Bal Harbour Welcomes MISTER COLLINS

Bal Harbour welcomes a new American classic to the neighborhood! MISTER COLLINS will make its debut at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for both locals and international jetsetters alike on Thursday, June 16. MISTER COLLINS offers flavorful, home-style American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local, high-quality ingredients and exceptional execution. The menu is peppered with bold favorite: a well-seasoned Prime New York Strip, sous vide Pop’s Pork Chop, Mac and Cheese, True Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and a fruit-forward Ahi Tuna Salad. Every aspect of the meal is hand-crafted on-site from scratch, from the dressings and ketchup, right down to the chocolate ice cream that sits atop the decadent 99% Peanut Butter Pie. For more information, visit www.ONELuxuryHotels.com or call 305.455.5460.

RA Sushi Honors International Sushi Day  

On June 18, RA Sushi in South Miami is celebrating International Sushi Day, an informal holiday created to encourage sushi lovers around the world to eat more sushi. In honor of this special day, anyone who “likes” RA Sushi in South Miami on Facebook can print a special offer good for one complimentary Tootsy Maki.To make this holiday even more official, RA Sushi has declared June 18 as International Sushi Day in the 2011 Chase’s Calendar of Events, the most comprehensive and authoritative reference book available on special events, worldwide holidays, civic observations, and more. The complimentary Tootsy Maki certificate must be printed and redeemed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, International Sushi Day. It is valid at RA Sushi in South Miami. 

Father’s Day 2011 Restaurant Round Up!

Il Corso Trattoria will offer a special a la carte brunch with an array of Italian favorites.  Start with their gamberoni al limone: sautéed jumbo shrimp with lemon butter sauce and sautéed shallots; or their antipasto di la casa: salame, sopressata, coppa, gorgonzola dolce, ciligiene, taleggio, marinated baby tomatoes and baby arugula; or opt for a soup, salad or pizza.  Entrees include risottos such as bistecca alla griglia e risotto: grilled flat iron steak with creamy herb risotto; or frutti di mare e risotto: sautéed shrimp, mussels with spicy tomato marinara, herb risotto, an array of Chef LeRoy’s signature pasta dishes along with several meat, fish or chicken entrees to choose from.  For more information, call 305.603.7137.

Maya Tapas & Grill is giving dad a complimentary steak for lunch or dinner at both locations on Miami Beach.  This family-run restaurant gives fathers the option of choosing either their signature NY Strip or Skirt Steak.  Fathers must be accompanied by their entire family.For more information, visit www.mayatapasandgrill.com.

POC American Fusion Buffet & Sushi: From 11:30a.m. until 10p.m., dad can enjoy the ultimate feast POC style with more than 120 items on display for just $28.99 per person.  Father’s Day specials include lobster, baked Scottish salmon, roasted rack of lamb, kanisu rolls, lobster rolls, baby tuna sashimi and Korean BBQ short ribs. For more information, visit www.pocbuffet.com.

The National Hotel Miami Beach will treat Dad to a hand-rolled stogie, all-he-can-drink beer bar (Dads only!) and specialty grill station. Also featuring a traditional brunch menu for $39 per adult and $19.50 per child (add $10 for unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys; $10 for Dad’s beer bar), National Hotel’s Father’s Day celebration will satisfy all of Dad’s temptations. For reservations, call 305.532.2311.

Drinks of the Grove at the Burgundy Room

Next Tuesday night, June 21, at 7p.m., The Burgundy Room will host the first annual The Drinks Of The Grove.  Mixologists (bartenders) from local Coconut Grove bars and restaurants will compete for the best summer cocktail.   This is open to the public and drinks are only $25 for 10 drink tickets, so bring a friend.  Winner will be determined by the mixologist with the most drink tickets. The competition will be followed with Karaoke with a live band playing behind the brave singers!  For more information call 305.846.9315 .

Feel the Heat at Cafeina

Cafeina is feeling the Heat this Thursday as Game 5 the NBA finals is broadcasted live on the garden wall. Guests will enjoy $3 selected beers including Modelo Especial, Amstel Light, Heineken and Corona, $4 Heat Slammer Shooters, and $4 tequila shots all night. Food specials include ½ dozen chicken wings ($6) or one dozen chicken wings ($10). 80s and 90s cover artist Alvy Perdomo will keep patrons grooving all night. Reserve prime seating by calling 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com.

Fins Weekend 

The Miami Dolphins Foundation will host “Fins Weekend” on June 9-11, the organization’s signature fund-raising event featuring current players, alumni, cheerleaders.  The festivities begin on Thursday, June 9, with the Celebrity Draw Party at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive). The party will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games. On Friday, June 10, Dolphin players and alumni hit the green at Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s award-winning golf course for the FinsWeekend Golf Tournament followed by a luncheon presented by Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to announce the winners.  Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party will take place at the Miami Beach Marina. The following morning, on Saturday, June 11, amateur and professional anglers will meet at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament presented by eDiets.com, followed by “Hooters Weigh-in” and the Scott Financial/HMY Awards Ceremony to find out who walked away with the biggest catch and bid on fabulous live auction items. This years’ grand prize is a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Miami Dolphins away game. For more information about the weekend, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit www.finsweekend.com. 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity will be hosted by E!’s, Giuliana Rancic, and Vivica A. Fox, on Sunday, June 12 at 12 p.m at the JW Marriott in Brickell.  Catwalk for Charity will benefit the children of Little Haiti and assist in establishing a boarding school within Haiti. Featured designers include local favorite Gabriella Arango, and exotic skins handbag designer, Francoise Elizee. For more information on this event, visit, www.breakfastwithsantafl.org or call 305.310.7557. 

Fashion Fun for Sylvester 

The Miami Style will present a fashion show by JB Couture by Judith Barnes at the Double Tree Hotel’s Grand Ballroom (1717 North Bayshore Drive) on June 12, from 5 -10 p.m. to help raise awareness and funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Guests can enjoy a special performance, wine and  hors d’ oeuvres. The cost for entry is $50/ $75 per couple and proceeds will be donated to cancer research. To RSVP, email katherine@blinkpr.com. 

Summer Brunch at Essensia  

Essensia is unveiling a new Sunday brunch a la carte menu, to be offered alongside their extensive breakfast buffet. Available every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., brunch features a selection of wholesome, seasonal, and natural gourmet brunch favorites, smoothies and natural cocktails in a leisurely and relaxed ambiance ideal for families and larger parties. The breakfast buffet costs $24 per person and $12 (per child 12 yrs & under). A la carte Sunday brunch menu prices range from $6 to $18. Valet parking is discounted to $9 for brunch patrons.  For reservations call 305.908.5458 or visit www.essensiarestaurant.com.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

Mayfair Hotel Craft Beer Tasting

Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove leads the trend launching Craft Beer Tastings, offering a sampling of over 40 craft beers from favorite local microbreweries plus bites from local eatery, Trattoria Spartico, at just $20 per person. A certified Cicerone, a sommelier of brewskies, who has been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years, will be conducting tastings every third Wednesday of the month, beginning on June 15. Fresh Beer, an innovative company who supplies beer straight from the brewery to achieve ultimate perfection, will be rotating selections from a vast array of microbrews. Limited seating; reservation required 305.779.5100.

Grand Opening of Il Corso Trattoria

Il Corso Trattoria owners Geovanna  Accetta and Yamil Yordi have teamed up with nationally renowned chef, LeRoy Bautista, formerly of Angelique Euro Café, to bring bona fide Italian cuisine to Coral Gables. Taking place on Thursday, June 16, the grand opening celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jim Cason.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine, domestic draft beer, Wodka Vodka cocktails and antipasti along with live music until 10 p.m. RSVP to ilcorso@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.603.7137.  

Play Dominoes with the Amigos 

Amigos for Kids celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at the highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Island.  Expect a buzzing domino club, live entertainment, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, open bar courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A., live entertainment by Albita and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.  One more thing:  be sure to wear comfortable shoes- the dancing goes all night at this party!  Tickets cost $150 in advance and $175 at the door. Domino tables for four are priced at $1,000 each. Proceeds from tickets and domino tables will benefit Amigos For Kids™. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amigos For Kids™ at 305-279-1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.  

Schools Out, Spa Summer  

To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion from June 10 to August 21.  Select luxury spa treatments will be offered at the discounted rate of $20.11 to celebrate the end of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Guests will also receive complimentary steam, glass of champagne, beach deck access, and free valet parking. For more information call 305.749.2100.

Let the Sun Shine On: HAIR at the Adrienne Arsht Center

If Big hair, psychedelic grooves and shocking scenes are your thing…or if you were a “flower child” or possess an inner Hippie, then you are sure to find the Public Theater’s new production of HAIR to be one of the most electric celebrations on Broadway! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Featuring an extraordinary cast and dozens of unforgettable songs including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Its relevance is undeniable. Its energy is unbridled. Its truth is unwavering. It’s HAIR, and it’s time. For tickets and shows visit www.arshtcenter.org.

Summer Is Here!  Endless Fried Chicken on Wednesday Nights       

Michy’s fried chicken feast returns on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. Available every Wednesday during dinner service, this unbeatable weekly special – priced at $38 per person, (excluding tax/gratuity/beverage) features endless helpings of Bernstein’s signature recipe fried chicken (American or Korean style topped with chilies, garlic and soy) served with a bottomless parade of sides which will change weekly: cornbread, pickled cucumber slaw, and watermelon Greek salad.  The dinner also includes a luscious red velvet cupcake for dessert.  Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, call 305.759.2001 or visit www.chefmichellebernstein.com.

Summer Splash Fundraiser at Soho Beach House

Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc. invites guests to attend its Summer Splash Fundraiser at the ultra exclusive Soho Beach House on Miami Beach, Saturday, June 4, at 7:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of music, the warm beach breeze and delightful company in celebration of the major sponsors that have allowed Miami Bridge to continue to be the city’s only emergency shelter for children and teens. Guests will indulge in delectable passed hors-d’oeuvres, unlimited top-shelf cocktails and irresistible paella from the club’s Penthouse, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. To make a single reservation ($150) or to make a donation, please contact Monique Bain at 305.636.3520.

Tobacco Road Presents: Save the Ta-Ta’s Foundation

On Saturday, June 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., in celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of  the passing of the 19th Amendment, Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road, is celebrating all women with a down home country “Hoedown”!  The event, will include a mechanical bull riding contest, specialty Ultimat vodka cocktails, Miller Lite buckets, and 15 of Miami’s favorite slow food trucks!   The Road will be tickled pink to show love for the ladies, women’s suffrage and the importance of breast cancer research. For more information, visit www.Tobacco-Road.com.

Summer Sessions at Electric Pickle

This Saturday, June 4, Wynwood’s Electric Pickle is hosting a 12-hour party (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.) featuring live acts such as electronic pop duo Benoit & Sergio, DJ Robert James and late night fun in the “Bolero Room” with the Spam Allstars, DJ Induce and Brad Strickland. Guests will enjoy complimentary beer from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Zignum Mezcal signature cocktail specials all night. In addition, the club’s outdoor “playground” will boast an oversized Zignum Mezcal cabana complete with a photo booth, giveaways, plush couches and gratis mezcal shots throughout the evening. $10 advanced tickets are available through Saturday (noon) at Wantickets.com (http://www.wantickets.com/Events/ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=90939).For more information, visit www.electricpicklemiami.com and www.zignummezcal.com. 

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 89^th Annual Dinner Gala 

On Saturday, June 4, more than 1,200 of Miami Beach’s most influential business professionals and community members will join the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the 89^th Annual Dinner Gala honoring local icons for their outstanding contributions to the community. The event will take place the Miami Beach Convention Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. The extravaganza will be a flash back to the black and white television era of Miami Beach in the 50s and 60s. Individual tickets start at $300 and sponsorship opportunities begin at $3,000, which includes a table for 10 guests.  For tickets, sponsorships or more information, call 305.674.1300 or email, valerie@miamibeachchamber.com. Additional information is also available at www.miamibeachchamber.com. 

RA Sushi in South Miami hosts the 7^th Annual Nicky’s Week

RA Sushi in South Miami is hosting its seventh annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser through Saturday, June 4 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, the nation’s top children’s cancer research center. The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. The special Nicky’s Week menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Chicken Yakitori and select beverages. Saturday’s Nicky’s Week Closing Party is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a live DJ, food and drink specials. In addition, guests who make a monetary donation to St. Jude on their check will receive a ticket to enter into RA Sushi in South Miami’s week-long raffle. Prizes include gift certificates to SEE Eyewear, bottle service at WALL South Beach, an overnight stay at legendary Hotel Breakwater on Ocean Drive, spa experience at mySpa at InterContinental Miami, three-month gym membership at Equinox, luxury accessory from Capretto Shoes and much more.  Winning tickets will be drawn during Nicky’s Week closing party on Saturday, June 4. For information on “Nicky’s Week” call 305.341.0092.

Sushi Classes with Chef Jorge Montes

Chef Jorge Montes will give a hands-on sushi cooking class on Thursday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Shane Center Miami Beach. The class, limited to 15 guests, will take place in the large kitchen of this waterfront catering facility.  Price is $65 per person. Guests will learn to prepare sticky rice, knife and rolling techniques and traditional sauces and will have the opportunity to roll two to three sushi rolls with their desired ingredients and creativity. The menu for the evening includes Saketinis, Miso Glazed Tuna with Sesame Rice Cake and Chili Sauce, assorted Sushi rolls; make your own signature roll and sake and honey marinate strawberries with green tea ice-dream. After the cooking class guests will sit down and eat the meal they helped to prepare. To rsvp for the class, call 305.861.8837 or visit .

By: Maryanne Salvat

 John Frieda Tours Miami

John Frieda is embarking on their annual salon tour again this summer (the 18-wheeler that’s turned into a salon on wheels traveling across the country) and they’re coming to Miami’s own Aventura Mall this weekend, May 26 and 27. The tour kicked off in New York with special guests, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, and will be hitting the road until the end of July stopping in markets like Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, LA and Chicago to give women access to the top stylists in the country—for FREE. As always, consumers can pop in to the “Destination: Style” salon for free hair consultations and styles (no cuts or colors!) from the top stylists and colorists from the John Frieda salons in New York and LA as led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Ellen Pompeo, Amanda Seyfried,  etc). In addition to the style makeovers, consumers will receive advice on hair COLORING since John Frieda is now offering an at-home hair color (Precision Foam Colour). We’ll have tons of technological devices throughout the salon (iPads, virtual tables, etc) that feature “shade advisors” to help them select the best shade for them. For more information on the tour, visit www.johnfrieda.com.

The Fox Hole at Cafeina

Join Cafeina on Saturday, May 28, for Fox Hole, a special Memorial Day Weekend celebration benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation. The Wynwood Art District hotspot invites guests to honor our nation’s fallen soldiers through a spectacle of sight and sound. Patrons will enjoy music by Winter Music Conference DJ Bill Kelly, along with beats by Stingray and DJ A-Train. Indie-rock band Addax will take the stage in the garden. Sword-wielding fire dancers and a sexy burlesque troupe in military fatigues, whose performance will be capped off by a fireworks display, will provide additional firepower. Admission to the event is $5.00 at the door or free with military identification. All guests will enjoy complimentary “American Flag” shooters from 8 to 9 p.m., along with food and drink specials throughout the evening. Active U.S. military personnel receive complimentary Cherry Bomb shots until 10 p.m. Cafeina will also raffle off a $50.00 bar tab to one lucky guest, with proceeds benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation.  For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Cooking Class with Chef Jonathan Eismann

On   June   4, 11, and 18, get to know the secrets behind nationally recognized Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove with a personal cooking class with Chef Jonathan Eismann. Dubbed by Miami New Times as creator of Miami’s best pizza, Chef Eismann welcomes guests into his world and reminds each that “The secret ingredient to pizza is the hand that makes it.” For $50,(adults) and $35(children), guests will be greeted with their own Spartico apron, four course meal and learn the tricks of the trade at the new phenomenal Italian trattoria. Adults will enjoy four glasses of wine along with experience, along with use of an Ambrogi wood-burning oven, seasonally harvested grains and an award-winning chef’s personal instruction. Guests will then enjoy their own-made pizza for lunch!  Classes start at 12:30p.m., reservations required. For more information, call 305.779.5100.

SEE Boutique: Hip Without the Rip

SEE, the largest optical boutique retailer in the U.S., is bringing its innovative, one-of-a-kind collection to Sunset Drive in South Miami. SEE and its founders, Richard and Shelley Golden, will host a grand opening at the new boutique on Tuesday, June 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails by ZIGNUM Mezcal and Japanese-fusion tapas by RA Sushi in South Miami. SEE will donate 10 percent of the evening’s sales (as well as all sales through Saturday, June 11) to Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Research Institute. Offering fashionable, original eyewear is not SEE’s only focus, Richard Golden has also created a “gouge-free environment” for people who appreciate trendy, luxury eyewear without an absurd price, sourcing directly from the world’s most forward-thinking designers enables SEE to bring true value to the consumer. For more information, visit www.seeeyewear.com.

Lunch with Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee

On Thursday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at The Four Seasons Hotel, former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee, founder and CEO of Students First, a movement dedicated to transforming public education throughout the United States, will have a bipartisan discussion to elevate the need to work collaboratively on improving the nation’s public education system. Guests will enjoy a beautiful luncheon while listening to key speakers discuss important issues in today’s education. All proceeds will go to benefit education reform. General admission tickets are $150 per person; Benefactor tickets are $750 per couple, which includes  priority seating and private champagne reception with the speakers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information visit:  www.marcoislandacademy.com or call 239.404.3622.

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo

Local artist and urban realist Miguel Paredes and his nationwide graphic design and printing company, PK Graphics, are the presenting sponsors for the 15^th annual MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo, the first break dance conference in the world and longest running hip-hop dance competition in the US east coast. 2011’s expo begins on Friday, May 20 and runs through Sunday, May 22 at various South Florida locations. For additional information or bookings, and a complete listing of events visit: www.hiphopelements.com.

The Shane’s Champagne Brunch

The Ronald W. Shane Center (6500 Indian Creek Drive) invites you to its Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 22, where you’ll get to nosh on food by Joe’s Stone Crab and enjoy a silent auction, live music and a rowing exhibition.  The fun starts at 11 a.m. and benefits the Shane Center, home of the Miami Beach Rowing Club, a non-profit organization which funds rowing scholarships for underprivileged youth.  The event will honor the center’s many founders and donors who have shaped the facility since its inception in 1991.  Tickets for the Champagne Brunch cost $100 per person.  For further information, contact Diana Maldonado at 305.861.8837.  To purchase tickets online, go to www.shanecenter.com/events.

 Base Paint | The Auction

On Wednesday, May 25, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., Ideobox Artspace, SaludArte Foundation, Fundación Manos del Sur, Step by Step Foundation, and Curators Antuan & Tanya Brillembourg join forces as they prepare for Base Paint | The Auction event to benefit the Base Paint Project.  The tents have arrived in Haiti and will be installed this summer as part of a secondary school on the property of L’Athletique d’Haiti. The funds raised will help to finance the new school’s operational costs and ensure the continuation of the work that was begun with the Base Paint Tents.   The contemporary art auction and curated exhibition will be held in Wynwood at Ideobox Artspace and is open to the public with complimentary admission. Base Paint | The Auction will feature over 45 artists that have generously donated works of art to help raise these funds.  For a list of artists and auction pieces, visit www.basepaint.org. While guests view the silent auction and place bids at Ideobox Artspace, the space will host a variety of refreshments and entertainment.  On hand to set the vibe will be famed band Miami City Mix and later in the evening DJ Umber Bandi-Ville will be mixing beats. Artist Leni Ibarguengoytia will unveil her event installation on crate boxes which will act as lounge areas.  Bacardi cocktails sponsored by a private donor will be available to quench the thirst of those who savor Diego’s Andalucia Tapas & Deli’s paella and Zucchero Ristorante Bistro’s hors d’oeuvres. For more information on the foundation, visit www.lathletiquedhaiti.org.

Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami

For the first time ever Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami, the widely acclaimed online destination for luxury services and experiences, are teaming up to host the Spring Into Beauty event at Rik Rak’s newest location, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, on Thursday, May12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rik Rak and Gilt City friends will experience  an evening of lavish pampering, delicious treats and cocktails while toasting to guilty pleasures including Rik Rak’s wide spectrum of miniature luxury services including eyelash applications, manicures and neck & hand massages, while indulging in frosted treats from Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee. For more information on this event or to RSVP, contact JWRIKRAK@ThePattonGroupInc.com. 

Sunset and Stone Crabs Soiree

As South Florida’s famous stone crab season comes to a close, ONE Bal Harbour is saying goodbye in style! This Saturday, May 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., the ultra-luxe property is hosting an all-you-can-eat stone crab extravaganza. Guests are welcome to get their fix of fresh stone crabs, enough to hold them over until the start of next year’s season, while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic. Cost is $75 per person. For more information, visit http://www.oneluxuryhotels.com.

Miguel Paredes Presents “Ghost Writer” at Wynwood Art Walk 

During May’s Wynwood Art Walk from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Miami-based pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban realist, Miguel Paredes, will present his latest piece of artwork, “Ghost Writer,” at his Wynwood gallery on Saturday, May 14. Paredes explains “Ghost Writer” is one of his most intricate pieces to date. Guests in attendance will enjoy light “Nuevo Latino” fare by De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean and complimentary Chivas signature cocktails and Heineken beer.  Local DJ Ari X will provide the tunes for the evening. Those interested in attending, should confirm their RSVP by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com. 

Chefs for a Cure 

Executive chef Paula DaSilva and 1500°, the popular new farm-to-table dining destination in the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, are hosting Chefs for a Cure, an exquisite five-course dinner prepared by a stellar line-up of star chefs and benefitting the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.   To honor a close friend who succumbed to the disease last year, DaSilva called on fellow chef friends – Dean Max of 3030 Ocean, Michael Bloise of American Noodle Bar, Timon Balloo of Sugarcane, Sean Brasel of Meat Market and Hedy Goldsmith, pastry chef at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink – to come together and create something delicious for a wonderful cause. The dinner, complete with a reception co-sponsored by Maisons Marques & Domaines Champagne Louis Roederer, Sam Adams and Votan organic vodka, will take diners on a culinary tour of the best of Miami, with each course prepared by a different chef and paired perfectly with an array of amazing wines.  It is priced at $150 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance by calling Melissa Reilly at   305.674.5594.  Proceeds will go to the AACR in Leah Caputo’s name, there will also be a silent auction on-site to raise additional funds.

Cabernet is King at Morton’s The Steakhouse  

 On Wednesday, May 18, put your wine knowledge to the test by joining Morton’s The Steakhouse in Miami Beach for an interactive and engaging evening celebrating one the most popular varieties in wine selection, Cabernet Sauvignon. Chad Lipson, Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Morton’s The Steakhouse Miami Beach will be conducting a thorough presentation educating guests on an assortment of different Cabernets. The presentation will provide an overview of proper wine etiquette and terminology as well as suggest an array of delicious wine and food pairings. Before the presentation guests will sample select wines and Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres.  The evening will conclude with a Morton’s Associate Sommelier presentation in which a certificate of course completion will be presented to each guest in attendance. Class cost is $49 per guest and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To reserve a seat visit www.mortonsmiamibeach.com; complimentary valet parking will be provided.                       

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

 A Flare for Design

Those with a flair for design and fashion will enjoy, A Flare for Design (intentional spelling) on May 19. This special event will bring together the design community, socialites, celebrities and business professionals for an evening of fashion, fun and fundraising combined with high design at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA 1855 Griffin Road) from 7 to 9 p.m.  The evening will include a fashion show featuring national luxury fashion brands and a silent auction, while showcasing the latest interior design trends.  A performance by Resse Bridges of the Grammy Award winning band, Dirty Vegas will delight music lovers as well.  All proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America, S.E. Florida Chapter.  To purchase tickets which start at just $75, visit www.aflarefordesign.com, email flare@lupusfl.org, or call 561.279.8606

The Art of Found Objects

On Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m., The Art of Found Objects, The Education Fund’s annual charity auction and event, celebrates its 25^th anniversary with food by local celebrity chefs, live music from the New World School of the Arts and an auction lot that includes over 200 one-of-a-kind works by Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers and students. To celebrate this milestone 25 local leaders will be honored, all of whom are products of the Miami-Dade County Public School System. A powerful mix of luminaries, art collectors, business leaders and philanthropists are expected to celebrate this momentous occasion. The event will be held at the Moore Building, tickets start at $100, and can be purchased at www.educationfund.org or by calling 305-892-5099 ext 23.