Café Prima Pasta Introduces Fresh Squeezed Cocktails 

Café Prima Pasta is launching a fresh-squeezed cocktail series featuring seasonal selects from the farmer’s market curated into cocktails by the restaurant’s lead mixologist starting at $6. Think Key Lime and Coconut Caipirinhas; Brazilian Cachaca, shredded coconut, brown sugar and lime juice served on the rocks; Carrot and Cilantro Coolers, silver tequila, carrot juice, orange juice and agave nectar finely strained and served over ice with a sprig of cilantro; Lychee Crush Shooters, vodka, lychee liquer and muddled lychees topped with a splash of lemon/lime soda and soda water served straight up or Sparkling Cranberry Splash, Italian white wine, hand pressed cranberries and sliced, white peaches.Low sugar and low-guilt, these healthy cocktails compliment Café Prima Pasta’s new vegetarian and gluten-free menu options available throughout the summer.

 Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante, Miami’s celebrated eatery serving rustic, Mediterranean-Italian fare, has announced the return of its summer specials in celebration of the abundantly fresh, bright flavors of the season. The charming eatery is offering diners special three course prix-fixe menus available for lunch and dinner throughout June and July. Priced at $39 per person, the dinner menu runs from Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until midnight while the lunch menu is priced at $23 per person and served seven days a week from noon until 4:00 p.m.; tax and gratuity not included. In tandem with this fabulous deal, Sardinia is re-launching its Wine & Dine special where guests will receive 40% off of select bottles of wine from its extensive, primarily Italian, wine list every Tuesday evening in June and July. For more information or reservations, call 305. 531.2228, or visit www.sardinia-ristorante.com.

Miami Seaquarium : Sky Riders

Miami Seaquarium will thrill guests with its new summer show “Sky Riders” featuring daring motorcycle high wire and acrobatic stunts.  The show starts with an inclined motorcycle high wire act, 40 feet off the ground.  Acrobats run the motorcycle up and down the incline wires they perform stunts atop the motorcycle while balancing it on the cable. The show then switches gears to fun and laughs with “Tony and his Comedy Trampoline”.  The exciting finale of the show are the heart-stopping feats in the Motorcycle Globe of Death, which takes place inside a 14 foot diameter steel mesh cage where two motorcycles crisscross and loop around each other at high-speed.

After enjoying the exhilarating performance, guests can experience the park’s fun and cool alternatives to beat the heat.  Cool off with a 55 degree splash from Lolita at the Killer Whale Show.  Get a blast from the water cannons at Salty’s Pirate Playground.  Slide down an inflatable water slide or get refreshed in a “Play and Spray” misting station.  General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children ages 3 to 9.  More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Celebration Tea

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is celebrating a big milestone this year – the 75^th anniversary of opening to the public! As part of our Afternoon Tea series, Fairchild is hosting a Celebration Tea on Sunday, June 9 at 3:00 p.m. No matter what you’re celebrating, enjoy a beautiful tea service upstairs in the Visitor Center Ballroom overlooking the Pandanus Lake and lush greenery. Three types of tea will be served along with sweet and savory snacks, including scones with clotted cream and curried chicken salad sandwiches. The Celebration Tea is $27 for Fairchild members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. To make a reservation, please call Marnie Valent at 305.663.8059. For more info, visit the Celebration Tea webpage. 

Happy Birthday Gerry Kelly!

Get ready to wish Miami’s Nightlife King, Gerry Kelly, a very Happy Birthday on Saturday, June 22 the Newport Beachside Resort and Hotel. The event will be held in the main Grand lobby of the spectacular resort, in their award-winning restaurant Kitchen 305 and poolside, boasting stunning views of the Atlantic. The grand lobby and adjoining Kitchen 305 will be transformed into a palatial setting by renowned designers 3DX. The celebration will begin at 10:00 p.m. with a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception and will be followed by a spectacular evening filled with music, performances, dancing and fun! In keeping with the “Gerry Kelly style”, this year’s theme will be Rock stars and Royalty!   For guests that would like to dine before the celebration, KITCHEN 305 has created a special Surf & Turf dinner for $35 per person beginning at 7:00 p.m. For VIP table service, Kitchen 305 will also have bottles special throughout the evening, including Absolut Vodka bottles for $100 (++) and Premium Bottles including Grey Goose, Black Label, Patron and more for $175 (++). For dining or table reservations call 305.749.2110. The official celebration begins with Red Carpet arrivals at 10:00 p.m. followed by an open Casa Amigos Cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception until 11:00 p.m.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Keiko Matsui and Al Di Meola at Miami’s New World Center 

On Friday, May 31, the first time ever performing at Miami’s New World Center, celebrated jazz artist and pianist Keiko Matsui will join special guest Al Di Meola for a never before seen concert event featuring both artists as well as Keiko’s band. Matsui is known around the world for her innovative contemporary jazz performances and Di Meola for blending world music and jazz; this performance will feature their original work, and several songs will be performed together. Tickets are available at the New World Center box office and on www.newworldcenter.com starting at $45 priced to $200, which includes a meet and greet with the artists.

MAM Lights Out Farewell BBQ 

On Saturday, June 1, after 15 years of enhancing Miami’s cultural repertoire, Miami Art Museum is closing its doors in preparation for its transformation into Pérez Art Museum Miami. To celebrate, Miami Art Museum will host a full-blown community BBQ on its grounds for the very last time from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Filled with music, food, art, and exhibitions culture-seekers will bid farewell to MAM as the lights literally GO OUT that evening. This is a great event for locals to experience a piece of Miami’s history; Pricing for the event, $10 for non-members, free for members.

Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery Presents: Algae and Espiritútara 

In conjunction with the group exhibition Object implied, Emerson Dorsch Art Gallery is pleased to share two local brands that capture and exude an effortless energy and enthusiasm unique to Miami. Join them on Saturday, June 1, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a viewing-party to share these two local brands while enjoying complimentary cocktails, bites from La Latina, Azucar ice cream, Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, and a playlist created by Ghostpiss from NYC. Both Algae and Espiritútara will present their current collections, with products available for purchase.

Algae is a Miami-based lifestyle brand focused on producing a limited edition artist series each season; Working closely with established and up-and-coming Miami-based artists, Algae helps to produce their vision completely; Fabric, fit, cut and sew, dying, and printing is all up to the artist; Algae guides the process and aims to produce high quality, totally original, and totally Miami products. 

Espiritútara seeks to empower with beautiful jewelry that possesses elements of protection and positivity. Inspired by travel, art, and the pursuit of magic, the pieces are made of intentional stones and handmade elements that are designed for those searching for both design and the manifestation of light.

Mancini Modern Italian Honors Local Diners

Nestled on the emerging west end of the downtown business district of Las Olas Boulevard, Mancini Modern Italian is a fresh, new concept on contemporary Italian cuisine by restaurateur Jack Mancini. Mancini Modern Italian is honoring loyal locals with half-off select pasta dishes and glasses of Prosecco or Chianti every Tuesday evening starting June 4. Featured dishes include Gnocchi ($10), chives and parmigiano-reggiano in a gorgonzola cream sauce; Tagliolini alla Carbonara ($10.50), hand-crafted pasta gently tossed with pancetta, pecorino and poached egg yolk; Lasagnette ($10), house-made lasagna combined with beef sugo, parmesan béchamel and fresh mozzarella; Linguini ($10), little neck clams, sautéed in white wine with garlic and  parsley, served with a thick slice of toasted ciabatta bread; Orecchiette ($10.50), pasta medallions gently tossed with homemade sausage, broccoli rabe, rapini pesto, garlic and pecorino; Garganelli ($11), fennel sausage and porcini mushrooms in a rich Taleggio cream sauce; Tagliatelle alla Bolognese ($10.50), fresh pasta served with premium ground beef, veal and pork in a red wine reduction topped with grated parmigiano-reggiano and Spaghetti ($7.50), vine ripened tomatoes, basil and peperoncino. Proof of residency required.  For reservations, call 754.200.8602 or visit www.mancinilasolas.com.

Communities in Schools of Miami, Inc.

Communities in Schools of Miami, Inc. (CIS) is hosting a charity cocktail party for its Young Professionals Network at Blue Martini on Brickell from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 11, to celebrate the commencement of the 2012-2013 school year.  Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails, an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment for $25 per person. All the proceeds from the evening’s event will directly benefit CIS’ mentoring, tutoring, career counseling, after school and summer programs. Playing “PhilanthroPub” for the evening, Blue Martini is a chic lounge in Miami’s bustling business district offering daily happy hour specials, live entertainment and guest DJS. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

7th Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand National Lemonade Days 

The Alvarez family will host their 7th Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand as part of the National Lemonade Days fundraiser on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 725 N. Rainbow Dr. The Alvarez family decided to get involved with the Foundation in 2007 after the young daughter of friends died of a form of leukemia. About 2 years after she died, those very same friends welcomed a little boy.  He is almost 5 years old now, and this spring, he, too, was diagnosed with leukemia. The stand has become an annual event, but now the girls are trying to spread the word anew and afar. As in years past, the girls are hoping to garner product donations, and have special visitors to their stand. Among those who have visited in the past – the local fire department and ambulance drivers, as well as supporters of the battle against childhood cancer who have found the event through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation website. The girls hope to raise more money this year than in years past and hope to help doctors on their way to a cure. Founded by Alex Scott (1996-2004) in 2004, Lemonade Days is a three day national event that grew out of Alex’s front yard lemonade stand, and is held every year over the same June weekend. During Lemonade Days, dedicated volunteers host thousands of Alex’s Lemonade Stands across the country, raising over $1 million for childhood cancer research in one weekend. June 2013 will mark the 10th Annual Lemonade Days with an estimated 10,000 volunteers at over 2,000 Alex’s Lemonade Stands around the nation making a difference for children with cancer. Lemonade Days 2013 is set for June 7, 8 and 9! New this year, chefs and moms Melissa d’Arabian and Alex Guarnaschelli will lend their support to the effort by providing kid-friendly recipes and tips to volunteers who sign up to host a lemonade stand during the three day fundraising initiative.You can search for stands by zip code here: www.alexslemonade.org/search/alex_search. 

Lancôme 2013 Seasonal Gift with Purchase

Visit Saks Dadeland for the latest skin treatment and beauty regimen at Lancôme and receive the latest gift with $75.00 purchase from May 30 through June 12 . Guests will receive a sample of Oleo Serum, a choice between Absolue Premium Bx or Absolue Precious Cells, a limited edition lip duo CF Gloss in Orchid Fever and Rouge in Love in Moonlight Rose, or CF Gloss in Smoldering Peach and Rouge in Love in Sweet Escape, and Definicils Mascara in Black and a cils booster sample.  

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar Clambake is Back!

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar has welcomed back its annual Clambake every Friday starting at 6:00 p.m. each night. The hand-crafted clambake is created using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients indigenous to South Florida. The menu features a savory selection of The Forge’s best dishes including: Steamed Clams & Mussels, Crispy Chicken Wings, Oyster Po’Boys and New England Clam Chowder to start; New England-style entrees such as Grilled Maine Lobster with candied garlic, Grilled Salmon with basil mash potatoes, hearts of palm and green salad, Grilled and Sliced Hangar Steak with tomato jam and leek chutney, and Pomegranate BBQ Chicken with cheddar grits and tomato chutney. For dessert, guests can choose from a creamy and rich Banana Bread Pudding with butter scotch sauce or a tarty Lemon Panna Cotta. The $49 includes roasted corn on the cob and boiled red bliss potatoes for the table to share, and two-for-one draft beers throughout the evening. For reservations, please call The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar at 305.538.8533 or visit www.theforge.com.

BleauLive Presents: Fun.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach continues its legacy of hosting top entertainers with a performance by two-time Grammy Award winning indie pop band Fun. on May 29, as part of the iconic hotel’s BleauLive Performance Series. BleauLive crafts a fully immersive destination experience with a number of “surprise and delight” moments including personal guest interaction with the artist.  Fontainebleau Miami Beach is offering Fun. fans two special packages that will get them into the show; for full details visit www.BleauLive.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat

The Flat Miami Very Happy Hour 

The Flat Miami, the new European-inspired cocktail lounge by Cedric Adegnika and Barbara Zuccarelli, is pleased to announce ‘Very Happy Hour(s)’ specials, which will be available Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, May 15. Bar Chef Egor Polonskiy will offer signature and classic cocktails that change weekly, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines. Located just South of Fifth at 500 South Pointe Drive, The Flat combines upscale cocktail culture and modern décor, featuring a white-lacquered baby grand piano bearing a portrait of Ray Charles, to create a coolly sophisticated atmosphere perfect to begin or end a night on the town.

ABSOLUT® X Masquerade Ball

On Thursday, May 16 from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, ABSOLUT® X will transform Soho Studios into an “ABSOLUT” version of a masquerade ball in collaboration with Miami contemporary artist Agustina Woodgate, British indie rock band Bloc Party and world renowned and local favorite, mixologist John Lermayer. ABSOLUT® X is a series of experiential, full-sensory events incorporating three different disciplines – music, art and mixology – to break new artistic ground. Bloc Party will partner with Agustina Woodgate to create an interactive artistic collaboration, and perform hits like “Children of the Future” from their most recent album Four. At the masquerade ball, guests will be part of a transformative night filled with mystery, high energy performances, interactive art experiences, and ABSOLUT® cocktails by Lermayer. Guests will create custom ABSOLUT® masks to develop their “ABSOLUT® self,” making their dream identity a reality. Working with the non-profit Architecture for Humanity, Woodgate’s finished art will be donated and installed in a selected public space, leaving a piece of ABSOLUT X to live on in Miami; For more information visit www.absolutx.com<http://www.absolutx.com and RSVP at ABSOLUTX.Miami@Carmapr.com.

4th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon 

On Friday May 17, Womenade presents the 4th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon. A vintage fashion show produced by C. Madeleine’s, directed by Danny Santiago, with hair styling and makeup by Rik Rak Salon.Boutique.Bar. The event’s theme is “Deco Riviera.” Shannon Hori, CBS-4’s Emmy award-winning news anchor, will serve as the fashion show and program emcee.

A “Best Dressed Diva Contest” will be featured at this year’s fashion show and luncheon. Come dressed in your best late 1950’s, early 1960’s vintage attire to enter in the contest presented by C. Madeleine’s. C. Madeleine’s will also donate a percentage of sales to Chapman Partnership for anyone who shops at the store now through June 30th.  Honorees include Terry Buoniconti, Ana Codina, Lizette Diaz, Jennifer Naszradi, Phillis Oeters, Rita Ramirez, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Katy Sorenson, Tara Solomon, and Boo Zamek.Event Chairs are Bronwyn Miller, Irene Korge and Migna Sanchez. Honorary chairs are Trish and Dan Bell. Event and Table Sponsorships are available. For more information contact the Development Team at womenade@chapmanpartnership.org or call 305.329.3081.

Restaurant Day at Ruthie’s @ The Little Blue House 

A global initiative that’s quickly catching on in Miami’s culinary movement, Restaurant Day gives anyone who’s ever dreamed of opening their own eatery a reason to produce their own menu, buy produce locally, and promote a pop-up out of their own homes, gardens or private spaces. In this spirit, foodie Amanda Fischer will be putting her home cooking talents to work while Torrence Gettrell opens his terrace to create ‘Ruthie’s @ The Little Blue House‘. On Saturday, May 18 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., celebrate Restaurant Day at Ruthie’s with an Afro-Brazilian inspired meal, with many dish options priced between $9-$16.

Franck Muller at Levinson Jewelers

Levinson Jewelers will be hosting a special event taking place in-store on Saturday, May 18 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Legendary Swiss watchmaker, Franck Muller, will be traveling from Genève, Switzerland to unveil his newest collections. The event will be hosted by watch enthusiast Dan Marino; for more information visit www.levinsonjewelers.com.

11^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® will host its 11^th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala presented by Manuel and Mercedes Mosteiro at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. On this special evening, St. Jude will honor National Football League’s (NFL) all-time winning coach, Don Shula, with the 2013 “St. Jude Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his life-long commitment to helping the community and his unparalleled contributions to the NFL. The gala will celebrate the life-mission of St. Jude, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases. This unique event will include a live performance by Multi-platinum GRAMMY / Latin GRAMMY winning recording artist, Carlos Vives. The FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala co-founder, Daisy Fuentes, will be in attendance to welcome more than 700 guests, and will be accompanied by other award presenters such as Danna Garcia, Julian Gil, Pamela Silva Conde, Raul Gonzalez of Univision Network, and Alberto Sardiñas, host and producer of “Intimo” on Amor 107.5 FM, among others. For more information about tickets, sponsorships and auction items, contact 800.278.3383, miamigala@stjude.org,  or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force requests the pleasure of your company at an exclusive reception to kick off the organization’s upcoming 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on May 21! This event, hosted at the Beach House at Shore Club, will provide insight into this year’s Miami Recognition Dinner and lend an opportunity to meet MRD committee members. Additionally, the event will feature 2013 Eddy McIntyre Award recipient Joseph L. Falk and a special performance by critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer Pioneer Winter. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Send your RSVP to ginorcampodonico@gmail.com.

The Young Society of Love and Hope Presents the Second Annual “Haute Tea” 

The Young Society of Love and Hope, along with the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, will host their Second Annual “Haute Tea” on Tuesday, May 21 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The bespoke Tea will include a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. Scones & clotted cream and finger sandwiches will additionally be presented at each table along with formal tea service. This year, the famous Parisian silver house, Christofle (of Bal Harbour) will adorn the event with luxurious silver throughout. Attendees will also enjoy a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, a silent auction and prizes to the finest hats of the day. This fun and unique afternoon is designed to bring women together while increasing awareness about diabetes; the event is chaired by Jillian Posner and Dana Rosenhaus Swickle. To purchase tickets visit: www.diabetesresearch.org/haute-tea or call 1.800.321.3437.

Nicky’s Week at RA Sushi in South Miami

RA Sushi in South Miami will host the ninth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser from Sunday, May 26, through Saturday, June 1, during which 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items such as Edamame, Tootsy Maki roll, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori and Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus select beverages, will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The annual fundraiser was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Arizona, who lost a long battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the age of 13. As a nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates throughout the organization. RA Sushi initiated the fundraiser to honor the memory of Nicky and to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.

fortrendymoms.com

In honor of Mother’s Day, Aquathermes Salon & Spa in Downtown Miami will be offering (five) specially priced packages available throughout the month of May. Each package features a combination of various services such as Hot Stone Massage, Anti-Aging Facial, CND Shellac™ Manicure/Pedicure, and Keratin Complex Hair Treatment. Treat Mom, a loved one, or even yourself to an Aquathermes experience.

Kitchen 305 hosts an all-you-can-eat, Mother’s Day champagne brunchfor $39.95 per person from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.  Enjoy a long meal with loved ones that starts with breakfast favorites including freshly baked breads and a pastry station, seasonal fruits, imported cheeses and made-to-order omelets. A cold bar will feature jumbo shrimp cocktail, Bluepoint oysters on the half shell, Scottish style smoked salmon, snow crab legs, endive, walnut, goat cheese and Asian pear salad and Hong Kong style Maine lobster salad. Entrée options include hand-carved prime rib smeared with chimichurri and horseradish mouselline with beef au jus for dipping; herb-roasted Colorado rack of lamb with rosemary mint Madeira sauce; chicken breast benadetto, succulent chicken breast stuffed with granny smith apples and brie cheese in a roasted red pepper cream sauce or yellowtail snapper francaise; fresh yellow tail broiled in a citrus, caper butter sauce. For those who savor sweets, a Viennese dessert bar will showcase assorted cakes, cookies, brownies, mini tarts, fresh fruits and berries. Guests will enjoy free flowing champagne, Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Kir Royales throughout the day.

Florida Cookery at The James Royal Palm hotel will launch its weekly Miami-style Sunday brunch series this Mother’s Day, May 12, poolside on the new Florida Cookery Patio. Guests will enjoy a selection of hand-crafted, a la carte favorites by Chef/Partner Kris Wessel, which include Cookery Egg Sliders, Southern Style Veal Grillades and Big Bowl Miami Paella, as well as a rotating action station featuring specialty items such as endless carved prime rib. Mother’s will enjoy a complimentary welcome mimosa, with $165 Dom Perignon bottle specials for sons & daughters who wish toast “Mom” as well. Brunch will be available on the Florida Cookery Patio from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Indoor seating is available.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso has crafted an exclusive Mother’s Day menu perfect for the moms in your life perfectly paired with unlimited mimosas. The menu features Chef Dewey’s signature appetizer spread including items like Blood Mary Ceviche with Grouper, Snapper and Grilled Celery, Oak Grilled Turkey Sausage made with Lobster Corn Chowder, Vanilla Waffles topped with Sauteed Bananas and Mascarpone. Guests can select from an array of entrees including the Miami Monte Cristo made with pulled pork that is battered and pan seared, carambola jam and picnic fries, Almond Seared Chicken Paillard topped with a chiffonade of greens, capers and chicken jus, Turkey and Eggwhite Frittata with house smoked turkey, leeks, white cheddar, and porcini sauce. An a-la-carte menu will also be available. The brunch is priced at $85 per person and $35 for children (under 12); For reservations, call 305.538.8533, www.theforge.com.

Cecconi’s Miami Beach, get ready to treat your mom to the perfect Mother’s Day brunch with an authentic Italian fare prepared by Executive Chef Sergio Sigala. Seat mom on an Italian chair in the garden and prepare her for a completely satisfying meal made from only the freshest ingredients. Cecconi’s will offer its Sunday brunch for Moms to enjoy with items like Egg Station, omelet or scrambled, made to order with bacon, avocado and additional accompaniments; Sweets Station, waffles and ricotta pancakes, pastries and fresh-baked croissants, and homemade torta; Raw Bar,oysters, salmon tartar, shrimp and fish salad; Carving Station, complete with roasted beef and pork, quinoa salad, meatballs and macaroni and cheese; and a traditional Cold Cutsspread. The brunch is priced at $45 per person; for reservations, call 786.507.7902, www.cecconismiamibeach.com. 

RA Sushi in South Miami is the perfect place to treat mom this Mother’s Day – or avoid her. RA is extending its Sunday happy hour specials all day from 11 a.m. to close. Choose from more than 35 sushi, appetizer, and tapas selections ranging from $2.25 to $7.25, plus a wide variety of beer, wine and signature cocktails ranging from $3 to $7. Flying Fish Lounge dishes include Tootsy Maki, the Viva Las Vegas Roll, “RA”ckin’ Shrimp and Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings. Varieties of discounted creative cocktails are served until midnight, such as the Blushing Geisha, Dragon Bite or Shiso Naughty; for more information, call 305.341.0092.

The Cheese Course, celebrate your mom with an elaborate presentation of every cheese and tapenade in the book. The Cheese Course will be offering a gift of $5 for every $25 purchase at any of its seven locations. From April 29 through May 12, choose from a selection of more than 150 cheeses available in store and create a customized gift basket or cheese plate with the guidance of the in-store cheese monger; for more information, call 786.220.6681, www.thecheesecourse.com.

We all know Italian mothers have a special way around the kitchen and Mama Carla of Café Prima Pastais no exception with her traditional award-winning cuisine, which for the last 19 years has made celebrities such as Matt Damon, Lenny Kravitz and Dwyane Wade regulars of the family owned and operated restaurant. Prima will be celebrating Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, with its regular menu plus some new dinner specials including Eggplant Rollatini ($15.95), sliced eggplant wrapped with ricotta and artisanal cheeses topped with tomato sauce; Burrata & Prosciutto ($18), rich, creamy burrata pillow piled on top of slices of prosciutto; Carla’s Cannelloni ($18.95), made-to-order cannelloni rolled with spinach, ricotta and a blend of imported Italian cheeses topped with pomodoro sauce and a touch of sweet pesto; Ravioli Porcini ($24.95), perfectly puffed pasta pockets stuffed with delicate porcini mushrooms in a truffle sauce; Risotto Pescatore ($28.95), a medley of fresh seafood over a bed of saffron risotto; Osso Bucco ($38.95), Mama’s Cea’s secret recipe of braised veal shank in a Barolo wine demi glaze; Lobster Fra Diavolo ($38.95), tender Florida lobster, clams and rock shrimp in a spicy marinara sauce with homemade linguini and Veal Chop ($38.95), grilled veal with asparagus and oven roasted potatoes.