Romantic Weekend at Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort 

The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is offering a romantic weekend package for couples looking to getaway for the holiday.  Enjoy a luxurious all-inclusive 2 night/3 day escapade priced at $650. Couples will enjoy an oceanfront suite, tantric Aveda Massage under a private beachfront tiki cabana, dinner at Kitchen 305,  the resort’s onsite modern day supper club featuring American-eclectic cuisine and live entertainment, complimentary mimosas at breakfast, access to the hotel’s fitness center, steam room, swimming pool and more. For those in search of a one-day getaway, The Seven Seas Spa & Salon is offering a romantic spa package. Couples are treated to tantric Aveda Elemental Nature massages while sipping free flowing champagne and dinner at Kitchen 305 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for $100.

PULSE 2.0: Late Night at the New World Symphony

On Friday, January 18, New World Symphony presents a revamping of one of its most popular series with PULSE 2.0: Late Night at the New World Symphony, featuring Miami’s DJ Sean Drake and world renowned Miami native soprano, Elaine Alvarez at 9:30 p.m. The campus will morph into a high-energy lounge and nightclub, feeding innovative performances into the crowd. DJ Drake will merge electronic beats with the American and Latin American selections performed by New World Symphony’s Fellows. NWS’ SunTrust Pavilion will transform into “Pulse Unplugged,” where Fellows will perform ensemble pieces with no amplification for a 15-minute concert. Admission is complimentary for Friends of NWS members; Non-members $25. Contact the NWS box office for more information at 305.673.3331.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s 7^th Annual International Chocolate Festival

Celebrate all things chocolate at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s 7^th Annual International Chocolate Festival, sponsored by Whole Foods Market and AT&T U-Verse, on Friday, January 25  through Sunday, January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Enjoy a decadent three days of cooking demonstrations, lectures, plant sales and – of course – lots of chocolate sampling. Stop by the Edible Garden to find out how to make chocolate from scratch. Take home a cacao or coffee plant at the Plant Sale and start making your own delicious treats. Relax at the Chocolate Spa with mini massages and manicures or attend a yoga class. Travel through the Rainforest, Conservatory, Tropical Fruit Pavilion, and Garden House on the Choco Walk to smell chocolate-scented orchids, taste chocolates from around the world, and participate in the interactive demonstration “From Bean to Bar” presented by the Historic Division of Mars. Don’t forget to walk through the new DiMare Science Village, which includes the Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit. This year’s festival is sure to delight the chocolate lover in all of us.  For nonmembers, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk, bike, or take public transportation receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.

One Split Second Event in Miami to Benefit Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation 

One Split Second Benefit will take place on Saturday, February 2 from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Gibson Miami Showroom. Over 200 guests and Miami area tastemakers will join together to support the Reeve Foundation, while enjoying the music of  Ed Kowalczyk and the rock and roll photography of Alan Roth. Tickets are $50.00 and include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. To attend, register online at www.ChristopherReeve.org/OneSecond or call 800. 225.0292. 

Gala in the Garden 

Gala in the Garden, the annual “social event of the season, arrives at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Saturday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m. Now in its 20^th year, the black-tie event is one of the most sought fundraisers of the year, with all proceeds supporting programs in conservation science, education, horticulture and collection management. The theme for this year is Botanical Tapestry. The night will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at the Shehan Visitor Center. Guests then proceed to the exquisitely lit and decorated Lakeside Marquee surrounded by a tropical paradise for an unforgettable night of first-class diningand dancing to the sounds of The Soul Survivors Orchestra. The stunning décor and delectable dinner is provided by Le Basque, cocktails provided by GREY GOOSE Vodka. Individual tickets start at $600, and tables for ten can be reserved for $6,000. To purchase tickets contact Susannah Shubin at sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or call 305.667.1651, extension 3375.

For more information on Gala in the Garden, visit www.fairchildgarden.org. 

Cycle for Survival 

On February 2, join the battle against rare cancers by registering to ride with your friends and family at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Cycle for Survival, which will be held at Founding Partner Equinox Fitness Club’s Coral Gables location. Cycle for Survival is the national indoor team cycling event that has raised more than $18 million in six years and is driving research led by MSKCC into rare cancers, such as sarcoma, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. Teams register to ride for a four hour shift, with a maximum of eight riders per bike. Teams may register multiple bikes. The event also features complimentary fitness classes, massages and children’s activities. To register and obtain more information please visit www.cycleforsurvival.org.

2^nd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes 

On Thursday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m., Criselda Breene, Shannon Hori, and Carole Pimentel will host the 2^nd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes at the Coral Gables Country Club. This fabulous event provides an opportunity for women of all generations to slip into their stilettos and join together for shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class care at Miami Children’s Hospital. While the event is sold out, we encourage you to make a donation by contacting:  Wine Women & Shoes is a highly successful national fundraising event platform that offers sponsors a unique opportunity to place businesses in front of an ideal but hard to reach demographic: affluent, savvy women. Be there. Be fabulous. For more information and ticket pricing contact Jeanne Kushner at 786.624.2986 or jkushner@mchf.org.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Shore

Melissa Molson, Mary Jo Shore, Michael Kirkland, Iran Issa-Khan, Zachary Scott, Aleks DeCarvalho, Dawidh Orlando at Issa-Khan’s NYE Party

Iran Issa-Khan’s New Year’s Eve Bash 

“…burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars” quoted from Kerouac only begins to touch one of the most astounding evenings in Miami history: world renowned artist, photographer, reluctant icon, Iran Issa-Khan’s New Year’s Eve party. 

Eighty five guests from Issa-Khan‘s magnificent and coveted ‘list’ that spans the world-over, arrived between 10 pm and the midnight explosion of grand fireworks over a magnificent Miami skyline. Ebullient guests did not stop dancing from the second they set foot in Issa-Khan’s stunning home, with views of the ocean and all of Miami, but for brief intervals to engage in spirited chatter. Dinner was served promptly at 12:15 in the early morning. This in itself was FABULOUS, as Issa-Khan herself unplugged the power cord to the DJ’s turntable to make the first toast of the night as guests listened in total silence and awe to her wise advice for the New Year: She spoke of love, harmony, light and prosperity, but most of all of being true to oneself and going forward with one’s inner secret desires for personal achievement and… Read the rest here »

Actress Zoe Saldana, the Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, along with their significant others: Adrienne Bosh and Gabrielle Union and supermodel, Karolina Kurkova, rang in the New Year at The James Royal Palm. Prior to the NYE countdown, Saldana enjoyed a private dinner with family and friends at CATCH Miami, before counting down the New Year poolside at The James Royal Palm, where she danced along to the sounds of female DJ duo, Nervo, who played a high-energy set under the stars.  CATCH Miami’s Executive Chef / season three Top Chef winner, Hung Huynh created a specialty menu especially for the beautiful actress. After welcoming the New Year, Saldana partied at SL Miami, also at the James, where she toasted with EMM Group owners Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum,( http://www.markbirnbaumemmgroupinc.com) SL Miami partners Michael Malone and Marko Gojanovic and The James Royal Palm’s General Manager, Patrick Hatton.

Paula Abdul spent her “last meal of 2012” at South Beach hotspot, SUSHISAMBA dromo alongside a restaurant regular and his family.  The four enjoyed favorites off of the New Year’s Eve menu.

Wilmer Valderrama and Eva Longoria were both seen dining at SUSHISAMBA dromo before taking off to Bimini to host the “From Bimini with Love” Bond 007 themed New Year’s Eve event at Bimini Bay Resort.

It seems that Hakkasan restaurant in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been the place to feast your eyes and your palate over the past week.  Just this Tuesday night, swoon-worthy, Oscar winner George Clooney (yes, you read that correctly), along with longtime friend, nightlife impresario (and husband to Cindy Crawford) Rande Gerber spent time at Hakkasan promoting their new tequila, Casamigos. They were on one stop of a national tour, along with other partner Mike Meldman. Grammy award-winning Mexican singer, Luis Miguel, was spotted dining with friends at Hakkasan on Wednesday.  Also at Hakkasan on Saturday night, was supermodel Adriana Lima who noshed on the duck salad, dim sum platter, Chilean sea bass and prawns.

Luis Miguel was also seen dining at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar last week.

The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, together with renowned Miami Beach party aficionado, Gerry Kelly, threw a STUDIO 54 New Years Eve celebration, hosted by Karina Smirnoff, from Dancing with the Stars.

Zuma was a celeb magnet over the weekend.  Vince Vaughn was spotted with his father and guests, after the Sunday Heat Game; Genesis Rodriguez, was seen drinking “Zuma” Daigingo; Victoria Silvstedt, dined with a large group and Calvin Klein enjoyed dinner with friends.

Spotted at RA Sushi in South Miami over the weekend was Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackle and former University of Alabama alum, Marcell Dareus, who was in town to support his Crimson Tide at the BCS title game.

Cirque du Soleil is back in Miami with its astonishing and visually stunning production TOTEM, opening tonight under the trademark blue-and-yellow big top at Sun Life Stadium for a limited engagement through February 24, 2013. Tonight’s show marks the 1,000^th performance of TOTEM since its World Premiere in April 2010 in Montreal, Canada. In over two years and a half, more than 2 million people in 14 cities in Canada, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States have been mesmerized by the TOTEM experience that The San Francisco Chronicle described as “whimsically seductive and the most enjoyable show to come along from Cirque du Soleil in quite awhile”, and The Toronto Star proclaimed as “spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic”.

For complete show schedule and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem

By: Maryanne Salvat

Diego Jacobson

Abstract Expressionist painter Diego Jacobson will host an invitation-only preview featuring 70 paintings including some never-before-seen artwork at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, at LMNT Arts Gallery, in Miami’s Wynwood District. For the first time, Jacobson’s works will be featured in a major retrospective show, which opens to the general public at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, and will be exhibited through February 7. Titled “Everything is Perfect,” the exhibition is based on Jacobson’s philosophy on life, which is simply: “If everything is perfect, you can’t judge anything.” For Jacobson, every brushstroke is painful, but that didn’t stop the Miami resident from conquering dystonia, a crippling neurological disorder, to become one of the most celebrated Latino artists of his generation. Jacobson has been exhibited around the world, including leading Manhattan galleries and international shows in galleries and museums in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

An Affair of the Arts

On Saturday, January 12, An Affair of the Arts performance and gala is the culmination of YoungArts Week and the YoungArts signature program, which provides 150 of the nation’s most outstanding young talents in the visual, literary and performing arts with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions. The evening will consist of an awards ceremony honoring director and choreographer Debbie Allen, Violinist Joshua Bell, and Actor Adrian Grenier for their artistic achievement and leadership in the arts, followed by a special performance by YoungArts Alumni beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact www.gala@youngarts.org.

62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art

The 62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art will bring more than 230 fine artists to the grounds of the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus during the weekend of January 19 and 20. Widely recognized as one of the region’s most popular outdoor art exhibitions and a South Florida tradition, the festival attracts thousands of visitors annually and offers works in 10 mediums for a variety of budgets. This year, artists hail from 30 states and abroad. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit the Lowe Art Museum, which will be open to the public all weekend, and support bringing children from low-income schools on cultural field trips to the museum. For more sponsorship and general information, visit www.BeauxArtsMiami.org.

Skinny Pairing at RA Sushi

As January kicks off and New Year’s resolutions are in full-force, RA Sushi’s newest Skinny Pairing offer is the perfect meal for anyone counting calories. For just $18, guests can fill up on a Hitokuchi Sashimi and Shrimp Plate and a choice of one of three new low-calorie cocktails – Colada-teenie, Skinny Cucumberita or Blueberry Fizz.

2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden

Fashion will flourish at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Thursday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. for the 2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden fashion show and luncheon. In partnership with luxury specialty store Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, the garden will blossom into a fashion hotspot as models stroll the runway in the latest spring trends. Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus’s senior vice president and fashion director, will present “The Best of Spring 2013,” an exclusive preview of the season’s newest styles. In addition to the fashion show, the 2013 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees will be recognized: Maria Alonso, Anne Baddour, Bunny Bastian, Paula Brockway, Terry Buoniconti, Martha Clinton and Jan Risi Field. Tickets for Splendor in the Garden are $250 for preferred seating and $300 for runway seating. The tickets include a champagne reception, seated luncheon, fashion show and awards presentation. Complimentary garden tours are available during the reception. All proceeds benefit Fairchild’s conservation, science, education, and research programs. To purchase tickets, contact Susannah Shubin at sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or call 305.667.1651, extension 3375. For more information on Splendor in the Garden, visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Pawpurrazzi

Pawpurrazzi, now in its fifth year as a major gala, will be held at Jungle Island on January 25 at 7:00 p.m. More than 500 luminaries with their dogs are expected to attend, dressed to the nines. Chairpersons of the event, Pat and Milton Wallace and Bunny Bastian, are putting together a spectacular event, not to be missed. The highlight of the event is the “Great Pets Who Walk In Front of Great People” show where more than 30 exclusive guests and their furry friend(s) are featured on the runway. Tickets are $550, $750 and $1000 per person. There is an exciting raffle where guests have an opportunity to win a two year lease on a 2013 MINI Cooper; MSC Poesia Seven Nights Caribbean Cruise; or a Champagne and Wine Surprise Package. One raffle ticket costs $250; three are $500; and seven are $1,000. For further information call Laurie Hoffman at 305.749.1815 or email at laurie@humanesocietymiami.org.

2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge

On January 26, Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Miami native, will host his 2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for 10,000 area youth. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, Jay will bowl with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening will include red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more. Sponsorships are available. Individual tickets: $450 per bowling team (five guests will be matched with a celebrity) and $100 per person (singles will be randomly matched with other single entries/celebrities.) World Series Sponsorship ($5,000): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, corporate signage and the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, 12 autographed baseballs by Jay and all MLB players in attendance, two bowling teams (10 people total).Extra Innings Lane Sponsorship ($1,500): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, one bowling team (five people). For sponsorship or additional event information, call Tom Hagan at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or thagan@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information: visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Barton G. Weiss is well known for his extravagant events and over-the-top creations and the newest additions to the menu at Barton G. The Restaurant do not fall short- adding elements of surprise as well as fanciful treats to your palate. On our recent visit, Chef Jeff O’Neill – the Executive Chef at The Villa and Barton G. – delighted us with brand new menu items including: Zen Scallops served alongside a Buddha; a very Tipsy Tuna; The Upper Crustacean (popcorn shrimp served with gourmet popcorn); Lobster Pop-Tarts brought to your table in a retro toaster; Lobster Apicius served with a Roman Soldier’s helmet, and The Great American Filet (served with a 3-foot fork); we can’t make this up, you have to see it to believe it! More of an experience than a dinner, the entertaining madness surrounds you as plates are served to resounding reactions by other diners, (gawking and “oohs and aahhs” are encouraged), and everyone in the restaurant seems to participate in the party.  Also be sure to enjoy the famous nitro cocktails, both beautiful and delicious and served with as much whimsy as the food. Our dessert experience was quite extraordinary, we were treated to the “Purebred” Pudding in a stainless steel doggy dish with French bulldog creamers, filled with chocolate and vanilla crème anglaise and the Chocolate Indulgence (Valrhona Chocolate brownies) served in a treasure chest with an actual shovel and map of Barton G.’s other dining endeavors. As with the food, the service was impeccable.  Leo, our server was well versed and enthusiastic about our dishes as he explained every fabulous detail. Expanding to the Los Angeles area, Barton G. The Restaurant is a Miami destination that will fill your evening with a magical atmosphere that you will never forget.