Red Bull: Art of Can runs until Sunday, March 14, on Ocean Drive and 9th.  For more information go to www.redbullartofcan.com.

Our favorite space in Wynwood, Cafeina will be hosting a monthly Canadian-themed party named, “The Eh Team” in honor of our neighbors to the north starting this Friday, March 12 at 9:00 p.m.  Hosts include: Michelle Leshem, Sasha Lauzon and Maxwell Blandford (who will be spinning), Jochy Ortiz, and a few others.

Colorado music heavyweights Pnuma Trio and Big Gigantic bring their unique brands of livetronica to Florida for a five-show run March 15-20 that includes a show on March 18 at The White Room. Pnuma Trio will showcase the powerful improvisation that propelled them onto the scene.  Opening act Big Gigantic combines DJ elements with a live band setup and dynamic sax solos, and dance beats. Together Pnuma Trio and Big Gigantic offer two explosive sets of musical exploration routed in the lush electro/jam style. All shows are 18 and over and tickets are available at http://www.glittergluproductions.com/.

Feast with the Beasts

If your appetite has recovered from the SBWFF, consider going to the Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) this Friday.  The event benefits the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Metrozoo.  Other than South Beach, this is one party where you can sample delicious bites from over 40 top restaurants among live tigers, snakes, alligators, monkeys and other wild things.  This year’s Feast starts at 8 p.m. at Miami Metrozoo (12400 SW 152 Street).  Guests are encouraged to wear Carnival-style beads, feathers and masks to this Feast, where they will be treated to great food, 8 open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment, and a dance party. Some of the entertainment lined up includes DJ Donny Michaels, the Miami Heat dancers, Pyro Fusion fire dancers, and Flowering Arts Movement belly dancers.  Limited general admission tickets to FWTB are available for $175 and Beastkeeper VIP tickets, which include a private cocktail reception at 7 p.m.  cost $225.   Those planning on attending should make advanced reservations.  Sponsorship packages are also available.  Visit www.fwtb.org or call (305) 255.5551 to purchase tickets or for more information. 

Hurray for Hollywood

Head to Smith & Wollensky (1 Washington Avenue) for the Oscar Night® America (ONA) party on this Sunday, March 7, at 6 p.m. and you will get a piece of the action. For the eight year in a row, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected Miami Beach Film Society’s Cinematheque host and be the beneficiary of the official celebration in Miami for Oscar Night® America, Miami Beach.  The red carpet and silent auction will be hosted by diva extraordinaire Miss Elaine Lancaster. Red carpet arrivals will begin at 6 p.m., where partygoers can catch a glimpse of evening looks courtesy of LUCA LUCA and Perry Ellis. Guests will then watch the Oscar^® telecast live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center^® in Hollywood starting at 8 p.m.   During the show, attendees will toast Oscar winners while enjoying Smith & Wollensky’s signature three-course dinner with Coppola Wines selections, while bidding on exciting items during the event’s silent auction. Oscar® fans will also be able to predict the night’s winners using a ballot system and become eligible to win great prizes! Oscar Night® promises an experience that exudes the classic glamour and luxury of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, complete with the Academy Awards^® show program booklet for all guests. All proceeds will benefit MBC’s upcoming move to City Hall this summer.

Tickets to the 2010 Oscar Night America Miami Beach are available for $150 or $125 for Miami Beach Film Society & Cinematheque and MIFF members.  Visit www.MBCinema.com for tickets.

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 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 »