By: Maryanne Salvat 

Best Buddies 16^th Annual Miami Gala

Continuing its active role in Best Buddies, Zenith is sponsoring their 16^th Annual Miami Gala, which is to take place at Marlins Park on Friday, November 16. The high-profile event will feature a silent auction, followed by a cocktail party, gourmet dinner and concert by The Far East Movement and SkyBlu of LMFAO. Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Zenith Watches, will serve as Vice Chair of the Gala, which will have a festive Russian theme celebrating Best Buddies’ expansion into the country. The event will serve as host for more than 800 prominent local and international guests, including business leaders, sports figures, celebrities and select media. Expected attendees include: Gala Co-Chairs Andy Abboud, Romero Britto, Marc Leder, May Liang & Jim Lintott, Tom Murphy, Anthony K. & Alina M. Shriver, and Don Soffer; actors James Caan, Christian Slater, Verne Troyer and Erik Valdez; actresses Vivica A. Fox and Lauren Potter; photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber; Miss USA Olivia Culpo; and Miss Teen USA Logan West.  For more information visit: www.bestbuddies.org/bash.

BeLive 2012: A Philanthropic Night for Colombia 

On Friday, November 16, join BeLive 2012: A Philanthropic Night for Colombia hosted by Humberto Rodriguez Calderon and Candela Ferrro at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. BeLive announces a spectacular star-studded evening filled with Colombian culture, including 2 stunning silent auctions featuring Project Emerald and artisan pieces by Artesanias de Colombia, an exquisite Runway Fashion Show with the unveiling of the 2013 MOOI collection, by renowned Designer Nicolas Felizola, a private concert by no other than internationally acclaimed, El Caballero de Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa and the presentation of the 2012 BeLive Award to Catalina Escobar, semi-finalist for the CNN Heroes Award. After raising over $3M for the past five years, and changing the lives of so many Colombians in need, BeLive has once again brought together four prominent Colombian non-profit organizations-Give to Colombia, Fórmula Sonrisas, Genesis Foundation and ArtNexus Foundation- to change and impact the lives of the most vulnerable communities with A Philanthropic Night for Colombia.

MOCA Mystery Dates

MOCA Mystery Dates is one of Miami’s most innovative fundraisers and has been a sell-out every year since it was first held six years ago. On Saturday, November 17, the evening begins with a cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and music at MOCA where guests learn which of 12 amazing homes they will be having dinner. Hosts are an interesting mix of business and creative entrepreneurs who share a love of entertaining and art, and have been building their collection for years. Hosts will offer tours of their collection and share with guests how they incorporate culture and design into their lives. After dinner the group will reconvene for a late night rendezvous at The Shore Club on South Beach. All this for ONLY $150 if you are a Shaker member, or $200 if you are not. With all the great events MOCA has planned for members during Art Basel Miami Beach, joining the Shakers is better than ever. Proceeds from Mystery Dates benefit MOCA exhibitions of emerging and experimental art. To purchase tickets visit: http://mocanomi.org/. 

2^nd Annual St. Jude Latin Music Half Marathon 

Lace up your running shoes on Sunday, November 18 for the 2^nd Annual St. Jude Latin Music Half Marathon taking place on Miami Beach. The course starts on iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach and features more than six miles of oceanfront running. Enjoy spectacular views of the Port of Miami cruise ship terminal, Star, Palm, Hibiscus, and Fisher Islands and the dramatic downtown skyline before return a unique finish line on the sand at Lummus Park. Over 4,000 registered participants are expected in the half marathon and relay; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases, is the new title partner as well as the official benefiting charity of the race.  For more information visit: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/miami-beach.  

Thanksgiving at Kitchen 305 

Executive Chef Chris Wong has planned a Thanksgiving dinner designed for families and friends to enjoy at Kitchen 305. A combination of international gourmet cuisine and American holiday favorites, Wong is serving a hearty, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast for $35 per person. The holiday meal begins with a choice of starters from the cold bar including cranberry and tangerine compote, Sicilian olive salad with artichoke hearts, imported artisanal and domestic cheeses, an assortment of pates and traditional dilled Icelandic gravlax with champagne mustard sauce. Diners will enjoy a carving station of oven-roasted turkey with Gilbert gravy, clove-studded, Smithfield Ham with maple glaze, prime rib with horseradish mouselline and herb roasted salmon topped with grain mustard cream sauce and salmon caviar. Turkey day trimmings include spicy andouille and oyster corn bread stuffing and toffee candied yams with pecan glaze and apple cured bacon and walnuts. An array of confections from apple and pear cobbler with Jack Daniel’s sauce, mini fresh fruit tartlets, flourless chocolate cake and old fashioned pumpkin pies promise to satisfy the sweet tooth. Celebrate the holidays with the Kitchen 305 family by calling 305.949.1300 for reservations.

Bill Hansen Raises Funds for His House Children’s Home 

Caterer, teacher and entrepreneur Bill Hansen and his Catering Management class at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management will hold a fund raiser to benefit His House Children’s Home on Thursday evening, November 29from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Kovens Conference Center on FIU”s Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami. Guest will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during a silent auction with many exciting items. Tickets are $20 per person. His House Children’s Home provides residential care for abused, neglected and drug exposed children in a campus setting. The goal is to restore the emotional and physical well being of children through an array of services in a loving and nurturing environment. For further information contact Hansen at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management call 305.338.1897 or email bill@billhansencatering.com.

2012 RACE-AT-A-GLANCE​

Race Date

Location

By: Maryanne Salvat

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Miami Beach Cares

On Thursday, November 8, join Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower and Vice Mayor Michael Gongora for a  Miami Beach Cares charity event benefitting victims of Hurricane Sandy at W South Beach. All profits will be donated to the American Red Cross. Join in and support this great cause at 2201 Collins Avenue at 10:00 p.m. to help the American Red Cross with their mission to help the people impacted by this storm. Please RSVP@capponigroup.com or contact 305-695-4410.  A $20 donation is suggested at the door.

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The Eden Roc Renaissance has added a “twist” to the Presidential Elections of 2012. A concotion of politically correct cocktails are now available at the Miami Beach hot spot to enjoy as you wait to see who will be our next fearless leader. For those that opt for a more casual venue and prefer to stay at home, we have included a list of beverage options below; shaken or stirred, we are sure they will delight regardless of your political view.  

Filibuster

1 oz Knob Creek Bourbon

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth 

Stir ingredients over ice in a mixing glass then strain into an ice-filled rock glass or serve straight up. Garnish with orange twist and cocktail cherry.

Across the Aisle

2 oz/ 60 ml Bulleit Bourbon

¼ oz / 7 ml Hum Spirit (produced in Chicago with rum, cardamom, hibiscus and other spices)

1 ea. Sugar Cube, Soaked with Angostura Bitters

1 ea. Lemon Peel

1 splash Club Soda

Float of Champagne

Place the bitters-soaked sugar cube at the bottom of a rocks glass with the lemon peel and muddle with a splash of club soda (1/4 oz) to release lemon oils and dissolve sugar. Add Hum Spirit and bourbon, fill up with ice, stir well and serve with a float of champagne. Garnish with orange slice and Luxardo Maraschino cherries. 

Balanced Budget

1 oz / 30 ml Cîroc Berry Vodka

1 oz / 30 ml DeKuyper Blue Curaçao

¼ oz / 22 ml Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1 oz / 30 ml Soft-Whipped Cream Flavored With Strawberry or Pomegranate Puree*.

In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir the first three ingredients then strain into a flute glass. Use the bowl of a bar spoon to pour the lightly whipped berry-flavored cream. Garnish with half strawberry on the rim.

* Note: to make 1 cup of strawberry or pomegranate flavored whipped cream, shake 4 oz of heavy whipping cream with 4 oz puree. Shake WITHOUT ice. Pay attention not to whip the cream too much, it has to be fluffy and runny. Store the flavored cream in the shaker in the refrigerator. 

The Lobbyist

2 oz / 60 ml Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka

1 oz / 30 ml Martini &Rossi Dry Vermouth

2 dashes Fee Bros. Zesty Pickle Brine 

Stir vodka, vermouth and pickle brine together in a mixing glass filled with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass or serve on the rocks.

Garnish with gherkin and lemon twist. 

Punching Gnomes

1 ½ oz / 45ml Red Stag Spiced with Cinnamon

1 ½ oz / 45 ml Sweet Vermouth

¾ oz / 22 ml Lemon Juice

¼ oz / 7 ml Pasteurized Egg White –Optional (to create a nice froth)

Fill up with Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

Shake all ingredients (except sparkling wine) with ice, then strain into a flute glass previously rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Garnish with cinnamon sugar on the rim and oils released from twisted lemon peel. 

Interns and Scandals 

2 oz / 60 ml Avión Reposado Tequila

2 oz / 60 ml Chipotle-Orange-Lime Mix*

Float (1/4 oz / 7 ml) of Grand Marnier 

Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass or serve on the rocks. Garnish with orange twist and fresh mint.

*Chipotle-Orange-Lime Mix (1 cup-4 servings):

5 oz / 150 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

15 bar spoons Orange Marmalade

¾ oz / 22 ml Tabasco Chipotle Sauce

Blend ingredients without ice (add some agave nectar if needed to be sweeter) until smooth.

Scallywagger

1 ½ oz / 45 ml Maker’s Mark (or Knob Creek Rye for a spicier taste)

1 oz / 30 ml Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

½ oz / 15 ml Maple Syrup

2 wedges Orange, cut in halves

2 wedges Lemon, cut in halves

In a mixing glass, muddle the citrus wedges with maple syrup, then add Pama and whiskey. Shake with ice and pour (do not strain) into a wine glass (or rocks glass).

Garnish with orange and lemon slices (if wheels are not available) on the rim. 

Capitol Hill

1 oz / 30 ml Bulleit Bourbon

1 oz / 30 ml Cruzan Single Barrel Rum

1 oz / 30 ml Martini Rossi Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Bitter Truth JT Decanter’s Bitters

Bitter Truth is distributed by Domaine Select Wine Estates

In a mixing glass add all ingredients with ice and stir, strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange slice with star anise.

Make-A-Wish Gala 2012

One of the most highly anticipated events of the social season, the Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball will take place on Saturday, November 3, at the InterContinental Miami. Expect over-the-top décor at this Indian-themed ball, inspired by India’s vibrant colors, animated street markets, opulent soirees and jubilant Bollywood music. Melanie Amaro, first season winner of The X Factor and South Florida native, will perform, and Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar, will return as the celebrity auctioneer for the Ball, which will be chaired by Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant l Wine Bar. The party starts with a lavish cocktail, (we’re talking stone crabs) featuring an auction of premier items before moving onto dinner, with background music by Miami Heat DJ, DJ Irie and live-auction bidding on items such as exotic wheels, (think Ferraris and Aston Martins); glittering jewels; and international travel to the some of the world’s premier destinations. After the auction, guests will be entertained by a live performance.  Immediately following the Ball guests can party until the early morning hours at the after party in the Make-A-Wish Nightclub. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474. For tickets to the Make-A-Wish Nightclub contact 305.695.4410.

Masquerade in the Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens South Florida will host its inaugural “Masquerade in the Gardens” benefit gala on Saturday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. The fundraiser aims to support conservation of the celebrated property and its various educational initiatives, including activities for special needs students and various free cultural programs for public schools. Guests will be greeted at the entrance with a personal photo on the red carpet while being serenaded by Venezuelan recording artist Thania Sanz. The black tie-optional soiree will continue under the stars on the property’s Lakeview Terrace, set affront a backdrop of live music by renowned jazz diva Debby Orta. Cocktails courtesy of Bacardi, gourmet fare by Macy’s Catering, and decadent sweets by Lily Pâtisserie’s gourmet cookies, Sinful Sweets pastries, and Filled & Frosted cupcakes, along with colorful entertainment including stilt-walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters. The celebration will continue in the meadow, which will be transformed into an enchanting open-air dance floor, where guests can dance to the sounds of the Continental Brass Band and emcee DJ Mike Pileggi. Tickets for “Masquerade in the Gardens” are $150 per person and are available by calling 305.669.6990. For more information on Pinecrest Gardens, please visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov. 

H&M at Lincoln Road Officially Opens

H&M at Lincoln Road will officially open Thursday, November 8 at noon and will provide Miami Beach shoppers access to the latest fashion at the best prices. This location will make internationally influenced trend pieces and updated basics accessible to all in the Miami metropolitan area. H&M at Lincoln Road will offer collections for the whole family including ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories. This unique location will carry the Swedish retailer’s top men’s and women’s fashion collections, providing even more Floridian shoppers access to the latest fashion and newest trends at the best prices.

Destination Fashion 2012

One event that happens once every three years and leaves the social set longing for its return is Destination Fashion, presented by Micky and Madeleine Arison, which benefits The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. So much goes on at this event that it seems like a party marathon.In addition to a celebrity concert performance by Enrique Iglesias, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour is presenting Emilio Pucci’s Spring 2013 Fashion Show Designed by Peter Dundas, and lots of celebrity attendees. NBC News icon Tom Brokaw will Emcee and Honorary Chairs are Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones and his wife Dawn and International Polo sensation Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina Blaquier.Celebrities and notables will travel through “Destinations” in Bal Harbour Shops and feast on gourmet cuisine, enjoy live interactive entertainment, and witness the presentation of the 2012 Women of Substance & Style, and this year’s Honorees at this high-profile affair.This year’s Destination Fashion, presented by Micky and Madeleine Arison, will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Bal Harbour Shops located at 9700 Collins Avenue. Reserve your tickets now by contacting Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard at (305) 243-4656 or saagaard@miami.edu or visiting www.thebuonicontifund.com/fashion. 

The Wolfsonian Visionaries Host The Art of Illumination  

On November 10, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., The Wolfsonian Visionaries will host their third annual fundraising event, The Art of Illumination, to benefit The Wolfsonian–Florida International University. The event, which will focus on the power and beauty of light with LED light installations from local artists and designers featured throughout the venue, will be held at the historic Moore Building in the heart of Miami’s famed design district. The evening coincides with the museum’s seventeenth anniversary and will feature signature dishes from Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, as well as top shelf spirits from Bacardi, music, and entertainment. The evening’s theme of illumination is inspired by the Arts of Illumination: Illuminating the Arts, an exterior facade project funded in part through a Knight Arts Challenge grant with support also provided by the Jerome A. Yavitz Charitable Foundation, Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Visionaries challenged a small group of Miami-based artists, designers, and creatives to rethink the influence and everyday use of light with LED installations to be auctioned off at the event. Participants were invited to design an object using Lighting Dynamics LED strip lighting in a way that promotes ambiance, beauty, and innovation. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit The Wolfsonian. Participating designers include: AECOM, Matthew Anders, Architectonica Interiors, Johanna Boccardo, Rene Gonzalez Architect, rGLOBE, Alexis Cogul Lleonart, Lopez / Jaimes, NC-Office, and Chad Oppenheim. The Lighting Design Challenge is conducted in conjunction with, and with support from, FIU’s School of Architecture.

The Art of Illumination host committee includes Susanne Birbragher, Rene Gonzalez, Iran Issa-Khan, Jaime Odabashian (Visionaries Co-Chair), Douglas Scott (Visionaries Co-Chair), Olga Granda-Scott (Event Chair), Michelle Areces, Nisi Berryman, Viviane de Kuyper-Verduyn, Joshua Dunkelman, Eunique Fowler, Michele Hanash, Sandra Montenegro, Erika Morales, Aimet Oberhausen, Quetsy & Aaron Puckett, Lucia Schito, and Jesse Stolow. Tickets are $150 each. For more information about The Art of Illumination, or to purchase tickets, contact Kelsey Kyle at kelsey@thewolf.fiu.edu or 305.535.2626. Tickets can also be purchased online at wolfsonian.org/111012.

Out on DVD/Blu-Ray:

Pete’s Dragon is a whimsical journey of friendship and fun between an orphan named Pete and Elliot, his best friend, who just happens to be a jolly dragon. For the first time ever on DVD/Blu-ray, the magical story comes to life for its 35^th anniversary; a true family classic film in the same genre as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that is sure to please all audiences.

Secret of the Wings, the newest release from Disney on Blu-ray is a magical story full of delight and adventure as our favorite pixie fairy, Tinker Bell, discovers that she shares a very special secret with Periwinkle, a frost fairy, which lives in the forbidden Winter Woods. With the talents of Angelica Houston (Smash), Timothy Dalton (James Bond 007), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), and Mae Whitman (Parenthood), the fairies from Pixie Hollow will capture your heart in this wonderful tale. The Blu-Ray/DVD 4 pack combo includes: Blu-ray featured film with bonus details including “The Great Divide” music video performed by the McClain Sisters, DVD with bonus detail, Digital Copy of the feature film, and Blu-ray 3D Feature film.   Available for a limited time so make sure to get your fix of Pixie Dust soon!