Situated in the heart of the Palms Hotel and Spa, Essensia is a jewel within a jewel.  Executive Chef Frank Jeannetti has created a four-course journey aptly named Jeannetti’s Indulgent Journeys: Culinary Creations from Farm to Table.  Known for his use of organic, sustainable, and seasonal components, Jeannetti’s menu embraces his culinary genius with locally grown ingredients; crafting a menu that is sure to please the palate.  The menu we sampled included heirloom tomato carpaccio with a micro green salad, poached Maine Lobster, pink peppercorn crusted prime beef tenderloin (my favorite) in a sensational Cabernet mushroom compote, and a citrus trio for dessert; a delicate Key Lime pudding cake.  Read the rest of this entry »

Stephanie March and Bobby Flay

It’s no secret that the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SBWFF) is taking over Miami, specifically South Beach this weekend.  What the World Series is to baseball fans, the SBWFF is to eaters everywhere.  Foodies have been revving up their taste buds since the last crumb was consumed at the end of SBWFF 2009, some wishing they had four stomachs like the bovines.  Well it’s back so prepare for an influx of culinary gastro fiends to invade our turf and enjoy the chef-lebrity sightings.  Here is a run down to help you organize your week as you prepare your medicine cabinet with antacids and digestive aids to get you through.

On Thursday, February 25, Rachael Ray will be hosting the Amstel Light Burger Bash at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.  The festivities take place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., where guests get the chance to vote for their favorite burger. Defending 2009 Burger Bash People’s Choice Award Winner, Spike Mendelsohn, (Washington, D.C.), will be fighting to keep his title.  Making its competitive debut this year is New York City’s critically acclaimed Bill’s Bar & Burger with Chef Brett Reichler at the grill.  Also joining the Bash, are heavy hitters Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson, Stephanie Izard, and Masaharu Morimoto just to name a few. A portion of the VIP preview reception proceeds will benefit Rachael Ray’s nonprofit Yum-o!® Foundation.

 On Friday afternoon, the honorable Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the United States, will officially open the “Celebrate France!” tent during Wine Spectator’s Trade Day.  The ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30 p.m. on 13^th and Ocean, giving the phrase “Viva la France!” a whole new meaning.   Food Network star Sunny Anderson, the Cooking for Real host, will also be appearing at the VIVA booth from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

  Lunch in the Garden

 The Second Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon at the historical gardens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 South Miami Avenue) will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010 starting at 11:00 a.m. on The Casino Mound for cocktails and garden tours and continue at the Formal Gardens, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., with a luncheon al Fresco. Women are encouraged to wear hats and men to dress “dapper.”  Neiman Marcus will be providing an informal fashion presentation showcasing spring 2010 collections from luxury brands and Atlantico Rum will provide the cocktails.  The goal of the Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon is to introduce guests to the splendor of Vizcaya’s gardens as originally intended, and raise funds to further the mission of The Vizcayans: to protect, preserve and restore the estate including the gardens.   Ticket prices are $250 for individuals. For more information, contact (305) 856-4866 or www.vizcayans.org.

 Fish + Wine

 Miami’s Area 31 at Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel is hosting its inaugural “Fish + Wine” dinner on Thursday, February 25, hosted by Executive Chef John Critchley and Master Sommelier Emily Wines, the four-course dinner will feature fresh-caught, sustainable seafood paired with boutique wines and will benefit the Marine Mammal Conservancy. The MMC is a local nonprofit whose mission is to protect marine mammals and their habitats through research, rescue, rehabilitation, release and education. Visit www.marinemammalconservancy.org for more information.   The price is for $175 per person, limited to 150 people. For guests interested in the dinner menu’s fish selection, a VIP experience is available for a maximum of 16 people that includes a boat excursion and lunch aboard a private charter with Executive Chef John Critchley which includes a tour of Miami’s finest fishing markets as well as tips on picking premium fish to be featured in the pairing dinner. The VIP experience costs $275 per person including dinner. For more information and reservations, call 305.424.5234 or visit www.area31restaurant.com.

 Blacks are Back for the Fifteenth Year

The Blacks’ Annual Gala benefiting at-risk kids in need through The Consequences Charity & Project Medishare for Haitian relief efforts will take place on February 27th, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This is one star-studded gala you won’t want to miss. This year’s celebrity performers include Grammy Winner Natalie Cole Latin Pop Sensation Paulina Rubio, Platinum Recording Artist Rick Ross, TV/Latin Music sensation, Jencarlos Canela, saxophonist, Alto Reed, and music by well-known DJs: Entice, Irie and DJ Tracy Young.  In addition to appearances by Real Housewives from Bravo Network, an exhibition boxing match featuring top heavyweight boxer Fres “Fast Fres” Oquendo, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski, presented by David Goldberg and Oquendoberg Productions.  And the list goes on, past years have seen the likes of Patti LaBelle, Lil Wayne, Pamela Anderson and Barry Gibb to name a few. For a recap of last year’s gala, go to https://miamisocialholic.com/2009/04/back-in-black/

100% of the ticket sales and auction proceeds go directly to Educate Tomorrow, I Have a Dream, and Project Medishare founded by Dr. Barth Green. Individual tickets go for $500 per person/$1,000 for preferred seating and VIP packages range from $2, 500 – $25, 000.  For more information visit www.theblacksannualgala.org. For tickets please email jasonfclarke@hotmail.com.

Valentine’s Day the Right Way

If waiting two hours for a table and overpaying for a “prixe fix” menu are not exactly your idea of romance, consider The New World Symphony’s (NWS), first annual Vivace benefit, bringing the glamour and romance of old Hollywood to 21^st century Miami this Saturday, February 13. This pre-Valentine’s celebration begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Gusman Center (174 East Flagler Street) with a performance titled “Great Loves of the Silver Screen.” A one-of-a-kind full-orchestral concert, with projected excerpts from classic films like Doctor Zhivago, Madame Bovary, Brigadoon and King Kong and the songs of cinematic favorites such as Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” and “A Time For Us” from Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet.

 Immediately following the concert, Vivace patrons will enjoy a Golden Era-themed red-carpet party at The historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, where they will get a chance to mingle with the NWS Fellows, sip classic cocktails, dine on exquisite cuisine, bid on unforgettable silent auction items and share a dance with their Valentine.

 Adding to the Hollywood Glamour of the evening, Academy Award-winning director David Frankel will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Frankel is internationally renowned for his film and television projects including Marley & Me, The Devil Wears Prada, Miami Rhapsody the Emmy winning series’ Band of Brothers and Entourage and the Academy Award winning short Dear Diary.

Individual tickets for the Vivace benefit, which include the concert and the post-performance party, are $750 with special packages available from $5,000 to $50,000. Concert-only tickets, priced at $77 and $42 are also available by calling 305-673-3331.  For additional information on Vivace, please contact Rebecca Mandelman at 305-428-6733. 

The Anti-Valentine

Single and Fabulous (www.FabulousAlways.com) founders Tiffany Rosen and Erin Newberg present the Second Annual Anti-Valentine’s day soiree “LOVE IS A BATTLFIELD.” The event will take placed this Saturday, February 13th at 9:00 p.m., at Louis lounge at the Gansevoort South Hotel.   According to Rosen and Newberg, “For those of you who are single and dreading the upcoming ‘Hallmark holiday’ here’s your chance to turn Single Awareness Day (aka V-Day) into an opportunity to celebrate ‘singledom!’”  The event costs only $20 but RSVP is mandatory to attend. For more info and to RSVP, contact Tiffany@fabulousalways.com.

Romance in Art

Calix Gustav Gallery is pleased to announce the launch of its newest exhibition “Basics,” showcasing works by classically trained emerging artists who utilize contemporary subject matters. Hosted by Miami Art Guide and coinciding with Wynwood’s monthly Art Walk, Calix Gustav Gallery will host an opening reception on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by Florida International University’s School of Music and Miami Symphony, as well as complimentary cocktails courtesy of V Georgio Vodka.

Visit www.calixgustav.com. Events are open to the public – RSVP to calix@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.

 Happy Hour for a Cause at Viceroy Miami’s Club 50

 Every Thursday, 5% of Club 50’s proceeds benefit a local cause or organization. Last season’s Happy Hour with a Cause donated over $35,000 to such charities as Big Brothers Big Sisters, UM-NSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, United Way of Miami-Dade and the Sabrina Cohen Foundation. From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., guests can enjoy drink specials including $5 well spirits, beer and house wine as they unwind at Miami’s ultimate rooftop bar and lounge. For the Happy Hour charity schedule go to: http://viceroymiami.com/cuisine/club_schedule.html.

Culinary forces unite to help Haiti.  From Monday, February 1, through Sunday, February  7 .  Twenty of South Florida’s finest  restaurants,  and U.S. Fund for UNICEF, will be participating together in an effort to send relief to Haiti.  Diners will be given the option to contribute funds by adding their donation onto their checks.

 Participating restaurants include:  Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Café Sambal at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Eos at the Viceroy, The Grill at The Setai,  The Grill on the Alley, Jaguar Ceviche, La Marea at The Tides, Lime Fresh Grill, Luna Corner Pizza, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Michy’s, Ortanique, Perricone’s,  Red the Steakhouse,Quattro, The Restaurant at The Setai, Solea at W South Beach, SRA. Martinez, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Talula, Two Chefs, and Wish at The Hotel restaurants. For more information, please contact Susan Brustman or Larry Carrino at Bustman Carrion Public Relations, 305.573.0658 or BCPR@brustmancarrinopr.com.

SUSHISAMBA,  Sunny Isle’s Kitchen 305, Miami Beach’s Café Prima Pasta, LUCKY STRIKE, MAYA Tapas and Grill, and MORENA will also be collecting donations for Haitian relief to assist the American Red Cross. Patrons will be able to add contributions on their checks, as well.  One hundred percent of the proceeds collected will be  donated for relief supplies and  financial resources to aide the victims of this devastating tragedy. For more information, please contact Abbi Johnson at  www.Treskoipr.com.

A number of high profile business minds and celebrities will be at the American Airlines Arena this Thursday through Saturday as they support local Miami Beach residents, JR and Loren Ridinger, who own the internet company Marketamerica.com and will welcome over 25,000 people to Miami to learn about the company’s newest product launches and the economic opportunity offered to its independent business owners. Celebrities in attendance will include Eva Longoria Parker, Emilio Estefan, Scott Barnes, Scottie Pippen and Alonzo Mourning. The show will close Saturday at 6:30 pm with a performance by Grammy award winning artist Alejandro Sanz. Market America has just released a small number of tickets to this sold-out conference for $195 for all three days.  For more information and to purchase tickets, email media@marketamerica.com.

Friends with Benefits

“Friends of New World Symphony,” will showcase Bach on Saturday, January 30, at the Lincoln Theater.  The “Authentic Incarnations” will highlight Bach and offer young patrons an introduction to the classics by the 87 New World Symphony Fellows.   This event is a taste of what’s to come at the New World Symphony gala February 13. The after party takes place at a private home on Fisher Island, A.K.A., “La Isla Bonita” immediately after the concert, featuring creative cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, hors d’oeuvres, and a fusion of music by saxophonist, Jason Kush and DJ Roberto Castillo.  The event is for members of “Friends of New World Symphony,” a group of young professionals with a mission to support the arts.  “Friends” annual memberships range in price from $150 to $2500 and offer an in-depth experience with the country’s most talented musicians.  For membership information, contact Stacey Glassman, stacey.glassman@nws.edu.

Pre-Game Show

The Eats Beats Cleats Gridiron Festival presented by Comcast will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 4 on Lincoln Road, featuring more than 75 current and former NFL All Stars, fan experiences and VIP events throughout the weekend.   Expect to see NFL greats, who will be signing autographs, and national sports exhibits, including the Heisman, Super Bowl, World Series, IRL and NASCAR trophies, which will be in one place for the first time ever. 
Weekend and daily passports are available ($85-$350) by going to www.ebcmiami.com.  The four-day festival presented by Comcast and sponsored by Lincoln Mercury, LandShark Lager, AirTran Airways, Bacardi, Gallo Wines, Coca Cola, Cundy Insurance, Miami magazine and Lincoln Financial Radio is set to dominate Lincoln Road the entire weekend. All proceeds benefit the Gridiron greats Assistance Fund.

Also on Thursday, February 4, Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams is hosting a “Haiti Relief Effort” event from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at his restaurant, Proof Ocean Drive, in the former Table 8 space. The Ricky Williams Foundation, a not-for-profit charity led by Ricky Williams supporting national and international communities in need, has joined forces with JBF Worldwide, NFL Players Association and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund to raise money and encourage relief efforts for the numerous victims suffering from the island’s recent and catastrophic earthquake. Guests will enjoy dinner prepared by Proof Ocean Drive’s executive chef Ivan Dorvil, cocktails and live music. Football fans will also be able to bid on items such as Super Bowl XLIV tickets, jerseys worn by their favorite players, genuine NFL memorabilia and a luxury time piece during the event’s silent and live auction. Guests are asked for a minimum donation of $100 to attend this event. Proof Ocean Drive is located inside the Z Ocean Hotel at 1458 Ocean Drive, South Beach.