First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week at The Betsy-South Beach

In conjunction with the Miami Design Preservation League’s annual Art Deco Weekend festivities, which this year, celebrates its 35^th year, The Betsy-South Beach, located on historic Ocean Drive, will celebrate with the First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week from Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15.  Art Deco Weekend, the largest and longest running festival on Miami Beach, closes Ocean Drive to traffic from Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 15. In addition to musical performances, the weekend highlights include the Annual ADW parade, classic car show, lecture series, film series, antique vendors, guided tours, Art Deco and MiMo furniture exhibit, and more. The Betsy-South Beach, which presents a year-round calendar of arts, cultural and philanthropic events will enhance its regular Wednesday and Thursday night performance series with a number of additional acts in honor of the festival, featuring a line-up of notable performers. For more information call 305.760.8288 or visit online www.thebetsyhotel.com.

Meals on Wheels 

Join Apollo Bank this Thursday, January 12, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for some of Miami’s best gourmet restaurants on wheels! Come enjoy munching on delicious food from Miami’s most popular food trucks, like Dim Ssam A GoGo, Latin House Grill, Jefe’s Original Fish Taco & Burger, Grill Master Cafe and Sugar Rush, and mingle with Brickell’s business and residential crowd. Apollo Bank is located at 1150 South Miami Avenue.

Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy 

At the age of 81, fine art photographer William John Kennedy began an unprecedented journey and meteoric rise to fame. His recently published archive of negatives from 1963 and 1964, when he befriended and photographed rising stars Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, was quietly introduced to the public by publisher KIWI Arts Group as a collection of silver gelatin prints at a pop-up gallery in Miami Beach last December. After six stops in major international cities and at SCOPE Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach, the collection finds a new temporary home aboard SeaFair during Miami International Art Fair (January 12 – 16, Booth #312), a five day extravaganza of art and culture situated along the waterfront near Bayfront Park. The curated, museum-style exhibition dubbed “Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy” introduces the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20^th century. From Kennedy’s images of the groundbreaking exhibit Americans 1963 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, curated by the esteemed Dorothy Miller, to the artists with their iconic works—plus never-before-heard 1960s audio conversations between Warhol and artist Ultra Violet—the overall multimedia experience will transport visitors through an important piece of art history. Miami International Art Fair: Preview and KIWI Arts Group Champagne Reception on Thursday, January 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (VIP, Press); Fair Hours are Friday, January 13 to Sunday, January 15 from noon to 10:00 p.m. and Monday, January 16 from noon to 7:00 p.m.; www.mia-artfair.com for tickets and fair information or call  305.200.3047 | www.kiwiartsgroup.com .

American Fine Wine Competition

The Fifth Annual American Fine Wine Competition is an extraordinary event that celebrates the finest wines produced in the United States. Presented by Patriot National Insurance Group (PNIG) and Patriot (PATNAT), the event itself is comprised of several events, culminating in a Gala celebration taking place on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Boca Raton Resort Club & Spa in Mizner Center. The Gala Dinner will feature all the wines entered into the Competition served along with a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Legendary chef Emeril Lagasse will make a special appearance on stage, during which he will prepare the evening’s main course during a live cooking demonstration. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $300 per person. Prior to the Gala Dinner and other unique events hosted by the AFWC, an invitation-only VIP Reception, will take place this Thursday, January 12, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Telephone: 561.504.VINE; www.americanfinewinecompetition.com.

Robert Redford Honored at YoungArts Gala 

On January 14, YoungArts will honor actor Robert Redford with the Arison Award at “An Affair of the Arts” performance and gala at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts starting  at 6:15 p.m. The gala evening kicks off with a street performance outside the historic Gusman Center in Downtown Miami. Attendees will then make their way into the theater for an interdisciplinary performance by YoungArts alumni from around the nation, this year featuring Marcus Canty, 2009 YoungArts Finalist in Voice in his first live performance since the X Factor, and a special awards ceremony honoring special guests Robert Redford, Doug Aitken and Robert L. Lynch. After that, it’s off to the J.W. Marriott Marquis for dinner, dancing and special presentations by YoungArts alumni. Grey Goose will keep guest hydrated through it all. Tickets for performance and awards ceremony are $20 ($10 for students with valid ID).  Tickets for the gala begin at $650, tables begin at $6,500, and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, e-mail gala@youngarts.org.

 Educate Tomorrow “I Love the 80s” 

If you love the 80s, then head to the “I Love the 80s” Gala on January 14 to benefit Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring, and life skills training. The festivities will take place at a luxurious private bay front estate (17575 Old Cutler Road) and feature cocktails from Grey Goose and Bacardi, 80s tunes, and a silent auction.  So throw on your favorite 80s garb and big hair and brush up on your Rubik’s Cube skills. Regular tickets cost $150; VIP tickets are $250. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships will directly benefit Educate Tomorrow. For more information, visit www.EducateTomorrow.org or call 305.374.3751. 

Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala

Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the 11^th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, is proud to announce that the 2012 “Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala,” will be held on Saturday, January 14, at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The magical evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails, Padron Cigars and a silent auction. Following the cocktail hour, guests will be invited into the main ballroom for an evening of dinner and dancing, along with entertainment and a live auction led by BIG 105.9 Radio’s Paul Castronovo and Co-Chair Jeff Berkowitz. This year’s event will honor Paul & Swanee Dimare, influential leaders and inspiring philanthropists of the South Florida community, with the 2012 Humanitarian Award. South Florida’s own CBS Channel 4 News Anchor, Shannon Hori, will serve as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremony. Individual tickets for the Gala are $500 and $1,000 for premier seating. To learn more about underwriting opportunities and sponsorships, or to purchase a table and/or tickets to this exclusive event, call 305.324.5678 or email TRodriguez@voices4.org.

Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure

Zoo Miami is proud to present its latest interactive exhibit – Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure – at its Australian lobe. This free-flight, 1,656-square-foot aviary houses over 300 brightly colored birds including – cockatiels, parakeets, and rosellas, all parrots native to Australia. Upon arrival, guests will be surrounded by the sounds of the birds chirping and singing in the aviary’s peaceful environment encircled with a lush landscape inspired by the Australian Outback. For $3, guests can purchase a seed snack to feed the birds. The friendly birds will fly and perch on visitors’ arms or hands (and sometimes heads) in order to nibble on the treats. In addition to being a fun exhibit, Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, is a learning experience. Zoo staff is available at the site to answer any questions and educate the public about the birds’ habitat and behaviors, as well as issues, concerns and challenges facing birds in the wild. The exhibit is open daily from noon to 4:30 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information visit www.zoomiami.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge Grand Opening

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge hosts its grand opening celebration, becoming South Beach’s first and only sanctuary to these time-honored games on Thursday, January 5. Managing partners Robert Chalk, Sayra Moto and Joseph Blount will be joined by Miami Beach Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora, who will present them with a certificate of recognition and preside over the lounge’s inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony. Local street artists Jessy Nite, George Sanchez Calderon, Pest 131, Pucho, Typoe, JillBird, and She Kills He of Primary Flight will also be on hand to unveil a custom paddle wall art installation. Along with complimentary ping-pong and billiards, guests at the event will enjoy cocktails by Absolut Vodka and Jose Cuervo Tequila, as well as music by DJs Keen One and Chris Oh of Primary Flight. The private grand opening begins at 9:00 p.m. and is by invitation only. Doors open to the public at 10:00 p.m., RSVP to RSVP@chalkmiami.com.

Inventive Art Class at the Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art will host an Inventive Art Class on Sunday, January 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as part of its successful IDEA@thebass program. Students ages 5 to 11 will work as a team with a parent or guardian to solve a design challenge. This month’s challenge will be to teach students how to create their own flipbook and Zoetropes. Class begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. and has a series of planned activities until 4:00 p.m.  IDEA@thebass is an interactive program that was developed to promote design-thinking skills, support creativity, and personal expression. The Inventive Art Classes are held on the second Sunday of every month and feature various design challenges meant for children and their parents or guardians to complete as a team. Inventive Art Classes are limited to 30 students and advance registration is required. Admission to the classes is free for dual/family members and $10 per child for non-members.

Kreiss and Alonzo Mourning Celebrate Launch of Design District Showroom

Kreiss, the internationally acclaimed home furnishings and design powerhouse along with retired NBA All-Star and philanthropist Alonzo Mourning, will celebrate the arrival of its Design District showroom on Tuesday, January 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will welcome the luxury brand’s new Miami location, which will offer the company’s casual yet elegant handmade furniture, fabrics, finishes, fine linens, accessories and exclusive design services, with eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV, hors d’oeuvres and a sneak peak of three new collections. In honor of the grand opening, The Norman and Eileen Kreiss Foundation has designated the Honey Shine Mentoring Program as the event’s beneficiary. Handcrafted from natural materials, including hand-carved woods, organic patterns and textures, and earth-inspired colors and hues, Kreiss furnishings serve as a warm, inviting backdrop for those who enjoy the privileged, active and free-spirited lifestyle of the quintessential Californian. For more information or to rsvp contact Kreiss@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 199.

Come Together and Feed South Florida

Members of the South Florida community are invited to join the fight against hunger and attend Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Thursday, January 12. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, Feeding South Florida is hosting a soiree at the Margulies Collection Warehouse, which will feature food, spirits, incredible artwork, live entertainment, some of South Florida’s top chefs, and more. Proceeds/sponsorships will benefit Feeding South Florida; a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. Attendees should dress for the “Come Together” event however they feel comfortable – from jeans to tuxedos. “Come Together” event chairs are Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, one of South Florida’s top chefs; and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Current event sponsors are JM Family and Millares & Company; in-kind sponsors are The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi, Southern Wine & Spirits, Shutter Box Photo Booth, VOSS Water and Neiman Marcus.Also participating in “Come Together” are some of the South Florida’s top restaurants including China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Egg & Dart, City Hall, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Chef Allen, D Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, Scarpetta, The Forge, La Palme D’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore, Makoto, 1500° at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering.Feeding South Florida’s mission is to feed South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. It does this by distributing food and groceries through its network of not-for-profit organizations, educating the public about the issue, and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger. Event is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.; individual tickets are $125. To RSVP and/or for sponsorship information, contact Jessica Diaz at 954.518.1839 or Jdiaz@feedingsouthflorida.org, or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Mommy & Me Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mommy & Me Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, January 15. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of Afternoon Tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, please call Marnie Valent at 305.667.1651 ext. 3359.

RA Sushi in South Miami Hosts NYE Remix 

In celebration of 2012, RA Sushi in South Miami will turn back the clock with a New Year’s Eve Remix. On Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 8 p.m. to close, guests can indulge in Sunday Night’s Flying Fish Lounge specials with select sushi, appetizers and tapas ranging from $2 to $7 and drink specials starting at just $3. Additional New Year’s Eve Remix specials include Tootsy Maki, Crunchy Calamari and Shishito Peppers for $5 each and Crispy Spicy Shrimp at $8. For additional information or to RSVP, visit http://www.facebook.com/RAsushiSouthMiami. 

Vitamin C Communications Hosts “New Year’s Forever” at the Bath Club

Vitamin C Communications announces its fourth annual New Year’s Eve event, “New Year’s Forever,” at Miami’s historic venue, The Bath Club. On Saturday, December 31, guests will ring in the New Year with live music, performances and a delectable three-course dinner. The celebration kicks off at 8:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception featuring libations by Brugal and Cointreau. At 9:00 p.m., guests will indulge in a lavish sit-down dinner by Chef Brian Aaron. “New Year’s Forever” is also offering a limited-seating, five-course molecular gastronomy dinner that includes a Piper-Heidsieck bottle for two and five-flight Macallan scotch tasting,u as well as a meet-and-greet with Chef Brian Aaron. Doors will open for general admission at 10:00 p.m. “New Year’s Forever” dinner packages start at $215, five-course dinner (50 seats available) at $295 and general admission tickets at $145. All tickets include a six-hour premium open bar and a midnight Champagne toast. Table service is available starting at $950. To purchase tickets and view full menus, visit www.newyearsforever.com.

Ricochet Celebrates New Year’s Eve

Ricochet lounge invites partygoers to ring in the New Year with piano iconoclast ELEW and sounds by DJ Turk on Saturday, December 31, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The acclaimed pianist will make it a memorable evening for all, counting down to 2012 with his engaging new style of playing – an inspired fusing of ragtime, rock and pop he calls Rockjazz. Along with this one-of-a-kind performance by ELEW, ticketholders can enjoy open bar until 1AM, passed hors d’oeuvres by Chef Jason Guerrero, a bubbly midnight toast and beats by DJ Turk. For only $100 a ticket, it’s hard to think of a reason not to choose Ricochet Bar & Lounge this New Year’s Eve. Tickets are available for purchase at http://ricochetlounge.com/#section8. For information on table service please call 786.353.0846 or visit www.ricochetlounge.com.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at Mercadito Midtown

With a pulsating atmosphere, live deejay throughout the night and delectable food and cocktails, there’s no better place to usher in 2012 than Mercadito Midtown. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s regular dinner menu anytime before 8:30 p.m. Beginning at 9:45, the restaurant presents two dining options: Five-Course Sharing Menu ($55 per person) – Whether a girls’ night, family night or night on the town with the pals, Executive Chef/Partner Patricio Sandoval’s signature sharing menu provides the perfect ending to a great year. Seating begins at 9:45 p.m. Prices are exclusive of alcohol. Sharing Menu with Open Bar ($100 per person) – For groups looking to toast the night away, Mercadito Midtown offers its five-course signature sharing menu alongside a two-hour open bar, including a Champagne toast, specialty cocktails, wines by the glass, beer,premium well and tequila under $11 (no shots). Additional hours for open may be purchased for $15 per hour per person. Cure-All Brunch – Start 2012 off right at Mercadito Midtown! Guests can continue the party on January 1with an unforgettable Mexican brunch. They can order from the a la carte menu, or opt for the family-style “Perfect Hangover Cure” for $18 per person – which includes three sharing menu items for the table and one cocktail each – or the “Ultimate Hangover Cure” for $30 per person – which includes three sharing menu items for the table and unlimited cocktails for 1.5 hours. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Brunch are highly recommended and can be made by calling (786) 369-0430.

Ring in the New Year at Kitchen 305  

Kitchen 305 at The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is the ultimate party destination for celebration on December 31, with multiple ways to ring in 2012. A festive pre-party starts at Kitchen 305 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. featuring a top shelf open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres for $40 a person. Partygoers looking for something more substantial to savor can reserve a table for an all-inclusive, four-course dinner for $55 per person. The special New Year’s Eve dinner menu starts with Maryland crab bisque with chives and double whipped cream followed by a garden bouquet salad with poached pears, goat cheese medallions and raspberry champagne vinaigrette. Entrée choices include Hong Kong style, yuzo glazed sea bass with garlic baby bok choy; petit filet mignon; jumbo crab in béarnaise sauce accompanied by butternut squash; or roasted duck with black currant sauce. Dessert choices include flourless chocolate cake with cherries jubilee or Chef Chris’ signature apple strudel with warm, vanilla bean ice-cream. Guests can add an open bar tab to dinner from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for only $25 more. Countdown the last days of 2011 and dance the night away with celebrity DJ Mike Fusion from Los Angeles who will spin the hottest tracks with DJ RZ Spinzs and DJ UZO (a.k.a The Black Russian) starting at 10 p.m. Zhantra Dancers and a live band will provide additional entertainment. Latecomers can join in the festivities with a complimentary glass of sparkling champagne and party favors for a midnight toast for $25 per person. For reservations, call 305.749.2110 or visit www.kitchen305miami.com.

Celebrate New Year’s at the Bank 

The Bank vault lounge and gallery is proud to announce its New Year’s Eve 2012 celebration, which will feature beats by Troy Kurtz as well as a cryogenics gun show performed by the Illuminautians dancers.The modern speakeasy’s New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a Boardwalk Empire theme complete with a cryogenics gun show by dancers clad in 1920’s costumes. Guests will follow a red carpet into the vault that will feature Prohibition-era décor throughout the venue.Individual tickets ($100) and VIP table reservations ($1,200 – $10,000) are available for purchase and include premium open bar (9 p.m. to midnight) as well as a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The Bank’s VIP vault, located behind the black granite bar, will offer the ultimate experience for up to ten people with five premium bottles, limousine service for the night, and a personal bottle waitress and security guard ($10,000).

For individual ticket purchase and VIP table reservations, call 305.373.1515 or visit www.thebankmiami.com.

Joey’s Italian Café for Drinks and Dancing

Joey’s Italian Café is gearing up for celebrations to ring-in the New Year. On New Year’s Eve, DJ Beastwood will spin and mix funk and 70’s tracks while guests dance the night away. Open until 2:00 a.m., Joey’s will serve their regular dinner menu as well as special dishes crafted by talented executive chef Ivo Mazzon. Chef Ivo’s a la carte specials include trippa spezzatino – tripe stew and mixed seafood salad for appetizers. Main-course selections include lamb shank with asparagus pure; lobster risotto; and cotechino with lentils – a traditional Italian sausage dish served on New Year’s Eve. For dessert, enjoy the delicious panetone ubriacone – drunken panetone. Joey’s will also offer a special pizza and wine pairing menu, where the resident sommelier will give his suggestions as to which wine pairs best with which pizza. Pairings include the classic pizza margherita ($9), fresh tomatoes, mozzarellas and basil, paired with Lambrusco Scintilla D’Amore ($7.00 per glass/$29.00 bottle); and verde ($13), scamorza and mozzarella cheese, eggs and parmesan, paired with I Tre Vescovi, a Barbera red wine. For more information and reservations call (305) 438-0488 or visit www.joeyswynwood.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Super Chef Geoffrey Zakarian Celebrates at the Tudor House 

Food Network’s ultimate culinary battle officially ended last Sunday when Tudor House’s Chef & Partner Geoffrey Zakarian conquered Elizabeth Faulkner in the exciting holiday-themed finale of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs. Tudor House is celebrating the victory with specials drawn from Zakarian’s “Next Iron Chef” creations.  These include an amuse bouche of Halibut Crudo with Coconut, Lime and Olive Oil, Truffle Scramble Eggs ($28) and Caramel Pork Belly with Artichokes Bariguole ($24). All of these dishes will be available through December 31. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s first foray into battle as an Iron Chef will premiere on Sunday, December 25, at 9pm ET/PT.

Zakarian’s restaurants include Tudor House in Miami and The Lambs Club and The National in New York City.  He also oversees the dining program at The Water Club in Atlantic City.  He will now appear regularly on “Iron Chef America,” demonstrating his razor-sharp knowledge of culinary techniques in this fast-paced cooking competition.  When not battling in kitchen stadium, Zakarian stays busy filming “CHOPPED”, where he is featured as a recurring judge, and highlights his favorite dishes on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” For reservations or more information, visit www.tudorhousemiami.com or call 305.534.8455. 

Digest Miami Holiday Survival Guide

Digest Miami is celebrating the holidays with the Digest Miami Holiday Survival Guide, composed of mouth watering holiday dishes from some of the city’s leading chefs. Specially created for the Holiday season, this extensive collection features recipes from twelve Chefs, many of whom are James Beard winners or nominees. Since the introduction of Digest Miami, it has garnered the interest of the best Chefs in South Florida and now allows you to step into the kitchen of some of our favorite restaurants. The Survival guide is a comprehensive step-by-step resource for anyone wanting to create the perfect holiday meal, from appetizers like Chef Michael Shikany’s Foie Terrine, to main courses like Paula DaSilva’s Rack of Lamb and Peter Vauthy’s Standing Rib Roast. The menu also includes side dishes like Chef Paul Griffin’s Asparagus Al Forno, Chef Michelle Bernstein’s Patatas Bravas and Chef Dana Brizee’s Truffle Mac & Cheese. And to add a bit of decadence we’ve included desserts such as Chef Antonio Bachour’s Panna Cotta and Chef Miguel Aguilar’s Bread Pudding. Specialty cocktails from Morton’s Steakhouse and Wynwood Kitchen complete the menu. For more information about DIGEST MIAMI, visit www.digestmiami.com or contact Nick Betancourt | 786-287-1725 | Nick.Betancourt@yahoo.com or Tima Zein | 305-752-9400 | press@digestmiami.com. 

Arquiste:  The Debut Fragrances 

A scent is a time capsule. It can invoke our most intimate memories and dreams, and open doors to distant worlds. Created by an architect specializing in Historic Preservation, Arquiste is a fragrance collection that transports the wearer to evocative moments in history. Meticulously researched using authentic sources and crafted with only the rarest of ingredients, each fragrance restores the olfactive experience of a particular time and place, allowing both women and men to unlock personal revelations and experience history in a most intimate way. Available at The Webster Miami priced from $165.

MatzoBall® at LIV 

A holiday in its own right, the Society of Young Jewish Professionals, JDate and SLEEK MedSpa bring back the MatzoBall® on Saturday, December 24. Celebrating 25 years, the high-energy event starts at 8 p.m. at Miami’s own LIV (you must be 21 or older to attend). Adding to the party-frenzy, for the first time ever, the MatzoBall has spawned a sister party, The Big Chill, geared towards the 25 and older crowd, which will take place at Arkadia. Tickets to each event are available for advanced purchase online at www.matzoball.org or at the door – cash only for $30. A group ticket granted access to both MatzoBall and The Big Chill is available online only for $50.

December Spirited Dinner with Revolucion Tequila

In presenting Miami’s hottest monthly series, Mercadito Midtown is pleased to feature Revolucion Tequila for the last spirited dinner of the year on Wednesday, December 28 at 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, Chef/Partner Patricio Sandoval will present four gourmet, sharing courses – all prepared using Revolucion Tequila. Cocktails created by the award-winning Tippling Bros. will also showcase the spirit, and will be paired with several courses. The cost is $45 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Mercadito’s expert culinary team, as well as a Revolucion ambassador, will be on hand to answer any questions. Visit www.mercaditorestaurants.com/midtown to view the menu.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Help Michael Capponi Gather Clothing and Toys for Haiti

 This holiday season, the Haiti Empowerment Mission will host the annual Christmas in Haiti toy/clothing drive on Thursday, December 15, at the W South Beach: WET between 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Donations will be accepted at the door and also at 228 5th Street. All of the proceeds will benefit the school children of Camp Jacmel, Haiti. The children anxiously wait for this special day that comes once a year. With your help, the Haiti Empowerment Mission will be able to provide the following: 

*Clothing/Shoes: Clothing, underwear, sandals and socks

*Toys: should not be expensive | quantity is valued more than quality

Dolls, doll accessories, Barbie (African American), jump ropes, soccer balls, basketballs, Match Box cars, whistles, Play-Doh, play career kit and holiday gifts: candy canes and stockings;

*Books: all books must be in written in Creole

Dictionary: French/ English, coloring books and crayons 

Once the donations have been collected, they will be evenly distributed on grounds in Haiti on Wednesday, December 21.

ISA boutique and MOSA Medspa’s Shopping Event  

ISA boutique along with MOSA Medspa’s Jennifer Almeida is hosting a holiday shopping party on Tuesday, December 20, from 6:00 to 9:00p.m., along with a toy drive. Enjoy complimentary cocktails, tons of new arrivals, a jewelry trunk show by Rita & Zia, art by Mijares Art, music by DJ Willie and dry-styling by Midtown’s Blo – Blow Dry Bar. Raffle prizes will also be given out throughout the night courtesy of MOSA Medspa. Guests can also indulge in Ms. Cheezious food truck which will be on-site as well. Attendees, who bring an unwrapped toy, will receive a $25 gift certificate to the boutique through December 22. For more information on the event call 786.558.8027.

The Pig is Roasting on Wednesdays at De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean

Starting this Wednesday and every Wednesday on, Chef Douglas Rodriguez will host a live roast – of a pig that is. Each hump day the celebrated chef will roast a big, fat, pig starting at 5:00 p.m. for free until it’s gone. Yes, the juicy roasted pig is complimentary to guests while Chef Douglas’ tapas will be $5.00 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.and hand-muddled mojitos will go for just $5.00 all night long. Miami Beach’s favorite beat master, DJ Jean-Marc from Hakkasan will be spinning from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. to help you dance your way into the second half of the week. For more information on the pig roast, call 305.672.6624.

Loro Piana shopping event at Village of Merrick Park
Penn Medicine is at it again! Fresh off the heels of a mega-successful fundraising event with Russell Simmons and Loro Piana, the non-profit is pairing up with Loro Piana again for a holiday party on Wednesday, December 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Loro Piana Village of Merrick Park store (342 San Lorenzo Avenue, #1045, Coral Gables). Joining in the fun are Stefanie Block Reed and Evan Reed, Diane N. Weiss, Stacey Shoer, Allison Weiss Brady and Chip Brady, Constantino & Briana Gutierrez, Amy Rosenberg, and Faquiry Diaz Cala and Amelia Balonek where the retailer will donate a percentage of sales to Penn Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Space is limited. Contact WeissPR@aol.com for more information. 

Ricochet Presents: Gilbert Gottfried and Ed Kowalczyk

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, one of the most recognizable voiceover talents known from “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Iago from Disney’s Aladdin, will be performing live stand-up comedy at Ricochet Bar & Lounge on Monday, December 26. For just $25 at Midtown Miami’s newest culture-centric bar and lounge, guests can laugh the night away to the comedian’s jokes and stories while sipping on Ricochet’s signature drinks. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. with Gottfried going live at 10:00 p.m. Ricochet is auditioning local comedians for Gottfried’s opening act – “Like” Ricochet’s Facebook page and submit a video under 2 minutes long to enter for your chance to win! To purchase tickets visit: http://ricochet.tunestub.com/show.cfm?id=71024&cart.

Starting off the New Year, Ed Kowalczyk, the lead-singer and songwriter of the band LIVE, will be performing an intimate, acoustic set at Ricochet Bar & Lounge on Sunday, January 1^st. With the live show beginning at 11:00 p.m., guests can attend the show for $25 and enjoy hits such as “I Alone,” “Lightning Crashes,” “Selling The Drama” and more. Gather all your friends and family this New Year’s Day as doors open at 8:00 p.m. to jam out to the widely-popular Ed Kowalczyk. To purchase tickets visit: http://ricochet.tunestub.com/show.cfm?id=71023&cart. 

New Year’s Eve at the W Hotel South Beach 

WET at W South Beach is proud to present its “Jacked 2012” New Year’s Eve celebration. The poolside party will feature sounds by Grammy Award-winning music producer AFROJACK, along with Bobby Burns and more talent to be announced soon. Guests will welcome 2012 in decadent fashion as the hotel’s outdoor oasis is transformed into a fully functioning nightclub, featuring lounge seating atop a glass-covered pool deck, oversized LED screens and laser lighting.

Beginning at 9 p.m., DJs Bobby Burns and additional talent from AFROJACK’s WALL RECORDS LABEL will start the final countdown to the new year with their progressive-house and electro beats. After the clock strikes 12, the highly touted AFROJACK – listed at the No. 7 spot of DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs of 2011” – will take the stage. The ever popular ‘Take Over Control’ DJ opened the year by remixing Ian Carey and Snoop Dogg’s single ‘Last Night’ to great acclaim, before being featured on Pitbull’s No. 1 hit-single ‘Give Me Everything,’ and will be sure to keep the masses dancing at WET through 2 a.m.

Individual tickets to WET ($300) and VIP table reservations ($3,500-$25,000) will be available for purchase beginning November 21, 2011, and include premium open bar (9 p.m. to midnight) as well as a champagne toast.

For individual ticket purchase and VIP table reservations, visit www.nyewsouthbeach.com. 

WALL at W South Beach is proud to announce its New Year’s Eve 2012 celebration, which will feature beats by Alesso, the protégé to Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso, who exploded onto the international DJ scene one year ago.

New York City native Orazio Rispo will kick off the fete and wind down the final moments of 2011 with an electric mix of house beats. He will be followed by Alesso, the 20-year-old rising star that has become known for his original productions, remixes and fresh style of DJing. He has already played at some of the world’s biggest dance events this year – including Creamfields, Tomorrowlands, Electric Daisy and alongside Swedish House Mafia in Pacha, Ibiza – so it is only fitting that he end the year off at the decadent celebrity hotspot. Revelers will groove into the early hours with tracks such as ‘Calling,’ his most recent collaboration with Ingrosso, which reached the No. 2 spot on the electronic music community’s revered Beatport.com immediately upon release.

Individual tickets ($700) and VIP table reservations ($3,500-$25,000) will be available for purchase beginning November 21, 2011, and include premium open bar (9 p.m. to midnight) as well as a champagne toast.

For individual ticket purchase and VIP table reservations, visit www.nyewsouthbeach.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat

 15^th Annual Brunch for the Animals

Dogs and their owners are invited to attend the 15th annual Brunch for the Animals on Sunday, December 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, hosted by TV personality Louis Aguirre from Deco Drive, will take place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 1601 Collins Avenue. Co-Chairpersons are Louis Aguirre, Selene Arvesu, Gingi Beltran, Irene Korge, Ann Rubino and Maggie Villacampa. Two-legged guests will enjoy a scrumptious holiday brunch while sipping on cocktails and taking in the magnificent view from the lawn of the hotel. Our four-legged attendees will dine on a home cooked meal from the Loews Loves Pets Room Service Menu. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in holiday wear.G uests can start their holiday shopping early at the exciting silent auction and merchant booths that will be set up, including an exciting vintage booth called Scrappy’s Vintage Corner. Admission is $150 per person (dogs are complimentary). Children ages 3-10 are $35 per person. Valet parking is available for $25 or there is a public garage across the street on 16th Street. Seating is limited so RSVP early. Call Laurie at 305-749-1815. 

GEE Beauty Hosts Lea Black’s Sudden Youth Skincare Debut Fete and Pop-Up Shop 

GEE Beauty, the modern makeup and skincare studio, welcomes Real Housewives of Miami star and Sudden Youth Skincare founder, Lea Black, for the launch of her new line with a pop-up store at Bal Harbour Shops. Kicking off the unveiling with a cocktail fête on Thursday, December 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Lea will mingle and treat guests with the Sudden Youth Skincare mini facial experience. The pop-up shop is open from Thursday, December 8, through Sunday, December 11. Lea will also be on-hand Friday, December 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 305.868.3533. 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Mixologist Xavier Hérit Present: Amuse-Bouches for Her & For Him 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Restaurant DANIEL’s renowned mixologist Xavier Herit are making their way to Miami on Monday, December 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., to welcome cocktail aficionados with a sultry evening of delicious concoctions paired with Boulud’s legendary cuisine – served in small bites. The celebration takes place in the Bar and Lounge of Miami’s favorite new restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, and now also Downtown’s hottest drinks destination. Guests will depart with a signed copy of “Cocktails and Amuse-Bouches: For Her & For Him”, the chef’s charming new two-volume boxed set published by ASSOULINE. Event cost is $95 per person (includes a signed copy of book). For more information or to buy tickets contact 305.421.8800.

Jason Taylor Foundation Hosts 3CiNTERACTIVE  

While Miami Dolphins All-Pro Jason Taylor is preparing for his team’s upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jason Taylor Foundation is preparing for one of its most popular events, the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix, the original celebrity, doubles table-tennis tournament.  Proceeds from the event, which will take place on Monday, December 12 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, will benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation, whose mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life. This one-of-a-kind event will once again pair community members with some of the Sunshine State’s most recognizable personalities from the worlds of sports and entertainment, including Taylor, as well as many current and former Miami Dolphins players.  The duos will compete in a round-robin style ping-pong tournament while raising money for local children’s charities. The fun-filled, electric atmosphere will also feature DJ Laz of Power 96 filling the arena with today’s hottest music, in addition to the LuckyFan Fun Zone, where those in attendance can enjoy a Best Buy gaming station, haircuts, interactive games and more! Prior to the action that evening, JTF will put on the fourth-annual Ping-Pong Smash Kids Clinic – Presented by the Miami Dolphins.  Nearly 100 deserving children will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the world’s fastest sport from former Puerto Rican Junior National Table Tennis Champion and two-time JT’s Ping-Pong Smash Champion, Juan Ly.  The Kids Clinic will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., also at Hard Rock Live. Doors open for the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix at 5:30 p.m. Admission to the event is a $5.00 donation to the Jason Taylor Foundation.  For more information, call (954) 424-0799 or visit www.jasontaylorfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation.

Celebrate the Holidays with Exciting Events at Zoo Miami

This holiday season Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for everyone. At Zoo Miami, guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 8 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.

The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for 8 brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, December 16 through 23 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along walkways, listen to wonderful holiday music, sip hot chocolate, munch on delicious cookies, and take a ride on a camel, the wildlife carrousel or the hippo slide (the world’s largest inflatable slide). Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. General admission is only $5 per person plus tax. Food, beverages, camel rides, carrousel and hippo slide are all available at additional costs.

Dinner with Santa will take place on December 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring the kids to meet him before he has to rush back to the North Pole! Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with the family, photos with Santa, a holiday plush gift and holiday craft-making for the little ones!

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights from 7:00 to10:00 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water. General admission is $39.95 per adult and $33.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $36.95 per adult and $30.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. To make a reservation, call 305-251-0400, ext 84941.

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals! Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and you’ll be entertained watching them. To save time, buy your tickets online at www.zoomiami.org. Zoo Miami’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4:00 p.m.