If the chorus of one of your favorite songs starts like this, “David Lee Roth lights the menorah, as do Kirk Douglas, James Caan and the late Dina Shore-ah”… then the 23rd Annual Matzo Ball is for you! The nation’s largest, Jewish singles party returns to Miami on December 24, 2009, at Cameo Nightclub on South Beach starting at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available online (www.matzoball.org) for $25 in advance and cash only at the door. VIP Tickets are also available for $150 and includes a three-course non-kosher nosh at SUSHISAMBA prior to the event.

Now through December 23, RA Sushi in South Miami is teaming up with the Toys for Tots Program by giving away one complimentary appetizer per table that donates a new and unwrapped toy (minimum donation value of $10.00). With a good deed checked off the list, it’s time for a well-deserved Christmas in Tokyo cocktail – RA’s seasonal Asian twist to the champagne cocktail.

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The Miami International Wine Fair returns for a larger, more mature, eighth edition.  Slated for September 26 and 27, 2009, more than 500 producers and 1,500 wines representing 20 countries will pour into 85,000 exhibitor-square-feet, therefore transforming the Miami Beach Convention Center into pure “wine country.” 

 U.S. wineries, including E. Beaver, Franmara and Miami Winery will join European producers such as Poggio Al Santino (Italy), Aragon Exterior (Spain) and Cote Du Rhone (France) to name a few.  In addition, the Fair is anticipating an increased presence from South America, of which Argentinean wineries will provide an enticing selection of Malbec – an increasingly popular varietal amongst Americans.   

 Open to the public, the Miami International Wine Fair will host a series of events, wine tastings and seminars designed with the greenest gulpers to the ripest connoisseurs in mind.  Florida is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most important wine markets and with U.S. consumption leading the global industry, the Fair has created its very own stimulus package with tickets priced at $75 per person. 

 Proceeds from admission fees benefit Educate Tomorrow, a Florida-based, non-profit organization that supports 16, 17, and 18 year olds who are aging out of the foster care system by matching them with mentors.  Educate Tomorrow’s mentors help its youth to enroll in college and training programs, find housing and jobs, as well as apply for educational and social assistance that may be available to them. 

For more information please visit www.miamiwinefair.com or call 1-866-887-WINE.

Band from TV Makes a Splash at Shore Club

Big on enthusiasm and actual musical talent, The Band from TV, comprised of Greg Grunberg, Adrian Pasdar, Teri Hatcher, James Denton, Bob Guiney and Jesse Spencer along with Louise Griffiths (model/actress) rocked the Shore Club Saturday night with their garage band antics, and to quote Paula Abdul from American Idol, “really had fun up there and made the songs their own.” The Band’s energy was evidently contagious, as the packed crowd jumped, sang, danced and shouted requests. Audience favorites included: The Who’s Teenage Wasteland, Kid Rock’s All Summer Long, Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas, and Bruce Springsteen’s version of Presley’s Pink Cadillac, The Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Went down to Georgia and to end, Twist It (Shake Your Tail feather) from the Blues Brothers. Teri Hatcher, who sang her heart out and was joined by her daughter onstage, was hot, literally, ending her performance with a dive into the pool. Other band mates followed her lead, ending the concert with a splash. All proceeds from the evening went to the band members’ favorite charities.

Tea, Trump and Crumpets

Ivanka Trump

On Sunday, the PlayGround Theater hosted a whimsical afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. Lucky guests of all ages were greeted by fairytale characters from Inanna and the Huluppu Tree as they approached the ballroom, which was transformed into a scene out of a child’s story book by event planner extraordinaire, Barton G. The charismatic, Belkys Nerey served as Mistress of Ceremonies throughout the tea, which included an auction, children’s fashion show, raffle, jewelry making and a photo booth. A flawless Ivanka Trump served as honorary chairperson of the theater’s fifth anniversary celebration during which she showcased her eponymous jewelry collection, with fifteen percent of sales proceeds going towards the theater. More like “Trump change” than “chump change,” being that our favorite cuff goes for $180,000!

Meat me in New York

8 oz. Burger Bar, rapidly becoming an addictive South Beach staple, (responsible for many a late-night, post-indulgence, walk of shame), was featured on NBC’s Today Show on Monday. Michael Blum did a cooking demonstration along with NBC host and expert griller, Al
Roker.  Blum showcased the 8 oz veggie burger and homemade fried caper tartar sauce during the segment, at the end of which Roker and fellow anchors indulged. This appearance follows Read the rest of this entry »