During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013,  the hottest ticket in town this season was the formal, Mercedes-Benz–sponsored, invitation-only party to toast former French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book on Saturday, September 8 at the Frick Collection, for which tuxedos and long gowns were de rigueur.

Roitfeld mused, “It’s very different from my last party,” referring to the wild karaoke extravaganza she hosted last year at Westway NYC, a strip club on the West Side Highway for her Barneys campaign.  By contrast, this year’s party was set in the posh surroundings of the Frick Museum on the Upper East Side.  That’s not to say this wasn’t quite the bash, as evidenced by the din of broken champagne glasses, accompanied by laughter and applause and the pile of mile-high stilettos gathered in the center of the dance floor by the end of the night. Read the rest here »

Zuma, Zuma, Zuma!

London’s award-winning restaurant, Zuma boasts an internationally acclaimed style of modern Japanese cuisine with a “WOW” factor that’s been gaining international attention for over a year. The brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, Zuma offers sophisticated Japanese cuisine in an informal Japanese dining style called Izakaya.  Becker honed his skills and developed the concept behind Zuma during his six year tenure in Tokyo, before launching the first Zuma restaurant in London’s Knightsbridge.  Such was the enormous success of the restaurant with London’s international clientele, that demand supported the development of additional Zuma restaurants across the globe.  Since then, Becker has opened Zuma restaurants in Hong Kong, Istanbul and Dubai before bringing it to Miami. 

Zuma Miami’s success results mainly from its perfect dishes, which are served in a sleek, stylish and spacious setting. The menu is categorized to satisfy the pickiest palate, and the servers are well-versed when interpreting the chef’s specialties.  The best thing on the menu, by far is the marinated black cod wrapped in a hoba leaf.  Even those, who, like us, are NOT fish fans are sure to find the cod, to quote SNL’s iconic, Linda Richman to be “Like Buttah!’”  “Discuss!”  Other favorites include: Gyu no tataki or seared beef with soy, ginger, lime and coriander; Gyuhire sumbiyaki karami sauce zuke or spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy; and the sushi, which is outstanding.  The desserts at Zuma seem to have been inspired by the name of the building, as they are “epic.”

Enjoying Zuma’s atmosphere and delicious food since its opening: local VIPs, including:  The Heat Players, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Tui Pranich, Gary and Dana Shear, Walid and Susie Wahab, Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, the Dascal family, Gabriella Arango and family, Elizabeth and Mitchel Taylor, Belkys Nerey, Frank Amadeo, Ingrid Casares, Deborah Wecselman, Norma Quintero, Maria Celeste Arraras, Marysol Patton and Louis Aguirre, who are regulars. Internationally, Zuma has a significant celebrity following, including regulars such as: Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Lady Gaga, Tony Blair, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Victoria and David Beckham, Sarah Ferguson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Antonio Banderas and Keith Richards among many others. To make reservations for Zuma, call: (305) 577-0277.

On South Beach, where steakhouses abound, Red, The Steakhouse stands strong as THE place to get a perfect steak cooked to perfection.  While several other SoBe steakhouses are bigger on scene than on steak, (including brand-new, fellow 3-letter contender which shall remain nameless), Red is all about the food, not that the excellent service and wine selection (over 500 varieties) are anything to scoff at.   If you want a perfect steak, go to Red, period.

Tucked away in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Red exudes owner, Brad Friedlander’s zeal for perfection in the kitchen, which is exceeded only by his intense passion to please his guests.  “We’re passionate about what we serve. We are consistently dreaming up ways to exceed our guests’ expectations and thrilled to bring our unique style to an exciting and vibrant city like Miami.”   That “style” includes a décor that is anything but stuffy, right down its polished wood floors, red banquettes, black bar, white brick walls and glass-enclosed private dining room.  There’s also a rooftop area perfect for watching fireworks on July 4 and New Year’s Eve and throwing a bash or two. Read the rest here »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Fashionably Conscious Fundraising Sale

Hundreds of shoppers, including:  VIPs, socialites, and philanthropists raided the donated designer goods of Miami’s most elite crowd last week at the annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, raising almost $85,000 for Coconut Grove Cares, The Barnyard, a locally beloved and cherished community center which provides after school and community care services to families of the West Grove Community.  From Valentino and Giorgio Armani suits to Chanel dresses and Prada and Jimmy Choo shoes, Fashionably Conscious brought the best of the best to the generously donated space provided by Village of Merrick Park. The weekend began with a VIP sale where more than a hundred devoted shoppers lined up outside the space waiting for doors to open. By Sunday the fully stocked space was nearly cleared and little to nothing remained to be purchased. The fashionably conscious crowd sipped on champagne, shopped for a cause and mingled with Miami’s biggest trendsetters. Read the rest here »

Heart Gallery Luncheon

On Friday, October 5, Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crabhouse at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale will open the entire restaurant for a unique sit-down pledge luncheon benefiting The Heart Gallery of Broward County, a traveling photography exhibit of foster children who are waiting to be permanently adopted. The public is invited to attend the special event, which will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. A pledge of $150 or more is suggested to attend the luncheon, benefitting The Heart Gallery. Truluck’s is also challenging donors to pledge $1000 or more – those who do will receive a $100 gift card for the restaurant. RSVPs are required for the event, and luncheon sponsorship opportunities are available. To RSVP and for more information, contact Jennifer Thomason, The Heart Gallery of Broward County Director of Development and Community Relations at 954.439.1916 or jennifer@heartgalleryofbroward.org.

Disney Cinderella Diamond Editon is a Girl’s Best Friend

For all those with fond childhood memories of the famous words “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!” the newest edition of the Disney Classic Cinderella will add dazzle to your collection. The beautifully re-mastered Diamond Edition DVD/Blu-Ray set radiates the beloved story with amazing digital imagery and high-definition sound; it’s hard to believe that the original film was released over 60 years ago. Children of all ages, as well as adults, will truly enjoy the feature film over and over again. It is a timeless piece of Disney artistry that will touch your heart and leave you with that familiar joyful feeling as Cinderella and her prince live happily ever after.  The Cinderella Diamond Edition includes: a two disc set (DVD and Blu-ray), the animated short film Tangled Ever After, and a behind the scenes look at the highly anticipated Princess Fantasyland. Get your copy quickly, before the clock strikes and time runs out! (Couldn’t resist!)

Fairchild’s Premier Bridal Event 

David Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens will soon be in full bloom with brides-to-be this Fall when it hosts its premier Bridal Event and Fashion Show on Thursday, October 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. Unlike any other bridal event in South Florida, Fairchild’s event presents guests with a true “Garden Wedding Experience,” as well as providing them with local resources to help make their special day truly unique. The highlight of the “Garden Wedding Experience” will be a fabulous runway fashion show that takes place in the breathtaking Bailey Palm Glade, Fairchild’s most popular location for wedding ceremonies. The fashion show will feature original bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses by Ella Bella Rozio the most elite Haute Couture house, dresses for the mother of the bride and children’s wear from Bloomingdales and menswear by Hugo Boss. Hair and makeup for the fashion show is generously provided by Brilliance New York, a salon and boutique that utilizes their own organic line of make-up, skin and hair care products. The Bridal Event will feature a cocktail lounge on the Garden House lawn where guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, sample a light dinner and indulge in sweet treats prepared by Fairchild’s preferred caterers including Chef David Schwadron, Fare to Remember Creative Catering, Lasso the Moon, Le Basque Catering, Macy’s Catering, Mena Catering, Theirry’s Catering and We’re Having A Party. Guests will also have the opportunity to peruse local vendors—ranging from full-service caterers and photographers to florists and linen rentals—that will be on site. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door. Each ticket admits two guests. Tickets are $40 for general admission in advance, $60 for VIP admission in advance and $50 for general admission at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.fairchildgarden.org/GardenWeddingExperience or Anna Brickner at 305.663.8058.  

 PLACE Kids Model Search

Calling all aspiring – and adorable – models, The Children’s Place is launching its second annual model search this fall to discover its next superstar. Does your little star shine for the camera? Submit a photo of your handsome little man or darling little girl, and he or she just might win a starring role in the upcoming photo shoot for The Children’s Place, as well as a $500 shopping spree. Simply visit http://childrensplace.promo.eprize.com/model2012/?affiliate_id=bloggerto upload your photo and vote on your favorite rising star. Each grand prize winner, along with two designated guardians, will receive round-trip air transportation to the glam set of The Children’s Place photo shoot, as well as a $500 gift card to spend on all the latest styles. Additionally, one entrant will be randomly selected each day to receive a $50 gift card to The Children’s Place, and one lucky bonus sweeps winner will receive a $500 gift card at the end of the contest. 

A Stone Crab Dinner Deal

Stone crabs lovers are invited to dip and dance every Friday, beginning October 19, at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort with an all-you-can-eat stone crab dinner for only $55 per person accompanied by live DJ.  Just a “stones” throw-away from the ocean, Kitchen 305 will serve-up claws in batches of five, accompanied by a choice of steaming soup, a crisp Caesar or the signature house salad, freshly baked bread and savory sides including herb-roasted, red bliss potatoes and corn on the cob. Whether its butter, mustard or lemon that’s the sauce of choice, Kitchen 305 invites seafood lovers to come “get their dip on.” This seasonal supper club party books quickly and guests are encouraged to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. To reserve visit: http://www.kitchen305miami.com/.

Miami Seaquarium ‘Hopetober’

Miami Seaquarium will go pink this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as it welcomes its guests with the opportunity to make a $5 contribution to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and receive half off regular general admission. The offer is valid from October 1 through October 31. To participate, guests may visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form. Miami Seaquarium is a sponsor of the 2012 Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race For the Cure® that will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Bayfront Park in Miami, for more information visit www.komenmiaftl.org. Also, during Totally Teachers Weekend, Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14, Miami-Dade and Broward County teachers, in both private and public schools, will receive complimentary admission to Miami Seaquarium; plus a discount for up to four guests at half- off of regular admission. Teachers must show a valid school ID card or pay stub along with a picture ID to redeem discount. 

Breast Health Week at Canyon Ranch

The Power of PINK: To celebrate this month’s breast cancer awareness campaign, The Salon at Canyon Ranch is offering Complimentary polish changes using the INPINK collection infused with Bamboo for strong, beautiful, healthy nails. 20% of the proceeds of the In Pink collection sales will be donated to Cancer Schmancer. Every bottle of lacquer has a pink ribbon charm attached.  Healthy Makovers: Chemical free makeovers using Mineral makeup.  OMG My Legs Feel Great!: Your lower legs and feet will feel light as a feather with their 2-step treatment using Omega-Body Buff, their paraben-free scrub made with natural micro-ground pumice and omega-rich Sweet Almond Oil, followed by a mini massage with Lucky Legs cooling leg gel that glides on to instantly soothe weary limbs from knees to tip toes. Made with a blend of safe, essential plant oils, Lucky Legs will leave a super-subtle shimmer on your shins and a spring in your step. Clarisonic a Day Takes the Stress Away: See what a difference Clarisonic can make….healthy, radiant skin. Come in and enjoy a Skin treatment starting with a cleansing that leaves the skin six times better than manual cleansing alone, followed by a sonic infusion treatment that will help diminish fine lines and reduce puffiness. The sonic micro-massaging provides your first defense against anti-aging and can also help relax tension at the end of the day.

BLEAU GOES PINK RETURNS OCTOBER 2012 

Fontainebleau Miami Beach proudly announces the return of “Bleau Goes Pink” in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, the legendary Miami Beach resort will once again partner with the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to help raise funds for breast cancer research and increase awareness for the disease by offering “Dine for the Cure” menus at the resort’s AAA Four Diamond signature restaurants, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta.  For the fourth year in a row, these restaurants will offer special $45 three-course prix fixe dinner menus in which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Each participating restaurant will also offer the option of menu wine pairings for an additional $20 or $30. “Dine for the Cure” dinner menus are available Sunday-Thursday throughout the month of October and discounted valet parking ($12 with validation) will be available to diners.  For reservations, call (877) 326-7412.