Culinary Event Features 42 New Participating Restaurants & Enticing Upgrades

Miami Spice – organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and presented by American Express, Stella Artois, Acqua Panna, S. Pellegrino and Moet Hennessy USA – is spicier than ever with a record-breaking number of participating restaurants, 142 including 42 new restaurants; all of which are offering specially priced three-course lunches at an affordable $22 and three course dinners for $35 (tax & gratuity not included). 

 To complement this amazing summer promotion and keep Spice consumers coming back for more, a slew of participating restaurants have recently introduced enticing upgrades to their Miami Spice menu offerings, ranging from allowing patrons to substitute menu items, discounted wine pairings, and complimentary valet parking, among other not-to-be-missed offers. 

 Below is a sample list of Miami Spice themed restaurant promotions, available now through September 30, 2011:

BLT Steak at The Betsy:  Miami Spice diner patrons are greeted at their table with the restaurant’s legendary BLT gruyere cheese popovers, complimentary pâté, and petit fours for dessert.

Blue Door Fish at Delano: Specially-priced red, white, and sparkling wine offerings.   City Hall – The Restaurant: Patrons have the option to substitute their appetizer or dessert for a specialty martini, house beer, or wine by the glass.

Essensia Restaurant & Lounge: Specially-priced red, white, and sparkling wine offerings.

Kane Steakhouse: Offers diners a complimentary side dish with each Miami Spice menu order.   Peacock Garden Café: Instead of the traditional three-course Miami Spice menu, the restaurant offers diners a four-course menu, including a complimentary cocktail.

Red, The Steakhouse:  The restaurant offers weekly Miami Spice themed menus and allows diners to upgrade their appetizer and/or entrée selection.

Scalina: Weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the restaurant’s bar offers half-priced cocktails and 20% off wine lists on the days that the Miami Spice menus are offered.

STK: Offers specially priced bottles of wine and sparkling wine as well as the option to upgrade their meal with a 16 oz. sirloin and signature STK side.

Shula’s Steakhouse at The Alexander Hotel: Discounted sparkling, red or white wine by the glass.   Shula’s 347 Grill: Discounted specialty cocktail and select bottles of wine on offer.

Talavera Cocina Mexicana: Instead of the traditional three-course Miami Spice meal, the restaurant offers diners a four-course menu, including a complimentary cocktail.

Tantra Restaurant and Lounge: Discounted valet parking and wine bottles, nightly. On Saturday nights, Miami Spice dinner patrons can enjoy discounted bottle service.

The Restaurant at The National Hotel: Complimentary valet parking for Miami Spice patrons and discounted bottle selections.

Trio on the Bay:  The restaurant allows diners to choose one entrée, one entrée, and one dessert from the regular dinner menu for $35 per person.

Vita Restaurant & Lounge: Every Monday, wine and Champagne bottles are offered at a 50% discount.

For details and updates on participating Miami Spice restaurants, menus and events, check out the website www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.  Follow Miami Spice on Twitter:  @MiamiandBeaches

The 3^rd Annual Fashion’s Night Out dawns upon us once again on Thursday, September 8th. The after-hours extravaganza includes a fantastic line-up of events filled with diamonds, cocktails, parties, and of course spectacular shopping. Here are a few of our favorite things: 

FNO Merrick Park 

The Village of Merrick Park will host an official Fashion’s Night Out event beginning at 6 p.m. The event will take place throughout the center and inside participating retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Elemis Day Spa, Etro, Furla, Juicy Couture, KoKo & Palenki, Lacoste and Silvia Tcherassi, to name a few. Event components will include three Fashion’s Night Out Lounges which will feature cool music by DJ Ess & Emm, cocktails, delicious light bites, a sneak peek of Fall 2011 trends and many other exciting initiatives. New this year, the Village of Merrick Park will partner with Dress for Success Miami in supporting their campaign, “Check your bag at the door.” Donate your gently worn handbag and put in a check to help raise funds for Dress for Success Miami women’s program. Cap the evening off with a visit to one of the center’s many dining offerings including the recently opened Cinco Cantina & Tequila Bar, SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, Yard House and Villagio, among others.  

Neiman Marcus has teamed up with Niche Media’s Ocean Drive magazine to present a Pop-Up shop curated by Editor-in-Chief Suzy Buckley. The Ocean Drive Pop-up launches within Neiman Marcus’ South Florida stores for the month of September and features a handpicked selection of must-have trends as inspiration for the ultimate personal style.  The Pop-Up Shop will feature a total of 12 diverse style expressions for men and women, each chosen to reflect unique themes including ‘Evening/Gala,’ ‘Weekend Leisure,’ ‘Night Out,’ ‘Power Lunch,’ ‘Date Night’ and ‘Weekend Getaway.’  In honor of fall fashion, the Ocean Drive magazine Pop-Up at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale will make its debut from September 1 through 30 with its kick-off event taking place during Fashion’s Night Out at the Coral Gables location at Merrick Park.  The Bal Harbour location will be on display from September 9 through 30, with a special event celebrating Ocean Drive’s 10th Annual Fall Fashion Week on Wednesday, September 21. Additionally, Pop-up shoppers will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a night out as a VIP with Ocean Drive magazine. The VIP package includes dinner with Ocean Drive’s magazine cover star, an invite to a highly coveted cover release party and a one-night stay at a luxurious Miami hotel.  Potential winners can enter to win at Neiman Marcus stores at Coral Gables, Bal Harbour and Fort Lauderdale throughout the month of September.

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland 

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland will transform into fashion’s ultimate social media party with a night of style, makeovers, music and more. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has invited three charities (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Humane Society of Greater Miami and Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program) to participate in a night of shopping that will benefit these charities and give back to the community. Start the night out on the ground floor with the FENDI Fatto a Mano event. In this incredible workshop, the customer will be able to design his/her very own, completely one-of-a-kind Selleria bag. A Fendi craftsman will be present to help the clients choose from a selection of gorgeous exotics, leathers and trims in a wide range of colors. Customers will also enjoy complimentary makeovers in the Beauty Department, as the expert artist teams demonstrate the best ways to get the season’s latest looks.  As part of the FNO @Saks theme, customers are invited to tweet and Facebook their new looks directly from the Beauty Department. The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, Miami will be offering five minute neck massages and raffling of a gift certificate to their spa. The Fur Salon located on the second level, will be hosting an exclusive trunk show of must have pieces by American Fur Designers with the Fine Jewelry department will host a Vhernier trunk show.AOL will be hosting interactive iPad kiosk for clients to check in with Stylelist, the source for the latest fashion news and trends, to test your Fall Fashion IQ for the chance to win exclusive prizes. 

The event will be accompanied by sexy cocktails provided by SX Liquors and The Capital Grille will be present during the night. The affair will also have DJs in the contemporary department and handbags department. In addition, Jennifer Valoppi, president and founder of Women of Tomorrow will be signing her book Certain Cure. For further information, visit the Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland Facebook page for an updated event schedule.

 FNO Bal Harbour Shops:

 De Beers Book Launch 

De Beers invites you to join Allison Weiss Brady and Cheryl Peisach at De Beers at Bal Harbour Shops on Thursday, September 8, from 7 to 10 pm for a VIP cocktail party to celebrate the launch of De Beers Jewellery, (intentional spelling) a book that provides an insider’s glimpse into the fascinating world of diamonds, published by Assouline.  The event will benefit Gene Spotlight, a South Florida-based organization which provides medical research grants to find better treatments and cures for some of the 7,000 rare genetic disorders.  Catered by Le Basque, refreshing champagne and sparkling water will be served, as well as scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres, and delicious macaroons for dessert.  Space is limited.  Contact BHFNO@DEBEERS.COM for further information.

Chloé Bal Harbour  

Chloé Bal Harbour is hosting a Fashion’s Night Out “Free Your Photos” event. Capture the experience of creating instant memories with your digital camera or Bluetooth-enabled Smartphone and snap away at the latest fashion trends, then link up to Polaroid’s new GL10 Instant Mobile Printer and leave with a keepsake courtesy of Chloé- photos that can be shared instantly. Designed by Polaroid and Lady Gaga, the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer is an instant printer that you can take around with you to wirelessly print photos from your phone via Bluetooth or computers and digital cameras via USB. Sip champagne, enjoy live beats by DJ Johnny the Boy and shop the Chloé Fall & Winter 2011 collections from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Yves Saint Laurent and Bass Museum of Art 

From 7 to 10 p.m., fashion and art unite for an evening of shopping, sweets and giving back. A strong supporter of the arts, Yves Saint Laurent Bal Harbour has partnered with the Bass Museum of Art.  Fifteen percent of the evening’s profits will be donated to the museum. Yves Saint Laurent invites guests to indulge in complimentary champagne and gourmet macaroons while getting a first look of the brand’s latest “IT handbag” Cabas Chyc. All guests who purchase a Cabas Chyc handbag and reference the Bass Museum of Art, will enjoy a fabulous gift with purchase package including a pair of YSL sunglasses, scarf, a beauty kit and an official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt. This offer will be available September 7^th through 9th, and is only available to Bass Museum guests.

FNO Aventura Mall 

Zingara Swimwear will treat shoppers to cupcakes by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe, champagne and a full espresso bar from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. By shopping Zingara’s summer 2011 collections guests will automatically be entered to win a “Beach Accessories Set.” Complimentary beach sandals will also be given as a gift with purchases over $200. Complete your beach-ready looks with a matching hairstyle. Blo Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com) will be on-site for dry styling, offering expert tips and revealing how-to secrets. Stop by and get fab-in-a-flash with a perfect pony, fun and flirty curls or even a boho braid. 

**Be sure to check back next week for even more fashionable happenings.

One Stop Safety Shop at Give Wink

Join Aventura’s Give Wink on Thursday, August 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for a one-stop Safety Shop to help South Florida parents learn how to better protect their children. Collaborators include Guard-A-Kid, One Beat CPR, and My Privates are Private author, Stacey Honowitz who will be offering services, tips, and advice all day long. Guard-A-Kid, members of the nation’s most highly-recognized Child Identification and Child Safety Program, will be on site with special packages that include two ID cards with finger prints of their little ones. This information is automatically dispersed nationwide if a kidnapping occurs; packages start at $22. One Beat CPR, certified CPR trainers, will be giving quick consultations on how to use CPR for emergency situations. Groups of 8 or more who register at Give Wink will receive 15% off CPR training classes, and Stacey Honowitz, author of My Privates are Private will be signing books at Give Wink and explaining the importance of open communication between kids and their parents. For more information visit, www.GiveWink.com.

Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party

Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for the official Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party on Thursday, August 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach hotspot Vice Lounge Miami. Sip and socialize as event details are unveiled and meet committee members, table hosts and Task Force supporters. Last year’s Miami Recognition Dinner was the most successful ever, raising more than $410,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets and tables to this year’s dinner taking place on Saturday, October 15, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary open bar courtesy of 42 BELOW Vodka and light bites by Vice Lounge from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Cocktails, beer and wine will be available at half-price from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend – to RSVP please rsvp@theTaskForce.org.

The Power of Music at the Stage

 On Friday, August 26 from 6 to 10 pm, you are invited to sip, mingle and boogie at the Stage (170 NE 38 Street), while supporting music programs for the foster youth of The Motivational Edge.  The evening will include live performances by Sekajipo genes, the Jungle, and Jordan Robinson and will feature beer and drink specials.  

WMC co-founder, DJ Bill Kelly will spin a set and the Motivational Edge’s youth will display their skills.  Spam All Stars will also be performing at around 7 p.m. There will be raffles and a silent auction, so bring plenty of business cards and your credit card.  There is a $15 suggested minimum donation at the door. RSVP to Info@TheMotivationalEdge.com or 305.350.3950

Ibiza Animal House Birthday Celebration at WALL

WALL Miami lounge co-owner Nicola Siervo, along with Karim Masri, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant, will host an Ibiza Animal House-themed birthday celebration at the Miami Beach hotspot on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 p.m. International mix masters Iban Mendoza (Spain) and Neverdogs (Italy) will be on tap for the evening to make their U.S. debut with the signature Balearic beats of the south of Spain. Guests are also encouraged to dress the part and channel their animal instincts, further adding to the Ibiza flare, and will receive complimentary animal masks upon entry. RSVPs and table reservations are encouraged by contacting rsvp@wallmiami.com or via the WALL iPhone application, available at www.itunes.com.

Big Birthdays at Bongos

Fabulous Drag Queens Elaine Lancaster and Kitty Meow will celebrate their birthdays with a party on August 27 at Bongos Hard Rock Hollywood.  This year’s theme is Reverse It- and the “hostesses” promise to bring you all of the great music of the 1990s.  The celebration starts with dinner at 9 p.m. followed by DJ sets by Bill Hallquist and shows throughout the evening.  For more information, call 305.791.3040.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Ultimate Girls’ Night Out and Launch of InterviewHer.com

In the first installment of what will become a monthly series of events, InterviewHer.com invites Miami’s most in-the-know women to attend an exclusive event to celebrate beauty, fashion and success. Tagged as “The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out,” will be hosted at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge on Thursday, September 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Jenny Ortiz, a former recruiter, has created an editorial-based website that features insightful and in-depth interviews with powerful female entrepreneurs. Following almost two years of building a loyal following and network, InterviewHer.com has taken connecting women to the next level with the recent launch of the InterviewHer.com interactive website. Guests will enjoy specialty beauty services, discounted shopping, and   exclusive bites and cocktails furnished by Cafeina from 7:00   to 8:00 p.m., along with cake pops to satiate sweet cravings.VIP ticket holders will receive goodie bags stuffed with full-size, custom-created beauty products, specialty discounts, lifestyle products and more. Tickets are available for purchase at http://wwwinterviewher.eventbrite.com/. General admission tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door (cash only); VIP tickets are available for $20 in advance and $30 at the door (cash only). Tickets are required for admission. 
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit FINCA, an international micro-finance organization that provides financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs.

Join the Marli Foundation at Smith & Wollensky 

The Marli Foundation, a South Florida-based organization focused on national ovarian cancer awareness, will host Marli’s Birthday Gala- a fundraising event at Smith & Wollensky (1 Washington Avenue) on August 20 starting at 6 pm.  The elegant evening will feature cocktails, delectable food, and live and silent auctions including luxury items such as sport memorabilia, jewelry, and vacations. 

Portrait and still-life painter Christopher Still will be the honorary guest speaker. Still is best known for his large-scale works such as the collection of murals commissioned by the Florida House of Representatives for the House Chambers, in the State’s Capitol.

The event is open to the public and includes cocktails and dinner at a cost of $300 per couple; $1000/Table of six (includes ¼ page ad in event program) or $1200/Table of six (includes full page ad in event program).  Semi-formal attire is requested. For more information contact: Claudia Rey at 305.905.1997 or email: messagefrommarli@gmail.com. 

Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi hosts a Celebration for Food for the Poor

 
On August 20, a birthday celebration will be held in honor of Miami philanthropist Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi at Bang & Olufsen’s Lincoln Road Showroom. The festivities will recognize the dedication and commitment of Kim’s Good Karma Group helping those in need, celebrating life, positive energy, good karma, and the betterment of our community. Guests will enjoy lively music, dancing, hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails, auction items, live entertainment, and the company of dedicated community members and leaders.  Tickets are $50, with 100% of funds going to Food for the Poor, an organization that Kim has worked with many times and one of the world’s highest rated charities.  To RSVP and purchase tickets, visit www.foodforthepoor.org/kimsbirthday. 

Back to School Special at OYE Cuban Grill

OYE Cuban Grill, Miami’s first and only fast-casual Cuban eatery is kicking off the school year by offering 25% off any menu item to students with a valid school ID. Starting August 22nd Monday through Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., OYE is satisfying kids after school hunger with mouth-watering Cuban dishes that are made-to-order and prepared fresh daily. OYE has an extensive selection of afternoon snacks to munch on including Croqueta Preparada, The OYE Wrap with juicy churrasco and sweet plantains or a baked empanada with picadillo or chicken. Offering express check-out for kids on the go or tableside service with free Wi-Fi, students can sit back, eat a snack and get their homework done.

Solé On The Ocean Introduces “Industry Night” 

Solé On The Ocean is proud to announce the launch of its “Industry Night” party series, held every Tuesday from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at its chic second floor lounge Alba. Beginning August 23, employees of all hospitality and services arenas including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beyond will enjoy fifty percent off all food, beer, wine and well liquors, in addition to a reduced priced menu of signature cocktails. Industry personnel are asked to present a business card or valid work identification to redeem the discount. Complimentary valet parking is available with social media check-in (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare). To RSVP, call 305.935.4777, or email alba@soleontheocean.com. 

City Hall Dining In the Dark 

City Hall the new bustling eatery on Biscayne Boulevard has joined Lights Out Miami to host a night of dining in the dark benefitting Ability Explosion, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and bettering the lives of individuals with disabilities. The actual date for the charity event is October 20 with over 100 local participants; luckily curious diners will have a chance to preview the City Hall experience on Wednesday, August 24. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres upon arrival and once seated at their dinner table, they will be blindfolded while served a three course, wine-paired mystery dinner. Those who have the savviest taste buds will be awarded a special prize. To make things even more exciting for guests, City Hall’s wait staff will be outfitted with night-vision goggles to help guide diners through the event. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and is specially priced at $85 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, to purchase tickets, call Irene at 305.389.0009 or irene@abilityexplosion.org. 

ICE-WATCH® Hosts Exclusive Trunk Show at Bloomingdale’s 

Ice-Watch® is hosting a three-day trunk show featuring the international brand’s newest collections of fun and fashionable timepieces for the season at Bloomingdale’s Aventura Mall on August 25, 26, and 27 beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Renowned Illustrator and graffiti artist Jessy Nite will be on hand to tag, sign and customize each Ice-Watch purchase from 3 p.m. to 6p.m. on Thursday, August 25 and Saturday, August 27.  Ice-Watch fans include celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Ashley Greene, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Audrina Patridge, Felicity Huffman, Taye Diggs, Terrel Owens, Jennie Garth, Cindy Crawford and Cheryl Hines.  For more information, visit www.ice-watch.us or call 305.792.1134.

 Caged Women at Cafeina 

Join photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga for the debut of his latest works, Women in Cages, at Wynwood’s Cafeina with a VIP cocktail reception to benefit People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Thursday, August 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. The exhibition explores the politics surrounding the treatment of animals, and his subjects are some of Miami’s most well-known faces, including: Brooke Hogan, Ines Rivero, Katrina Campins, Michelle Pooch and Tara Solomon, who have undressed for the exhibit as part of PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” campaign. Eighty percent of the proceeds from all sales of these photographic works will be donated to PETA. This powerful, sensual exhibition will be on display through September 10.  The opening cocktail and exhibit are free and open to the public.  For more information and to RSVP contact Brian Long at mrlong@bl-pr.com or call 917.294.7370.  You may also RSVP by contacting Omar DeWindt at TARA, Ink. at omar@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.

Bark at the Ball Park 

Take your pooch to watch the Florida Marlins game for a change of venue that also benefits a worthy cause. The Marlins battle the San Francisco Giants on Friday, August 12, at 7:10 pm, at Sun Life Stadium and help raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Tickets are only $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $6 for dogs. Doggie pools, water dishes and a dog-walking area will be available throughout the game.  Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.  To purchase tickets contact Cynthia Coutard at 305.749.1842 or Cynthia@humanesocietymiami.org.  Group tickets are also available by calling 305.626.SAVE. Dog owners must carry proof of the rabies vaccination with them to the game. Download and sign the Waiver document from the website- www.humanesocietymiami.org and bring the form with you to the game.

Wine Depot Hosts Champagne Ruinart 

On Tuesday, August 16, Wine Depot will host a wine/champagne tasting focusing on Champagne Ruinart from the region of Reims. From 6 to 8 p.m., guest can enjoy complimentary wines from this area. Wine Depot will be focusing on different regions every Tuesday, until the end of August. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting marketing@winedepotmiami.com. 

Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe Opens in Coral Gables 

On August 18, Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe opens its doors in downtown Coral Gables. A membership-focused club, with non-member a la carte service, Sloane Square captures the timeless, authentic barbershop experience by combining a rich mix of modern amenities and classic style.  Opening the flagship store in Miami Beach only eleven months ago to much acclaim, the South Beach locale was named one of “America’s Five Best Barbershops” by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2010. The opening will go from 10:00 a.m. to closing.  For more information, visit www.sloanesq.com. 

Mayfair Launches Saturday and Sunday Pool Party 

Stepping away from South Beach pool parties, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Splash at the Mayfair” every Saturday this summer. Bringing the sun-filled-day to life, Ren Albieri aka “DirtyClean” and Darrell Robinson aka “DJ FOXX,” who have a profound understanding of club dance music, will provide sounds to kick off the weekend. The pool party will be filled with drink specials and good vibes, while giving free Special Cocktails for ladies from 4 to 6 p.m. and UM students a 10% discount with ID.

For a more exclusive and relaxed event, Mayfair Hotel and Spa will also be hosting a full-service, invite-only Sunday pool party at the rooftop pool and cabana lounge . The ultimate luxury Bohemian hotel is calling back the stylish Sunday setting honoring its original status as the most coveted social destination in Miami, along with its celebrated four-diamond service. The Mayfair rooftop will be open through September 24; guests can experience an array of specialties including private cabanas, magazines, frozen grapes, aroma-soaked wet towels, Evian mister, lotion, and much more.  The invite-only list is open to loyalists and local influencers who fill out commentary cards at Chef Jonathan Eismann’s Spartico Restaurant.  For more information, visit www.mayfairhotelandspa.com or call 786.514.9886. 

Miami Spice at db Bistro Moderne 

For the months of August and September, db Bistro Moderne joins Miami Spice, with a scrumptious three-course meal for lunch or dinner. Located inside the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Daniel Boulud’s eatery offers a seasonal menu by Executive Chef, Jarrod Verbiak, featuring dishes such as Ceviche du Jour, Roasted Snapper, Spinach Farfalle and Tarte Fine. For a complete Miami Spice menu, visit www.MiamSpicedbbistromoderne.com. 

db Bistro Moderne also introduces summer happy hour offering half-off specialty cocktails such as the Grapefruit Blossom and the Ultimate Filthy Martini; half-off beer, wine, sake and premium offers; light bites for $7 including Beignets de Brandade, Pommes Souffle and half-priced raw bar items such as oysters clams and ceviche; and half-off sweet treats such as Blueberry Shortcake, Madeleines and much more. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, renowned DJ Pierre Zonzon will spin from 5 to 8.pm., and db Bistro Moderne will bring in different liquor sponsors like Kettle One, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, every Thursday during happy hour. Reservations are recommended, visit www.DanielNYC.com. 

BankAtlantic Center Opens The Vault 

On August 22, BankAtlantic Center introduces a brand new “special offers” program named THE VAULT. BankAtlantic Entertainment Arena and National Hockey Team brand is the first of its kind to customize a program for its fans, local businesses and charitable causes through a daily deal platform. Every day, The VAULT will open with a new deal from one of its many collaborators, including: Equinox, Revolution Live, Game-Time, and America’s Backyard. In addition to the daily deal program, The VAULT will donate a portion of its sales to the community’s most worthwhile charities through the formation of the DCI Cares Foundation. Members will have the opportunity to participate in a unique experience every month, and will automatically be entered into the special giveaways monthly.  This month’s special experience includes a limo ride and dinner with Miami Heat center, Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracy at the newly- opened Mister Collins restaurant at ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa. The event will benefit the Lauren’s Kids Foundation in an effort to help stop and prevent childhood abuse.  New customers can sign up for THE VAULT, at www.vaultoffers.com or by visiting THE VAULT kiosks at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. For more information, contact Michael Leitman at 954. 554.0291 for business inquiries about joining THE VAULT.

Happy Birthday Nick D’Annuzio and Brian Antoni!

On Saturday, August 6 at 8 p.m., Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, the Miami Art District hotspot, in conjunction with The Overthrow, will celebrate the birthdays of TARA, Ink. co-principal Nick D’Annunzio and Brian Antoni, author of South Beach: The Novel. Cafeina will be transformed into a “Chicken Ranch” of sorts, an homage to the ‘80s cult classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner country while enjoying complimentary Svedka vodka cocktails and music by DJ Troy Kurtz and Pirate Stereo. Surprise guests Elaine Lancaster as Dolly Parton, Maryel Epps as “the Madame”, and the Angel Squads Massage Angels as ladies of the night, will be on hand to rev up heart rates. In addition, there will be a haystack photo booth vignette by Pics Boutique, bull rides and a digital art exhibition by Martin Kaupp, who will also present a pop cowboy portrait featuring birthday boy D’Annunzio. In lieu of gifts, the guests of honor have requested that partygoers consider making a donation to their charity of choice, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, 297 NW 23^rd St., Miami, FL 33127. RSVP is required to birthday@taraink.com.

Mixology at the National Hotel Miami Beach

National Hotel Miami Beach announces the launch of its new mixology series showcasing creative cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Julio Cabrera. Held in the Martini Room at Blues Bar every Monday, the event will lift spirits with Cabrera’s signature hand-crafted libations, live entertainment and tempting tapas – all to the tune of special theme, which will change on a weekly basis. From 7:00 until 11:00 p.m., Cabrera will entertain guests with his extensive repertoire of colorful cocktails, each for $12, including Flamingo Mojitos, Pasion Cariocas, Jamaica Juleps, Mango-Cilantro Margaritas and – in a tribute to salsa songstress Celia Cruz – Asucas, to name a few. Imbibers may also nibble on the week’s specialty menu, featuring items such as Lime Ceviche, Avocado Steak Tar-Tar, Plaintain Chips with Latin Dip, and more, starting at $6 each from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m., live music in sync with the chosen weekly theme, as inspired by Miami’s vibrant history, will furthermore make for a less-manic and a more-merry Monday. Valet will be offered at a discounted rate of $10. For general inquiries, call 305.532.2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Sake, Maki, & Roll Sushi School at China Grill Hilton

China Grill Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina is launching Sake, Maki & Roll Sushi School on Saturday, August 13, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, guests are invited to a tasting and teaching program at the popular dining destination that includes sake sampling, instructions on the art of sushi making and a delicious meal of maki, sushi and tempura that the students will assist in preparing. The class begins with a crash course on sake including how it’s made and the history of the Japanese libation, followed by a tasting of five Ty-Ku Sakes and Liqueurs paired with signature selections from the restaurant including Tuna Tartare on Wonton Crisps, Salmon Crudo and Dancing Unagi. While enjoying the pairings, pupils will learn the basics for at-home sushi preparation – from tools and traditions to different types of sushi and, of course, a lesson in one of the most important components, the sushi rice. The class then continues with hands-on sushi rolling instruction from Executive Sushi Chef Songphon Rawangphan. The session concludes with a demo of Ty-Ku sake fusion cocktails that are all 100 calories or less and a bite of dessert. All students will also receive a take home gift for their hard work. To reserve your seat call 954.759.9950, limited space is available; tickets are $59 plus tax.

Hurricane Specials at Solé on the Ocean

Solé on the Ocean is finally giving South Floridians and Miami-bound travelers a reason to celebrate Hurricane Season with the debut of its Hurricane Season Specials. The announcement comes at the perfect time, with the naming of the Atlantic Ocean’s latest disturbance, “Emily.” Upon the naming of a storm (as previously determined by the National Hurricane Center), guests may take advantage of  the special perks or discounts corresponding with the particular name of the storm by just mentioning it, and will receive 30% off any room rate, complimentary valet, suite upgrades and much more. Even better, should there be more than one named storm out and about at the time of booking, guests are able to apply all applicable perks and discounts. 5% off all room reservations will also be donated to a hurricane relief fund. Stays must be booked during Hurricane Season, which ends November 30. To book, guests must call the hotel directly at 786.923.9300.