By: Maryanne Salvat 

Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi Presents Naked Sushi 

The most audacious restaurant in South Beach, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi at The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, is taking Miami Spice to the next level with a daring and risqué, first-of-its-kind offer for food enthusiasts and sushi-lovers. During Miami Spice months of August and September, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi will be offering Naked Sushi – a concept unique to the South Beach Asian hotspot, and a term used to describe the restaurant’s offer of an attractive male or female that can be ordered to arrive at the table, stripped of any clothing and tastefully, but scantily dressed, horizontally, in an artistic platter of sushi and sashimi for up to 10 people.  Each mouthwatering “body” of strategically arranged fish, selected from the Kung Fu sushi menu, will entice even the most famished group of friends, and for an all-inclusive cost of $500 per human platter, it may even come with polite conversation during the meal. Reservations for Naked Sushi at Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi can be made by calling 305.600.9572 or Morgan.Daly@southbeachgroup.com. General restaurant reservations can be made by calling 305.534.7905 or by visiting www.catalinasouthbeach.com/kungfukitchen.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Lucky Strike Happy Hour 

For a night on a budget, Lucky Strike Miami offers tantalizing happy hour specials. Featured Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., the happy hour includes a variety of wine and spirits and a selection of appetizers. The venue also offers a late-night happy hour every Monday through Thursday 10:00 p.m. to 1:00a.m. Bowling prices start at $7.95 plus cost of shoe rental. For inquiries on hosting an event at Lucky Strike Miami, contact miamiparties@bowlluckystrike.com.

Sundaze Pool Party at HIGHBAR  

From 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., HIGHBAR at Dream South Beach makes a splash with its Icon Entertainment Sundaze Pool Party.  Miami locals are invited to the ultimate Sunday escape weekly at Dream South Beach’s rooftop oasis, where delicious cocktails, famed dishes and transcendent beats by resident DJ, DJ Angelo, take over. A full pool menu includes a Classic Grilled Cheese made with Gruyere cheese, an “Ugly Burger” with every topping under the sun, and a Popcorn Milkshake with salted brown butter and chocolate hazelnut crisps.  Daily drink specials include the heavenly “7 Deadly Sins” cocktails, adult popsicles and JELL-O shots.

Bubbles, Botox & Trunk Show  

Dr. Patty’s Dental, South Florida’s first dental spa, is teaming up with Lilac And Lilies Boutique to host their first annual Bubbles, Botox & Trunk Show soiree featuring an indulgent night of champagne-fueled shopping and beauty treatments.   The event will take place Thursday, August 9 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., and is open to the public. Guests will enjoy a pre-fall, fashion preview and trunk show from Lilac And Lilies Boutique featuring 15 percent off coveted designers such as Bailey 44, Parker, RaMona LaRue, Charlie Jade, Veronica M., Stop Staring!, House of Harlow 1960, Kendra Scott, French Connection, and Black Halo during the event. Complimentary mini-spa treatments, including massages, eyebrow threading/shaping and lash extensions by celebrity lasher Alicia Hunter will be available as well as promotionally priced fillers including Botox and Dysport treatments administered by Dr. Patty. To RSVP, please email Info@DrPattyDental.com or call 954-523-2400.

Imagine Lifestyles at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Why?  You have the need for speed.

Imagine Lifestyles joins forces with Homestead-Miami Speedway to offer auto enthusiasts and thrill seekers the chance to drive 4.6 miles around the famed track in a luxury supercar. On Saturday, August 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., guests will satisfy their need for speed on a NASCAR speedway in their choice of a Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini LP-560 or Lamborghini Gallardo. After hosting exotic driving experiences in Chicago and New Jersey, Imagine Lifestyles has brought its luxury experience to Miami. Guests are invited to the home of NASCAR racecars, where they can select from five luxury vehicles before receiving expert driving instruction and taking a spin on the Homestead-Miami Speedway. On the 4.6-mile track, guests can accelerate to incredible speeds at will, getting a complete feel for a full spectrum of the car’s engineering capacities and perks without the fear of getting pulled over. The Ultimate Super Car Experience is a unique way to get behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, take photographs with exotic cars, and mingle with fellow auto aficionados and makers for an unforgettable gift for those looking to “switch gears.”Guests must be 21 or older to drive accompanied by an expert driving instructor, with those older than 13 invited to ride shotgun. Day and Night Sessions are available.
Here’s how it works:
1.​Purchase a ride would visit http://www.wantickets.com/ILTaraInk
2. ​Choose between a Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini LP-560 or Lamborghini Gallardo.
3. ​Select a time slot.
4. ​Get to the track and fill out paperwork and get some training.
5. ​Settle in behind the wheel – and the sky is the limit.
6.​Bring up to 3 friends to watch and buy additional laps if you’d like.
7.​Enjoy the Pit Row experience with auto, retail and restaurant vendors.
8.​Buy your photos and video.
Location:​​One Speedway Boulevard Homestead
Telephone:​​866.436.3514.
Email:​​events@imaginelifestyles.com
Website:​​http://www.wantickets.com/ILTaraInk

 4th Annual To Live and Dine in Miami

MIAMI Magazine presents the 4th Annual To Live & Dine in Miami co-hosted by world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud and benefiting Chapman Partnership. Restaurants include: db Bistro Moderne, Eating House, EDGE Steak & Bar, HaVen South Beach, J&G Grill at The St. Regis Bal Harbour, Katsuya by Starck, Paulina’s Pops, Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, SUSHISAMBA dromo, The Dome Restaurant & Caviar Bar, The Dutch at W South Beach, The Restaurant at The Setai Miami Beach, Toscana Divino and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. Attendees will be the first to get a taste of soon-to-open establishments including Bloom, Florida Cookery and Swine Southern Table & Bar; Cocktail pairings courtesy of Herradura Tequila and Chambord Vodka, and refreshments by Stella Artois, Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino.The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas takes over part of the Moore Building turning it into a pop-up lounge with sounds by DJ Mad Linx. Tickets are priced at $25 and can be purchased at http://toliveanddineinmiami.eventbrite.com.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Chapman Partnership.

Bowling for Rhinos

Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) 2012, an annual bowling fundraiser that benefits the South Florida Chapter of AAZK’S Rhino Conservation Projects, is sure not to leave you in the gutter. With its goal of helping rhinos worldwide, 100% of all funds raised by BFR benefits rhino conservation projects for four species of rhino, their habitats, and hundreds of other endangered plants and animals. BFR helps preserve the black, white, Javan and Sumatran rhinos. The AAZK and Zoo Miami invite everyone for a night of excitement at Bird Bowl. The $25 registration fee includes:1 ½ hours of bowling with shoes, raffle ticket, and pizza. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. “Keep the Rhinos Horny” t-shirts will be offered at $15 for non-bowlers and $10 if you are registered to bowl! Open to the general public, teams of five to six bowlers may register for a night full of strikes and spares (hopefully!).  Bowlers are encouraged to get sponsors as 100% of all sponsor money goes directly to saving the rhinos. Remember every penny counts so no amount is too small. Please bring the sponsor money the night of the event. Please make checks payable to AAZK-BFR; for more information visit www.zoomiami.org.

Mayfair Hotel & Spa Launches Summer Sundays at the Rooftop Pool & Cabana Lounge

Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove announces the launch of its Summer Sundays, a series of pool parties for guests, visitors and locals alike. The Rooftop Pool & Cabana Lounge will offer a full bar, salads and a variety of pizzas, while DJ Ethics will provide the party’s soundtrack. ISA boutique will also be popping up every Sunday and showcasing their 2013 swim & resort wear collections. The series will kick off with a launch party on July 29 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a complimentary welcome mimosa and veggie smoothies throughout the day.

Beat the summer heat in style, with complimentary mini-manicures and 10-minute chair massages provided by the hotel’s Jurlique Spa, pineapple-mint infused water and suntan lotion. Cabana special includes Evian water mister, a bucket of domestic (five) beers, iced aromatherapy towels from the spa, frozen grapes and two liters of water (sparkling or still), for the full-day rate of $150. Valet will be offered at a discounted price of $5; for more information visit www.mayfairhotelandspa.com or call 305.441.0000. 

Chefs to Face $20/20 Minute Fill the Grill Challenge at Whole Foods Coral Gables

Foodies, grilling aficionados and food truck lovers are invited to Whole Foods Market – Coral Gables this summer to feel the heat during the food truck chef Fill the Grill cook-off. Renowned food truck chefs Jim Heinz (Latin Burger & Taco), Troy Thomas (The Rolling Stove), Alfredo Montero (Mr. Good Stuff) and Eileen Andrade (CUBANCUBE) will be given $20 and 20 minutes to speed shop for ingredients; then, the chefs will have an additional 20 minutes to prepare a delicious, affordable and creative summer meal using only a grill. Round one takes place on Thursday, August 2 followed by round two on Thursday, August 9; the finals are set to take place on Thursday, August 16. All challenges will begin at 6:00 p.m., are free and open to the public. A panel of judges will determine which chef goes to the next round.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim returns for its eighth year to celebrate all-things steamy, sexy and swim with five days of runway shows. The annual fashion showcase, which takes over the Raleigh from July 19-23, is the world’s leading swimwear designer platform-and it happens here, in our own backyard. While the shows at the Raleigh are private, the Perry South Beach is taking part in the festivities to bring you top-tier designer fashions. Other accessible shows, brought to you by Funkshion, will take place at the Setai. Visit http://funkshion.com/ for more information. For a complete schedule visit: www.MBfashionweek.com.

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach

On Wednesday, July 18, join Creators Aleksandar Stojanovic, Matt Heien and Alain Perez as they present the 17^th season of FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach. Since 2003, FUNKSHION has brought Miami to the forefront of the Fashion World, working with designers showcasing in New York City, Milan and Paris. FUNKSHION offers a fun, young opportunity for designer collections to come to life, merging the worlds of fashion and music. Bringing in celebrity DJs and bands, FUNKSHION provides the perfect soundtrack for the catwalk. Every year Funkshion produces runway shows every October, March and July. These events are open to the public, for a complete schedule and to RSVP visit: www.fashionweekmiami.com.

Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary

On Thursday, July 19 from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, stay stylish by giving back! Celebrate Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary at Style Saves’ 2nd Annual Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser! To kick off 2012 Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at SOHO Beach House featuring four designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and live DJ. The runway show will showcase looks from Trina Turk, Atrium, Papi swimwear for men & iShine365 swimwear for women. Following the fashion show, the party will continue. Guests will enjoy cocktails and treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe while viewing the online auction hosted by charitybuzz featured on iPads throughout the space and capturing memories in the CapturePod photo booth sponsored by Atrium. Tickets cost $100 in advance, $125 at the door. To purchase tickets visit http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org.

Lila Nikole Collection at Bamboo

On Friday, July 20, Lila Nikole Collection by designer Lila Nikole Rivera will debut the Spring/Summer 2013 collection during Miami Fashion Week as an off-site runway experience at the newly opened Bamboo Miami in conjunction with Red Bull Sound Stage, which will be highlighting two of its star artists, Bonnie Beats and DJ Rob Dinero. The “Electrika” line incorporates prints with wild graphics and neon tones of pink, blue, yellow and green monokinis, bikinis and one pieces all inspired by Ultra Music Festival.Each look will be modeled by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders on a hydraulic stage with digitally mapped graphics, simultaneously playing on the elevated, custom-built LED screens to give a 3-D illusion. Sponsors for the evening include Red Bull and Paul Mitchell High Tech studio, which will be providing hair and makeup ready looks for the runway.

Fashion’s Fight Against Parkinsons 2012
On Saturday, July 21, in conjunction with Miami Swim Week, national philanthropic organization Fashion’s Fight will host a glamorous evening of fashion and philanthropy to showcase the season’s hottest swimwear collections while raising money to benefit the Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation (WPF). Hosted by Fashion’s Fight founder and top-model, Shannon Rusbuldt, and International musical sensation, Henry Santos, the inaugural Fashion’s Fight Against Parkinson’s will feature a series of runway shows by celebrity swimwear designer AmbiKa (bika swimwear), local cult favorite Luba and other designers. Rusbuldt and Santos, along with Miami Heat dancer Stephanie Hettchen and other celebrities, will walk in the runway shows. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.fashionsfight.com.

SPF (Sand ▪ Play ▪ Fashion) at Nikki Beach Miami

What Women Want, Nikki Beach Miami’s signature monthly fashion series will present a special Swim Edition this month in partnership with Equinox. SPF (Sand ▪ Play ▪ Fashion) will be a fashion filled weekend featuring swim shows, the summer’s hottest beauty treatments, and environmental education and awareness. Throughout the 2 days, well-known designers from across the world will be showing off their newest swimsuit lines on the runway and afterwards will set up pop-up boutiques allowing guests to shop the looks immediately following the show. During SPF, guests will be able to purchase raffle tickets in which the winner will receive a package consisting of $1,800 worth of private sessions from Equinox, brunch for 2 at Nikki Beach, Nikki Beach VIP Gold Card, and a swimsuit from each designer. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle will go to Ocean Charity Partners which raises funds for One World One Ocean, Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter and Blue Marble Project. This event is open to the public, for more information visit www.nikkibeachmiami.com.

Salon Allure Benefits Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation

On July 21 and July 22, Salon Allure, a four-day boutique tradeshow featuring more than 70 of the world’s most exclusive brands in swim, resort, and now accessories, marks its third anniversary at Swim Week by inviting the public to its first-ever designer sample sale fundraiser, net proceeds for the event will benefit Salon Allure’s charity of choice: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF). Chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, celebrity co-chairs Tracy Wilson Mourning and Lisa Pliner, and style blogger Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella at the Perry South Beach, attendees will have access to the same luxury swim and resort wear worn by Hollywood A-listers, from Fergie to Rihanna, all at discounts of up to 50 percent off. Guests will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, DJ performances, and the chance to support Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with each purchase. To learn more and offer support, visit www.mchf.org.

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation®

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry brings together pioneers of modern American cuisine, national celebrity chefs and mixologists including Stephan Pyles, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Bravo’s Top Chef Tom Collichio, Michael Voltaggio and Stephanie Izard with one goal in mind: to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. 100% of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.

This year’s Taste of the Nation event in Miami will be held on Thursday, July 19^th from 6-10 p.m. (VIP admission, tickets cost $250); 7-10 p.m. (general admission, tickets cost $125) at Turnberry Isle Miami. In honor of this year’s 25 anniversary, Turnberry Isle Miami is encouraging travelers to attend this incredible event and enjoy the resort’s spacious accommodations and Mediterranean style, world-class surroundings with a special Taste of the Nation room rate of $124. http://strengthflorida.org/get-involved/taste-of-the-nation/miami/.

By: Maryanne Salvat

20^th Annual International Mango Festival

Twenty years ago, a seed from one of Dr. David Fairchild’s century-old mango trees was planted in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s fertile soil. Fast forward to the present and Fairchild is now a haven for tropical fruit research and home to hundreds of mango cultivars. This year, Fairchild celebrates the growth and development mangos have gone through to thrive in South Florida and around the world with the 20^th Annual International Mango Festival this Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the International Mango Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For non-members, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk or bike receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Present It’s All Overtown

NBA Champion, Alonzo Mourning, and wife Tracy Wilson Mourning, will host It’s All Overtown, “One Night…One World,” a premier annual fundraiser benefiting the Overtown Youth Center (OYC), on Thursday, July 19, starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Rusty Pelican. Guests, alongside Mistress of Ceremonies, Belkys Nerey, WSVN-TV News Anchor, will be transported around the world with entertainment, food, and specialty cocktails, all embracing the evening’s theme of multicultural inclusion. The recently redesigned Rusty Pelican will present the event and serve as the ideal backdrop in which to raise much-needed funds to support the Center, founded by Mourning in 2003. In addition to the many ways supporters can contribute to the long-term fiscal success of OYC, It’s All Overtown event-goers will have a winning chance at silent auction items that include unique experiences compliments of local eateries, hotels and spas, a variety of popular brand name fashion accessories, autographed sports memorabilia from popular athletes both current and legends, including the 2012 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Tickets to It’s All Overtown “One Night…One World start at $125 and are currently available. For more information, visit http://www.overtownyouth.orgor call (305) 349-1204.  

Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary

On Thursday, July 19th from 9 pm to midnight, stay stylish by giving back! Celebrate Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary at Style Saves’ 2nd Annual Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser! To kick off 2012 Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at SOHO Beach House featuring four designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and live DJ. The runway show will showcase looks from Trina Turk, Atrium, Papi swimwear for men & iShine365 swimwear for women. Following the fashion show, the party will continue. Guests will enjoy cocktails and treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe while viewing the online auction hosted by charitybuzz featured on iPads throughout the space and capturing memories in the CapturePod photo booth sponsored by Atrium. Tickets cost $100 in advance, $125 at the door. To purchase tickets visit http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org. 

SALON ALLURE Benefits Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation 

On July 21 and July 22, SALON ALLURE, a four-day boutique tradeshow featuring more than 70 of the world’s most exclusive brands in swim, resort, and now accessories, marks its third anniversary at Swim Week by inviting the public to its first-ever DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE fundraiser, net proceeds for the event will benefit Salon Allure’s charity of choice: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF). Chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, celebrity co-chairs Tracy Wilson Mourning and Lisa Pliner, and style blogger Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella at the Perry South Beach, attendees will have access to the same luxury swim and resort wear worn by Hollywood A-listers, from Fergie to Rihanna, all at discounts of up to 50 percent off. Guests will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, DJ performances, and the chance to support Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with each purchase. To learn more and offer support, visit www.mchf.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Beats After Sunset

On Friday, July 6, Bass Museum of Art will host its monthly first Friday happy soiree Beats After Sunset from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails by Herradura Tequila and beats by Joseph Anthony while browsing works from current exhibitions “MENS SUITS” by Charles LeDray and “Erasey Page” by Miami-based artist Jillian Mayer in collaboration Eric Shoenborn. Admission is complimentary for members and basspass holders; $8 museum admission for non-members. Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge, will host an after party from 11:00 pm to 12:00 a.m. where Beats guests are invited to enjoy one complimentary beverage and ping pong. 

The Amazing Spider-man IMAX Experience 

For those in need of fleeing the summer‘s sweltering heat an escape to an icy cool IMAX movie theater may be the perfect solution. The Amazing Spider-man, released this week to sold-out audiences nationwide, is a sure bet for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  With amazing 3-D effects and an impressive cast including, the adorable Andrew Garfield (Social Network), girl-next-door Emma Stone, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, and Denis Leary, the new superhero series is one not to be missed.  

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach

On Wednesday, July 18, join creators Aleksandar Stojanovic, Matt Heien and Alain Perez as they present the 17^th season of FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach. Since 2003, FUNKSHION has brought Miami to the forefront of the Fashion World, working with designers showcasing in New York City, Milan and Paris. FUNKSHION offers a fun, young opportunity for designer collections to come to life, merging the worlds of fashion and music. Bringing in celebrity DJs and bands, FUNKSHION provides the perfect soundtrack for the catwalk. Every year Funkshion produces runway shows every October, March and July. These events are open to the public, for a complete schedule and to RSVP visit: www.fashionweekmiami.com.

International Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Twenty years ago, a seed from one of Dr. David Fairchild’s century-old mango trees was planted in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s fertile soil. Fast forward to the present and Fairchild is now a haven for tropical fruit research and home to hundreds of mango cultivars. This year, Fairchild celebrates the growth and development mangos have gone through to thrive in South Florida and around the world with the 20th Annual International Mango Festival on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the International Mango Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For non-members, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk or bike receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.