By: Maryanne Salvat

Pink Happy Hour

Join the Conrad Miami on Thursday, October 25, for Pink Happy Hour in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The festivities will be held at The Bar @ LvL 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes two cocktails, hors d’ourves and valet parking. All proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter. 

© 2012 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC

People Like Us 

For those of you in need of some serious down time and family reconnection, consider watching People Like Us, now available on DVD/Blu-ray combo. This is a heart-warming love story about a brother and sister that are brought together after the death of their father, the catch is that neither one has ever met before. Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), and the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer create on screen chemistry that will bring tears to your eyes and make you laugh and cry out-loud.  Based on true events, People Like Us will touch your heart and leave you craving for the renowned fish tacos from Henry’s Tacos in Los Angeles!

Sweet Miami Lemonade

Pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith, of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, will raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) when she hosts Sweet Miami Lemonade, Thursday, November 1. Taking place at Marlins Park, their team will prepare treats and signature cocktails from Goldsmith’s debut cookbook, “BAKING OUT LOUD:Fun Desserts with Big Flavors” while attendees enjoy four private suites on the VIP level. After participating in previous events to benefit ALSF, a nonprofit dedicated to curing kids’ cancer, Goldsmith wanted to introduce Miami to the cause. The event is limited to 200 guests, with tickets priced at $150. For information, to purchase tickets or to become a sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event, visit AlexsLemonade.org/campaign/miami-culinary. All proceeds will benefit ALSF. Additionally, David Brownstein at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation can be contacted for more information at 610.649.3034 or David@AlexsLemonade.org.

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Cooper Avenue- Your one-stop Shop for fabulous. 

Well after midnight just a few weeks ago, after delighting in a decadent meal of hamachi with truffles, mushroom risotto, perfectly seared steak and creative concoctions by the Bar Lab team, we partook in what’s sure to become a landmark moment on South Beach. Amir Ben-Zion, the mastermind behind mainstays, Bond Street, the Townhouse, Gigi and Bardot, and his business partner, Shai Ben-Ami (Domo Japones, Wok Town) gathered his staff, friends and family for a Champagne toast for the official unveiling of Cooper Avenue, restaurant/deli/lounge/bakery and marketplace– the most unique space in South Beach, which takes up an entire block, on the bottom floor of the critically acclaimed, New World Symphony building (location! location! location!)  Read the rest here »

Giorgio Canali, & Claire & Dan Marino

Academy award winner James Caan settled into Café Prima Pasta on Tuesday to film for the second season of the original Starz series Magic City. 

The entire Kardashian crew (Kim, Khole, Kourtney and Scott) had lunch at Monty’s Sunset on South Beach last Friday enjoying a family lunch and filming for the new season of Kim and Kourtney Take Miami.  On Monday night the Kardashian Klan took over Miami hot spot Zuma to shoot an upcoming episode for the show.

On Wednesday, Italian luxury brand Canali, along with Vice President, USA Giorgio Canali and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, hosted the grand opening celebration of the Bal Harbour Shops boutique, with 15 percent of the evening’s proceeds benefitting the Dan Marino Foundation.

On Thursday, Eva Longoria, Sheila E. and Melanie Griffith gathered at a cocktail reception in honor of President Obama at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.  

Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter-producer Juan Luis Guerra had lunch on Wednesday at the brand new, TIKL Raw Bar and Grill on Brickell. 

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West dined in Prime 112’s private room on Monday night.

Olivier Martinez was spotted at his restaurant, Villa Azur, having dinner over the weekend.

By: Maryanne Salvat

maryannesalvat@aol.com

6^th Annual Wild About Kids Gala

On Saturday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m., join the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami Dade for the 6^th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Brickell. Guests will enjoy a unique “live” red carpet welcome as they enter the cocktail reception and silent auction, featuring one-of-a-kind items, before the dinner program, live music, dancing and more.  Danell Leyva, winner of the bronze medal at the London 2012 Summer Olympics for men’s gymnastics, will speak at the event and take photos with Bronze Sponsors and higher at a meet & greet. He will also be receiving the Hometown Hero Award. Miami’s own South Florida celebrity artist David “LEBO” Le Batard, who previously created a “Wall of Art” for the Kendall Boys & Girls Club with LeBron James, is donating a piece of his original artwork inspired by the organization’s mission statement to the silent auction. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumna 13-year-old Elizabeth Elias will sing the National Anthem to kick off the dinner program. A singer, dancer and model, Elias recently sang the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems at Marlins Park. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, call 305.446.9910.

Fairchild’s Edible Garden Festival 

It’s officially fall and in South Florida that means there’s no better time to plant your garden! Learn how to get started at Fairchild’s Edible Garden Festival this Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21. Learn all you need to know about growing your own backyard garden including herbs and vegetables that lend well to the South Florida climate. During the Festival, Fairchild will also host a scarecrow contest and have a pumpkin patch. And don’t miss out on Fairchild volunteer Bev Murphy’s earth friendly, spooky and playful Halloween decorations—over 300 of her hand made decorations are on display throughout the Garden.Gather new tips and recipes from our popular culinary demonstrations taught by local chefs using local products. Learn about composting, home worm production, how to garden with your children and so much more in one of the gardening lectures. Peruse the farmers’ market where local growers will showcase the best fruits, vegetables and herbs available in South Florida. Enjoy this year’s addition of a hearty autumn beers and ciders at our Beer Garden! Invite your whole family to come out and have fun while learning how to plant your own garden and enjoy fresh, local food that’s in season. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members.

 Miami Children’s Museum Not So Scary Halloween 

On Sunday, October 2l from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., your little ghosts and goblins will have a boo-tiful time as they trick or treat their way around the 14 ghoulish galleries at the Miami Children’s Museum; brave the haunted house, test their knowledge in the mad scientist lab or create crazed crafts. Families are bound to have a bewitching time with an array of activities including miniature pumpkin decorating, face painting, a silent auction, a costume parade and much, much more. Special Packages are available including a Starfish Family Package for $1,000.00 that includes 12 tickets to the Halloween Bash, an MCM Family Membership & a personalized tile on the Museum’s Starfish Stroll; a Members Family Package for $500.00 that includes 10 tickets & an MCM Family Membership; and a Family Package for $200.00 that includes 6 tickets. Individual tickets are $50.To purchase tickets online, visit halloween.michimu.net or call 305.373.KIDS. 

Miami Nice Jazz Festival 

A spectacular lineup of multi-award winning jazz masters will perform at the first MIAMI NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL (MNJF), an extension of the internationally celebrated Nice Jazz Festival in France. The Festival makes its U.S. debut at its stateside home — downtown Miami’s Gusman Center for the Performing Arts on October 26 and 27, marking the first events of a planned five-year MNJF tradition. Festival concert tickets range from $30 to $75, and may be purchased online at www.miaminicejazzfestival.com or by calling the local box office 305.374.2444. A VIP Lounge Jazz Experience is offered at $195 per person and includes a café table for two, wine and cocktails, and valet parking. Students may receive a 15% discount by purchasing tickets in person at the box office (student ID required). The MIAMI NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL, presented by the City of Nice, France, is sponsored by The Conrad Hotel, the official MNJF host hotel, as well as Russian Standard, Château Maïme Côte de Provence, and Ferllen Wines. 

Nutrolution at Ayama Yoga Center

Local teens and their families are invited to tackle nutrition issues with licensed nutritionist and founder of Nutrolution Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N at Ayama Yoga Center on October 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy food samples by Julio’s Natural Foods and an educational seminar focusing on how healthy eating and avoiding artificial foods can enhance academic, athletic and social performance. With more 10 years of experience as a registered dietician, Richardson will lead an interactive workshop that will cover various topics including: nutrition myths and marketing hype, cellular nutrition, “real” versus “fake” foods, top nutrition tips and how to plan simple, healthy meals. Tickets are just $25 per individual, $35 for two or $50 for a family up to four. Go to http://www.ayamayoga.com/events/ to register or call 305.932.7755 for more information.

To celebrate the upcoming Recent Cinema from Spain Film Series kicking off in Miami on November 8, Cristina Barrios, the Miami General Consul of Spain opened her home to several of her friends, colleagues, socialites and VIPs. In attendance were gorgeous and charming, Real Housewives of Miami Ana Quincoces and Marysol Patton; Silvia Fortune; “telenovela” star Gabriel Valenzuela; Miami artist, Alex Mijares and Miami Trade Commissioner of Spain, Mario Buisan. During the cocktail party, the six films to be screened next month were officially announced.

Olivier Martinez was spotted at his restaurant, Villa Azur, having dinner over the weekend.

Shania Twain popped into Zuma Monday night for a quick vegetarian dinner with her husband. A source says she seemed to be in a great mood and was happy to be back at Zuma. Who wouldn’t be?

Miami HEAT NBA Champion Dwyane Wade recently hosted a fashion fundraiser, A Night on the RunWade, for his Wade’s World Foundation at the Moore Building.  The event featured a benefit dinner, live performance and fashion show with clothing from the Webster Miami, Dsquared2 and Neiman Marcus, emceed by fashion correspondent Jill Martin. The cocktail reception included bites from local favorite restaurants – Salsa Fiesta, TIKL, Toro Toro, Prime 112 and City Hall.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

It’s no secret that we love swanky hotel stays. After all, who wouldn’t want to live just like Eloise at the Plaza? There’s no denying that one of the absolute, best parts of said stays, to quote Pretty Woman, is the “Room Service picnic.” Seriously, there’s just nothing more delicious after a long night of fun than having gourmet food delivered to your room- the squeaky wheels of the delivery cart, the giant silver domes concealing what will certainly be cause for remorse in the light of day…aaahhh, we digress… 

Now, thanks to Room Service Restaurant Lounge, one of the most unique restaurant/lounge concepts to date, you can delight in the fabulous food fest, complete with the feel of being at the hotel, without the hefty surcharges.  What makes Room Service so unique? Well it’s actually a restaurant and late-night lounge, disguised as a hotel- complete with a front desk where guests can “check-in,” sexy bellhops wearing gold spandex mini-skirts, French maids in fishnet stockings and butlers.  Yes, you get your own private butler.  After checking in you’ll be escorted to a private suite to feast on an extensive, eclectic menu served on room service carts, squeaky wheels and all!  Read the rest here »