Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 13 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
Flaunt magazine launched its “Where Are We Going?” issue during Miami Art Week in collaboration with the Bass Art Museum, at the luxurious Air private lounge on the Miami River. The chic space is designed to evoke the interior of a yacht.
The exclusive event, featured a captivating performance by cover star John Summit. The charming and charismatic Summit mingled with stylish guests before taking over the DJ booth. Prior to Summit’s performance, guests enjoyed sets by Jaywav, Gilly Chan, Bec Adams, and Miluska.
The event was co-produced by Jeffrey Jah, Rose Thorn of Lenox Room, and Karim Amatulla of Unpublished.
In attendance were Lady Victoria Hervey, Indira Ceserine, Brad Taylor, Cuba Gooding Jr., River Viiperi, Nicola Siervo, Andrew Gifford, , Fabian Basabe, and Harif Guzman, who danced until the wee hours of the morning.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
Get ready to Mambo under the Miami moonlight at the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s most fun event of the year – the “Every Child Has a Dream” Gala. Don your most comfortable dancing shoes for what’s sure to be a dance marathon- all for a great cause.
The party will take place on Saturday, December 14th at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. Get ready to shimmy to the electrifying beats of DJ Alex Gutierrez and DJ Jimmie E., then sing your heart out to chart-topping Cuban crooner Leoni Torres. Keeping the whole night lively will be the ever-charming Martica Lopez, host of the afternoon show on Hits 97.3. The fun starts at 7:00 pm and unlimited cocktails and food will be served.
The real stars of the night are the kids. The Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of children and young adults for years, providing scholarships, educational programs, summer camps, and more. They’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of kids and awarded over $3 million in college scholarships Now that’s something to celebrate!
A big shout-out to Bacardi, Amerant Bank, Williamson Cadillac, Coca-Cola South Florida, Café La Llave, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee, Homestead Speedway, and all of the sponsors who are helping make this night possible.
Head to https://kiwanisgala.com for tickets. Follow the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana on Facebook (@KiwanisLittleHavana) and Instagram (@KiwanisofLittleHavana) to stay in the loop.
Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 12 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
Lala’s Burgers, the smash burger sensation from Miami’s iconic Apocalypse BBQ, has officially opened at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., bringing its viral creations to Miami’s Bird Road Art District and now offering fans the opportunity to enjoy them seven days a week.
Since debuting as a Tuesday-only pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall over the summer, Lala’s Burgers has repeatedly drawn an overwhelming response. The team attempted a soft launch for this new phase of the brand at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing earlier this month, hoping for a gradual start to operations for the location, but that proved impossible. News spread quickly across social media, and lines soon formed as eager fans returned for more legendary smash burgers.
Lala’s Burgers debuted with three signature smash burgers, each loaded with flavor:
Lala Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, grilled onions, “Lala Sauce,” and house-made pickles.
Classic Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, onions, house pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and the OG sauce.
Maxwell Smash ($16) – A five-ounce patty topped with American cheese, queso frito (fried cheese), chopped pepperoni, and hot honey aioli. This “Burger of the Month” will only be available for November.
For those with a big appetite, burgers can be doubled (for an additional $4). The team recommends rounding out the meal with crispy fries (available for $6) and a classic chocolate chip cookie round—a fan favorite from Apocalypse BBQ (for $3.50).
Owned by Jeff Budnechky and his wife Laura “Lala” Budnechky —after whom the burger concept is named—Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall has become a prized spot in the Miami food scene that draws long lines daily. Known for its coffee-rubbed ribs, juicy brisket, and outstanding burgers, it was only a matter of time before the team brought Lala’s Burgers to a broader audience. Apocalypse BBQ’s signature “Jefe Smash” burger, which boasts a brisket and short rib patty topped with American cheese, grilled onions, and “Jefe Sauce” served on a Martin’s potato bun, helped cement their reputation for delivering a rich, meaty, and irresistibly crispy smash burger.
” We’re truly humbled and energized by the love and enthusiasm Miami has shown for Lala’s Burgers,” said Laura “Lala” Budnechky, co-owner of Apocalypse BBQ. “What started as a simple pop-up has turned into something extraordinary, and we’re grateful to have a home at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. where fans can enjoy our smash burgers every day. Seeing the overwhelming response has been incredible, and we can’t wait to keep serving up flavors that bring people together.”
Lala’s Burgers is now open daily at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., 7360 SW 41 Street, in Miami. Hours are Monday from 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from noon to 1 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The Tuesday pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ, 9980 SW 104 Street, in Kendall, will continue every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 12 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
CHOOSE CHICAGO BROUGHT CHICAGO STYLE
On Saturday, December 7, Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism board took over Veza Sur Brewing Co. to present Chicago Style: Miami Edition. Launched by Choose Chicago in 2024, the Chicago Style campaign celebrates the unique attitude and attractions that make Chicago an unparalleled travel destination. To help Chicago Style come to life in cities across the globe, Choose Chicago is teaming up with Chicago-based creatives on events that celebrate Chicago through art, music, and more.
Chicago Style landed in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood with a vibrant event at Veza Sur Brewing Co. (55 NW 25th St.; Miami, FL 33127) featuring renowned, self-taught street muralist Joseph Anthony Perez, also known as Sentrock.During this daylong activation, both art and travel enthusiasts hadthe opportunity to meet Sentrock, witness him creating an unforgettable mural artwork, enjoy food and drink, groove to music by DJ Ill-Set, take part in interactive art activities, receive colorful giveaways like customized travel bags with Chicago-inspired designs, Sentrock-designed bar glass, play the old-school claw machine filled with goodies from Chicago’s beloved art institutions and makers and learn why Chicago has been voted the nation’s Best Big City in the U.S. by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the past eight years in a row.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
On Tuesday, December 3, Pucci transformed the serene Miami Botanical Garden into a veritable fun fair. It was a whirlwind of color, music, and pure joy.
Imagine a whimsical carnival, with fortune tellers, carnival games, and a dance floor that would make even the most reserved guest shimmy and shake. The food- hand-cut pasta, cotton candy, gelato, cannolis-was a feast for the senses.
Gunna and Saint Jhn and too many models to name mingled with the fashion-forward crowd, adding a touch of star power to the already dazzling night.
Camille Miceli, the brilliant mind behind Pucci’s current renaissance, dressed head-to-toe in shimmery, sequined, fringed Pucci. shared her inspiration. “We wanted to do something different, something unexpected. Miami is a city of art, beauty, and boundless energy. We needed to capture that spirit.”
And capture it they did! The limbo competition, inspired by Emilio Pucci’s own playful spirit, was a highlight. Who knew a simple game could be so glamorous? Obviously- the Italians have known for quite some time.
The whimsical wonderland, brought Emilio Pucci’s signature style to life. The stylish and fun crowd was lost in the rhythm of Disco Bambino’s infectious beats, several of which prompted me to quickly create an “Italian Disco” playlist.
This fete was the highlight of Miami Art Week and by far- the most fun, replete with fanfare, games, dancing and delights. Leave it to Pucci to throw an Italian disco dance party for the ages. Check it out! https://youtube.com/shorts/_VqXsnNclgY?si=gm8UfelU1yFyp9pV
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 11 - 2024ADD COMMENTS
The legendary Hampton House, once a haven for icons like Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali (whose original rooms are still intact!), kicked-off Miami Art Week with a party that was nothing short of fabulous. In lieu of its historic after-hours jazz sessions, it was all about the art this time- at the grand unveiling of “Invisible Luggage.” With over 50 visionary artists exploring the themes of migration, memory, and what we carry (and what we leave behind), the exhibit dives deep into the intersection of freedom, displacement, and identity. Inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, the exhibit reflects on the often unseen struggles and triumphs of the Black community.
The opening was a star-studded celebration, with a dazzling array of special guests from the worlds of art, music, and philanthropy. Among the VIPs in attendance were collector and philanthropist Beth Rudin DeWoody, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, and Pucci’s artistic director Camille Miceli, alongside gallerists Lauren Kelly and Danny Baez. Musician Mingus Murray, son of iconic photographer Ming Smith, was also on hand, as were prominent artists like Shinique Smith, Jeffrey Meris, and Tomm El-Saieh, who showcased their work in the exhibit. The guest list read like a who’s who of Miami’s cultural scene, with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Cava-Levine, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, and former Dunkin’ Donuts CEO Bob Rosenberg mingling with art collectors like Gary Wasserman, Gwen Butler, and the N’Namdi Collection’s Jumanne and Lauren N’Namdi. Curators and art dealers such as Stefano Tonchi, David Maupin, and Monique Meloche rubbed elbows with the likes of Jason and Michelle Rubell of the Rubell Museum, while philanthropists like Kathryn and Dan Mikesell from the Fountainhead Residency added to the evening’s glamour.
After a scrumptious dinner curated by Chef Martin Rodrigue, the eclectic crowd gathered under sparking chandeliers in the open-air terrace to dance, muse, and mingle, enjoying an all-night dance party with the one and only DJ Mos spinning tracks that kept everyone moving. The historic venue, transformed into a dazzling art gallery, was buzzing with excitement.
The evening was a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and celebration. It was clear: the Hampton House is once again a beacon of creativity and celebration, bridging the past with a vibrant, future-forward vibe. Plan your visit here: https://www.historichamptonhouse.org
