The Current Event  

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Miami magazine, along with host Shireen Sandoval of WSVN’s Deco Drive, for an evening of shopping and upscale revelry. Sit front row for a fashion show featuring the hottest fall trends and an exclusive preview of the new Rachel Zoe Collection. Dress in your best ensemble and enter the “Dress to Impress Rachel Zoe” competition for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. I die! Sip wines by VOGA Italia and enjoy light bites by BGR The Burger Joint, La Cofradia, The Local, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge and Seasons 52. The Current Event benefits the Young Patrons of Miami Science Museum. Spend $350 in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections and receive an exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection handbag. To RSVP, please call 786.999.1003 or email rsvpcoralgables@neimanmarcus.com.

Violetas Boutique Hosts Grand Opening in Coral Gables

 Join Patricia Anton Himmel and Patricia Kronfle to celebrate the grand opening of their new home and décor boutique VIOLETAS. Specializing in unique home expressions, furnishings, accessories and remarkable gift items, VIOLETAS will kick-off its unveiling with a cocktail soiree on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of shopping, featuring exclusive lines and curiosities collected from around the world, while indulging on decadent cocktails and scrumptious bites.  A portion of the evening proceeds will benefit IKF Wonderfund – a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation. To attend the event RSVP to Violetas@THEPATTONGROUPINC.com.

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room 

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room – a dedicated group of art & culture lovers in their 20s and 30s – kicks off MCB’s 2011-12 season with a party on Friday, September 23 at Performing Arts Exchange, 337 S.W. 8^th Street, beginning at 8:30 p.m. An exciting night of mixing and mingling with MCB dancers and other young professionals awaits: indulging on scrumptious cocktails and decadent light bites and dancing to the sounds of Spam All Stars and their unique blend of improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip hop and dub to create what they call an “electronic descarga.” The party is free for current MCB’s Upper Room members and $15 for non-members. Non-members who purchase a membership before or at the party will be waived the $15 cover. RSVP by calling 305.929.7000, ext. 1446 or email upperroom@miamicityballet.org.

Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party  

TEMPO Miami celebrates the Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami preview party, in partnership with Cigar Snob magazine and sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico on Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m.  The swanky, open-to-the-public, soiree welcomes industry professionals, wine connoisseurs, cigar aficionados and rum lovers alike to a night set to the sounds of live music from Bikini Jazz, with wine and tobacco painting demonstrations by artist GAPAL.  Guests will also have the chance to sip wines from the just-wrapped Florida International Wine Challenge, sample chocolate rum cake from the famed Tortuga Rum Cake company and visit cigar and rum exhibitors to taste, test and learn to pair cigars with rums.The event will act as a preview to the first annual TobaccoRum Miami exposition, slated to take place this coming December during Art Basel. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami soiree are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.miamiwinefair.com. 

Solé On the Ocean Says “Aloha” to Summer 

Solé On the Ocean, an ultra-contemporary boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will say “Aloha” to summer with a Hawaiian-themed luau on Saturday, September 24, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at its beachfront lounge Alba Mare. In addition to getting lei-ed upon arrival, guests will celebrate the spirit of the islands – or isles – with traditional fare, live music and performances, paddle boarding, a limbo contest and a tropical swimwear presentation. Hula girls and a fire dancer will spark the festivities with colorful performances, while the Aloha Boyz strum their ukuleles and Dutch spins island beats. Party-goers will sip on Mai Tais and feast on Hawaiian-inspired fare, including a fire-roasted pig with traditional trimmings such as shrimp fried rice, mixed vegetables and Polynesian potato salad. ‘Hula’ good times with ensue with an informal fashion showcase by Poko Pano swimwear and a limbo contest, the winner of which will receive a complimentary weekend stay at Solé On the Ocean. Ark Paddleboards will also be onsite to offer both novice and experienced paddle boarders the chance to make waves on the ocean. The cost of entrance is $25 per person and includes unlimited fare, one Mai Tai and valet. Guests are invited to extend their stay from sundown to sunrise with 20% off the standard room rate, which begins at $139.00. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Plastics Free Ocean, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of improper and excessive use of plastics to human health, wildlife and the environment. For luau and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9000 or email alba@soleoto.com. Advance purchase of admission to the luau is strongly recommended.

Papi Underwear Celebrates Hispanic Heritage 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage, Macy’s department store along with Papi Underwear has unveiled their second annual Hispanic Heritage collection.  Papi’s Hispanic Heritage collection is made in Cool Pass fabric, a poly/spandex blend that features qualities such as moisture wicking, quick dry and breathable for the utmost in comfort and protection for men, the group consists of Brazilian trunks and matching tanks and is available in an array of colors and designs that represent the flags of different Latin American countries.  Merchandise is available at www.papiinc.com, select Macy’s stores nationwide, and several other retailers across the country.  Brazilian trunks retail for $24 each and tanks retail for $29 each. 

FENDI, The Wolfsonian, and Fashion’s Night Out 

FENDI in partnership with The Wolfsonian–Florida International University invite you to celebrate Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, Atelier Fendi, and an exhibition of photographs by Karl Lagerfeld. Hosted by Susanne Birbragher and Lila Segal Battista, The Fashion Week 2011 ad campaign, recreates the studio of the Dutch painter, Cornelis Theodorus Maria van Dongen. He developed the lush colors of his Fauvist style gaining a reputation for his sensuous, at times garish, portraits. He was a fashionable portraitist with a touch of playful cynicism. He has been noted as stating that, “Painting is the most beautiful of lies”. Karl Lagerfeld is a German artist, fashion designer, and photographer based in Paris, France. He has collaborated on a variety of art and fashion related projects, most notably as head designer and creative director for the fashion house Chanel. Lagerfeld helms his own label fashion house, as well as the Italian house Fendi. The event will takes place Thursday, September 8, on Fashion’s Night Out from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at FENDI, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue. Twenty percent of the proceeds that evening will benefit The Wolfsonian–FIU. Confirm your attendance by calling 305.861.7114. Become a member, or change your membership level by contacting Ian Rand at 305.535.2631or ian@thewolf.fiu.edu.

Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour Invites You to Fashion’s Night Out 

Styleist along with Newborn and Jack and Jill’s Children’s Center Presents Fashion’s Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., with 10% of the proceeds going back to the charity. Fashion’s Night Out is a global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. Footwear designer Edmundo Castillo will be the guest of honor, and personally sign his latest collection. A hi-tech photo booth will let you capture and upload your latest look to Facebook. Shoot your own cover of Bal Harbour Magazine with a hair and makeup artists on hand. Check in with AOL’s Styleist, the source for the latest fashion news and trends, to test your Fall Fashion IQ and win prizes. Play Roulette and Blackjack in our Men’s department casino. Enjoy cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, beverages by Coca Cola and Smartwater, bites by ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa and MISTER COLLINS, as DJ’s spin throughout the store. 

Vanishing Points at the Bass Museum of Art 

On Friday, September 9, the Bass Museum of Art will host an Opening Reception for its newest exhibition Vanishing Points: Paint and Paintings from the Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection. A members-only private viewing is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. A cocktail reception open to the public will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres courtesy of EDEN South Beach, Boru Vodka and Tierras Tequila cocktails, wine by Betts & Scholl and beats by DJ Le Commandant, attendees will explore the institution’s new exhibit. Organized by Miami-based artist and writer Gean Moreno, Vanishing Points presents 43 works by 27 contemporary international artists and explores how they interpret and how we perceive painting today. The exhibition highlights three viewpoints: Sweeping Horizontality and Aerial Views, The Painterly without Paintings and Impossible Task. Admission to the Opening Reception is complimentary for members and Bass Pass holders; $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.bassmuseum.org, call 786.800.6302. 

Leonardo Hidalgo Honors 9/11 at Cafeina  

Leonardo Hidalgo, internationally known pop artist based in Miami, will be telling the story of 9/11 from a unique and artistic uplifting perspective through his eye popping vibrant color large scale paintings.  The private opening reception will take place this Friday, September 9, in honor of The City Of Miami Firefighters who will be in attendance at CAFEINA | Wynwood Exhibition Center  from 7:00 to 11:00p.m.          

Hidalgo has created a visual feast of 12 large-scale paintings exploring the meaning of good and evil, freedom, liberty, the force of divine justice and superheroes.  In these painting he wants to honor the memory of the lives lost in the attacks of 9/11, the firefighters, police rescue units and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to defend our liberty.  Hidalgo says, “I think it will be a very special moment to be together that night with the firefighters, our true heroes, and honor them while REMEMBERING a moment in history that changed the world forever. I hope that with my art I can make people feel and believe in liberty, justice, and spread some heroic virtues in the consciousness of society.” Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails by Mandarine Napoleon until 8:00p.m. Email rsvpmiamiart@gmail.com to attend the private reception; the exhibition will be on view from August 29 through September 15. Call 786.217.0130 for a private tour.

Miami Children’s Hospital Fundraiser at the Well Miami Beach Attorney and Miami Children’s Young Ambassador (MCYA) Leadership Committee Member Michael Grieco and WSVN’s Louis Aguirre are hosting a fundraiser to support Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) on Friday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at The Well on Miami Beach. MCYA is a membership organization for young professionals between the ages of 22 and 45 who have a strong commitment to improving the lives of children in our community and beyond. Members have the opportunity to network with prestigious business and community leaders, meet with key Miami Children’s personnel and determine how their donations can best be used to benefit the patients and families at MCH. With goal of helping children with medical needs and raising awareness for MCH, the fundraiser is open to the public and guests are encouraged to make a monetary donation at the door.  To attend, contact Stephanie Cofino at Scofino@mchf.org or call 786.268.1719.  

Casting Call for Worst Cooks in America with Bobby Flay 

Despite what Ari Gold thinks, Bobby Flay, (who has a recurring role on this season of Entourage) is one of our most celebrated chef’s and now he’s joined the Food Network in search of the “Worst Cooks in America”. This Miami Casting at Epic on September 16 and will be televised on the network. If you’re interested sign up today as space is limited. Sixteen of the country’s most hopeless cooks attempt to transform from kitchen zeros into kitchen heroes as they compete in a grueling culinary boot camp and led by Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Anne Burrell.

Email us at worstcooks@theconlincompany.com, tell us why you are the most disastrous cook in the country. Include name, age, hometown, occupation, contact phone number and a recent photo.
Additional info & application available at www.theconlincompany.com

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.