By: Maryanne Salvat 

7th Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand National Lemonade Days 

The Alvarez family will host their 7th Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand as part of the National Lemonade Days fundraiser on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 725 N. Rainbow Dr. The Alvarez family decided to get involved with the Foundation in 2007 after the young daughter of friends died of a form of leukemia. About 2 years after she died, those very same friends welcomed a little boy.  He is almost 5 years old now, and this spring, he, too, was diagnosed with leukemia. The stand has become an annual event, but now the girls are trying to spread the word anew and afar. As in years past, the girls are hoping to garner product donations, and have special visitors to their stand. Among those who have visited in the past – the local fire department and ambulance drivers, as well as supporters of the battle against childhood cancer who have found the event through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation website. The girls hope to raise more money this year than in years past and hope to help doctors on their way to a cure. Founded by Alex Scott (1996-2004) in 2004, Lemonade Days is a three day national event that grew out of Alex’s front yard lemonade stand, and is held every year over the same June weekend. During Lemonade Days, dedicated volunteers host thousands of Alex’s Lemonade Stands across the country, raising over $1 million for childhood cancer research in one weekend. June 2013 will mark the 10th Annual Lemonade Days with an estimated 10,000 volunteers at over 2,000 Alex’s Lemonade Stands around the nation making a difference for children with cancer. Lemonade Days 2013 is set for June 7, 8 and 9! New this year, chefs and moms Melissa d’Arabian and Alex Guarnaschelli will lend their support to the effort by providing kid-friendly recipes and tips to volunteers who sign up to host a lemonade stand during the three day fundraising initiative.You can search for stands by zip code here: www.alexslemonade.org/search/alex_search. 

Lancôme 2013 Seasonal Gift with Purchase

Visit Saks Dadeland for the latest skin treatment and beauty regimen at Lancôme and receive the latest gift with $75.00 purchase from May 30 through June 12 . Guests will receive a sample of Oleo Serum, a choice between Absolue Premium Bx or Absolue Precious Cells, a limited edition lip duo CF Gloss in Orchid Fever and Rouge in Love in Moonlight Rose, or CF Gloss in Smoldering Peach and Rouge in Love in Sweet Escape, and Definicils Mascara in Black and a cils booster sample.  

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar Clambake is Back!

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar has welcomed back its annual Clambake every Friday starting at 6:00 p.m. each night. The hand-crafted clambake is created using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients indigenous to South Florida. The menu features a savory selection of The Forge’s best dishes including: Steamed Clams & Mussels, Crispy Chicken Wings, Oyster Po’Boys and New England Clam Chowder to start; New England-style entrees such as Grilled Maine Lobster with candied garlic, Grilled Salmon with basil mash potatoes, hearts of palm and green salad, Grilled and Sliced Hangar Steak with tomato jam and leek chutney, and Pomegranate BBQ Chicken with cheddar grits and tomato chutney. For dessert, guests can choose from a creamy and rich Banana Bread Pudding with butter scotch sauce or a tarty Lemon Panna Cotta. The $49 includes roasted corn on the cob and boiled red bliss potatoes for the table to share, and two-for-one draft beers throughout the evening. For reservations, please call The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar at 305.538.8533 or visit www.theforge.com.

BleauLive Presents: Fun.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach continues its legacy of hosting top entertainers with a performance by two-time Grammy Award winning indie pop band Fun. on May 29, as part of the iconic hotel’s BleauLive Performance Series. BleauLive crafts a fully immersive destination experience with a number of “surprise and delight” moments including personal guest interaction with the artist.  Fontainebleau Miami Beach is offering Fun. fans two special packages that will get them into the show; for full details visit www.BleauLive.com.

Actors Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith attended the After Earth special event at the Miami Science Museum on Thursday.  After Earth opens nationwide May 31.

Wilmer Valderrama joined friend DJ Aliyo at Shore Club on Friday afternoon, jumping on the turntables to spin a few songs for pool guests.

Miami Heat super stars, Lebron James and Dwyane Wade were spotted relaxing by the SLS Hotel’s Hyde Beach pool this weekend. The pair, who were on a break before the Eastern Conference Finals, spent the day with family and friends, ordered sushi and enjoyed the sun and beach

Tracy Wilson Mourning and her Honey Bugs Shine

More than 600 stylish ladies, all in sensational hats, recently gathered for the annual Hats Off Lunch at Jungle Island which boasted the colorful retro theme:  “Peace, Love, Honeyshine.”  During the welcome reception, the ladies bid on coveted silent auction items, and posed in the red carpet photo booth before enjoying a seemingly endless buffet. The always-charming, award-winning journalist, Louis Aguirre, news anchor with WSVN TV Fox 7 and DECO Drive co-host, who looked dashing in a fedora, flattered the ladies as soon as he took the stage- drawing roaring applause from the audience.  Aguirre introduced Honey Shine’s Honey Bugs, Yolanda Jiron, 18, and Quanthavia Stalworth, 17, now college-bound, who shared their personal stories of success and served as Mistresses of Ceremonies.  Honey Shine founder, Tracy Wilson Mourning joined the ladies on-stage and gave a touching and tearful account of her personal involvement with Honey Shine, which dates back to her childhood. Read the rest here »

John Lermayer, Agustina Woodgate, DJ Jessica Who, and MC Zeale

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore   

Absolut X and Bloc Party

Last Thursday night, the line around the 70, 000 square-foot Soho Studios spanned the entire perimeter of the expansive space by the early hour of 9 p.m. It seemed like the thousands of revelers waiting peacefully in line had been camping out for days in anticipation of the Miami incarnation of the ABSOLUT® X Masquerade Ball (which started in Austin, Texas and will end in Philadelphia). The  average passerby might have asked, “What are they giving away in there, cocktails, food, a free concert?” In this case, the answer was a resounding, “Yes!” to all of the above.  For the masquerade ball, Absolut vodka collaborated  with Miami contemporary artist Agustina Woodgate, who looked beautiful in a sequined butterfly tunic, British indie rock band Bloc Party and world renowned and local favorite, mixologist John Lermayer to merge the worlds of art, cocktailing and music- for thousands of partygoers, for free! Now if that doesn’t warrant waiting in line for a bit, what does?

Upon entering, guests were taken aback by the cool lighting, mirrored art installation above their heads and the sheer magnitude of the whole event. Models donning electric space suits and psychedelic make up gave those who weren’t already decked out in bizarre outfits and masks a mask to wear before venturing into the space to pose in the photo booth, imbibe in Absolut specialty cocktails and dance feverishly to the music of DJ Jessica Who, who spun from a platform atop the center bar. In the VIP area, waiters passed a bevy of hors d’oeuvres while favorite veteran mixologist, John Lermayer, formerly of the Florida Room and currently of the Regent Cocktail Club at the Gale, created his namesake cocktail. Read the rest here »

Jeffery Donovan and Jeremy Shockey were both spotted at SLS Hotel South Beach’s Hyde Beach this weekend, on separate occasions. 

Spotted at Zuma:  Nigel Barker and guests enjoying Spring Sake before his Merrick Park event; a friendly David Bisbal, and Jean Reno (alive and kicking) with wife and friends on Sunday night, after a media hoax reported him dead!

Pitbull made an appearance at The Melting Pot for an exclusive party with the winners of the “Skinny Dipping” sweepstakes, which was hosted by the international fondue restaurant chain and Pitbull’s Voli Light Vodka. Pitbull and J-Lo have also been seen shooting their new music video for “Live it up! Dale!” in Miami and he’ll be appearing at the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party this weekend.

On Saturday evening, Pain & Gain actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was spotted

dining in the subterranean Lafite Wine Room at the The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.

Later that evening, Gabrielle Anwar and Forge owner, Shareef Malnik were seen slow dancing in the corner of the bar, having a romantic moment, oblivious to the other patrons in the area. Muy romantic!

On Sunday, Mexican singer and actress Alejandra Guzman enjoyed the Mother’s Day brunch at the Forge with her daughter.

Luis Miguel was spotted at the Forge shortly after arriving via private jet into

Miami on Monday.  This is the second time in a few short weeks that he has been seen dining in the private dining room. He was joined by a few friends to enjoy the evening.

By: Maryanne Salvat

The Flat Miami Very Happy Hour 

The Flat Miami, the new European-inspired cocktail lounge by Cedric Adegnika and Barbara Zuccarelli, is pleased to announce ‘Very Happy Hour(s)’ specials, which will be available Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, May 15. Bar Chef Egor Polonskiy will offer signature and classic cocktails that change weekly, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines. Located just South of Fifth at 500 South Pointe Drive, The Flat combines upscale cocktail culture and modern décor, featuring a white-lacquered baby grand piano bearing a portrait of Ray Charles, to create a coolly sophisticated atmosphere perfect to begin or end a night on the town.

ABSOLUT® X Masquerade Ball

On Thursday, May 16 from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, ABSOLUT® X will transform Soho Studios into an “ABSOLUT” version of a masquerade ball in collaboration with Miami contemporary artist Agustina Woodgate, British indie rock band Bloc Party and world renowned and local favorite, mixologist John Lermayer. ABSOLUT® X is a series of experiential, full-sensory events incorporating three different disciplines – music, art and mixology – to break new artistic ground. Bloc Party will partner with Agustina Woodgate to create an interactive artistic collaboration, and perform hits like “Children of the Future” from their most recent album Four. At the masquerade ball, guests will be part of a transformative night filled with mystery, high energy performances, interactive art experiences, and ABSOLUT® cocktails by Lermayer. Guests will create custom ABSOLUT® masks to develop their “ABSOLUT® self,” making their dream identity a reality. Working with the non-profit Architecture for Humanity, Woodgate’s finished art will be donated and installed in a selected public space, leaving a piece of ABSOLUT X to live on in Miami; For more information visit www.absolutx.com<http://www.absolutx.com and RSVP at ABSOLUTX.Miami@Carmapr.com.

4th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon 

On Friday May 17, Womenade presents the 4th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon. A vintage fashion show produced by C. Madeleine’s, directed by Danny Santiago, with hair styling and makeup by Rik Rak Salon.Boutique.Bar. The event’s theme is “Deco Riviera.” Shannon Hori, CBS-4’s Emmy award-winning news anchor, will serve as the fashion show and program emcee.

A “Best Dressed Diva Contest” will be featured at this year’s fashion show and luncheon. Come dressed in your best late 1950’s, early 1960’s vintage attire to enter in the contest presented by C. Madeleine’s. C. Madeleine’s will also donate a percentage of sales to Chapman Partnership for anyone who shops at the store now through June 30th.  Honorees include Terry Buoniconti, Ana Codina, Lizette Diaz, Jennifer Naszradi, Phillis Oeters, Rita Ramirez, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Katy Sorenson, Tara Solomon, and Boo Zamek.Event Chairs are Bronwyn Miller, Irene Korge and Migna Sanchez. Honorary chairs are Trish and Dan Bell. Event and Table Sponsorships are available. For more information contact the Development Team at womenade@chapmanpartnership.org or call 305.329.3081.

Restaurant Day at Ruthie’s @ The Little Blue House 

A global initiative that’s quickly catching on in Miami’s culinary movement, Restaurant Day gives anyone who’s ever dreamed of opening their own eatery a reason to produce their own menu, buy produce locally, and promote a pop-up out of their own homes, gardens or private spaces. In this spirit, foodie Amanda Fischer will be putting her home cooking talents to work while Torrence Gettrell opens his terrace to create ‘Ruthie’s @ The Little Blue House‘. On Saturday, May 18 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., celebrate Restaurant Day at Ruthie’s with an Afro-Brazilian inspired meal, with many dish options priced between $9-$16.

Franck Muller at Levinson Jewelers

Levinson Jewelers will be hosting a special event taking place in-store on Saturday, May 18 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Legendary Swiss watchmaker, Franck Muller, will be traveling from Genève, Switzerland to unveil his newest collections. The event will be hosted by watch enthusiast Dan Marino; for more information visit www.levinsonjewelers.com.

11^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® will host its 11^th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala presented by Manuel and Mercedes Mosteiro at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. On this special evening, St. Jude will honor National Football League’s (NFL) all-time winning coach, Don Shula, with the 2013 “St. Jude Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his life-long commitment to helping the community and his unparalleled contributions to the NFL. The gala will celebrate the life-mission of St. Jude, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases. This unique event will include a live performance by Multi-platinum GRAMMY / Latin GRAMMY winning recording artist, Carlos Vives. The FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala co-founder, Daisy Fuentes, will be in attendance to welcome more than 700 guests, and will be accompanied by other award presenters such as Danna Garcia, Julian Gil, Pamela Silva Conde, Raul Gonzalez of Univision Network, and Alberto Sardiñas, host and producer of “Intimo” on Amor 107.5 FM, among others. For more information about tickets, sponsorships and auction items, contact 800.278.3383, miamigala@stjude.org,  or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force requests the pleasure of your company at an exclusive reception to kick off the organization’s upcoming 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on May 21! This event, hosted at the Beach House at Shore Club, will provide insight into this year’s Miami Recognition Dinner and lend an opportunity to meet MRD committee members. Additionally, the event will feature 2013 Eddy McIntyre Award recipient Joseph L. Falk and a special performance by critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer Pioneer Winter. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Send your RSVP to ginorcampodonico@gmail.com.

The Young Society of Love and Hope Presents the Second Annual “Haute Tea” 

The Young Society of Love and Hope, along with the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, will host their Second Annual “Haute Tea” on Tuesday, May 21 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The bespoke Tea will include a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. Scones & clotted cream and finger sandwiches will additionally be presented at each table along with formal tea service. This year, the famous Parisian silver house, Christofle (of Bal Harbour) will adorn the event with luxurious silver throughout. Attendees will also enjoy a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, a silent auction and prizes to the finest hats of the day. This fun and unique afternoon is designed to bring women together while increasing awareness about diabetes; the event is chaired by Jillian Posner and Dana Rosenhaus Swickle. To purchase tickets visit: www.diabetesresearch.org/haute-tea or call 1.800.321.3437.

Nicky’s Week at RA Sushi in South Miami

RA Sushi in South Miami will host the ninth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser from Sunday, May 26, through Saturday, June 1, during which 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items such as Edamame, Tootsy Maki roll, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori and Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus select beverages, will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The annual fundraiser was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Arizona, who lost a long battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the age of 13. As a nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates throughout the organization. RA Sushi initiated the fundraiser to honor the memory of Nicky and to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.