scene. Dishcrawl’s mission is to give folks a reason to go out and socially engage with each other while helping local restaurants gain exposure. Participating restaurants are kept secret until two days before the event, at which time the first location is revealed to ticket holders. Reservations can be made at dishcrawl.com/miami.For more information about Miami’s upcoming Dishcrawl events visit www.dishcrawl.com/miami, or check out their Facebook or follow @Dishcrawlmiami.

 Juntos 

Juntos, a fashion startup based in Miami, has launched with the goal of educating Ecuadorian children, one shoe at a time. The brand, which reimagines the traditional Ecuadorian el Zapato de Lona, or Canvas Shoe, offers the style-savvy a chance to do good by donating a school supply-filled backpack to an at-risk  child in Ecuador for every pair purchased. The shoes are available in black, white and powder blue, and retail for $48.00 a pair.  The brainchild of Mauricio Laniado and Andrew Tupper, Juntos was sparked by a trip to Ecuador and Laniado’s observations about the social stigmas surrounding the working class.  To view and take part in Juntos’ Indiegogo campaign, visit www.FirstStepJuntos.com.  A digital look book featuring the many styles of the Zapato de Lona is available atwww.JuntosProject.com/lb. 

Mercadito Summer Menu and Taco Tuesdays

Favorite Mexican Cantina, Mercadito invites diners to try the summer menu, and to get their fill of tasty tacos with the Taco Tuesday celebration.  Starting at 4:00 p.m., guests can receive two tacos for only $5.50, with their choice from an array of tasty combinations including estilo baja (crispy beer-battered mahi mahi, chipotle aioli, Mexican-style coleslaw), carne (rosemary-marinated skirt steak, potato-poblano rajas, avocado-tomatillo crema, crispy manchego), pastor (chile ancho rubbed pork, chile de árbol salsa, grilled pineapple) and more.  This month, Mercadito Midtown’s Tacos for Strength tacos offer some Cuban flavor, courtesy of Entertainment & Hospitality Strategist Tony Guerra’s–Picadillo Rojo taco– that features red bean paste, Cuban-style Picadillo ground beef, criollo sauce, jalapeños, sweet plantains and a Chicharrón topping for crunch.  The cost of August’s featured taco is $16.50 for an order of four tacos. Five percent of sales generated from Tony Guerra’s taco will be donated to Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by 2015. September’s Tacos for Strength featured participant will be Tressa Eaton, Editor of Tasting Table New York.   For more information about the summer dinner menu and all of Mercadito’s specials, visit:  http://www.mercaditorestaurants.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Late Night Dinner at Khong River House 

On Thursday, August 22, Khong River House continues its monthly guest chef series with a dinner featuring Chef Vishwesh Bhatt of Snackbar, Oxford, Mississippi.  Tickets are $75 per person; reservations are still available through their website: http://www.khongriver.com/category/news/ or by calling 305.763.8147. 

Dinner is set at 10:00 p.m. and is sure to be among the most authentic culinary experiences. 

Patpong Road Opens 

“Patpong Road” opens on Friday, August 23, above Khong River House, bringing Thailand’s Red Light District to Miami Beach. Inspired by the night market, the “Bangkok Chic” bar will act as a weekend party destination for locals, offering Thai-influenced snacks, approachable cocktails served out of plastic bags in authentic Thai fashion, and a mix of 90’s hip-hop music curated by DJ Jessica Who, who has built a for her high intensity sets, with regular appearances in Miami, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and beyond.

The bar is open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., beginning Friday, August 23; For more information, follow PatPong Road on Twitter @Patpongroad.   

Celebrity Chef Jouvens Jean Launches a Hip New Menu at Pierre’s Morada Bay 

Adored since 1999 by travelers driving south for a relaxing stay in the Florida Keys, Pierre’s at Morada Bay is the iconic landmark restaurant and lounge situated on an enchanting two acre, sandy palm tree-lined  bay-side property in the heart of Islamorada. Known for its spectacular sunset views and for being one of the only high-end restaurants in the upper-keys, Pierre’s at Morada Bay has become the go-to venue for stunning weddings and special events. Now, on the heels of their 15^th anniversary, they have brought in recently appointed Executive Chef Jouvens Jean (St. Regis Bal Harbor, Sawa, W South Beach, The Conrad Brikell, Baleen Coconut Grove) to re-create the menu to be a hipper, fresher take on a Florida Keys classic. Winner of Food Network’s Chef Wanted, Jean’s exciting new line-up honors the menu of French fusion with global influence that put Pierre’s on the map, while incorporating a modern Caribbean flare that lends way to an updated, refined and sexier collection of dishes. For more information visit: www.moradabay.com.

Fish Fish Restaurant Bar & Seafood Market Opens in Miami 

Miami’s newest neighborhood fish restaurant, Fish Fish Restaurant Bar & Seafood Market, is the creation of owners Melvyn and Rebecca Franks.  The experience starts as guests enter into an enchanting nautical backdrop featuring an attention grabbing retail Seafood Market showcasing fresh fish reverently displayed on ice.  Here, seafood can be purchased, to take home or prepared for dine-in with the adventurous types having an option to engage in a “you-pick-it, we-make-it” menu selection created by Melvyn Franks.Seafood selections are based on availability, but frequently showcase silvery hogfish, yellowtail snapper, gray-blue branzini, and organic Scottish salmon. At times, you may find the zebra-striped lionfish, which are the controversial reef-dwelling invasive species that is threatening our coastal biodiversity.  Part of the restaurant’s uniqueness highlights the ocean’s “best-in-show” products that are regularly flown in fresh. These may include Maine lobsters, Canadian oysters and English Dover sole. The guest’s experience may begin with the opportunity to create a build-it-yourself platter highlighting choices of cold water oysters, clams and peel-and-eat shrimp. Pick your own live seasonal lobsters, which are available at market price and range from two to nine pounds.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Dave & Buster’s “Summer of Games”

Dave & Buster‘s is doing what no other restaurant chain can do: simultaneously introducing new food, new drinks and new games.  To top it off, they are also giving guests free plays on five of the newest games. Dave & Buster’s will roll out eight new games this summer, including some that are exclusive to the dining and entertainment chain.  The games range from big-screen versions of mobile apps to the next evolution in 3D games. The games include giant-sized versions of well-known mobile games, such as Temple Run and Cut the Rope, redesigned to allow players to win prizes.  In addition, there are fully immersive attractions like Dark Escape 4D and Dream Raiders that transport players to a completely different world. As part of the “Summer of Games” promotion, Dave & Buster’s will give guests free play on five of the newest games when they purchase or re-charge a PowerCard, from now through August 25. The innovative entrée joins mouth-watering new additions such as the delicious Bacon-Wrapped Beef Medallions & Grilled Shrimp and the flavorful Grilled Balsamic Chicken on the menu.The flavored ice cube cocktails join other innovative beverages on the Dave & Buster’s drinks menu, such as the Miami Ice snow cone and a CoronaRita. For more information about Dave & Buster’s “Summer of Games 2013” launch, visit http://www.daveandbusters.com

MINI Night Out

UrbanDaddy and MINI Cooper have partnered to debut national event campaign, MINI Night Out, in four major cities across the country. Guests will have the opportunity to reserve a ride in the brand new MINI Paceman and be taken on a nightlife adventure, curated by the UrbanDaddy editors. Coming to Miami on Friday, August 16^th and Saturday, August 17^th, guests will have the pleasure of receiving luxury concierge services as well as getting to experience some of the most exclusive parties in Miami at Bar Centro at the SLS Hotel, Haven or Wynwood Kichen and Bar! Visit www.MiniNightOut.com for more information.

Togetherness at The Betsy-South Beach

On Wednesday, August 21, photographer Robert Zuckerman, who gained renown for his evocative celebrity portraits as a still photographer on movie sets including, “Pain and Gain”, “Transformers,” “Training Day” and “The Pursuit of Happyness” among others, will premiere a new photography collection entitled Togetherness at The Betsy-South Beach.  The collection looks at generations of people, places, and things imbued with spirit, history, love and life including images of recognizable celebrities (and their loved ones) as well as everyday people in emotionally charged settings. One work features an image of Superintendent of Schools, Alberto Carvalho and his father. Another features Will Smith and his son.  For more information and to RSVP contact artsandculture@thebetsyhotel.com. Images, access to visiting artists, and additional information are available on request.

2^nd Annual Fashion Gives Back Event

 The 2^nd Annual Fashion Gives Back Event will take place next Wednesday, August 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Neiman Marcus in the Village of Merrick Park, Coral Gables.  Please join us for a special evening honoring Miami Children’s Hospital and enjoy the Neiman Marcus Trend Event Fashion Show, premium cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.  Your suggested minimum donation of $25 will give you a chance to win from a selection of wonderful prizes, including sports memorabilia, vacations, gift certificates and more!

Miami Spice at Red: The Steakhouse 

Executive Chef Peter Vauthy has created themed menus that give guests the chance to enjoy four different Miami Spice menus that rotate weekly at Red: The Steakhouse. A Miami Spice dinner might begin with appetizers ranging from dishes like Wagyu tartar and oysters on a half shell to favorites like mussels diavolo and Brad’s stuffed hot red peppers (a must!) Entree selections include certified Angus Prime Beef filets, prime rib and flash-fried lobster and homemade pasta options. For the finale, the menu features an extensive dessert selection including Red’s signature key lime pie or chocolate cream puffs. Specially priced wine bottles start at $49. Not only will you get exceptional value but variety as well. For reservations call 305.534.3688 or visit redthesteakhouse.com.

Wednesdays at The Flat

For those who prefer to hear the ivories tickled, The Flat is launching an intimate, live music experience every Wednesday featuring local guest musicians curated by renowned South Florida music director Randy Singer.  Nestled in the South of Fifth Street neighborhood, the recently launched Parisian piano lounge has carved a nightlife niche for itself as the quintessential, intimate venue for apéritifs and digestifs compliments of an extensive artisanal cocktail menu served in a sophisticated yet cozy jewel box setting. It’s all about the before experience,” explains owner Cedric Adegnika, a well-known South Beach nightlife fixture. “In Europe, there is the ‘in-between’, a place you want to go before dinner, the club or bed.” Every Wednesday, guest pianists, jazz singers and international singer-songwriters will enliven the everlasting cocktail hour. Future shows Leesa Richards, an up-and-coming solo artist who independently released her debut album, “Mother’s Child”, and continues to tour around the county, Brendan O’Hara (Aug. 21^st) and Big Brooklyn Red (Aug. 28^th). For reservations or bottle service, call, 305.531.3528. For more information, visit www.theflatmiami.com.     

Funky Buddha Hop Gun                      

On Friday, August 23, guests are invited to get “Funky” at the special Beer Dinner with Funky Buddha Hop Gun, taking place at Whole Foods Market – Coral Springs. From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., foodies and craft beer aficionados alike can get a glass of Funky Buddha Brewery Hop Gun IPA for a one cent – yes, that’s right, only costs a penny – per purchase of any Pub Menu dish. During this night only, the store’s skilled chefs will offer three dinner specials for $10.99 each. This event is free and open to the public. In addition, guests can meet beer experts from the locally-based Funky Buddha Brewery and enjoy live music from musical performer, Warren Hill. 

By: Maryanne Salvat

Cool Off With a Sweet Treat at Gelato-GO

As the summer months in South Florida continue to heat-up, cool off with the most decadent of frozen treats at Gelato-Go. Located in the heart of South Beach, Gelato-Go is the destination for a divine dessert with a healthy twist. With an array of different flavors all created and in-house by Chef Antonio, with the exception of Pistachio that is actually flown in from Italy (and they have a certificate to prove it!), choices are endless and are secretly formulated from healthy ingredients (no preservatives). Gelato-Go menu also includes: Gelato Spaghetti, Sunny Side Up Gelato, Waffle Chocolate Cup, Sicilian Cannolo Gelato, and a Yogurt Gelato Fruit Salad; for more information or delivery visit: http://www.gelatogo.net. 

Miami New Times’ Iron Fork Kicks-Off Miami Spice 2013 

On Thursday August 1, Miami New Times’ Iron Fork and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau join forces to kick off two months of discounted three-course meals at Miami’s best restaurants during Miami Spice. Hosted at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Biscayne Boulevard, in Downtown Miami, the 2013 Iron Fork will draw thousands of diners and food lovers from across Greater Miami. In true Iron Chef Style, two of Miami’s hottest chefs will go head to head or spatula to spatula to compete for the highly coveted Iron Fork Award.  To purchase tickets or for more information visit: www.arshtcenter.org. 

We Love Miami Spice 2013

Now that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 has come to a close, we can all take a breath and break our diets once and for all. Miami Spice the highly anticipated dining experience is upon us again this summer and thankfully with an extension. Set to run from August 1 – September 30, 2013, features close to 200 participating luxury and fine dining restaurants in Greater Miami and the Beaches. Sponsored by MasterCard Priceless Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line, BACARDÍ ®, Stella Artois and Wines of Chile, this year foodies can enter to win savory prizes and make reservations on the newly enhanced Miami Spice website at www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.  From the opportunity to dine at a Miami Spice participating restaurant with a group of friends,to the chance to win one of eight cruises from PortMiami to the Eastern Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, there are prizes to please any palate.Food aficionados will marvel at this year’s Miami Spice program, which offers an affordable and convenient way for consumers to experience some of the best dining and nightlife in Miami. Participating restaurants will present discounted three–course lunch and dinner menus featuring a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert as part of the fixed price, excluding tax and gratuities. Luxury dining: three course prix-fixe lunches at $23 per person, dinners at $39.  Fine dining: three course prix –fixe lunches at $19 per person, dinners at $33.

  Senses: An Evening of Art and Dining  

In celebration of their 10^th anniversary and in an effort to raise funds for CIFO Family Programming, the Cisneros-Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) will host an interactive moving dinner party with Chef Michael B. Jacobs, Friday, August 2, from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m., at the CIFO Art Space in downtown Miami. Dubbed Senses: An Evening of Art and Dining, the event will feature a demonstration of video works from CIFO’s private collection, artfully paired with dishes by The Hidden Kitchen’s chef Michael Jacobs, along with hand-crafted libations from The Corner. Guests will begin their evening with aperitifs in CIFO’s enchanting Piazza before being ushered through the CIFO Art Space to explore a flowing demonstration of the relationship between art, food and drink. Tickets for the moving dinner are priced at $90 per person and can be purchased by calling 305.415.6343 or visiting www.cifo.org. A portion of proceeds will benefit the CIFO Family Programming, which provides affordable in-gallery children’s workshops lead by local artists. The first 20 tickets purchased will be only $75. CIFO is also raffling a pair of tickets through their Facebook and Twitter accounts; like of follow their pages to be in the drawing.

Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience™ 

Barbie® doll’s iconic Dreamhouse® has been transform into a real-life attraction for fans of all ages.  Visitors can play in Barbie® doll’s world like never before with this interactive 10,000-square foot experience open to the public at Sawgrass Mills Mall. The first-ever touring life-size Barbie® Dreamhouse® – located in Florida – is a must-see destination for this year’s family vacation. The seven-room, multi-story Dreamhouse® features engaging activities kids will love including Barbie® dolls’s signature pink elevator, her coveted “endless” closet and a walk-through “glitterizer.” Tickets for this one-of-a-kind experience are now on sale at: BarbieDreamhouse.com and Ticketmaster.

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 

South Beach will once again come alive this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event returns for the ninth year. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will heat up the sands of The Raleigh Hotel with five days of designer runway shows, presentations and parties beginning on July 18 through July 22. IMG Fashion is proud to present an extensive list of incredible designers who will be presenting their latest Collections including: AGUA BENDITA, POKO PANO, DOLORES CORTES, WILDFOX SWIM, BEACH BUNNY, NICOLITA, AQUA DI LARA, MARA HOFFMAN SWIM, VIX SWIMWEAR, CIA.MARITIMA, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, GOTTEX, OAKLEY, L*SPACE BY MONICA WISE, A.Z ARAUJO, LULI FAMA, CAFFE SWIMWEAR, MAAJI SWIMWEAR, SAUVAGE, ZINGARA SWIMWEAR, 6 SHORE ROAD, A.CHE SWIMWEAR, AGUACLARA, AQUARELLA SWIMWEAR, CAITLIN KELLY SWIMWEAR and MINIMALE ANIMALE. To kick-off this exciting event ROXY will be showcasing their designs and celebrating 25 years in the industry with ROXY Pop Surf at the Raleigh pool deck on Thursday evening. Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express, TRESemme, Smashbox Cosmetics, Ipanema, The Raleigh, Ocean Drive Magazine and Getty Images; for the official schedule visit:   http://miami.mbfashionweek.com/home.   FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach SWIM On July 17, FUNKSHION Fashion Week Miami Beach will swim into its 24^th season in Miami Beach. Debuted in 2003, FUNKSHION has brought Miami to the forefront of the South Florida Fashion World, working with designers from Miami, Latin America, New York City, Milan and Paris.  FUNKSHION offers an opportunity for designer collections to come to life, merging the worlds of fashion and music.  As with every season, since the inception of Funkshion, most shows are open to the general public free of charge.  Potential guests do need to officially rsvp at:  WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

STYLE SAVES SWIM 

On Friday, July 19, stay stylish by giving back! To kick-off Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at the ultra-chic Soho Beach House, Miami, coordinated by In House Ideas. STYLE SAVES SWIM presented by Schick Quattro For Women Trimstyle, will celebrate the launch of CABANA, the beachwear trade event. For the third year, Style Saves’ Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser will gather 400 of Miami’s most recognized and influential people together to support Style Saves’ mission of “building confidence through clothes and giving a fresh start through fashion” to local underprivileged students in South Florida. In collaboration with The Miami Foundation, Style Saves’ mission is to imbue students with the self-confidence and assurance they need to succeed, both academically and personally. The event will feature three back-to-back designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and sounds by DJ RUEN. FORD models will strut the runway showcasing designers from CABANA, the beachwear trade event and looks from swim retailer ATRIUM. To open the show, Venezuelan men’s swimwear line Crasqi will make their Swim Week debut. Guests will enjoy cocktails by Belvedere Vodka, Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer and Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, plus sweet treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe. The Funclick interactive photo booth sponsored by Metro 1 Properties will let guests capture memories to take home using the hashtag #stylesavesswim. Presenting sponsor, Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle is the perfect partner to the swim theme, encouraging gals to get bikini-ready with the only razor and bikini trimmer in one. Fashion magazine Vogue Brasil and lifestyle publication Haute Living will cover the event as media sponsors while World Red Eye shoots as the official photographer.Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit: http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org/; To learn more about Style Saves visit, www.stylesaves.org.

One year after the launch of The Paradise Fund: Miami, join for a night in historic 1957 Havana in grand “Paradise” fashion. Havana in the early 1950′s was a top tourist and nightlife destination. Havana, in its heyday, became known as the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean. Swanky Hotels, Cabarets, Nightclubs and Casinos could be found in abundance. This year, guests will be transported back to Havana’s glory days! Come enjoy tropical cocktails, seasonal bites, freshly rolled cigars and live, Cuban music from the era. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Paradise Fund’s Haiti-based education and development projects. Individual tickets are $150

2^nd Annual Youth Fitness Clinic

On Saturday, July 20 Little Lighthouse Foundation is calling all volunteers to participate in the 2^nd annual Youth Fitness Clinic at Ansin Sports Complex hosted by Rosenhaus Sports and participating clients. From 9AM – 12PM, 250 youth will participate in outdoor activities with twelve drill stations highlighting simple athletic movements. Each station will be equipped with volunteers, featuring cones, tackle dummies, ladders, passing, and more. Past NFL participants include Plaxico Burress, Jared Odrick, James Pruitt, and Robert Bailey. The Youth Clinic is free of charge and beverages and a commemorative t-shirt will be provided to all participants. If you are interested in volunteering or know youth interested in participating, contact Reed at Reed@v2rgroup.com or 305.417.8553 for a registration waiver.  

Taste of the Nation

South Florida  Share Our Strength, the country’s leading anti-hunger organization and producer of the highly respected annual nationwide culinary benefit, Taste of the Nation, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the fight to end childhood hunger across America, is getting ready to roll.  Now called Taste of the Nation South Florida and bigger than ever, this year the region’s premier culinary benefit is showcasing more than 50 fabulous restaurants from both Dade and Broward counties, the finest wines and spirits, and an impressive array of auction items.  The much-anticipated event will take place Thursday, July 25, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., in the spacious main ballroom of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Tickets, priced at $125 per person as well as VIP tickets priced at $250 per person and providing access to the event an hour before the doors open, are available at: www.tasteofthenation.org. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to Share Our Strength to fight childhood hunger. 

By: Maryanne Salvat

Dave and Buster’s ‘Next Big Game’ Contest

“If you win the contest to create a new game, what could possibly be a better reward than free games for life at Dave & Buster’s?”

Kevin Bachus, senior vice president of Entertainment

Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, all legendary games that have been played and loved by millions; Now, in a ground-breaking competition, Dave & Buster’s is turning to its guests to continue that tradition of arcade game greatness by asking one simple question: what’s your big game idea? Dave & Buster’s has partnered with VH1, MTV and Comedy Central to launch a new contest in search of the ‘Next Big Game’.  As an industry leader in entertainment, Dave & Buster’s is taking games to the next level, by giving the public a chance to come up with the next legendary game concept. The contest is currently running until July 15, and is open to residents of the continental United States.  The winner will not only have the opportunity to have their winning game designed as a mobile app or featured as an arcade attraction in Dave & Buster’s nation-wide, but may also win free games for life. You can enter the contest online at http://www.NEXTGAME.cc.com.

Win A Gucci Fiat 500 at Cameo

Every guest who visits hotspot Cameo during the month of July will receive a raffle ticket upon entry to win a Fiat 500 by Gucci. Cameo is in possession of one of the hottest cars on the road right now, the ultra-hot Fiat featuring those unforgettable red and green stripes, and one lucky visitor will drive away in it when the winner is announced on CameoMiami.com on Saturday, August 3. For more information visit the Cameo website or hit up Cameo Miami Beach.

Midtown Pawn Boutique

On July 13, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Midtown Miami officially welcomes Midtown Pawn Boutique, an upscale, revolutionary, Miami-style take on the traditional notion of “pawn.” According to Co-Founder Adriana Hernandez Jimenez, it’s like the Neiman Marcus of Pawn, the Mercedes-Benz of Pawn, the Tiffany’s of Pawn. The Boutique features a giant mural that takes up the entire front and side of the large brand-new building – one that took over 5 years to complete. The mural, created by Wynwood artist and girl-power darling, Diana Contreras (best known for “Sofia Rose”), will be unveiled at the grand opening. The subject of the mural might seem an odd choice for a pawn shop, until Hernandez tells the story behind it. It is inspired by Queen Isabella, who, as legend has it, pawned the crown jewels of Spain to fund Christopher Columbus’ speculative voyage to “India,” an investment so successful that it lifted her kingdom out of a crippling debt that almost ruined it.Guests are encouraged to “Bring An Asset” to the party and have it appraised – an Antiques Roadshow-inspired way for guests to jump in and learn firsthand what their often-overlooked possessions are worth. Valuation Specialists from a variety of fields, from art and jewelry to antiques and handbags, and everything in between, will be onsite educating guests on “the story of their stuff.” During the event, donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit Dr. Gigi’s Raise Me Up Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 that provides free recreational programs, family support services and therapeutic programs to children with special needs in the South Florida Community.