Swim Week Edition

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim returns for the sixth year to celebrate all-things steamy, sexy and swim with five days of runway shows.  The annual fashion showcase, which takes over the Raleigh from July 15-19 is the world’s leading swimwear designer platform-and it happens here, in our own backyard.  While the shows at the Raleigh are private, the Gansevoort Miami Beach is taking part in their in the festivities to bring you top-tier designer fashions. Other accessible shows, brought to you by Funkshion, will take place at the Setai. Visit http://funkshion.com/ for more information. To view a recap of last year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, click: https://miamisocialholic.com/07/skin/.

Take the Plunge at the Gansevoort

On Friday, designer Christian Audigier, showcases the tattoo-inspired Ed Hardy collection with a pool party from 12 to 4 p.m.  That evening,  Michelle Jonas Travelwear will unveil its Spring 2011 collection as  Perrey Reeves, aka Entourages’ ”Mrs. Ari Gold”, will take the catwalk as the show’s celebrity model .  The show begins at 10:30 p.m.  On Saturday, True Religion Swimwear takes the stage and  hosts  a pool party from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.  And on Sunday, Miami’s own Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian, will celebrate the Luli Fama 2011 fashion show after party at Coco de Ville.  All of these events are open to the public, for more information and a complete listing of events contact Jackie Mailhe at Jackie@taraink.com.

Webster Pro Surf Shop

On Thursday, the posh Webster Boutique along with fenom Modern will convert its first floor into a modern day Pro Surf Shop.  The Boutique will debut  hard-chosen pieces from exclusive surf inspired gear, ready-to-wear accessories, art, and boards from many brand name designers (portion of the proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation).   The event is from 7pm -9pm, RSVP is required at surf@thewebstermiami.com . 

On Friday, the Webster will present the Matthew Williamson Pop-Up Shop from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. to RSVP and for more information contact:  edison.l@quintessentially.com.

Dog Days of Summer

The Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave) invites you to Doggy Days of Summer throughout July and August. Bring your pooch to The Garden at the Village of Merrick Park and enjoy special promotions and doggy treats at select retailers and restaurants. Receive a complimentary professional photo of your four-legged friend with a purchase of $25.00 or more. With a $5 donation enter your pooch in the doggy parade and receive a complimentary bandana. All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami, which will be taking part in the kick-off with an adopt-a-thon on site. The doggy parade will begin at 3:00 pm in The Garden. Prizes will be awarded for top 3 categories: 1. Best attire 2. Best owner/dog look alike 3. Best personality.   Doggy Days will be held on the following dates:  Sunday July 18^th, 25^th and August 1^st from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  For more information visit: http://www.villageofmerrickpark.com/.

Don’t Pass on The Passing

Calix Gustav gallery will debut its newest exhibit The Passing on Saturday, July 10 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. with an opening reception and complimentary cocktails for all guests. The reception will take place at the gallery located in the Wynwood Arts District (98 NW 29th Street) and will coincide with the bourgeoning neighborhood’s monthly art walk. Calix Gustav’s The Passing is set to exhibit the fleeting of time, new seasons and new beginnings representing rebirth through the works of Ecuadorian artist, Jovan Karlo Villalba; Colombian artist, Catalina Jaramillo and sculptor Richard Herzog. The Passing will run from July 10 through September 1, 2010. Regular gallery visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit:  www.calixgustav.com.

Shop to Support the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Go shopping at Lilac And Lilies (229 B Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale by the Sea) to support a Fashion Fundraising Night on Wednesday, July 14^th from 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  You are invited to an evening of shopping, cocktails and catering by Pizza Fusion and to browse the latest collections of their favorite designers including Trina Turk, Black Halo, Rebecca Taylor, BB Dakota, Jay Godfrey, LnA, ZAD and more.  Twenty percent of sales (on non-sale merchandise) will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised more than $179 million for Parkinson’s treatment research.  This special Lilac and Lilies event is being hosted by Liz Camp in an effort to help her reach fundraising goals for fellow Team Fox runners participating in the New York City Marathon on November 7^th.  For more information, contact:  954.530.3109.

 Summer Groove is Here

The Summer Groove, will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl.) from July 14-18.  Hosted by Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade, The Groove is a five-day weekend event that features something for everyone: golf, comedy, music, a benefit dinner, youth summit, youth sports conference and basketball clinic.  There’s also a free block party, an all-star basketball game and numerous exclusive functions. Now in its 14th year, proceeds benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Wade’s World Foundation. For more information, visit www.TheSummerGroove.com.

 Love at Lucky Strike

 Get “Lucky in Love“ at Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge‘s Jewish singles dating event on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now for this fun-filled, action packed mixer at the very cool and hip Lucky Strike. Let loose and get the ball rolling with two free hours of bowling on the JDate-exclusive lanes. Enjoy free shoes, a free drink and great food specials as you mingle and roll the night away.

Vinyl & Kai is “Fenom-enal”

To continue the World Cup frenzy well into mid July, Fenom Modern Absinthe has teamed up with Miami local hotspot Vinyl & Kai for awesome drink specials during every game and complimentary samplings during select games. Fenom Modern Absinthe shots cost $5 and specialty cocktails cost $8. They will be serving the Fenom Fizz, which is a mix of Fenom Modern Absinthe, lemon juice, simple syrup and Perrier.

On Friday, July 2, Vinyl and Kai , along with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce,  will be hosting  Coffee with the President.   Coffee talk is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. so make sure to arrive early.  For all you Facebookies, Vinyl and Kai is also offering 50% off their entire menu all day for fans who RSVP on their Facebook “First Fridays” event page. For more information go to www.vinylkai.com
 

Chilling and Grilling on the Alley

The Grill on the Alley has revamped its already spectacular happy hour just in time for the summer season with new menu items and cocktails.  Happy Hour at The Grill is available Monday – Friday from 4 to 8 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 6 pm.  The new “Chef Bites” section of the happy hour menu includes mini versions of a number of the restaurant’s signature dinner items including the Colorado Lamb Chop, Braised Short Rib and the Peppered Filet Medallion. The Grill on the Alley has also introduced several new handcrafted cocktails to its happy hour menu for only $9. Highlights include the Raspberri Tart, Frozen Summer Peach and The Grill 75. The Grill is located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, with an entrance on the south side of Aventura Mall. For more information, call 305.466.7195 or visit www.thegrill.com.

 A Swank Fourth

InterContinental Miami hosts an Independence Day to remember!  Gather the family and celebrate the 4^th of July with an All-American BBQ equipped with all of the delicious holiday classics:  hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, barbeque chicken and even warm apple pie. Guests will also enjoy refreshing hand-crafted cocktails while watching fireworks amid the panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. The 4^th of July festivities will begin at 6 pm and continue into the evening’s fireworks display. InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza.  The fun costs $28 for adults, $14 for kids (12 and under). Call to reserve your space: 305.372.4431.

 Putting the RED, in red, white and blue…

 Join Red The Steakhouse for a lavish rooftop BBQ, celebrating the 4^th in style.  Make your reservations now for a prime spot on South Beach to indulge in the patriotic festivities.  Sample the menu of beef kabobs, baby back ribs, grilled skewers of citrus-chile marinated gulf shrimp and more.  Satiate your thirst with fresh sangria and specialty cocktails and feel All-American with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob and Yukon gold potato salad.  End the night with a bang with jaw dropping views of the firework displays all up and down Miami – a view you can’t get anywhere other than Red’s rooftop.   For more information or reservations call 305.534.3688 or visit www.redthesteakhouse.com.

Latin Grooves at Mokai

 Mokai is going Latin with the launch of Alternativo Thursdays. Featuring a blend of Latin indie pop, Rock en Espanol, World Sounds and Modern Latin Dance Music, DJ Felix takes the turntables, as live performances take over the dance floor every week, bringing a much needed dose of Latin music to the South Beach scene. Upcoming acts include: Afrokumbre, Locos Por Juana, Rosamax from Brazil, Xperimento, Dr. Draw, Joe Dert   and Oscar G. Doors open at 11pm. Mokai is located at 235 23^rd street on Miami Beach, guests can call 305 531 5535 or visit www.mokaimiami.com for more info.  

 Get Ready to Wine

 The 6th Annual Florida International Wine Challenge uncorks with an unlimited sampling of more than 400 world-class wines from 15 countries on Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Palms Hotel & Spa (3025 Collins Avenue).  A portion of the proceeds benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation.  Enter code WINEDINE for discounted $50 tickets at www.fiwc.net or call 866.998.VINO for more information. 

 Bikes & Babes at Grand Central this Friday!

This Friday, June 25, at 8 p.m. Grand Central, Ducati Miami and Love Cat Marketing & Events present the national premiere of Ducati’s new Monster 796. Motorcycle fans will have the opportunity to get a first look and experience one of Ducati’s newest bikes and be treated to additional eye candy courtesy of Rockstar Swimwear during an informal fashion show featuring the brand’s latest summer looks. All guests will also enjoy complimentary fenom Modern Absinthe cocktails all night. For RSVP information, please email gino@taraink.com.  Following the Ducati event, Grand Central will launch its new weekly Friday night party “Propaganda.” Propaganda is hosted Love Cat Marketing & Events and MAG Miami and features open format sounds by resident DJs and local favorites Danny Daze and David G. For complimentary admission email  Zac Courtney at lovecatllc@gmail.com Grand Central is located at 697 N Miami Ave.

 American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place from June 23 – June 26, and is sponsored by Grey Goose vodka.  To commemorate, GREY GOOSE will present the first annual national “Rising Icons” award to the talented Chrisette Michele at the 2010 American Black Film Festival Awards this Saturday. The award will be presented by Julious Grant, Senior Vice President of Bacardi USA.   Guests will have the chance to enjoy the Grey Goose L’Orange “Startini,” at all ABFF events. For the full schedule and more information, visit: http://www.abff.com/festival/.

It’s An IRIE Weekend!

The 6^th Annual Irie Weekend takes over South Beach on June 25, featuring an action-packed weekend which kicks off with a private welcome reception followed by a bash at LIV at 11 p.m. on Friday night.  Irie will be spinning his irresistible sounds at the club.  The star-studded celebrity golf tournament takes place at the Miami Beach Golf Course on Saturday. Proceeds raised throughout the weekend will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.  For more information, visit: http://irieweekend.com/pdf/signup.jpg.  To RSVP for LIV, call 305.674. 4680. Check out last year’s participating celebrities at: https://miamisocialholic.com/07/dj-irie-does-it-again/.