By Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Cafeina-Fueled Weekend

Cafeina officially turns one on Thursday, February 17, and is throwing one heck of a bash in honor of its one year anniversary celebration!  The Wynwood lounge opens its doors   at 10 p.m., following a private cocktail, and invites the public to enjoy a live performance by Agape Nadia Harris in the garden and complimentary Dewar’s cocktails until midnight.  

On Sunday, February 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cafeina, in conjunction with Supermarket Creative, presents the debut of its weekly garden-and-gallery breakfast series “Brunch N’ Bazaar”, featuring a pop-up restaurant in the gallery that allows for indoor dining and an open-air market curated by New York-based Launche Arte. Guests will enjoy a newly designed menu by Executive Chef Leo Gutierrez that includes both health-conscious and hangover-cure selections, along with $20/two-hour unlimited mimosas. DJ duo Ess & Emm will direct the musical score, ranging from Brazilian Jazz to French Pop, while patrons shop and indulge in additional treats including table-side Bloody Mary’s, ‘made your way’ by Cafeina’s team of mixologists. The Miami bazaar will be housed within Cafeina’s lush 5,000-square-foot garden with over 15 vendors showcasing a variety of products including: jewelry and accessories, vintage, fashion, floral, pastries and an international news-stand. The first installment will include crystal retailer and tarot card reader Donna Hughes; handmade silk dresses by SeaSatin Couture; designer menswear such as Alexander McQueen and Dsquared, sold by Beau Beasley; and watches by Time-Peace, amongst others. For market vendor inquiries contact info@supermarketcreative.com or visit www.cafeinamiami.com.

Dylan Lauren Sweetens South Florida

Dylan Lauren, Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar and daughter of famed fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, celebrates the launch of her first book, Dylan’s Candy Bar – Unwrap Your Sweet Life.  Aside from a private book signing party at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa on Thursday, February 17,   Lauren will be hosting two additional book signings while in the sunshine state on Saturday, February 19.  The first at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, and the second is at Books & Books in Bal Harbour at 5 p.m.  For more information visit:   www.booksandbooks.com.

Surf’s Up! At MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art, a.k.a. MOCA will throw its over-the-top annual gala on Saturday, February 19, featuring a “Surf’s Up!” theme. The gala is a bargain, at only $175 per ticket. As anyone who’s been to a MOCA Bash will attest, this is one of the highlights of the social season every year, as the museum is transformed to fit the theme- a casino one year, a bohemian pad another, a Bollywood stage set another- and the artsy guests dress to fit the theme.  This year, Miami artists will transform MOCA’s galleries into a far-out celebration of surf culture with surfboards, simulated ocean waves, lifeguard stands, bonfires, classic surf films, dances, fire-eaters and beach bunnies. Guest DJs will keep the dance floor packed and top Miami restaurants China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Blue Door Delano, Adriana Restaurant, Meat Market, Sushi Samba and Shiraz Catering will have guests wishing their bikinis were a couple of sizes larger. Fortunately, Grey Goose will provide enough libations to make the unwanted bulges a little less noticeable. To purchase tickets, call 305.893.6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.  You can also start taking advantage of the silent auction, featuring a fantastic array of unique experiences and luxury items by visiting www.mocanomi.org/cmarket. 

Be a Voice

On Saturday, February 19, Voices for Children Foundation will host its largest and most elegant fundraiser at the Mandarin Oriental, (500 Brickell Key Drive) attracting over 500 of South Florida’s most influential and prominent members of the community. Emceed by CBS 4 News Anchor Shannon Hori, the gala will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, dancing and a special performance by the Miami City Ballet. The mission of Voices For Children Foundation is to raise funds to ensure that every abused and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational and social needs. Sponsorship opportunities for tables range from $5,000 to $15,000 with single tickets at $500 per seat. For more information and to purchase tickets or tables, contact Iris Ardon at 305.324.5678 or visit www.beavoice.org. 

Athletes at Play

Wonder where you can spot NFL football players after the season? Well many of them will be at Club Play (1045 5^th Street) on Saturday evening February 19 to help Philadelphia Eagle, Asante Samuels launch his Bring it Home Single Moms Foundation. The organization’s vision is to provide hard working, low income single mothers with a home to restore each woman’s pride optimism and stability. The party goes from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is free and all proceeds from drink purchases throughout the evening will go to the foundation. There will be a swimwear fashion show, body painting, entertainment and a bevy of confirmed NFL and NBA players with whom to mingle. RSVP is requested to: rsvp@bhsinglemoms.org or call 305.532.4340 for table reservations.

The MIAMI Institute Welcomes Dr. Phillip Craft

The MIAMI Institute for Age Management & Intervention (www.MIAMI-Institute.com) will host a special evening to welcome acclaimed plastic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Craft, to the dynamic surgical team.   Join Miami’s “Dream Team” of anti-aging specialists on Wednesday, February 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., as they celebrate the newest addition to their practice.  The MIAMI Institute will open its doors to the luxurious 9,000 square-foot facility – featuring two modern surgical suites furnished with the latest medical technology – for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  For more information or to RSVP visit:  www.miamiinstitute@thepattongroupinc.com or call 305.534.008.

Valentine’s Bidding  on CharityBuzz.com

Want a chance to shower your loved one with a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift?  CharityBuzz.com gives you an opportunity to support the local Miami non-profit Gene Spotlight by bidding on everything from taking your sweetie to a concert to meeting  country superstar Keith Urban (who’s married to Nicole Kidman), to experiencing the Dolphin Odyssey Experiences at Miami Seaquarium, where you and your guest get to swim with the Dolphins.  Bidding ends at noon, on Thursday, February 10. Happy bidding!  

Happy Birthday SET!

Join Stacy and Eric Milon, Michael Capponi, and Laurent Bourgade as they present a birthday party like no other.  Celebrate four years of revelry with internationally acclaimed celebrity DJ, Bob Sinclar; Alex Gaudino,   and Kim Fai.   The festivities begin at 11 p.m. on Friday, February 11, through   Sunday, February 13.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit   www.setmiami.com.

New at Lords

Lords South Beach,  launches two new events this weekend! On Friday, February 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., Lords will introduce its new weekly happy hour, “Bottoms Up,” to all hotel guests and those who love a stiff, but inexpensive cocktail after a long week at work. Everyone will enjoy $4 drinks and tantalizing small plate specials from the hotel’s restaurant, Cha Cha Rooster. Vintage vinyl tunes, 80s hits and Motown classics will be playing throughout the night to set the mood for the weekend. On Saturday, February 12, Lords, along with the ever-popular Edison Farrow’s SoBe Social Club will launch “Plastic,” a new monthly soirée celebrating the beauty of South Beach culture. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary Finlandia vodka cocktails from 10:30  to 11:30 p.m. and dance the night away to the beats of NYC DJ Vito Fun (Splash, Griffin, Fire Island). Plastic begins at 10:30 p.m. inside of Cha Cha Rooster. Guests who don’t want the fun to end are encouraged to take advantage of Lords’ Valentine’s Day hotel package starting on Feb. 11. Each guest who books two nights will receive a third night for free. This offer also includes a welcome bottle of champagne and complimentary couple’s breakfast in bed. For reservations, call 877.448.4754 or visit www.lordssouthbeach.com. 

 Heart Celebrations

The Mandarin Oriental (500 Brickell Key Drive) is celebrating American Heart month this February by donating the proceeds from the sale of select Ehlers Estate wines served at its restaurants- Azul and Café Sambal to the Leducq Foundation for cardiovascular research.  There will be a tasting party on Friday, February 11 at the hotel’s Azul Champagne Bar from 6:30-8:30 p.m., where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon “1886,” and a Cabernet Sauvignon blend called “One Twenty Over Eighty” – all crafted by Kevin Morrisey of Ehlers Estate.  During the party, a gift will be made to the Miami chapter of the American Heart Association.  Tickets cost $30 per person.  For more information call 305.913.8386 or email aspang@mohg.com.

Heart Ball

The American Heart Association presents its Heart & Stroke Ball, this Saturday, February 12, at the stunning and shiny-new JW Marriot Marquis Miami (345 Avenue of the Americas). Festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a dinner program and brief stage presentation beginning at 8:00 p.m. and dancing throughout the evening.  Proceeds raised will help fund lifesaving research, education and community programs. Currently, more than $5.6 million have been reinvested into the South Florida community, funding highly meritorious research projects.  Tickets cost $1, 000.  For more information, call 305.631.4759 or visit www.heart.org/miamiheartball.

Paredes   Fine Art Gallery Unveiled

Fresh from his successful Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 exhibitions and events, Miami-based pop and multi-media artist, Miguel Paredes will unveil the new  Paredes Fine Art Gallery, on Saturday, February 12 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. coinciding with the neighborhood’s monthly “2nd Saturdays Art Walk.”  The new 5,500 square foot gallery located at 173 NW 23^rd Street is a distinct upgrade in size compared to Paredes’ former 1,700 square foot space around the block. The new gallery will be home to the artist’s previous popular works, a small retail boutique featuring his art and colorful merchandise, as well as revisited pieces from his 90s collections such as Boroughs, Urban Dreams, New York Stories and Culture in a Bag. In addition, Paredes will reveal his first functional 3D interior mural-wrapped room entitled Brownstone Lounge.   Guests will enjoy music spun by international Buddha Lounge DJ, Sam Popat and local DJ, Ari X, along with complimentary “Sapphire Dhiva” signature cocktails sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, Heineken art bars and Appleton Rum drinks. Light fare will be provided by Vinyl & Kai, Miss Yip, National Hotel Miami Beach, Kind Healthy Snacks and Sweet Street petite desserts. Guests should confirm their attendance by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com.

Liquid Courage and Love Bites at RA Sushi South Miami

On Sunday, February 13, from 8 p.m. to midnight, RA Sushi in South Miami will host a Valentine’s Day Meet Market where singles can strut  their stuff and peruse the selection of South Miami’s finest bachelors and bachelorettes in the red hot sea of singles. Mr. and Mrs. Right are invited to take a dose of “liquid courage” with their choice of specialty beverages ranging from an Icebreaker ($4) and Love Potion #9 ($6) to a Rum-antic ($6) as well as enjoy “love bites” including Me-so Hungry Soup ($2), R-eel Love Roll ($4), Cupid Crunch Roll ($5), Hey Toots-y Maki ($5), a Draggin’ Me Down Roll ($6), and some RAckin’ Shrimp ($7).  And if one’s stomach isn’t the way to his heart, Cupid will be on-site to make introductions while a guest DJ spins heart-pounding beats. For more information visit RA online at www.RAsushi.com.

Cheers to Chef Michael Schwartz

James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Schwartz, presents the   debut of his cookbook , MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD: Down-to Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat, on-sale nationwide on February 15.  Schwartz will celebrate his book launch  by traveling to New York City for a series of promotional events including: a dinner at the James Beard House on Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m., and an evening as guest chef at chef Jimmy Bradley’s kitchen at The Harrison on Friday, February 18, with Food & Wine magazine.  After an appearance on the CBS Early Show on Saturday, February 19 at 8:00 a.m., he returns to Miami that evening for his first official South Florida signing at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables at 7:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public, with a potluck party featuring a parade of dishes from the book prepared by local devotees and restaurant regulars, live jazz, and drinks found in the book, the event will bear the hallmarks of the Michael’s Genuine experience – community and great food.

Miss Yip Yip Hooray!

On Friday, February 18, the owners of the Prive Group and Miss Yip Chinese Café in South Beach are thrilled to announce the official grand opening of the distinguished Chinese eatery’s second location, 900 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 4 p.m. with a ceremony by Mayor Tomas Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary cocktails and Chinese delights from 4 to 7 p.m., with music by DJ Ethics. To RSVP for the grand opening event visit missyip@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.358.0088.

by: Maryanne Salvat

Rally for Kids at STK  

On Thursday, February 3, join The ONE Group’s STK Miami at Gansevoort Miami Beach as they dish out some stiff competition for a poker and pool tournament in honor of Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation, encouraging locals to help kids in Miami fight cancer.  From 7 pm to 9 pm, STK Miami will be offering guests complimentary cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE vodka to pair with light bites from a special “game night” menu prepared by executive chef Ralph Pagano.  Seats can be purchased at www.rallyforkids.com for a donation of $75 and all proceeds will benefit the Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation.  The chips will begin to fall at 7 pm sharp and with enticing grand prizes at stake, at 10 pm – winners take all.  For more information call 305.604.6832 or visit www.theonegroup.com/stkmiami.  

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Miss Yip will ring in the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit at both of their locations in Miami Beach and Downtown on Thursday, February 3.  At their newly opened outpost at 900 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami, guests are invited to come early and stay late as they host a three day celebration, from Thursday through Saturday, with lion dances each evening, DJ’s, great food and drink specials. Prix fixe menus for large parties will be available. Their original Lincoln Road locale at 1661 Meridian Avenue is celebrating the New Year & introducing Shanghai Nights, an amazing evening beginning at 10:30pm full of performers, Asian costumes, lion dances & more. Patrons can indulge themselves in the spectacular atmosphere and dance to the music of DJ’s Daisy D and Jenni Foxx under the red light colors of Asia. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. Miss Yip, Downtown location,  Thursday, February 3 through Saturday, February 5, and Miami Beach location Thursday, February 3, at 10:30pm.

Angels at Vita by Baoli

On Thursday, February 3, join Angel Squads as they launch the latest European trend on South Beach at Vita by Baoli.   Angel Squads, a new Miami Beach-based promotional agency, is the first U.S. company to utilize this European concept of incorporating massage into nightlife. Angel Squads’ team of trained Massage Angels (read: hot girls in black leggings and white corsets) can now be found at numerous nightclubs and restaurants in South Beach including: Coco de Ville, Philippe, Rok Bar, SET, Tantra and WALL. The girls offer 10 minute relaxing chill neck, shoulder and Indian head massages. The service is free to the venue and customers are only asked to tip the Angels whatever they feel the massage is worth.   Vita is graciously offering complimentary cocktails and light bites by Executive Chef Marc Debas from 8 to 10 PM, and international mix-master DJ N’DY will provide beats for the evening. Angel Squads founders will also be on-site to formally introduce the entire team of Angels (20+). RSVP for the event is recommended at angelsquads@taraink.com. For more information on Angel Squads, visit www.angelsquads.com.

Chinese New Year at Café Sambal

On Saturday, February 5,  from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., join the Mandarin Oriental for a Chinese New Year celebration.  Guests will enjoy festive delicacies, captivating lion dance performances, lively Oriental-style music and Asian artistry on the outdoor terrace of Café Sambal with fantastic views of sparkling Biscayne Bay.  The restaurant will be elegantly adorned with authentic red and gold lanterns, ornate candles and other traditional Chinese decorations.  The talented Mandarin Oriental culinary team will prepare an array of tantalizing Chinese specialties to be enjoyed in a family-style dining experience. True to tradition, rousing lion dance performances will capture the spirit of the season – it is said to bring good luck to households and the businesses they visit.  All guests will receive a ‘red packet’ filled with wishes of good health and good fortune. Guests can also find out what the Year of the Rabbit has in store for them with a complimentary fortune telling reading. For dining reservations, call 305. 913.8358.   Café Sambal is located at Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive.

Super Bowl XLV at Burger & Beer Joint

Burger & Beer Joint has quickly become the neighborhood hotspot for locals at both the South Beach and Brickell locations. With adjacent “Sports Bars” at each joint, the restaurant is proud to celebrate Super Bowl XLV this upcoming Sunday, February 6.  It is the ideal spot to sit back and cheer on your favorite team on any or all of the 14, 42-inch plasma televisions or the super-sized, nine-foot projection screen. In addition, Burger & Beer Joint Brickell will be offering their guests an opportunity to win the Ultimate Super Bowl Package: Front row seats located in the Sports Bar!  Each guest who orders a bucket of five Miller Lite or Coors Light beer bottles ($15) any day this week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, will be automatically entered in the giveaway. The winner and three of his or her closest friends will have the best seat in the house as they get their own personal couch (no obstructed views here!), a $100 bar tab and catered service. The winner will be announced at noon on game day. Burger & Beer Joint South Beach fans will be able to indulge in their own great game day specials and enjoy full access to the upstairs viewing sports lounge. For $20, each guest will receive their choice of a Miller Lite, Heineken Lite or Coors Lite beer bottle and a “Halftime Buffet” area including irresistible bites such as: beer braised chicken wings in a bourbon barbecue sauce, twice baked potato salad, four cheese mac ‘n’ cheese and a “Build Your Own Burger” bar boasting all the necessary ingredients to create your perfect Super Bowl feast.

Botran Rum Bartenders Challenge

Botran Rum puts Miami’s elite bartenders to the test with its cocktail competition on Tuesday, February 8, at The Florida Room in Miami Beach’s Delano Hotel (1685 Collins Avenue).  Judged by some of Miami’s favorite and most charismatic industry experts, 10 bartenders will vie for $1,000 cash, an Apple iPad (16 GB) valued at $500 and a $250 gift certificate to CocktailKingdom.com.  The elimination rounds take place behind closed doors but opens up to the public at 9:00 p.m. for an “Iron Chef” style mix-off.  A staple on Tuesday night’s social calendar, the Delano will invite guests to “pour” into The Florida Room for live music by The Big Bounce.  Specialty cocktails such as the Botran Reserva Apple Ginger Snap and the Botran Solera Perfect Storm will be available for $10 until midnight.

“Cosmic Island” Exhibition at the Copper Gallery 

On Friday, January 28, join Copper Gallery for a intimate and unique first look at Adrian Pelligrini‘s “Cosmic Island” Exhibition.  The Opening Reception/Launch will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at this exceptional new gallery, one of Miami’s most distinctive and promising new destinations for appreciating art and life. The event organized by gallery director, Geo Darder, will feature enticing food, drinks, and wonderful company.   To R.S.V.P. call 305.891.8293 or email GeoDarder@aol.com.  Copper Gallery is located at 13151 West Dixie Highway in North Miami.

A TREEHOUSE For Grownups

TREEHOUSE, a new Miami Beach nightclub, will celebrate its debut with a grand opening reception on Friday, January 28, 2011, 10 p.m. to midnight, featuring complimentary cocktails and music by DJ Troy Kurtz and Canadian DJ duo Ess & Emm. The warm and welcoming indoor/outdoor space will be an adult playground-of-sorts designed and owned by nightlife purveyor Jeremy Waks. Positioned at 323 23^rd Street in South Beach, TREEHOUSE is smartly located among a bevy of hotels and clubs nearby such as The W, Gansevoort Miami Beach, and the Setai Hotel. To RSVP for TREEHOUSE’s soft opening reception, please email treehouse@taraink.com.  For more information  visit www.treehousemiami.com or call 305.674.4478.

 Miami Beach Clean Up

Vice Mayor Michael Góngora will be hosting a South Beach Clean Up on Saturday,   January 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.   As the founder of Miami Beach’s first Green Sustainability Committee, Commissioner Góngora makes environmental issues his top priority.   “We are excited to be hosting a second beach clean-up.  I urge you to bring your family and friends and help your community by participating in this event,” states Vice Mayor Góngora.  Other organizations involved include ECOMB, Friends of South Pointe Elementary, Miami Beach Police Department, Opium Group, SofiK9,  SOFNA Parents and Surfrider Foundation. The meeting point for the volunteers is at 3:00pm at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park (2nd and Ocean Drive). The Opium Group will be hosting an afterparty for volunteers at Cameo located at 1445 Washington Ave from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. following the cleanup.   For more information and to RSVP please contact Diana Fontani at 305.673.7103 or dianafontani@miamibeachfl.gov.

New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala

What’s sure to be one of the biggest events of the year takes place this Saturday, January 29, as the New World Symphony’s Grand Opening Gala celebrates the first black tie event in the New World Symphony’s Frank Gehry-designed campus (500 17 Street, Miami Beach). The opening gala will unlock this ginormous music box for its supporters, art and music lovers, business leaders and cultural dignitaries.  The gala will begin with cocktails, then New World Symphony Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas will present a multi media concert, featuring the world premiere of stunning video art complementing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, followed by cocktails amid Gehry’s soaring shapes and then dinner under the stars on the Mary and Howard Frank Plaza and a late night after party and performance by Broadway star Audra McDonald. Gala guests will also take home custom-made Baccarat etched crystal gifts (valued at over $230).  While the ticket prices are steep:  single tickets cost $10,000 and tables go for $100,000, the gala’s net goal, which is set at $1.5 million will go towards the underwriting of NWS fellowships and community engagement programs, bringing free performances and music lessons to schools, retirement homes and hospitals. The gala committee has already raised $2 million for the community engagement programming.  For more information, contact Rebecca Mandelman at 305-428-6733.

 Late Night Breakfast Cravings at Vinyl & Kai Gastropub

Vinyl & Kai Gastropub & Rock Spot is bringing after hours back to South Beach. The Breakfast Club, taking place every Saturday from 3 a.m. to at least 9a.m.,   will offer a special breakfast menu along with a full liquor bar.  The “early bird”   feasting will be hosted by South Beach Legend — Adora and Newcomer Bird Sanchez.  Chucky Brown makes his return to Miami, and will be the resident DJ for this weekly event spinning an eclectic mix, of electro, indie rock, house classics and a little hip-hop. Vinyl and Kai is located at 1131 Washington Avenue for more information visit www.vinylkai.com.

Your Weekly Dose of Cafeina

 On Thursday, January 20,  Cafeina presents another rendition of its weekly musical performance series Wynwood Live, featuring the soulful beats of Miami-based band Ketchy Shuby. DJ Contra will keep the party going into the early hours as guests enjoy $3 Blue Moon specials and $4 specialty cocktails all night. Contact 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com for table reservations. Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23^rd St. in Miami.  

 On Friday, January 21, Cafeina will kick-off the New Year with a stylish edition of its Canadian-inspired party series “The Eh Team”.  Along with media partner Wasabi Fashion Kult, and guest hosts and co-founders of the L’Effrontée online fashion boutique Beatriz Martinez and Cristina Salazar,   DJs Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem) will dictate the musical score for the evening, in addition to party series-staple Maxwell Blandford and “The Eh Team” newcomer Laura of Miami (Nightdrive/WVUM). Guests will enjoy complimentary Canadian-themed libations by Skyy Vodka from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with a Spring 2011 preview of eight cutting-edge accessory designers presented by L’Effrontée. RSVP is recommended to abbey@supermarketcreative.com.

Calling Miss Carnaval at Miss Yip Chinese Cafe

On January 22, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana will be hosting a casting call at Miss Yip Chinese Café’s new Downtown locale for young ladies between the ages of 16 to 25 for the Miss Carnaval Miami pageant, the kick-off event to the annual Carnaval Miami series of events in March.  From 12 to 4p.m., enjoy music by DJ Ethics while savoring on some Dim Sum and other Chinese snacks. The new outpost boasts a full liquor bar and offers an array of signature cocktails including Lychee Martinis and Mojitos, Madame Ming, Big Bamboo, China Breeze, Shanghai Martinis & more.

The competition is geared towards educated, professional aspiring bilingual young women who will represent the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana during their largest fund-raiser of the year.  Education is the main objective building up to the final competition.  Miss Carnaval Miami has a twenty-nine year history of presenting vibrant, intelligent and articulate young women in the USA, and past winners have moved on to rewarding careers in many different industries. Miss Carnaval Miami now reigns over all the activities of Carnaval Miami ending with Calle Ocho.  For more information visit visit  www.carnavalmiami.com.