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.

The “Cinco de Mayo” Run Down

Cafeina and Jose Cuervo present “Subterraneo,” a special Day of the Dead-themed (Mexican national holiday) celebration in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The themed soiree will feature live performances in the garden by Latin rock bands The Spam All Stars and Suenalo, along with beats by DJ A-Train and Mia Moretti in the lounge. The Wynwood hotspot will be transformed into a mysterious villa-Subterraneo, with abundant Marigold flowers, eerie candles, and glow performances throughout the night. Cafeina mixologists will offer reduced price Jose Cuervo cocktails and a specialty $5 menu featuring dishes such as El Muerto, slowly roasted mini pork tacos with Jose Cuervo tequila cream & pico de gallo, Mexico Lindo, homemade tortilla chips with refried beans, guacamole & jalapeno cheese dip, All Saints Beef taquitos with Avocado, sour cream & cilantro, and more. Guests that RSVP will receive a complimentary Jose Cuervo cocktail before 11:30 PM. To RSVP, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Burger & Beer Joint in Brickell is throwing a fiesta! The neighborhood hotspot will celebrate the upcoming Mexican holiday with an outdoor food station complete with flat-top grills serving 4 oz. Mexican-inspired burgers. Mouth-watering options include the Fajita Burger, prime Angus beef, sautéed onions, red peppers, jalapeño jack and Pico de Gallo on Ciabatta bread and a Tostada Burger, prime Angus beef, refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ranchero salsa and sour cream served on tostada – both options are $6. Drink specials include $7 Margaritas and Mojitos; 5 bottles of Corona, Corona Light or Modelo for $20 and $2 Jose Cuervo Jello Shots. Guest will also enjoy music, piñatas filled with adult goodies and fun costumes. The event will take place at Mary Brickell Village’s courtyard from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. For reservations call 305.523.2244.

Grab your sombrero and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Salsa Fiesta Urban Mexican Grill. The festivities begin at 11a.m. and will include food and drink specials. Patrons can enjoy 2 for 1 Mexican burritos, along with 2 for 1 beers and margaritas all day. Visit www.salsafiestagrill.com for more information.

 Rosa Mexicano, the modern Mexican eatery, will celebrate the triumph of the battle of Puebla, with its 9th Annual Festival. This not-to-be-missed, day-long Mexican party, set to take place at the restaurant’s locations in Mary Brickell Village and Lincoln Road, kicks-off at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, a special holiday menu will be available during lunch and dinner service, featuring an amazing array of made-to-order, authentic Mexican specialties, prepared with the freshest ingredients available. Starting at 4 p.m., guests who visit the Mary Brickell Village restaurant can enjoy festivities either in the dining room or on the outdoor patio, where a Mexican-style street festival will offer bar specials, food stations featuring the restaurant’s signature guacamole en molcajete served with perfectly crisp chips, and mouth-watering tacos; along with an ice cream cart, serving up an innovative selection of Rosa Mexicano’s house-made ice creams and sorbets, will all be available for purchase.

Haven on Lincoln Road

Haven, an intimate, contemporary food lounge, is set to bring its mix of cutting-edge design, international cuisine and creative cocktails to South Beach’s busiest business district with its opening May 6. The most recent project by hospitality designer and tech-savvy entrepreneur Mike Boles, the new venue at 1237 Lincoln Road will feature state-of-the-art sight and sound installations while still retaining a warmth and accessibility he believes will appeal to both locals and out-of-towners. . For special bookings and advance reservations, call or text the Haven iPhone at 305.987.8885 or visit www.havenlounge.com

Chef Sean Brasel Heads to the Biltmore Hotel  

Chef/Owner Sean Brasel of the glamorous steak house, Meat Market on South Beach takes a trip south to the spectacular Biltmore Hotel for an Interactive Culinary Demonstration on Saturday, May 7, from noon to 2:00 p.m.  Guests will sip Champagne and cook along with chef Brasel as they prepare a splendid lunch at their tables, including Achiote marinated scallops with pineapple-macadamia nut salsa and sweet balsamic glaze; and Pink peppercorn crusted filet mignon medallion with blue crab and frisée mango salad. Cellar Club Members are $52 and non-members and resort guests are $65 per person.  Reservations are required, 305.913.3203 or www.thecellarclub.com.

ArtCenter/South Florida: 9th Annual Winning Art

 ArtCenter/South Florida presents an evening of prizes, cocktails, music and the chance to win fine art from the organization’s 40 professional artists-in-residence. Celebrating the 9th Annual Winning Art!  ArtCenter’s big draw takes place on Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at 800 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.  Wild on South Beach hostess and local celebrity Elaine Lancaster will be the diva emcee, patrons can try their luck on silent auction items including a seven-day cruise and gift certificates from top restaurants, salons and personal trainers.  Cocktails are complimentary, DJ Herbie James will spin soulful, lively beats, and hors d’oeuvres are provided by SUSHISAMBA dromo. Raffle tickets priced at $10, include a chance to bid on an art piece of choice donated by an established or emerging professional resident artist and entrance to the event. Works are on view at www.artcentersf.org and the main gallery until May 8.
 

Fashionably Conscious Fundraiser

 The highly anticipated annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, featuring donated designer items from the coveted closets of Miami’s leading socialites—and now CEOs—returns on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at Shops at Mayfair. This year’s expanded host committee includes Raysa Fanjul, Darlene & Jorge Perez, Margarita Codina, Karla Dascal, Laura Buccellati, Brian Ehrlich, Lourdes Jofre-Collett, Mark Ferrari, Amy Hollub, Sue Kronick, Alan Randolph, Debra Scholl, Jolie Souto, Susanna Shubin, Annie Vasquez, Kim Wood, and more. Collections already include items from Prada, Armani, Christian Dior, Emmanuel Ungaro, Jimmy Choo, Trina Turk, Elie Tahari and vintage Besty Johnson, along with a brand new Tricia Fix gown. All clothing and accessories will be on sale to guests at discounted prices, ranging from $1 to $500. The weekend event will kick off with a Friday VIP Preview Sale from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., $25 entrance fee, granting first access to fashions, gift bags and libations sponsored by Peroni. Saturday’s all-day sale, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., has a reduced $10 entrance fee. All proceeds will go directly to fund Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard, which offers free after-school and summer programs for over 250 children, and provides a much-needed safe haven for the West Grove community.  For more information, contact fashionablyconscious@gmail.com for any assistance.

By: Maryanne Salvat

maryannesalvat@aol.com 

Angela Laino at Cafeina

Songstress Angela Laino will stop by Cafeina lounge on Thursday, April 28,  to perform a rendition of her newest soulful tracks. Miami-favorite DJ Contra will perform a closing set, keeping guests at the Wynwood hotspot partying into the early hours. Specials for the evening include $4 beers, tequila and burgers. Party begins at 9 p.m. For table reservations contact 305.438.0792 or visit www.cafeinamiami.com. 

 Lorie Lester Sets The Stage

Join Miami-based fashion designer Lorie Lester on Thursday, April 28, for the debut of her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection with The Beautiful Villains Fashion Show at The Stage Miami, located in the heart of the Design District. Entertainment will include live music by garage rockers Jacuzzi Boys, bites by food truck Ms. Cheezious, specialty cocktails by Zignum Mezcal and Coruba Rum. DJ Haitian Hillbilly will warm up the crowd for the fashion show, which will begin at 11:00 PM.   Doors open at 10:00 p.m. 

WALL Lounge Weekend

Stop by the exclusive WALL lounge this weekend for a healthy mix of decadent debauchery, models and one or more celebrity sightings. The sizzling Miami Heat’s DJ Irie will be in the house on Thursday, April 28, performing a signature mix of hip hop and R&B. DJ SKratchy will play house on Friday, April 29, with a closing set by resident DJ Triarchy. Saturday enjoy beats by DJ Stephan Luke and party until the early hours. For table reservations visit www.wallmiami.com or call 305.938.3130.

A Royal Affair at the National Hotel 

On Friday, April 29, National Hotel Miami Beach will host a royal affair in honor of the much-anticipated marriage of England’s Prince William to fiancée Kate Middleton. Held at The Restaurant and Blues Bar from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., the broadcast viewing party will offer guests the opportunity to watch the festivities on a large projector screen while enjoying a traditional “Full English Breakfast” consisting of fried eggs, English-style sausage, rashers of crispy fried bacon, browned mushrooms, black pudding, a browned half tomato and fried bread. For those who miss the live viewing of the celebrated couple’s “I do’s,” Blues Bar, which will be decked out with floral designs provided by Blooming Design & Events, will continue to loop the footage throughout the day accompanied by Kir Royal cocktails for $6 each. Guests are invited to enjoy the breakfast for $24 (gratuity and cocktails not included), while those who don their best Kate Middleton hat will receive a complimentary Kir Royal. Even better, those who “Get on the List” on the hotel’s Facebook page by noon on Thursday, April 28, will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the “The Royal Treatment” – a special package in honor of the nuptials consisting of a two-night stay in a luxury suite, complete with breakfast, one dinner and valet parking – to be announced at the viewing party. Valet parking will also be offered at a discounted rate of $10.  For more information, visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Surface Merchants at Cafeina Brunch N’ Bazaar

 The Wynwood Exhibition Center at Cafeina, along with the Michael Margulies Artist Agency, is pleased to announce its latest exhibition, “Lost and Found: freedom in post-graffism”. The show is an artistic debut by the Surface Merchants, comprised of Miami artists Raymond Adrian, Alex Yanes and Daniel Fila. The artists will be on-site for a special “meet & greet” during Cafeina’s Brunch N’ Bazaar on Sunday, May 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to close out the show.  For more information, visit www.marguliesagency.com.

9^th Annual Hats Off Luncheon

Join Tracy Wilson Mourning, founder and visionary of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, along with hundreds of women leaders, members, sponsors, mentors and volunteers as they come together for the 9th Annual “Hats Off” Luncheon on Tuesday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jungle Island’s Lakeside Café & Treetop Ballroom. Ladies, grab your favorite hat and enjoy a reception, silent auction, luncheon, and the always- anticipated “Honey Bug” Showcase. Proceeds fund bi-monthly “Aspire to Shine” Workshops as well as Camp Honey Shine, a now six-week summer day camp for more than 120 girls enrolled in the program. The Honey Shine Mentoring Program encourages the balance of mind, body, and soul in girls and women by providing nurturing experiences that enlighten their paths and empower their future.Tickets cost $125 and Honey Shine memberships begin at $250. Parking is available at $4 per car. For more information, visit www.HoneyShine.org.