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!

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SLS Hotel South Beach Presents Halloween 

On Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Hyde Beach at SLS Hotel South Beach will host the Christie’s Mad Hatters Party. Complimentary hats will be provided by Christie’s and music by Lazerdisk and on Wednesday, October 31, Bacardi will provide courtesy cocktails at Hyde Out a Haunted Havana Halloween event at SLS Hotel South Beach’s Hyde Beach. Sounds by Lazerdisk, Party Sex, and The Chain Smokers from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Nightmare on the Beach 

On Saturday, October 27, join The Little Lighthouse Foundation for its 3rd annual Halloween party: Nightmare on the Beach at the historical Bath Club from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. All attendees will be treated to top shelf open bar, cuisine from some of Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, and music from world renowned DJs. Lose yourself in a world of Nightmare vs. Dream, when you attend Miami’s most audacious, spectacular, costume extravaganza! General admission starts at $100 per person.

Veuve Clicquot: Yelloween Masquerade Ball

The terrace at EDGE Steak & Bar will transform into an al fresco ultra lounge for the Veuve Clicquot Yelloween Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., where Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label will flow for Miami’s social crowd decked out in Halloween costumes. Comfortable sofas will be set up throughout the terrace, which is adorned with lush greenery and twinkle lights strung from the retractable awnings. DJ Sol Martinez will play loungey house music with a spooky twist, and cocktail servers will serve the VIP tables throughout the terrace. A custom Veuve Clicquot outdoor bar will be set up for guests to mingle around and enjoy the vibe. For table reservations, call Edge at 305.381.3190. For room reservations, call 305.381. 3381. 

“Beam Me Up” Halloween Bash

SuperMarket Creative will transform Studio 743’s special event space into the location for its highly anticipated “Beam Me Up” Halloween costume bash on Saturday, October 27. Located in the heart of South Beach, the event space boasts a futuristic appeal that is reminiscent of space age architecture, making it the ideal venue for the occasion. Guests will experience a fashion-forward space disco atmosphere, posing alongside SuperMarket’s famous ‘Land on the Moon’-inspired vignette, which has proven to be one of the fete’s most popular features, photographed by Stian Roenning. DJs for the evening include Ess & Emm, Mister Drake, Lolo, Bonnie Beats and The Kid with a slew of local guest acts. Patrons will enjoy complimentary Dos Equis and Herradura cocktails from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Early ticket purchase fees are $15 and $20 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at www.BeamMeUp.ticketleap.com. 

“Nightmare on 23^rd Street” at  Cafeina

On Saturday, October 27, Cafeina Wynwood Lounge will transform its interior lounge/art gallery and outdoor gardens into a haunted abode for its second installment of “Nightmare on 23^rd Street.” The Halloween costume party will feature disco beats by resident DJ Supersede and a special guest, New York-based Roxy Cottontail and spooky live video mixes in the garden by local video vixen VJ EditMonster. Cafeina’s haunted crew will serve up $190 Beluga Vodka bottle specials in the spooky manor-esque lounge or fog-laden outdoor garden, while ghouls and gals enjoy lethal libations such as $5 RedRum shooters, made with Fireball Whisky, all night.  Costumes are encouraged. Event admission is $5. Advance table reservations are available by contacting info@cafeinamiami.com.

Halloween Happy Hour at Conrad Miami

On October 31, Conrad Miami will host a Spooktacular Halloween Happy Hour from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy half-off drink specials and hors d’oeuvres. Best costume wins a special prize.

RA Sushi Boo Bash

Have a ghoulishly good time on Halloween at RA Sushi in South Miami’s Boo Bash party. On October 31 from 7:00 p.m. to close, party the night away with spooktacular food and drink specials, a costume contest, and a guest D.J. Enjoy some freakish fun at RA Sushi in South Miami. Boys and ghouls are encouraged to dress up for the Boo Bash costume contest. Those dressed to kill will have the opportunity to take a bite out of some serious treats, including a $100 RA gift certificate for the first place winner and a $25 RA gift certificate for second place. To keep the Halloween bash going all night long, a special guest D.J. will spin a haunting mix of beats. Grab a broomstick and fly into RA Sushi in South Miami. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/RASushiSouthMiami.

Halloween at Villa 221 

On Wednesday, October 31, Problem Kids and ArtOfficial alongside DJ Ethics are celebrating Halloween at Villa 221 with an array of live bands, DJs, costume contests and food trucks by Cuban Cube and Monster Burgers. Complimentary vodka will be served from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a $10 admission at the door. Guests must arrive before 9:00 p.m. to be eligible for the costume contests. Best female costume, best male costume and best couple costume contest will each go home with over $1,000 in prizes from ISA boutique, N&K Designs, Savvy girl Boutique, SOLE FLY, HipStar Clothing, and Keep it Kush Papers & Apparel among others. The party will then continue with Villa 221’s Haunted House After Party featuring eight DJs including: Minimax, Juan Fonseca, Gabe Alvarez and Andrew Beato spinning techno upstairs and BD HBTS, YSL and Ethics downstairs spinning hip-hop and open format.

Fairchild’s Howl-o-ween
Don’tmiss out on one of the only days of the year that guests can bring their pooch to Fairchild—Wednesday, October 31. At Fairchild’s Howl-o-ween event, now in its fourth year, guests can take advantage of a great opportunity to enjoy special activities just for pups as they parade through Fairchild’s lush surroundings all the while showing off their Halloween costumes. Guests and their dog can hop on a special 1:00 p.m. doggy tram ride too!!

By: Maryanne Salvat

Pink Happy Hour

Join the Conrad Miami on Thursday, October 25, for Pink Happy Hour in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The festivities will be held at The Bar @ LvL 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes two cocktails, hors d’ourves and valet parking. All proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter. 

© 2012 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC

People Like Us 

For those of you in need of some serious down time and family reconnection, consider watching People Like Us, now available on DVD/Blu-ray combo. This is a heart-warming love story about a brother and sister that are brought together after the death of their father, the catch is that neither one has ever met before. Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), and the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer create on screen chemistry that will bring tears to your eyes and make you laugh and cry out-loud.  Based on true events, People Like Us will touch your heart and leave you craving for the renowned fish tacos from Henry’s Tacos in Los Angeles!

Sweet Miami Lemonade

Pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith, of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, will raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) when she hosts Sweet Miami Lemonade, Thursday, November 1. Taking place at Marlins Park, their team will prepare treats and signature cocktails from Goldsmith’s debut cookbook, “BAKING OUT LOUD:Fun Desserts with Big Flavors” while attendees enjoy four private suites on the VIP level. After participating in previous events to benefit ALSF, a nonprofit dedicated to curing kids’ cancer, Goldsmith wanted to introduce Miami to the cause. The event is limited to 200 guests, with tickets priced at $150. For information, to purchase tickets or to become a sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event, visit AlexsLemonade.org/campaign/miami-culinary. All proceeds will benefit ALSF. Additionally, David Brownstein at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation can be contacted for more information at 610.649.3034 or David@AlexsLemonade.org.