By: Maryanne Salvat 

“Bring Me Food” Wednesdays at Cecconi’s 

Cecconi’s Miami Beach is proud to introduce Bring Me Food (BMF) Wednesdays, a new family-style dinner series featuring a four-course prix fixe ($35*) menu by Executive Chef Sergio Sigala and Pastry Chef Oscar Bonelli. Designed as an indulgent spread reminiscent of old-school Italian suppers, guests will enjoy a different menu each week that showcases staple dishes and fresh, seasonal produce and fare.

The feast will commence with a glass of Italian sparkling wine, served upon arrival with an assortment of appetizers. The second course will consist of two hearty pastas, presented in oversized rustic bowls. Three entrees, to be shared by the table, will include a selection of Cecconi’s signature pizzas and a variety of meat and seafood dishes. The feast concludes with three tantalizing desserts. Reservations are encouraged at 786.507.7902 or miami@cecconisrestaurant.com.

The District Factory 

On Saturday, June 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Gallery Walk’s most anticipated evening shopping event and mash-up, The District Factory, will feature a growing list of local designers and artists who continue to keep Miami on the forefront of fashion. Leading the charge, as special guest host, popular Miami Blogger, Annie Vazquez, The Fashion Poet, will help usher in June’s installment of talented artists showcasing their inspirations including art, jewelry, apparel, reconstructed vintage, and so much more. Welcomed by presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, shoppers can also expect to be entertained by the sounds of Scratch DJ Academy’s DJ I.A.N., Société Perrier infused cocktails, snacks by Pop Chips, a Midtown Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, and an indie “Factory Flick” courtesy of O Cinema. To add, the Factory will feature artwork by post-pop artist Carol Adrianza and art installations by Taylor Kienholz of Pencils and Saw blades. Phuc Yea!, Miami’s first “pop-up” restaurant, best known for their modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, makes a comeback cameo. The District Factory will once more donate a portion of the proceeds to Dress for Success Miami to support their mission of providing training and clothing to individuals struggling to secure and retain employment; for more detailed information visit www.districtfactory.com.

France vs. Italy Cook-Off

Culinary maestro Angelo Elia, chef/owner of South Florida’s acclaimed Casa D’Angelo restaurants, D’Angelo Pizza ∙ Tapas ∙ Wine Bar and D’Angelo Trattoria, will go head to head with culinary educator and dear friend, Chef Jean Pierre of Jean Pierre’s Cooking School, when the two face-off for a France vs. Italy cook-off on Monday, June 11, at Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale. The fourth annual fun-filled competition promises an evening of sumptuous cuisine, wines, education and lots of laughter. The four-course cooking demo and dinner features a taste of both Italy and France – two appetizers, two fish, two meats and two desserts. Each course will be paired with corresponding French and Italian wines. The chefs will guide guests through their preparations and the evening will culminate with a vote to determine which cuisine reigns best. The cook-off is priced at $145 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat, call Casa D’Angelo at 954. 564.1234.

On Sunday, May 27, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade celebrated his son’s birthday at the Adrienne Arsht Center with an all-out pizza party and a show. About 30 friends and family members, including actress Gabrielle Union, joined Wade for Zion’s 5th birthday fete, which included gourmet catering by Barton G, a jungle-inspired two story cake and participation in a sold-out performance of Disney’s The Lion King, which is playing to packed houses at the Center through June 10. After the musical concluded, Wade and family were invited backstage to meet cast members Syndee Winters (Nala) and Jelani Remy (Simba).

Actor Lance Gross and his entourage held court at The Rooftop at Perry South Beach’s Rx Pool party series over the weekend, where he and his friends were seen sipping cocktails and taking a dip in the plunge pool.

Miami Beach resident Christian Slater made a stop by Monty’s Sunset on the beach while walking his basset hound last Thursday to catch the Miami Heat game. 

Sunglasss Hut celebrated the launch of its new flagship store (now the largest store in the USA) on Lincoln road Wednesday night with a summer BBQ themed party on the roof top of the 1111 Lincoln road parking garage. Guests included Gabrielle Union and the pop music duo Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan of the band KARMIN

Miami Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco was spotted “popping bottles with models” at WALL lounge Tuesday night, during the Favela Beach party. The ace had good reason to celebrate, coming off a record-setting win vs. the Colorado Rockies earlier that evening, which made him the winning-est pitcher in franchise history (formerly Dontrelle “D-Train” Willis). Nolasco signed an autograph or two, in between cocktails.

Earlier on Tuesday night, the Catalina Hotel was abuzz when the cast of The Catalina reality show made its first public appearance together for the red carpet premiere party. Soon-to-be ex-husband of Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries, showed-up solo at Kung Fu, the hotel’s popular sushi restaurant where the premiere party took place, to show support for his good friend, Adrian Baschuk, co-executive producer of the new reality show which debuted on May 29th on The CW. Humphries tucked himself away in the side room of the hotel’s restaurant, and was quickly greeted by several good-looking blonde women, who circled him while he watched the Miami Heat thrash the Indiana Pacers on the big-screen TV behind the bar.

Amare Stoudemire, famed NBA basketball player for the New York Knicks, was seen shopping for healthy grub at Whole Foods Market in Pembroke Pines last weekend.

Juanes, Karen Martinez, Juan Luis Guerra , St. Jude Patients Victor, Stephan and Carlos

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The stars came out en masse for the tenth annual FedEx/St.Jude Angels & Stars Gala on Saturday, May 19. Actress/supermodel Daisy Fuentes, and Latin power-couple, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes and TV host/actress Karen Martinez, served as the celebrity chairs and were on-hand to mingle with guests at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. More than 800 guests enjoyed a Grey Goose cocktail reception, seated dinner and live performances by gorgeous Spanish, Grammy Award-winner, David Bisbal and Vicente Garcia.

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra got a standing ovation when he was presented with the Al-Rashid Hope Award for his tireless commitment to providing resources for needy children in Dominican Republic and Latina America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

“I am honored to receive this award during such a special year like the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Guerra. “While I am passionate about music, I care even more about providing children with the best care, so they can live happy, healthy lives.”

Read the rest here »

Tracy Wilson Mourning with beautiful Honey Bugs

We were thrilled to see the joy on the faces of the” Honey Bugs” as they rushed to greet the gorgeous Tracy Wilson Mourning upon her arrival at the Asian-themed 10th Annual Hats Off luncheon on Tuesday, May 8, at Jungle Island, to benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program which she founded to provide support and guidance to hundreds of girls (Honey Bugs) in the community.

Tracy was joined by her husband, NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, who graciously mingled and took photos with admiring fans before giving an inspiring speech in which he lauded his wife and encouraged continued support of Honey Shine. When Tracy took the stage, she shared that 15 of the Honey Bugs have successfully graduated and gone on to higher education thanks to funds raised through Hats Off. “The luncheon was amazing. Our Honey Bugs were glowing and the community support was stellar”, said Tracy.

Honey Shine Members and Co-chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani helped lead the effort, resulting in a successful silent auction and Camp Honey Shine appeal. Between the Membership program, ticket sales, auction, and appeal, $250,000 was raised for the program. Special recognition was given to Steering Committee Member of the Year, Ayana Rodriguez, and Honey Bug of the Year, Jasmine Thompson, who was selected for her overall achievements in the program. To add, two outstanding role models, Tahiese Beckford and Jonaura Wisdom, were honored with the Mentor of the Year Award. [smooth=id:401;]

The highlight of the afternoon was the Honey Bug showcase, where the girls showed off their talents by singing, dancing and walking the runway to model fashions provided by GAP, Aleren, Bloomingdale’s Aventura, Manisha Patel and MIA Shoes.

To join the Honey Shine program or to make a donation, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Touch and Culture Productions at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge

On Thursday, May 31, Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge presents Tony Touch and Culture Productions, launching their first monthly old-school hip hop collaboration.  The festivities will begin at 10:00 p.m., during The Breaks, Chalk’s weekly hip hop event.  For more information on this event, contact www.chalkmiami.com. 

Sounds of Wynwood Walls 

On Friday, June 1 at 8:00 p.m., in honor of local visionary Tony Goldman’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Wynwood Walls’ musical curator Nestor Torres will kick off the first “Sounds of the Walls” – an all-star musical showcase featuring an array of local talent.  The evening promises an all-star jam session honoring the man who was responsible for the revitalization of areas such as SoHo, Miami Beach, and the new thriving arts district of Wynwood.  Local musical acts slated to perform are Big Brooklyn Red; Monica DaSilva; Andrian Gonzalez; DJ Zoel and Max Farber.  In addition, newcomers to the Walls include young piano sensation Tony Madruga, Sax player Taylor Vega and violin virtuoso Paddy King.  Special guest artists will include percussionist Edwin Bonilla and master pianists Silvano Monasterious and Javier Concepcion.  Of course, Nestor Torres will host the evening, as well as perform with the other acts. .  The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com.

Kick Off Party for Hell’s Kitchen with Robyn Almodovar 

As one of 18 contestants, local chef Robyn Almodovar will be turning up the heat on Season 10 of “Hell’s Kitchen” (FOX) which premieres Monday, June 4 at 8 p.m. (EST). To kick off the spicy, new season of kitchen mayhem, Almodovar will host a preview party from her food truck “Palate Party” during Monday’s Food Truck Invasion in Arts Park at Young Circle in Hollywood from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and a champagne toast with an opportunity to mix and mingle with the chef herself. Almodovar’s popular food truck Palate Party, which promises to be a “party in your mouth every time”, was recently voted the #3 food truck in South Florida. The first food truck equipped with an actual stage, Palate Party has been custom outfitted with LED lights, a flat screen television and a culinary arsenal worthy of Gordon Ramsay himself. 

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach Presents RLife LIVE 

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach presents an exclusive RLife LIVE performance by Ghost of Gloria at the ELLE Spa Terrace on Thursday, June 7.  The performance will take place simultaneously with 19 other RLife LIVE performances around the world as part of Renaissance Hotels’ “GET OUT & Discover” project that brings to life Renaissance Hotels’ first-ever global advertising campaign: “Live Life to Discover.”  The RLife LIVE event will feature a trunk show showcasing items from Saks Bal Harbour, Eberjey Intimates, Citrine By the Stone, Steven Rehage Anton, Pamela B and Bugatchi Uomo as well as raffle prizes from Red Flower, Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care, and Decleor to name a few.  Guests will indulge in savory cocktails by VeeV Vodka.  Additional participants include Ahava, ELLE, Swank Audio Visual, and Paradise Light and Sound. In honor of this special occasion, ELLE Spa will be offering a 15% discount on the entire spa menu during the month of June.  from influences such as Foo Fighters, Incubus, Sevendust, Tool and more, Ghost of Gloria fuses the unique talents and influences of each member into an unforgettable modern melodic-rock sound.

The Men In Black 3 Miami Red-Carpet screening featuring Pitbull started off with a surprise flash mob, as more than 130 suited agents invaded Lincoln Road to perform a choreographed routine to the hit song “Back in Time.” Pitbull himself came out to witness the action as he greeted fans along the way, enjoying the sight of the huge crowd of dancers and onlookers alike having fun with his latest tune. Following the flash mob, the recording artist took a few moments to thank everyone for coming out and supporting his film, signed posters, and greeted the hundreds of fans in attendance.

Pitbull then joined fellow celebs, rapper, Trina; Braylon Edwards, NFL Player, DJ Chino; Phresh Kidd Ice, musician, and Ted Lucas, founder of Slip N’ Slide Records for photos before dropping a signed photo of himself in the MIB3 time capsule.

The Miami Dolphins Foundation just completed its largest fundraising event of the year, FinsWeekend, which took place from May 17 through 19, at Turnberry Isle Miami and the Miami Beach Marina. The three-day extravaganza featured an exciting weekend of golf, fishing and celebrities. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, CEO Mike Dee, GM Jeff Ireland, Sr. VP/Dolphin great Nat Moore and Head Coach Joe Philbin took part in the event with a host of players including Reggie Bush, Matt Moore, Cameron Wake, Karlos Dansby. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Big 105.9 host Paul Castronovo participated in activities. In all, FinsWeekend raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida. For more information about Fins Weekend and other charitable events hosted by the Miami Dolphins, call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit dolphins.com.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami (Hotel Beaux Arts) hosted the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala on Saturday night, for which a slew of high-profile individuals gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  A-list celebs staying at the hotel over the weekend included Colombian music sensation Juanes and Grammy-winning, Spanish pop singer David Bisbal, both staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts, and Dominican, singer songwriter Juan Luis Guerra.  Other celebrities attending the gala included: Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, DJ David Guetta, TV personality actress, Giselle Blondet, and Daisy Fuentes, to name a few.  Check back next week for gala coverage and photos. 

While staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts on Saturday, Grammy award-winner Juan Luis Guerra had an early dinner at db Bistro Moderne. Later that evening, Latin Grammy winner Juanes also dined at db Bistro Moderne with Miss Universe 2001 Denise Quinones and guests.