July 4^th WALL Weekend

Miami co-owners Karim Masri, Nicola Siervo, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant present a star spangled DJ lineup for Independence Day weekend. The 4,000-square-foot VIP hotspot and celeb favorite welcomes special guest performers and an array of local and national mix masters. On Thursday, June 30, kick-off Fourth of July weekend with DJ Sinatra’s hip hop and powerpop beats; Friday, July 1, Las Vegas’ master scratcher DJ Five mixes hip-hop, R&B, rock, house and everything in between; Saturday, July 2,Aussie twin sister tag-team NERVO blend sexed-up electro-house music on the turn tables; Sunday, July 3, Angel, Ramiro, Rick Sarille, Matt Werner and Rene guest host End Dependence presented by Voli Vodka with sounds by Derek Walin & Michael AnGelo. To reserve a table, email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

Aventura Mall Welcomes Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton announces its forthcoming move to the Aventura Mall in Miami, Florida. As of July 1, Louis Vuitton Aventura will be the latest addition to the Maison’s network of stores in North America and dramatically enhance the Louis Vuitton experience for Miami customers.The new Aventura location will replace Louis Vuitton’s Bal Harbour store, which will remain open through the end of June.While the temporary store opening in Aventura on July 1^st will house a full array of product categories and collections, a permanent Louis Vuitton store at Aventura Mall, adhering in design to the Maison’s very latest global store concept, is scheduled to open next Fall, 2012. It will offer a considerably larger retail experience than ever before to Louis Vuitton’s Miami customers, with an internal grand staircase linking the two floors, and a prominent exterior façade. 

Beats After Sunset at the Bass Museum of Art 

This Friday, July 1, the Bass Museum of Art celebrates its monthly first-Friday happy hour event, Beats After Sunset, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests in attendance will be treated to a preview of the museum’s newest exhibit “Sandra Gamarra: At the Same Time (al mismo tiempo)” featuring works by Madrid-based Peruvian artist Sandra Gamarra created specifically for the museum. Gamarra is scheduled to be present during the reception. The exhibition extends throughout the first floor main entrance and exhibition area and will be on view Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, October 16. For her exhibition at the Bass Museum, the artist has created new paintings based on photographs taken of visitors looking at works in the museum’s Taplin Gallery, alluding to a spiritual relationship between the maker, the work, the viewer and the point at which they meet in the museum. In addition, art and design lovers will receive a sneak peek of the museum’s soon to be fully launched on-site boutique elemental@thebass. Lastly, all guests will enjoy beats by DJ Uchi Isabella (WVUM/NDM), complimentary mixologist cocktails, Magner’s Irish Cider and Perrier sparkling water. Asian eats will be provided by Yummy ChunBuns. The event is free for members and $8 for non-members. For more information, call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org.

Fourth of July Weekend Specials

 National Hotel Miami Beach will host a patriotic poolside bash at its backyard oasis, Aqua Bar & Grill, and is also offering a special room rate of $179 for those that want to extend the celebration into the night. From 4:00 p.m. until sunset, guests will savor classic American barbeque fare ($34 per adult; $17 per child), and for an additional $34 sip unlimited specialty beverages (beverage special available from 4 to 7 p.m.), beer and wine while enjoying live entertainment by DJ Bryan alongside the hotel’s iconic 205-ft infinity pool. Upon nightfall, guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s beachfront access offering front row seats to Miami Beach’s sparkling fireworks display. Valet is also available at a discounted rate of $15. For reservations, call 305.532.2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Gibraltar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa will host a bayside barbeque celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. culminating in not one, but three of Miami’s best fireworks extravaganzas originating from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach. For $20 per adult and $10 per child ($15 for adult members) guests will enjoy holiday staples including Angus Burgers, backyard BBQ chicken and baked beans, as well as beverage specials for an additional fee. For those who wish to turn the nation’s birthday into a weekend-long celebration, Grove Isle is offering 15% off the best available room rate (starting at $179 per night), 10% off spa services at The Spa, complimentary valet parking and a welcome bottle of wine (champagne if room is upgraded to the Luxury Bayfront Room). For barbeque reservations at Gibraltar, call 305.860.4381. For hotel reservations, call 800.884.7683 (guests should request the “Florida Resident’s Rate” when reserving the hotel stay; minimum of a two-night stay required). For more information, visit www.groveisle.com.

Popular South Beach resto-bar, Burger & Beer Joint, celebrates Independence Day with menu specials and hot rods beginning Sunday, July 3 through Monday, July 4. Guests in attendance can enjoy “Starter Promos” such as a 10-piece Country Fried Chicken platter with a side of honey ($10); a 10-piece BBQ Wing Basket with a side of blue cheese and celery ($10) or a hearty Red Bean Soup with beef and ciabatta bread toasts ($6). Entrée options include a gooey BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese sandwich made with Texas Toast Bread, arugula, grilled onions, jalapeño jack cheese and served with a side of coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese ($16) and a Chimichurri Steak Sandwich made with ciabatta bread, an 8 oz skirt steak, spinach, fried egg and served with french fries. With the purchase of either sandwich special, guests will receive a complimentary glass of Sam Adams draft beer. In addition, automobile aficionados can partake in B&B’s monthly daytime cruise in and car show “Overdrive Sundays” party starting at noon. Guests will have the opportunity to show off their classic cars, cruisers, hot rods or bikes at the restaurant for a chance to win the “People’s Choice Award” (based on votes). All “Overdrive” participants receive 25% off their entire bill. Space is limited and registering in advance is encouraged. For more information, call 305.672.3287 or visit www.burgernbeerjoint.com.

“The Originals!” Screening at Tobacco Road

Join Tobacco Road for a screening of Emeril Lagasse’s new show “THE ORIGINALS! “ featuring the one and only, Tobacco Road, on Thursday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Guests will sample Emeril’s favorite foods from Tobacco Road’s grill & smoker and the newly bottled Tobacco Road BBQs – perfected over 100 years! Drink specials and $11.99 BBQ Sampler available; Live Music by Jazz Band Big Pappa E!

Haiti Means Business at the Soho Beach House 

This Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m., join Michael Jean Francois Capponi and General Consulate of Haiti in Miami, Ralph Latortue, for a private reception in honor of Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti celebrating Haiti Diaspora Day. The event will be hosted at the Soho Beach House and marks the unveiling of the “Haiti Means Business” Campaign. Minimum suggested tax-deductible donations of $500 to benefit The President’s National Education Fund (checks payable to: T.L.H.S. for the Arts & Social Justice). RSVP no later than June 24, for more information contact Bernice.fidelia@presidentmartelly.ht or call 305.900.9191. 

Irie Weekend

 
Miami’s own DJ Irie will be his hosting his 7th Annual three-day, action-packed charity weekend from June 23 through June 25. The 2011 Irie Weekend presented by SugarTime Sports will commence Thursday night with an exclusive kick-off party at Mokai, which will be transformed into the Crown Royal Black Lounge.  On Friday, June 24, is the golfing event- a celebrity golf tournament at the Melreese Country Club where Irie and New Era will make a special announcement.  That night, Irie will host a welcome concert at LIV nightclub powered by Verizon, Heineken and Premier Beverages before taking over Arkadia pool and lounge on Saturday afternoon, alongside New Era.  This year DJ Irie is pleased to announce the creation of his own charity, the Irie Foundation- which will be on the receiving end of all of the proceeds raised throughout the weekend. Ticket prices vary among the different events.  For more information, visit  irieweekend.org. 

Mayfair Hotel & Spa Offers -Romance Month 

Heat Up the Night includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Passion Kit  – Specifically designed for the playful side of you and your partner, spark your passions with everything you’ll need to create a sexy fun-filled escapade. Gifts include: Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Liquid Ecstasy Lubricant, Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Wire Fire Personal Massager, Premium Mints, Art D’Amour Chocolate Body Frosting, Naughty-and-Nice Passion Dice, Playful Wild Cards, Lacy Eye Mask, and The Guardians; Valet Parking ; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m.
Remember the Romance includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Romance Kit – Within this keepsake box you’ll discover everything you’ll need to transform an evening or weekend getaway into a memorable adventure. Gifts include: Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Premium Mints, Garden of Eden Rose Petal Sachet, Peekaboo Garter, Liquid Serenity Bubble Bath, Love Light Flameless Candle, Playful Wild Cards, and Kiss-Me-Here Body Dust; Valet Parking; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m. Rates from $209; To book your reservation call toll free: 1.800.433.4555 or Mayfair Hotel: 305.441.0000. 

Mayfair Hotel Hosts “Pupperoni” 

On Saturday, June 25, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Pupperoni” for people and their dogs, benefiting Spay Neuter Miami Foundation–a new organization dedicated to the prevention of unwanted pets. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a day filled with wine, bubbly, beer, pizza and accessories for dogs and their owners by Vanderbitch. Event costs $30 per person, to rsvp visit, RSVP@zm-pr.com.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill BURGER BATTLE

Calling all competitive eaters!  Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, the restaurant and bar specializing in good food, good drinks and good times, invites everyone from novice to professional food eaters to enter its BURGER BATTLE eating contest on Wednesday, June 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Smokey Bone’s BURGER BATTLE is offering this culinary consumption competition in honor of its new build-your-own burger menu launching early June 2011. BURGER BATTLE is accepting 40 to 70 entries at each location. Applications are available at all Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill locations throughout the United States or via email at SmokeyBones@taraink.com.  The fee for participation is $10, with $2 of the proceeds being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 28  and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate.

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.