BritWeek Miami, the annual celebration of British culture and industry excellence in South Florida, kicked-off its series of events for a second year on Thursday, March 6, with the second annual UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Great Business Innovation Awards Gala at The Viceroy Hotel in downtown Miami. The evening gala and awards honored the most innovative British companies and individuals. The 2014 Entrepreneur of The Year Award was presented to Sean Yazbeck by Her Majesty’s Consul General, Kevin McGurgan OBE, of the British Consulate-General Miami. After winning season five of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice, the British expat set-up the telecommunications services company, WAVSYS, which today is an Inc 500 Fastest Growing Company in America, employing more than 500 people and providing over $100 million of services. A portion of the proceeds resulting from this year’s BritWeek Miami will benefit the Little Dreams Foundation – recording artist Phil Collins’ non-profit charity organization that has recently started its operation in South Florida to help advance the youth and children with an artistic and musical talent.

On February 21, Fisher Island Club hosted an exclusive interactive dinner, “Starry Night: An Evening with Tyler Florence,” in conjunction with the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. More than 70 Fisher Island Club members and VIPs attended the event inside the Club’s historic Vanderbilt Mansion.  Chef Florence personally visited each table to explain how he skillfully prepared the dishes. All proceeds from the dinner benefited the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida Shore

The beautiful Mandarin Oriental overflowed with elegance last Saturday night as the 18th Annual Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program hosted its annual gala with more than 500 of South Florida’s finest- philanthropists, celebrities and socialites who gathered to sip, chat, dine and dance, oh yes, and donate, donate, donate- to young ladies in need. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle planned and hosted an unforgettable evening which raised a record- breaking $900,000 this year- not bad for a day’s work, huh? All joking aside, the tireless efforts of the planning committee, helmed by Toccin Lucas became plainly evident from the minute we arrived. Read the rest here »

Coach Don Shula was on-hand to introduce his delicious Shula Burgers last Wednesday at Trump National Doral, which will host this weekend’s Cadillac Golf Championship- featuring a fashion show by Carolina Herrera and a concert by Travie McCoy. 

The Trump family: Donald, Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric attended the kick-off party at the SLS on Tuesday night, for this weekend’s Cadillac Championship. 

Lauren Graham, best known for her role on Gilmore Girls, was spotted dining at Restaurant Michael Schwartz at The Raleigh Hotel. The actress shared several dishes with friends and a few glasses of wine.  

Fitness and fashion guru, Lucy Mecklenburgh from the UK’s hit TV show The Only Way is Essex, dined at Villa Azur on Thursday, February 27. Mecklenburgh, who has made her stamp in the fitness and modeling world with “Results with Lucy” and “Lucy’s Booty Camp” was joined by a close girlfriend and enjoyed champagne and white wine at a cozy table in Villa Azur’s outdoor garden. Looking elegant in a simple black dress, Mecklenburgh enjoyed some of Villa Azur’s healthy signature dishes. 

We had the chance to rub elbows with lots of Food Network stars such as: Giada De Laurentiis, Alex Guarnaschelli, Andrew Zimmern, Debi Mazar, Gabriele Corcos, Masaharu Morimoto Anne Burrell, Michael Symon,  Aarón Sánchez, Geoffrey Zakarian, Rocco DiSpirito and the Deen Family at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village. 

Alonzo Mourning, hosted a VIP dinner and cocktail party at Beauty & The Feast Bar|Kitchen located in The Atlantic Hotel & Spa in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, February 26th.  Over 100 guests joined Alonzo and Tracy Mourning at the event which raised over $35,000 for the Mourning Family Foundation, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of children and families in the South Florida community through advocacy, education and enrichment services.  Beauty & The Feast Bar|Kitchen will be officially opening in mid to late March with a globally inspired American menu. 

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

For the 13^th consecutive year, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) attracted thousands upon thousands of foodies to the wine soaked sands of South Beach, to delight in scrumptious bites, sip clever concoctions and rub elbows with fellow foodies, VIPs, and more celebrity chefs than you can shake your spatula at. The celebrations started Thursday, February 20 and ran through Sunday, February 23.   

The Q 

Moët Hennessy’s The Q, kicked off SOBEWFF on Thursday, February 20, attracting carnivores and Champagne aficionados like prime, grilled catnip would Tony the Tiger.  Host, Michael Symon, along with over 20 Sports Illustrated swimsuit models converged in a tent behind the Delano for a night of savoring grilled meats from local and nationally renowned restaurants from around the nation and free-flowing Champagne and cocktails.  Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Feast With the Beasts 

The Zoological Society of Florida and Zoo Miami are hosting Feast With the Beasts on March 7, to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments.  Proudly presented by Ryder, Feast With the Beasts will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami. From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Feast With the Beasts returns in its 21^st year as one of the best events in town featuring tastes from 40 local restaurants & caterers, full open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment, and complimentary valet parking. Visit www.fwtb.org or call 305.255.5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.  

Miami Fine Beverage, Chocolate & Food Show at Pinecrest Gardens

Life just got a little sweeter March 8 through 9 with the Miami Fine Beverage, Chocolate & Food Show at Pinecrest Gardens! Expect outstanding cuisine, craft beverages, and gourmet chocolate from the likes of Spartico Restaurant of the Mayfair Hotel, Gallo Wines and Cacao Art, to name a few. Chef Allen Susser will host a rare “Bean-to-Bar” chocolate seminar and “Miami Smoke Affair,” a pop-up event at the gardens, has been designed special for aficionados featuring more than 15 cigar brands. General admission is only $20, and all-inclusive VIP tickets with open bar, free food and complimentary valet is an excellent value at $95. For more info and to buy tickets, visit www.miamifinefoodshow.com.

Delish 2014 Presented By The Wasie Foundation

ARC Broward, a not-for-profit human services organization dedicated to providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, hosts its third annual superb fundraising event—Delish 2014, presented by The Wasie Foundation. The event will be held on Friday, March 7, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Nationally renowned celebrity chef, Michelle Bernstein, returns as honorary chair of this year’s event which celebrates the success of the ARC Broward Culinary Institute. This is the second year that Chef Bernstein will be judging the event’s cooking stations which showcase the culinary creations of ARC Broward’s graduates. This year’s Delish theme, “Fire& Ice,” will feature a faceoff between two of nature’s strongest elements and allow battling chefs to experiment with different techniques to make the perfect hot and cold culinary experiences. All proceeds from the event will support critically-needed services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and those with various other life challenges. During the evening, special guest Celebrity Chef Michele Ragussis from television shows such as Food Network Star, Chopped and 24 Hour Restaurant Battle will be competing in a quick-fire-type challenge against Hilton Executive Chef Sean McDonald. Both chefs will have an ARC Broward Culinary Institute student chef assisting them with the challenge and Chef Michelle Bernstein will judge two groups and crown the winning team. Guests will enjoy an evening of gourmet treats, refreshing cocktails, dancing, live entertainment, a silent auction, amazing Fort Lauderdale Beach views and much more. Attendees will also have the chance to judge competing food stations comprised of culinary delicacies created by ARC Broward Culinary Institute student chefs paired with chefs of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Tickets to attend Delish are $125.00 per person; www.arcbroward.com.

Miami Made Festival 2014 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to present the sixth annual Miami Made Festival, featuring for 2014 a weekend-long showcase of new works-in-progress created and performed by a roster of Miami-based artists across multiple disciplines, most of whom have previously collaborated with the Arsht Center. Miami Made Festival 2014 will take place from March 6 through 9 and includes staged play readings and a multi-media performance in the Center’s intimate Carnival Studio Theater. Admission to Miami Made Festival 2014 is free. Free first access pass will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the show at the Box Office (limit four per person). Passes provide guests with guaranteed admission.

Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program Gala 2014

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its gala at the Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 8. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas and founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have planned for an unforgettable evening in celebration of its 18th year of mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida. There will be more than 3,000 girls benefiting from the program this year. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a silent auction.

A Night at the Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art, one of Miami Beach’s key cultural landmarks, along with a select group of the city’s leading arts patrons, socialites and tastemakers will host its annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” on Wednesday, March 12, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sponsored by Vogue Mexico and Latin America, guests will receive a private preview of Vanitas: Fashion and Art. While enjoying cocktails, refreshments and beats by DJ Mauricio Parra, attendees will explore the institution’s latest exhibition, Vanitas: Fashion and Art. Continuing its mission to “inspire and educate by exploring the connections between our historical collections and contemporary art “Vanitas: Fashion and Art explores  the theme of vanitas as expressed in avant garde ready-to-wear and haute couture as well as in contemporary paintings, sculptures, industrial design and new media. The exhibition will include works by contemporary designers and artists. The installation will also highlight rare examples of the Bass Museum of Art’s remarkable collection of historic frames by incorporating them spatially in the
installation to create a dynamic and interactive engagement of artworks and viewer. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to participate in a silent auction including art, experiences and luxury items. Admission to the fundraising event is $250 for two and includes a Rubens Level Membership to the Bass Museum of Art for one year; To RSVP visitwww.bassmuseum.org or call 305.673.7530.  

The Way of the Rain Miami 

On Tuesday, March 11, the National YoungArts Foundation will present the world premiere of The Way of the Rain Miami, a performance art piece directed by Sibylle Szaggars Redford. This interdisciplinary performance will feature an all-star creative team including YoungArts alumni Dave Eggar and Desmond Richardson, co-music directors Will Calhoun and Chuck Palmer, renowned lighting designer Steve Cohen and legendary sound engineer Ron Saint Germain.  There will also be a short film presentation by F. Thomas McBee III, acclaimed video artist and performance by Redford’s husband, Robert Redford. This unique multidisciplinary show pays homage to Earth and its universal elements through the exploration of light, sound, color and texture.a collaborative directed by with Sibylle Szaggars Redford next week’s YoungArts events. Additionally, presented for the first time in Miami will be The Way of the Rain Paintings, a coinciding exhibition featuring Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s artwork will be on display starting March 11 in the YoungArts Gallery.  On Wednesday, March 12, the second of six YoungArts Salons will feature award winning actor, film director, and producer Robert Redford and environmental artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford at 6:00pm at the YoungArts Campus in Miami. The discussion on art and activism will be moderated by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Vice President/Arts, Dennis Scholl.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Whoopi Goldberg at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to announce the anticipated return of Whoopi Goldberg, the undisputed queen of comedy and entertainment. As part of the Center’s 2013-2014 Live at Knight series, Goldberg will present a new, wickedly funny stand-up show on March 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets to Whoopi Goldberg are currently on sale at $50, $80 and $95*. Tickets may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305. 949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

Be A Kid Again 

The Miami Children’s Museum’s Be A Kid Again Gala takes place this Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 980 MacArthur Causeway.  This party is a must for anyone who wants to go back to the “Disco Era.”  For the party, MCM will be transformed into “Studio MCM.” Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo will present a live auction before guests get the chance to get their groove on during the Boogie Knights: Complete Studio 54™ Tribute. The night kicks off with a cocktail reception inside the museum’s galleries filled with an extensive silent auction, featuring a wine section with exclusive lots from all over the world, followed by food tastings, the live auction and dancing. Dressing up in your best disco attire is encouraged. For more information, visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org. 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Gala 

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its gala at the Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 8. Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle have planned an unforgettable evening in celebration of the Women of Tomorrow’s Annual Gala and its 18th year of mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida.  While the gala is sold out, there are still opportunities to get involved in the event and support the more than 3,000 girls benefiting from the program this year.  Honorees at the annual event include Honorary Chairmen Wayne & Cynthia Boich; Legacy Builder Honorees Bruce & Tracey Berkowitz, The Fairholme Foundation; Leadership Award Honoree Edie Lutnick; Champion Award Honoree Miami HEAT; Excellence Honorees Tara Solomon & Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Ink; and Mentor of the Year Robbin Newman.  For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.

Tropical Brunch in the Garden with Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami

On Sunday, March 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami (LDEM) will present their annual Tropical Brunch in the Garden. Join LDEM at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach for a chance to savor culinary creations amongst the flora and fauna. Priced at $55 for adults and $20 for children (5-12) in advance, attendees will sample and enjoy dishes from celebrity restaurants, exquisite gourmet shops, cooking demos from LDEM, and student stations from Mast Academy and the Miami Culinary Institute. Tickets will be $65 and $30 at the door for adults and children, respectively. Children 4 and under are free. Casual attire; live music and a relaxing vibe; to purchase tickets online email reservations@lesdamesmiami.org or call 877.467-7725.

For more information, www.lesdamesmiami.org.