by: Maryanne Salvat

Sushi 101 

Miami Beach’s favorite multi-cultural restaurant, SUSHISAMBA dromo, is offering Floridians and visitors alike an opportunity to sample sake and learn special culinary techniques from the sushi and sake experts of SUSHISAMBA dromo.  The class will be offered bi-monthly and will be conducted under the leadership of SUSHISAMBA dromo’s beverage director, Mackenzie Parks.  Sushi & Sake classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.  The two-hour class offers an educational experience, which includes five flights of sake and a sushi sampler platter for the reasonable price of $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Classes will begin August 11, 2010.    To reserve a space for one of the upcoming classes or to learn more, call SUSHISAMBA dromo at 305.673.5337.

Dance for Best Buddies

On Friday, August 20, head to Arthur Murray Studio from 4 to 5 p.m. to learn some sizzling summer moves and help Best Buddies.  Best Buddies is a non-profit  organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Arthur Murray Studio is located at 1060 Brickell Avenue.   To RSVP contact: yailen@zakarinpr.com.

Bartender’s Challenge

 Leading Ladies 

The Leading Ladies League will be hosting a charity cocktail party at the Miami Institute for Age Management & Intervention (Four Seasons Hotel & Tower), on Wednesday, August   25, from 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit The Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Guests will enjoy light bites, cocktails, music, artwork, and cosmetic treatments.  For more information, visit http://www.miami-institute.com.

Social Miami and Segafredo Turn 10!

Join Social Miami, on Friday, August 27, as it celebrates its ten year anniversary at Epicure, with a grand fête featuring gourmet food and cocktails.  Music and entertainment   will be provided by Rudy Perez.   The festivities begin at 7 p.m. at Epicure Sunny Isles Beach, 17190 Collins Avenue.

On Sunday, August 29th, Segafredo on Lincoln Road, also referred to as “L’Originale,” will be celebrating its 10th year in business as the first Segafredo branch to open in Florida. As usual, this Miami favorite will be serving delicious meals and amazing beverages, but for their anniversary celebration they are going all out with a block party, where DJs Mr. V. and Miss Patty will be spinning their best tunes for all to hear.  The festivities begin at 5 p.m.

 Help with the Oil Spill at JB

JB Kitchen & Bar (1250 South Miami Avenue) will host the Oil Spill Relief Happy Hour alongside the accredited National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and a team of young professionals, invites South Florida residents to a charitable happy hour event on Thursday, August 12 from to 9 p.m., featuring music by popular local fixture DJ Ethics. JB Kitchen & Bar will donate a percentage of the proceeds from drink sales and a select menu of appetizers towards funding the rehabilitation of wildlife and the environmental cleanup of the affected area. There will be additional donation opportunities at the venue, as well as information on how to further get involved with the NWF. For more information or to make reservations call 305.415.0071 or visit www.jbkitchenandbar.com .

Celebs at City Oyster & Sushi Bar

On Thursday, August 12, head to City Oyster & Sushi Bar (213 Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach), where celebrities including Olympic Medalist Dara Torres, LPGA Golfer Kurt Bagwell and local philanthropists will tend bar and serve guests their favorite cocktails at a fundraiser for Palm Beach County JDRF Ride to Cure cyclists – who will cycle 72 miles around Lake Tahoe in September to raise money for Type I Diabetes research. Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will be provided by City Oyster & Sushi Bar and all tips will be donated to JDRF. There will also be a raffle with great prizes. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 7:30.  Call 561.686.7701 or visit www.jdrf.org/greaterpalmbeach

The 4th Annual “CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS” Luncheon

 Young and notable business professionals from around the community will join the  Emerging Leadership Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) to experience and learn from the best of the best at the 4th annual “Champions of Business” Luncheon on August 13.  Individuals will have an opportunity to not only enjoy the divine creations of the newly improved and most iconic restaurant in town, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, but interact with a discussion by a panel of champions in their field.   This year’s 2010 “Champions of Business” panelist discussion will begin at 11:30 am and will be moderated by Michelle Villalobos, principal of Mivista business skills training, and Willard Shepard, investigative reporter for NBC 6. Panelists include: Ricky Arriola,  President & CEO of Inktel Direct Corp, Misha Kuryla-Gomez, owner and creator of Misha’s cupcakes, and Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.  The event is open to the public and tickets are available starting at $60 for Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members and $75 for guests, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $700.  For more information or to RSVP, call Valerie Rasken at 305-695-6833 or valerie@miamibeachchamber.com.

 Paredes Fine Arts Studio Opening and After Party

 Celebrated local pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban impressionist, Miguel Paredes, will continue making his mark in the Wynwood Arts District with the opening of his first solo gallery Paredes Fine Arts Studio on Saturday, August 14 during the district’s monthly “2^nd Saturdays Art Walk.” Paredes is scheduled to be present on opening night and be part of the gallery’s cocktail reception at 8 p.m. which is open to the public. The artist will exhibit select pieces and sculptures from collections such as Boroughs, Digital Art, Pop Collages, Urban Dreams and Los Niños. Guests should confirm their attendance by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com .   All guests are also invited to attend Paredes’ official after-party at Florida Room located inside South Beach’s Delano hotel.  After-party event begins at 11 p.m. and guests must RSVP to LoveCat at lovecatllc@gmail.com.

 Gold-Diggers Cut-A-Thon

Camelot Salon & Spa (2600 Galiano Street, Coral Gables) is sponsoring The Gold-Diggers, Inc.’s Third Annual Cut-A-Thon charity event on Sunday, August 15, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a salon experience like no other, all in the name of charity.  Guests at the salon can receive a haircut for $20, nail polish change for $5 and/or a relaxing chair massage for $10.  Gourmet “couture” will be served from Cupcakes Nouveau and Giardino Gourmet Salads; fitness tips from Gables Fitness. The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, now in its 33^rd year, and has raised over one million dollars for its beneficiaries, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network.  The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is made up of 40 women from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who raise money for these charities through fall fundraisers and their annual spring musical revue.  Visit www.gold-diggers.org for more information or www.camelotspa.com.

Recycle the Zoo Doo!

Zoo Miami needs your votes to win a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project to purchase a large-scale accelerated composter that will allow them to recycle herbivore waste and landscape debris and turn it into a fertilizer.  This will reduce the Zoo’s environmental impact and expenses by lessening the use of commercial fertilizers, mulch, landfill space and by reducing disposal quantities.  The Pepsi Refresh Project is a program that provides grants each month to projects that benefit others in a neighborhood, city or on a national level.  Projects are voted on by the public and the ideas with the most votes receive the grant. Voting runs through August 31, 2010, so vote once a day to help make this happen.  Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/zoodoo  and Click” Vote for this idea”.

 A Birthday Bash at La Fee Verte  

On Saturday, August 7th at 9 p.m. La Fee Verte, South Florida’s first and only tease burlesque and absinthe club, will host and celebrate one of the most popular parties of the summer – the birthday of TARA, Ink’s principal, Nick D’Annunzio. Miami’s list of Who’s Who are encouraged to channel their favorite Parisian icon and dress in the haute-est fashion while enjoying complimentary  V Georgio Vodka cocktails and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of French Bistro Lemon Twist. Everyone in attendance will witness a performance by lead temptress Nicole Soden of the club’s tantalizing Madames du Mischief and dance the night away to the beats of South Florida’s latest stylish DJ duo Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem, Canadian-Miamian transplants).  In lieu of gifts, the guest-of-honor has requested that party-goers consider making a donation to his charity of choice, The Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of his late mother Gail Paglia.  To RSVP to this event go to NJD@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 255.

Lucky Strike Saves the Day

Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge has come up with the perfect cure for the “I’M BORED!”  blues that Moms throughout South Florida dread when Summer arrives.  Every Wednesday through August 11^th, LSL&L offers a “Mommy and Me” program for only $15 per child (advance purchase) or $20 (same-day purchase) where Moms and tots can enjoy unlimited bowling and shoe rental, baskets of fresh popcorn and hot pizza, soft drinks, and cartoons and kids’ movies displayed on Lucky Strike’s 22 state-of-the-art projection screens.  For more information call 305.532.0307.

 Arts and Crafts at Buck15

During the months of August and September, Buck15 will be hosting monthly art competitions where locals are given a sneaker and t-shirt to use as a blank canvas.  T-shirts, sponsored by Puma, will be given out the first weekend in August to anyone that wants to participate. Artists have until August 6^th to hand in their masterpieces, which will be displayed on the walls of Buck15 along with voting cards throughout the month.  Buck15 patrons will have until August 24^th   to vote for their favorite piece.  The winner will be announced that evening at 11:30pm, and will be awarded a $75 gift certificate to La Epoca Department Store, located at 200 East Flagler Street in Downtown, and a $75 bar comp to Buck15.  “Celebrity” Judges include: Craig Stevens, Daisy D and Maisi Baserva.  For art inquiries, contact Cesar@Buck15.net.

FENOMinal Tasting

On Saturday, August 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., fenom Modern Absinthe – the clear, modern absinthe that exclusively hit the South Florida market in May is offering free samplings this weekend . Locals are invited to stop by and sample what is becoming the perfect choice for at home cocktails or for an evening out!  Attendees can sample the product and even purchase a bottle! You can learn what mixes best with this hot, new spirit as well as what this absinthe craze is all about.  The tasting will be hosted by Flamingo Liquors, 1505 Bay Road, Miami Beach.  For more information call 305.510.2919.

 EAT, PRAY, LOVE in Coconut Grove

While most of us can’t afford to travel to Indonesia, India, and Rome, the setting for Elizabeth Gilbert’s famed novel, Eat, Pray, Love, the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove and the new Paragon Grove 13 luxury movie theater have created an exclusive weekend taking guests on a gastronomic and meditative voyage celebrating the debut of the movie August 13 – 15. The special package, from $199 per person, includes relaxation and rejuvenation journeys offering snap shots mirroring themes from the film. EAT: Friday, August 13 guests check-in to the Sonesta Bayfront Coconut Grove before heading to the new Paragon Grove 13. There they can sit back and indulge in an Italian “picnic dinner” from the comfort of their own seats while sipping on their choice ofchampagne or wine as they watch ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ in a private theater.  Special handmade canolis will await them to finish off the night in their Sonesta Bayfront Coconut Grove hotel room.  PRAY: Saturday, August 14 guests will cleanse mind, body and soul by practicing wellness and meditation at DHARMA STUDIO, located in the heart of Coconut Grove. A special Indian-inspired prix fixe dinner menu will be enjoyed at the Sonesta’s Panorama restaurant offering spectacular views of Coconut Grove’s sailboat bay. LOVE: Sunday, August 15 is the day for romantic discovery as guests are invited to explore the bohemian and intimate corners of Coconut Grove by bike*, foot or sailing* around Biscayne Bay.  Reserve online: www.sonesta.com/coconutgrove with a code: EPL08, or call 1.800.SONESTA (766.3782).

 Camelot Salon and Spa

Camelot Salon & Spa in Coral Gables is sponsoring The Gold-Diggers, Inc.’s Third Annual Cut-A-Thon charity event. Centrally located in the heart of Coral Gables, Camelot Salon & Spa is opening its doors on Sunday, August 15, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a salon experience like no other, all in the name of charity.  Guests at the salon can receive a haircut for $20, nail polish change for $5 and/or a relaxing chair massage for $10.  Gourmet “couture” will be served from Cupcakes Nouveau and  Giardino Gourmet Salads; fitness tips from Gables Fitness. The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, now in its 33^rd year, and has raised over one million dollars for its beneficiaries, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network.  The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is made up of 40 women from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who raise money for these charities through fall fundraisers and their annual spring musical revue.  Visit www.gold-diggers.org for more information or Camelot Salon & Spa, 2600 Galiano Street, www.camelotspa.com,  305-986-3133.

Lobster 305

Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort invites those with big appetites and a love for seafood to enjoy a delicious, all-you-can-eat Maine lobster dinner every Wednesday for $35 now through October (and then Stone Crabs).  For a little more than the market price of a tail, guests can fill themselves with as much of this scrumptious crustacean as they can palette. Alongside the “Maine” act, the restaurant will serve-up a bowl of New England Clam Chowder soup and a Wedge Salad with Applewood smoked bacon.  The dinner special includes fresh bread and a choice of two sides including rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, grilled Portobello mushrooms, charred-cheddar wrapped beefsteak tomatoes, and creamed spinach. In addition, Kitchen 305’s supper club guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, enticing cocktail choices and kid-friendly menu options.  For more information, visit http://kitchen305.newportbeachsideresort.com/.

Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza

 Starting this Wednesday, July 28, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza introduces Coal Fired & Cocktails, a Wednesday night Happy Hour promotion at its newest restaurant in Kendall.   Starting at 5 p.m.  guests will enjoy complimentary samples of Anthony’s famous coal-fired Italian favorites and $5 specialty vodka drinks, including martinis such as the F.O.A. (Friends of Anthony) and the PizzaTini.  Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is located at 12502 West Kendall Drive, one-half mile west of the Turnpike.  For more information, call (305) 273-8020 or visit www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com.

Circus, Circus at La Fee Verte

On Thursday, July 29 at 11 p.m., La Fee Verte, along with local entertainment production company Rainbow Circus present a Sexy Circus Slideshow – a one night only event extravaganza! Everyone in attendance will witness erotic numbers and be entertained by sexy freaks as well as the club’s tantalizing Madames du Mischief. The first show will begin promptly at midnight and feature human oddities, aerialists, hootchie-kootchie acts, and death defying deeds. Guests will also be treated to ear candy courtesy of DJ Sante and are encouraged to taste the club’s signature absinthe-based cocktails such as the Moulin Rouge or Devil’s Punch to enhance their experience. To attend this event, guests must to RSVP to info@clublafeeverte.com

  Happy Hour at the Webster

On Friday, July 30, The Webster will be launching happy hour on the Rooftop.   The blissful hours are from 6 to 10 p.m.  Drink specials include 2 for 1 house wine, beer, and call drinks. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served until 8 p.m.  Guests will be treated to music spun by DJ Ethics. The Webster is located at 1220 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

RIK RAK’S ANNUAL SALEabration EVENT

It’s that time of year, Rik Rak’s Annual SALEabration event, where Miami’s favorite salon will present their luxury take on a street fair.  On Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., locals can enjoy up to 50 – 70% off clothing, accessories, shoes, make up, jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags from Roberto Cavalli and Vogue sunglasses to Pelle and Signature Report shoes, this SALEabration is NOT to be missed.  For more information go to www.rikrak.com.

 Kick-Off Party for Miami Spice
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the first Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D, on Saturday, July 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. which will showcase a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants, including: Michy’s, SRA. Martinez, BLT Steak, D. Rodriguez Cuba, Red -The Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime. A VIP reception, hosted by presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and will include an open bar and complimentary valet service.  Advance tickets, available now for purchase via TicketMaster are priced at $35 for general admission; $75 for the VIP reception. Tickets available at the door, will be priced at $50 for general admission; $100 for the VIP reception.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.  For more information, contact: www.strengthflorida.org.

Grow, Restore, and Nurture and Exhale

Look and feel your best courtesy of Exhale, the mind body spa located at EPIC Hotel. This summer, guests can take advantage of the Summer Nails package – a G.R.N. (Grow, Restore, Nuture)  manicure and pedicure package for only $60 (an $83 value). Grow. Restore. Nurture (G.R.N.) by exhale is an eco-conscious, paraben-free skin care line mindfully designed to heal and transform the skin from the inside out.  This offer is valid until August 31 for nail services booked Monday through Friday.  Exhale at EPIC is located on the 16th floor of EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131. For more information call 305.423.3900 or visit exhalespa.com. 

 Arm Candy and Luscious Legs at Equinox

 Just in time for summer, Equinox unveils two new classes, Arm Candy and Luscious Legs: a high enegy, low impact – more fun and less time – intensive approach to rapid toning for members who want to target their sunshine areas.  Arm Candy is a 30-minute, no impact class designed to get the arms, upper body and torso in the perfect shape for the today’s hottest strapless, spaghetti string and cap-sleeve tops and bathing suits. Luscious Legs is 30 minutes of multi-impact, shape shifting movement combining athletic drills and dance conditioning alongside Pilates and Yoga techniques.   Go ahead, show more skin this summer and enjoy the perks of a leaner, sleek (and sweet) physique! Equinox South Beach is located on 520 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, for more information call 305.673.1124     

 Sushi 101 

Miami Beach’s favorite multi-cultural restaurant, SUSHISAMBA dromo, is offering Floridians and visitors alike an opportunity to sample sake and learn special culinary techniques from the sushi and sake experts of SUSHISAMBA dromo.  The class will be offered bi-monthly and will be conducted under the leadership of SUSHISAMBA dromo’s beverage director, Mackenzie Parks.  Sushi & Sake classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The two-hour class offers an educational experience, which includes five flights of sake and a sushi sampler platter for the reasonable price of $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Classes will begin August 11, 2010.    To reserve a space for one of the upcoming classes or to learn more, call SUSHISAMBA dromo at305.673.5337.