People We Love Goes Mad

Cafeina goes “Mad” for Calix Gustav Gallery owner/curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon on Thursday, July 22 at 9 p.m. Fernandez-Leon opted for a Mad Men-inspired theme in honor of her favorite drama, the three-time Golden Globe winning show which premiers its 4^th season on AMC the following Sunday. In sync with the stylized and provocative series that follows Madison Avenue marketing executives in a 1960’s Manhattan, guests are encouraged to dress the part, read: plaid jackets, fedoras and skinny ties for the gents; along with cocktail dresses, white gloves, Jackie O. hairdos, and red lipstick for the ladies. The soirée will also feature complimentary period-inspired libations including Vodka Gimlets and the Tom Collins.  Don Draper look-alikes encouraged!

Ole!

Just when you thought South Florida couldn’t get any hotter, ONE Kitchen & Bar hosts a night of Passion & Flamenco that is sure to spice up any summer weeknight! On Wednesday, July 28^th   at 6 p.m., hotel guests and patrons are invited to an evening filled with live seductive Flamenco dance performances, while enjoying sultry Sangria cocktails and tapas.  Complimentary valet will be provided.  For more information go to   www.OneLuxuryHotels.com or call 305.455.5400.

Eat Up for a Great Cause 

For those of us that enjoy the experience of a culinary adventure, Share Our Strength’s 2010 Taste of the Nation Miami (2010 TOTN), is a foodie’s dream for a great cause.  Slated for Thursday, July 29 at Fairmont Turnberry Isle, longtime sponsor Whole Foods Market (WFM), announces a roster of top chef participants who will be conducting complimentary cooking demonstrations at their Aventura and Coral Gables stores every Tuesday in July from 7 to 8 p.m.  Each live cooking demo is free of charge and will last approximately one hour, including cooking and time for Q&A. This is a unique “sneak peak” of the astounding talent that TOTN Miami brings together to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. Making the demos even more exciting, all attendees will have a chance to win VIP entrance to 2010 TOTN Miami.  Two gift certificates for VIP entrance for two will be selected from a drawing of all attendees at the final demo at both stores on July 27.  Winners need not be present at drawing. To purchase tickets to this year’s Taste of the Nation event on July 29 at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle, call 1.877.26.TASTE or visit www.strengthflorida.org. General admission is $95 per ticket; VIP tickets are $195 each.

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.

“LeBroyal” Treatment

 Seven Seas Spa & Salon at Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort welcomes Lebron James with a pampering package inspired by the Miami Heat’s newest superstar. The exclusive package features innovative combinations of spa, sport and lazy leisure at affordable prices that allow anyone to relax like an NBA superstar without requiring the salary of one.  The King James package includes a 30 minute signature massage, 25 minute “MAN”icure, 30 minute personal training session, 30 minute jet-ski rental, AVEDA gift package, and a six pack of beer all for $149.  The Spa is also offering The Heat is On massage specials including six, 60 minute massages for $350 and six, 30 minute massages for $200. For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit www.newportbeachside.com for more information.

 Happy Hour at the Webster

 On Friday, 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.  Due to the lovely South Florida weather, Happy Hour at the Webster has been pushed to next Friday, July 30. 

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.