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.

An Evening of Sweetness and Laughter

On Sunday, January 9, enjoy “An Evening of Sweetness and Laughter,” a benefit, awards ceremony and comedy show to benefit Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF). The event will   feature “Laffing Matterz”, a satirical dinner show which includes a sumptuous sit-down dinner and gourmet dessert selections, and will honor leaders in the medical and scientific communities.  The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF) which supports education and research of children’s genetic brain diseases.  Festivities begin at 4:15 p.m. at the Broward Center for Performing Arts.  Tickets cost $150.  To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.mfrfoundation.org or contact MFRF 561-477-0337 or mfrf@aol.com.

Yoga Does a Body Good

Throughout the month of January, Ayama Yoga in Aventura is celebrating National Yoga Day, (January 23),   by offering free “classes to the masses” all month long.  New students can drop in for a complimentary class any morning, evening or weekend.  In addition, Ayama will offer new students 30% percent off all packages (including 10, 20 and unlimited weekly or monthly classes).  For a schedule of classes, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com/schedule.htm.  In addition, students who attend class on Sunday, January 23, will receive a gift card for a complimentary Aveda pedicure from the Seven Seas Spa in Sunny Isles Beach.  Ayama Yoga Center is located at 2624 N.E. 188th St., North Miami Beach, 305.932.7755. 

Wet Society Sundays at the National Hotel Miami Beach

The National Hotel Miami Beach, along with U4RIA Entertainment and J. Kelly, will officially launch its new weekly South Beach International Pool Party, Wet Society Sundays, this coming Sunday, January 9.  Held at the hotel’s oasis-inspired infinity pool and lounge from noon until sundown every Sunday, the weekly party will offer locals and tourists alike the chance to wet their feet at what’s sure to be among Miami Beach’s most chic aquatic and music scene.  Resident DJ, Bryan Peroni will be joined by special guest artist for the musical programming.

 Next@19th’s Dynamic Jew-View Mini-series

On Sunday, January 9, kicking off Next@19th’s dynamic “JewView” mini-series is First Basket, a documentary that follows Jewish basketball experiences from the stoops of brownstones to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. The screening will take place at 1 p.m. followed by a pick-up game of Schtickball in Next@19^th parking lot. 

On Wednesday, January 12 at 7 p.m., in honor of a visit from Anat Hoffman of the religious female group, Women of the Wall, Next@19th presents Praying in Her Own Voice, a powerful film that documents the courageous struggle of the religious female group.  Inspiring a movement for equality next to the Wailing Wall – one of the holiest places for Jews is Israel – their story speaks of the deprived status of women in Israeli public life.  Hoffman will be speaking at a presentation of the National Council of Jewish Women at Temple Israel on Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Next@19th is located at 137 NE 19 Street, on the campus of Temple Israel’s historic site in downtown Miami.  For more information call 305.542.7732 or visit the website at www.nextat19th.org.