Unplugged and Uncorked Thursdays

Essenisa’s newest happy hour, Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays, offers 50% off wines (BTG or bottle).The wines are selected for being organically grown or farmed, sustainably farmed, or biodynamic. What does this mean? The wines are not only amazing; they are produced by environmentally responsible wineries. Essensia’s new Signature Chef, Julie Frans, designed a fantastic selection of $9 bar bites lounge menu for the happy hour including Duck Confit Flatbread Pizza, Mini Lamb Sliders, Thai Rock Shrimp Fritters, Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken on Bamboo Skewers and a Cheese & Charcuterie Sampler. Finally, local musicians will set the tone for Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays. Expect different musical genres and musicians on a weekly basis. The happy hour will be held every Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Essensia Lounge. Valet parking is $9.00 for Unplugged & Uncorked guests. For more information visit www.thepalmshotel.com  or call 305.908.5458.

PADDYTHON at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant will roll out the barrels, pump up the pipe and amplify the pub culture in South Florida for its second-annual, weeklong St. Patrick’s Day training schedule in preparation for its PADDYTHON event. The brave are invited to take part in the series of events leading up to the PADDYTHON that combines drinking, competition, intellect and charity into a week surely to bring on camaraderie and debauchery amongst all guests.The five-room pub recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and has plans to take that successful celebration to new heights. From March 10 through March 17, Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant has organized multiple events for patrons to learn more about the Irish culture and meaning of St. Patrick’s Day through food, friends, festivities and fun! For a complete calendar of events visit www.fadoirishpub.com.

Gold-Diggers for a Great Cause 

The Gold-Diggers are back for a great cause! On Sunday, March 18, don’t miss out on a chance to receive a new hairstyle, nail polish change or massage from one of Miami’s talented stylists for a small donation. This festive event provides an enthusiastic environment in which all proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern Florida Chapter, and Food For Life Network. Alongside The Gold-Diggers, a woman’s organization dedicated to helping these charities, you will be able to make a contribution and look gorgeous doing it. To make an appointment call Stacy at 786.239.1317 or fire911sir@yahoo.com. Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcomed! Hair Cut $25 * Blow Dry $20 * Nail Polish Change $5 Chair Massage $1 per minute.

Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend

Hall of Famers Bobby Bell, Richard Dent, Artis Gilmore and Moses Malone are just a few of the more than 70 current and legendary sports personalities, actors and entertainers who will attend the 2012 Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend benefiting the Nat Moore Foundation.  The three-day golf and party extravaganza will take place Saturday through Monday, March 17 through 19.  This year, the Celebrity Party will be held at the exciting and entertaining Seminole Hotel & Casino and the golf tournament will once again be held at the world renowned Doral Golf Resort & Spa.  The fun-filled festivities include the Wii sports-themed Celebrity Party and Auction on Saturday, Corporate Skins Game on Sunday, and the golf tournament on Monday. Proceeds from the event will enable the Nat Moore Foundation to continue to provide educational scholarships for high school graduates and support for disadvantaged children and youth in South Florida. To learn more and to become a sponsor, contact the Nat Moore Foundation by phone at (305) 770-0995 or by e-mail at info@natmoorefoundation.net.

27th annual Winter Music Conference at WALL Miami

WALL Miami, in conjunction with partners Belvedere Vodka and Atrium boutique, is proud to announce its lineup of international DJs for the 27th annual Winter Music Conference beginning on Friday, March 16. A multidimensional cast of renowned talent, including Bobby Burns, Pete Tong, Sidney Sampson, Quintino, Seth Troxler, Michael Brun, LA Riots, Jessica Who and many more will descend on the impenetrable nightspot inside W South Beach for a weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. Additionally, fashion brand Real Eyes Realize has partnered with Atrium boutique to design two limited-edition “Music Saved My Life”-inspired T-shirts that will be available for purchase throughout the week; for a complete listing of scheduled special performances visit www.wallmiami.com. Tickets can be purchased at www.wanttickets.com or via the WALL iPhone application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wall-miami-beach/id439021888; Guest list and table reservations only; to reserve a table email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia Comes to South Florida

On Friday, March 23, gracing more than 5 million television sets in 14 islands across the Caribbean, CEO of Basia TV, Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia, wraps up her successful sixth season of “The Basia Show” at her new, permanent location at Kikor Studio in Miami, Florida. This open-to-the-public show can hold 70 audience members. Guests will be treated to giveaways including a two night stay at Cocodimama beachfront hotel in the Bahamas. The show has successfully been in production for two-and-half-years and is part of the Basia Group of Companies, established and currently headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company is run by John-Powell and her husband, former West Indian Cricketer, Ricardo Powell. The day-time talk show offers an open-format, conversational tone where Miss Basia interviews international and Caribbean celebrities, while keeping her mission of promoting breast cancer awareness at the forefront; taping times: 11:30 a.m./1:30 p.m./3:30 p.m. To be a part of the studio audience contact: shaun@basiatv.com / 305.316.2985 or events@rockawaypr.com / 305.751.9641.

Deering Seafood Festival

Steel drums, Junkanoo musicians and Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are all a part of the 8^th Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday, March 25. Restaurants and caterers line Seafood Alley and local celebrity chefs Giorgio Rapicavoli Miami’s first winner of TV Food Network’s Chopped (Eating House), Kareem Anguin (Oceanaire Seafood Room) and Simon Stowjanovic (Altamare) prepare their specialties in the cooking demo tent. On the main stage, Pan Paradise Steel Band and Caribbean Crew each perform their reggae/calypso sound, followed by Mr. Nice Guy. In the Lil’Shrimp Kids Zone the Discovery Cove offers hands-on adventures, and unlimited fun on the inflatables. The activities offer something for every age with pontoon boat rides, an Artists’ Village, and nature hikes and tours of the historic homes. Admission: Adults $15 in advance online/ $25 at the gate, Child $5 ages 4-14, and Foundation Members Free, includes park entrance and all activities, excluding food, drink, pontoon rides and rock wall. For more information call 305.235.1668 ext. 263 or log on to: www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.

Just in time for spring break things are clearly getting interesting: The world’s leading producer of Fine Champagne Cognac announces the South Florida expansion of its innovative new spirit Rémy Martin V– the brand’s first clear expression.  Following exclusive previews in Miami including New Year’s Eve with Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Rémy Martin V – pronounced Vee, the French word “Vie” for life – has made its official debut in South Florida. The arrival of this innovative new spirit signals a new era in nightlife and mixology for the region. With its bold flavors and aromatic richness, Rémy Martin V can be combined with many different essences creating smooth and refreshing contemporary cocktails.

 To celebrate the spirit’s official Miami launch, Rémy Martin V hosted a private dinner and an intimate Rémy V tasting experience at Baoli-Vita, led by mixologist, David Soto. Guests, including Jilian Sanz, Sarah Mirmelli, Dirk DeSouza, and Bill Kearney, enjoyed tableside Rémy V cocktails, such as the “V-Sidecar” and “Ginger V-Sour”, while Entourage’s Adrian Grenier and a friend, surrounded by a crowd of female onlookers, enjoyed their own bottle of Rémy Martin V at a nearby table. Socials Akbar Hamid and Patricia Marci took over the chairs and table tops later on in the evening as more Rémy Martin V arrived, while David Saada, Vita’s most legendary persona, danced across the bar.

For a different twist try the Rémy Martin V cocktails created by Baoli-Vita’s mixologist, David Soto:

V-SIDECAR:

• ·         Rémy Martin V
• ·         Cointreau Orange Liquor,
• ·         Dash of fresh Lemon juice,
• ·         Dash simple syrup

GINGER V-SOUR:

• ·         Rémy Martin V
• ·         Pasteurized Egg White
• ·         Fresh lime
• ·         Fresh Ginger
• ·         Dash of Simple Syrup

 For more information and other drink recipies visit: www.remymartin.com.

On Saturday, March 24, The Blacks’ Annual Gala will be held at the exquisite oceanfront resort the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in the main iconic Sparkle Ballroom. This year’s gala will feature a performance by multi Grammy Award winning artists Queen Latifah and Tony Bennett.

As a guest and donor of the event you can expect top tier entertainment, a celebrity red carpet reception, exciting live and silent auctions, unlimited cocktails and gourmet cuisine. The gala also features an After Dinner Celebration featuring Deborah Cox, top DJ’s including DJ Irie and DJ Entice and surprise performers. Tickets start at $650 for an individual to $25,000 for the Platinum Level front row table. Individual tables of ten are offered this year. Founded by Lea Black, both Lea and her husband, acclaimed attorney Roy Black are committed to making each gala bigger and better than ever each year. The red-carpet cocktail reception starts promptly at 6:30 pm and the gourmet sit down dinner begin at 8:30 pm in the Sparkle ballroom. Dress is red carpet ready. All proceeds from the gala benefit The Consequences Charity and Foundation are 501c3 not-for-profit organizations providing educational resources and experiences for kids in need.

For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Jason Clarke at 305.443.8980 or jason@theblacksannualgala.com. Or visit the website www.theblacksannualgala.com.

Tony Bennett photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/Getty Images

On Monday, March 19, Tony Bennett, the legendary seventeen-time Grammy Award winning artist, will be hosting the “Tony Bennett All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala.” The two-part event will begin with a day-time Round Robin tennis tournament at The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. The event, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes a champagne reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, exhibition matches with the top stars where tennis enthusiasts will get the chance to play with Alejandro Sanz and tennis legends such as Novak Djokovic (#1 in the world), The Bryan Brothers (Twin Professional Tennis Players ranked #1 tennis team in the world), Caroline Wozniacki (#4 in the world), Mardy Fish (#8 in the world & #1 American), Kim Clijsters (US Open Champ), Ana Ivanovic (Former No. 1 in the WTA) and Ryan Harrison (18-Year Old who is considered by many to be the next great American men’s tennis player), Cliff Drysdale (Grand Slam Legend) & Darren Cahill (ESPN Analyst) among many others. Tony Bennett, a lifelong fan of the sport of tennis, will perform “God Bless America” at the tennis tournament. In the evening, Tony Bennett will host a gala at the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens where guests will enjoy a seated dinner provided by Cristoforo Pignata (Puntino Italian Restaurants and catering, who is bringing in three of his top chefs from his 5-star hotels in Italy for the event), followed by live performances by Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz (multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winning artist) who will join Bennett on stage to perform duets from Bennett’s #1 CD, DUETS II. The Bryan Brothers Band will also perform for invited guests, celebrities & professional Tennis players in attendance.The benefit gala event will be honoring Sean Wolfington, the chairman of The Wolfington Charitable Foundation which actively supports charities that serve the poor and defend the defenseless. Tony Bennett’s All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala will benefit Exploring the Arts, Team Bryan and the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation. Tickets are open to the public and can be purchased by going to www.TonyBennettEvent.com.

Food Truck Lunch at Apollo Bank

Join Apollo Bank this Thursday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the best lunch in town! Come mingle at the community bank and enjoy munching on all of the delicious food from some of Miami’s best food trucks. Food trucks include Ms. Cheezious, Gastropod, Sugar Rush, La Camaronera, and Cuban Cube. Free parking available.

**DUE TO THE WICKED WEATHER, FOOD TRUCK LUNCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL THURSDAY, MARCH 15!

The 3rd Annual Hearts and Stars Gala

South Florida’s premiere social and philanthropic events make its return on Saturday, March 10 at the waterfront estate Shangri La on Hibiscus Island. Benefitting the Little Lighthouse Foundation, the anticipated celebration will feature an evening of cocktails, delectable cuisine, fashion, and an incredible silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets or VIP tables, visit www.heartsandstarsgala.com. Ticket prices are currently $125.00 for general admission and $175 for VIP access. All proceeds from Hearts & Stars Gala benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF). www.thelittlelighthouse.org. For sponsorship information or for additional information, contact Jason Venger at info@thelittlelighthouse.org. 

March’s SAMBAHOUR Dedicated to Japan

SUSHISAMBA dromo continues its popular after-work affair, SAMBAHOUR, by celebrating the diverse cultural background and culinary inspirations of Brazil, Japan and Peru. This month, every Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., SAMBAHOUR will showcase the distinct tastes of Brazil with food and drink specials as well as surprise entertainment from contests, lessons and holiday celebrations to unique, cultural performances. For more information and menu specials visit www.sushisamba.com. 

Blo Hosts an Evening with the Accessory Artists

Join Blo Brickell on Wednesday, March 14, to preview online retailer, Accessory Artists, who will be in-bar with a collection of fashion, fine and vintage jewelry. Marcy Roth, curator of AccessoryArtists.com is bringing fashion favorite labels Kara Ross, Vanessa Mooney, Zariin, Isharya, Rachel Reinhardt, Lee Angel, Deepa Gurnani cuffs, Pame Designs, Kelacala Q and Saily Kay, to name a few.  Jewels will be up to 50% off. The event runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.  For more information and to rsvp go to   blobrickell@blomedry.com. 

Dance NOW! Miami

On Saturday, March 17, Dance NOW! Miami returns to the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This stunning and newly renovated historic venue will host a concert for suitable for all ages. Dance NOW! has invited students from the Academy of Arts and Minds Dance Department to join the company presenting work choreographed by Directors Diego Salterini and Hannah Baumgarten. Tickets are priced at $10 at the door or online at www.dancenowmiami.org.

It Girl Expo at SOHO Studios

Lori Riviere and Maria Maloof, the ultimate It Girls and founders of the It Girl Group, bring together South Florida fashion aficionados and stylish senoritas for not one, but two nights of not-to-be missed shopping and fun with the 2012 It Girl Spring Shopping Expo on Wednesday, February 29and Thursday, March 1, at SOHO Studios in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP. A VIP ticket grants early entry into the It Girl Expo as well as goody bag of products to further enhance it girl status. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.itgirlexpo.com.

Iran Issa-Kahn Exhibit at ARTEAMERICAS

On Friday, March 2, join ARTEAMERICAS and Iran Issa-Kahn for a preview party celebrating the famed photographer’s newest exhibit at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Issa-Kahn will signing her book, a long awaited collection of the artists’ photographs, on Saturday March 3, between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. For more information and a complete schedule for ARTEAMERICAS 2012, visit www.arteamercas.com.

Poolside Shopping and Deals

GUYandGIRL Boutique presents a pool-side pop up shop located at the Shelborne Hotel and Resort this Saturday, March 3. Guests will enjoy complimentary rose while shopping top brands including J Brand, Tom Ford and GUYandGirl Boutique’s Private Label. The shopping event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Ricky’s Brunch and Day Party.

If you’re headed to Aventura, venture to Desigual, the multicolored clothing line from Barcelona, Spain.  Shoppers will receive a one day only Friends and Family shopping exclusive, 25% off purchase! Enjoy drinks, light bites, and music from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3; join the Desigual fan page on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/Taraink.

DALI Miami

Aficionados of the acclaimed and equally flamboyant surrealist artist Salvador Dali will, for the first time in South Florida, have an extraordinary opportunity to view an extensive collection of work, Wednesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 11 when DALI MIAMI will bring more than 200 works of his expansive artistic repertoire to the Design District’s iconic Moore Building.

DALI MIAMI is being produced by Nick Betancourt and Michael Rosen, president and CEO of Colored Thumb, a driving force behind many of the area’s top art exhibits including Art Basel, Art Expo, and RedDot Fair. Curator of the show is Reed V. Horth President and curator of Robin Rile Fine Art, a specialist in Dali’s prodigious output, who will be providing the original paintings, drawings, lithographs, photographs and marquis sculptures from the master, valued at approximately $8 million. Among these treasures will be Dali’s seminal bronze “Venus de Milo with Drawers” (1964- 114cm), the gouache original “Spring Rain” (1949), the full set of “Dix Recette d’Immoralité” (1973), the rare original intaglio “The Grasshopper Child” (1934), and his Daum glass masterpiece “Montre Molle” (1971), depicting his quintessential melting clock. Taking his vision for a provocative exhibit one step further, Rosen has arranged for a continuous showing of the 1929 film, “Un Chien Andalou,” the iconic 17-minute French surrealist film in which Dali collaborated with friend and director Luis Buñuel. This graphic work explores the destructive elements of the psyche. The film clearly expresses pure surrealism and its relationship to the unconscious. Dali Miami has also secured celebrity chef Adrianne Calvo for the opening night reception who will recreate recipes inspired by Dali’s Cook Book. Since opening “Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard and Wine Bar in South West Miami, Calvo appears on The Food Networks “Chopped” and NBC’s ‘South Florida Today”, among other projects, Calvo is the author of a cookbook collection, “Maximum Flavor,” has for several years participated in the South Beach Food and Wine Festival and has been featured on The Food Network’s original series, “Chopped.”  DALI MIAMI will be open to the public Wednesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 11 at The Moore Building.  General Admission is $ 25 and VIP tickets are $90 with a preview VIP reception March 7^th where they will be filming an episode of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Miami”. Tickets and further information is available at www.dalimiami.com.

The Betsy Presents Pocket Guide To Miami Architecture

The Betsy- South Beach will host an exhibition and book signing reception to honor the release of the Pocket Guide To Miami Architecture (W.W. Norton, $24.95) with author Judith Paine McBrien and illustrator John F. DeSalvo, on Thursday, March 8 at 8PM. An illustration of The Betsy’s façade is included in the book and will be on display along with drawings of many other local buildings. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 305-760-6902 or visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.

American Fine Wine Competition Continues

Join the Fifth Anniversary of the American Fine Wine Competition as it continues with a unique array of events benefiting local charities and promoting American wines. Recently, the AFWC conducted a competition with 635 wines from wineries across America on Thursday, March 8. The winning wines concluded with 12 wines winning medals for Best of Class and Best of Show. The next event at Allied Kitchen & Bath in Fort Lauderdale will provide guests with an opportunity to taste some of the wines from the recent competition, meet this year’s judges, and peruse AFWC wine booths. Attendees will also have the option to participate in a small silent auction, also benefitting the foundation.  Tickets to the public costs $25 per person; proceeds benefitting the Dan Marino Foundation Vocational College. To purchase tickets contact Joannah at 954-332-5977 or johannah@alliedkb.com. For additional information, regarding the AFWC visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.com or contact Shari Gherman: 561.504.VINE.