Cirque du Soleil is back in Miami with its astonishing and visually stunning production TOTEM, opening tonight under the trademark blue-and-yellow big top at Sun Life Stadium for a limited engagement through February 24, 2013. Tonight’s show marks the 1,000^th performance of TOTEM since its World Premiere in April 2010 in Montreal, Canada. In over two years and a half, more than 2 million people in 14 cities in Canada, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States have been mesmerized by the TOTEM experience that The San Francisco Chronicle described as “whimsically seductive and the most enjoyable show to come along from Cirque du Soleil in quite awhile”, and The Toronto Star proclaimed as “spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic”.

For complete show schedule and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem

By: Maryanne Salvat

Diego Jacobson

Abstract Expressionist painter Diego Jacobson will host an invitation-only preview featuring 70 paintings including some never-before-seen artwork at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, at LMNT Arts Gallery, in Miami’s Wynwood District. For the first time, Jacobson’s works will be featured in a major retrospective show, which opens to the general public at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, and will be exhibited through February 7. Titled “Everything is Perfect,” the exhibition is based on Jacobson’s philosophy on life, which is simply: “If everything is perfect, you can’t judge anything.” For Jacobson, every brushstroke is painful, but that didn’t stop the Miami resident from conquering dystonia, a crippling neurological disorder, to become one of the most celebrated Latino artists of his generation. Jacobson has been exhibited around the world, including leading Manhattan galleries and international shows in galleries and museums in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

An Affair of the Arts

On Saturday, January 12, An Affair of the Arts performance and gala is the culmination of YoungArts Week and the YoungArts signature program, which provides 150 of the nation’s most outstanding young talents in the visual, literary and performing arts with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions. The evening will consist of an awards ceremony honoring director and choreographer Debbie Allen, Violinist Joshua Bell, and Actor Adrian Grenier for their artistic achievement and leadership in the arts, followed by a special performance by YoungArts Alumni beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact www.gala@youngarts.org.

62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art

The 62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art will bring more than 230 fine artists to the grounds of the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus during the weekend of January 19 and 20. 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. This year, artists hail from 30 states and abroad. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit the Lowe Art Museum, which will be open to the public all weekend, and support bringing children from low-income schools on cultural field trips to the museum. For more sponsorship and general information, visit www.BeauxArtsMiami.org.

Skinny Pairing at RA Sushi

As January kicks off and New Year’s resolutions are in full-force, RA Sushi’s newest Skinny Pairing offer is the perfect meal for anyone counting calories. For just $18, guests can fill up on a Hitokuchi Sashimi and Shrimp Plate and a choice of one of three new low-calorie cocktails – Colada-teenie, Skinny Cucumberita or Blueberry Fizz.

2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden

Fashion will flourish at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Thursday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. for the 2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden fashion show and luncheon. In partnership with luxury specialty store Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, the garden will blossom into a fashion hotspot as models stroll the runway in the latest spring trends. Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus’s senior vice president and fashion director, will present “The Best of Spring 2013,” an exclusive preview of the season’s newest styles. In addition to the fashion show, the 2013 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees will be recognized: Maria Alonso, Anne Baddour, Bunny Bastian, Paula Brockway, Terry Buoniconti, Martha Clinton and Jan Risi Field. Tickets for Splendor in the Garden are $250 for preferred seating and $300 for runway seating. The tickets include a champagne reception, seated luncheon, fashion show and awards presentation. Complimentary garden tours are available during the reception. All proceeds benefit Fairchild’s conservation, science, education, and research programs. To purchase tickets, contact Susannah Shubin at sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or call 305.667.1651, extension 3375. For more information on Splendor in the Garden, visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Pawpurrazzi

Pawpurrazzi, now in its fifth year as a major gala, will be held at Jungle Island on January 25 at 7:00 p.m. More than 500 luminaries with their dogs are expected to attend, dressed to the nines. Chairpersons of the event, Pat and Milton Wallace and Bunny Bastian, are putting together a spectacular event, not to be missed. The highlight of the event is the “Great Pets Who Walk In Front of Great People” show where more than 30 exclusive guests and their furry friend(s) are featured on the runway. Tickets are $550, $750 and $1000 per person. There is an exciting raffle where guests have an opportunity to win a two year lease on a 2013 MINI Cooper; MSC Poesia Seven Nights Caribbean Cruise; or a Champagne and Wine Surprise Package. One raffle ticket costs $250; three are $500; and seven are $1,000. For further information call Laurie Hoffman at 305.749.1815 or email at laurie@humanesocietymiami.org.

2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge

On January 26, Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Miami native, will host his 2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for 10,000 area youth. 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 (five guests will be matched with a celebrity) and $100 per person (singles will be randomly matched with other single entries/celebrities.) World Series Sponsorship ($5,000): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, corporate signage and the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, 12 autographed baseballs by Jay and all MLB players in attendance, two bowling teams (10 people total).Extra Innings Lane Sponsorship ($1,500): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, one bowling team (five people). For sponsorship or additional event information, call Tom Hagan at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or thagan@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information: visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Barton G. Weiss is well known for his extravagant events and over-the-top creations and the newest additions to the menu at Barton G. The Restaurant do not fall short- adding elements of surprise as well as fanciful treats to your palate. On our recent visit, Chef Jeff O’Neill – the Executive Chef at The Villa and Barton G. – delighted us with brand new menu items including: Zen Scallops served alongside a Buddha; a very Tipsy Tuna; The Upper Crustacean (popcorn shrimp served with gourmet popcorn); Lobster Pop-Tarts brought to your table in a retro toaster; Lobster Apicius served with a Roman Soldier’s helmet, and The Great American Filet (served with a 3-foot fork); we can’t make this up, you have to see it to believe it! More of an experience than a dinner, the entertaining madness surrounds you as plates are served to resounding reactions by other diners, (gawking and “oohs and aahhs” are encouraged), and everyone in the restaurant seems to participate in the party.  Also be sure to enjoy the famous nitro cocktails, both beautiful and delicious and served with as much whimsy as the food. Our dessert experience was quite extraordinary, we were treated to the “Purebred” Pudding in a stainless steel doggy dish with French bulldog creamers, filled with chocolate and vanilla crème anglaise and the Chocolate Indulgence (Valrhona Chocolate brownies) served in a treasure chest with an actual shovel and map of Barton G.’s other dining endeavors. As with the food, the service was impeccable.  Leo, our server was well versed and enthusiastic about our dishes as he explained every fabulous detail. Expanding to the Los Angeles area, Barton G. The Restaurant is a Miami destination that will fill your evening with a magical atmosphere that you will never forget.

 By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Tosca

Revel in the spirits of Jay Gatsby during a New Year’s Eve soiree that will be true to his extravagant form. The Great Gatsby themed party at Tosca will feature a decadent menu consisting of the world’s finest imported delicacies and   the evening will encompass the essence and glamour of the 1920s. Reign in the New Year in your finest 1920s attire as you cheer to another year of fun and excitement with a champagne toast at midnight. For $245 per person, you receive a ten-course meal including the finest daily imported ingredients including: Sevruga Caviar and Todo Crudo Seasoned with Yuzu, Maine Sea Scallops still in Shell with Champagne Sauce, Seared Authentic Kobe Ribeye and Chocolate Mousse made with premium Vintage Valrhona Gran Couva Chocolate and Crunchy Pearls. With one intimate seating for the night beginning sharply at 9:00 p.m., the exclusive evening will be one not to be forgotten. For reservations, call 786.216.7230 or visit www.toscamiami.com. Read the rest of this entry »

Cocktails For A Cause

Recreating the cocktail styling’s of times long past, The Hoxton will toast St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center with a sophisticated fundraiser served straight up on Thursday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, live jazz music from gLg, an ensemble of five renowned musicians from Miami Arts Charter, and a special performance from Tony Wilson, with a splash of casual camaraderie over well-executed, classic cocktails in exchange for a $25 charity donation. Over the past 63 years, St. Albans has helped more than 10,000 children and families gain access to imperative educational, health, nutrition, disability, mental health and social services in Miami. The proceeds will benefit St. Albans new early childhood literacy, technology, engineering, math and science programs.  Tickets can be purchased at http://stalbanscocktail.eventbrite.com; For more information visit, http://www.stalbanschildcare.org/ or call 305-443-1234.

Lash Lounge and Brow Bar 

High definition brows and long, glamorous lashes are just a “wink” away with the launch of a new Lash Lounge and Brow Bar at Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique in East Fort Lauderdale. Not your ordinary dentist’s office, Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique is South Florida first dental spa.  The new 500 square foot lash/brow bar will compliment Dr. Patty’s existing spa services menu, which features facials, massages, dermal fillers and other aesthetic treatments. Get pampered by Dr. Patty’s master brow sculptresses.  These licensed estheticians are skilled in the traditional Indian art of eyebrow threading and NovaLash artistry.  By removing an entire row of hairs, instead of one at a time, facial hair threading is a quicker, less painful method of hair removal with results that last up to three weeks. NovaLash is an award-winning, medical-grade eyelash extension system meticulously applied lash-by-lash to enhance the length and thickness of eyelashes.  Clients can choose from a broad palette of colors, textures and lengths of weightless lash extensions for customized looks that run the gamut from subtle and natural, to trendy and glamorous. “Each lash application is a work of art with an intricate finish for instant beauty,” explains Dr. April Patterson, founder of Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique. Prices start at $20 for an express brow service, $28 for a brow and lip combo and $50 for a high-definition brow makeover.  Waxing and additional a-la-carte treatments are also available.  A full set of NovaLash extensions start at $225. New clients can take advantage of the Pretty Peepers Package, featuring 50% off their first visit to the brow bar (NovaLash extensions not included).  All clients can enjoy complimentary cocktails at the new lash lounge including chardonnay and champagne while they wait.  Access to the complimentary Nespresso bar, shower and locker room is also available.

RA Sushi in South Miami

RA Sushi in South Miami has the perfect way to lighten up this holiday season – a salad and beverage combo featuring the fresh, crisp flavors of Fuji apple. RA Sushi’s December Pairing features a Grilled Salmon Apple Salad and an Apple of My Eye cocktail. In addition to helping guests watch their waistline, RA Sushi is giving the gift of savings with all day happy hour on Christmas Eve. Tackle a busy day of holiday shopping by fueling up on a hearty dish that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. The Grilled Salmon Apple Salad features marinated, grilled skewers of fresh salmon, artfully arranged over a salad of lettuce, apples and diced red bell peppers, then drizzled with Asian Yuzu Ninben sauce. A refreshing complement to the dish, the Apple of My Eye is a mix of Absolut Orient Apple Vodka, Rock Nigori Sake, apple juice, lemon juice, and a splash of soda, garnished with Fuji apple slices. Available at RA Sushi in South Miami from December 1 through December 31, order the December Pairing for $18. Enjoy the December Pairing, plus all day happy hour pricing on December 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The happy hour menu features more than 35 appetizer, sushi and drink selections ranging from $2.25 to $7.25. Try sushi favorites like the Viva Las Vegas Roll and Tootsy Maki, or a specialty cocktail such as the Emperor’s Cucumberita or Strawberry Saketini.

Art to Wear Collection

On Saturday, December 15, give the gift of art and fashion this holiday season during Gallery Night at Bird Road Art Walk. ART TO WEAR Collection handbags are one-of-a-kind, hand painted works of art by Miami Artist Holly Jones. Each and every handbag is as unique as the woman wearing it. Hand painted silk scarves and cufflink bangles are also available in the Collection. If you are unable to attend gallery night, place an order online at www.hollyajones.com.

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Art Basel, the Mecca for art collectors and enthusiasts will take over Miami from December 6 through 9, 2012.  In its 11^th season, the most prestigious art show in the Americas will feature more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, among the most respected in the world that will showcase works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.  Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art and musical experiences. Art Basel will provide a vital platform for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-caliber artworks.  In addition to the actual show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, art museums throughout South Florida, satellite art fairs, and events for and by curators provide the perfect forum for encountering and experiencing art and design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel – and the requisite parties keep the locals and the visitors in an art-induced state of bliss.  Without a doubt, sunny Miami is the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.  Below, we have highlighted just a few of the major events that are scheduled this year, and are sure to make Art Basel 2012 the best to date.  Be sure to visit Passport Miami for the latest updates. Read the rest of this entry »