By: Maryanne Salvat

All Hail Queen Lounge

Queen Lounge, an intimate cocktail and gastro-lounge will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, April 5. The 4,000-square-foot venue pays homage to the power and glamour of women in art, music and fashion throughout history. Founded by European nightlife savant Sanaa Moussaoui and managing partner, Miami native Maria Ortiz, the multi-room venue features superior handcrafted cocktails by mixology master Thomas Merolla and small plates by Executive Chef Matthew Goldberg. The lounge boasts a 30-item cocktail menu featuring “Timeless Truths” and Queen Lounge Signature Cocktails, created by head mixologist Thomas Merolla, a previous contributor to the illustrious bar menus of staple South Beach hotels including Delano, Mondrian, and W South Beach. Queen Lounge is open seven days a week from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10:00 p.m. Guests can unwind and enjoy $5 cocktails and tapas from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily during The Ultimate Happy Hour. For private bookings and advance reservations, contact 305.397.8056, info@queenlounge.com or visit www.queenloungemiami.com.

Operation HOPE TOTE

Miami Rescue Mission will be hosting Operation HOPE TOTE, their annual Easter/Passover event, on Friday, April 6. The event is open to thousands of homeless and needy families in the Miami area. The goal of Operation HOPE TOTE is to provide basic, personal hygiene items to thousands of needy men, women, and children in our communities starting this Easter and Passover Season. Items needed include: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, new underwear, new socks, disposable razors, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, and lotion. Please note, the Capponi Group will be accepting hygiene products and/or monetary donations to purchase the items for the HOPE TOTE. To learn more about the Operation HOPE TOTE, visit: http://miamirescuemission.com/hopetote.htm. Drop off products to 228 5th Street Miami Beach, Florida 33139. If you have any questions, call 305.695.4410.

3rd Annual Golden Key 5K

The 3rd annual Golden Key 5K to celebrate heart and skin health will be held this Saturday, April 7. The event is a collaborative effort between University of Miami undergraduate and medical students. UM dermatologists will be on site giving free skin cancer screenings and all proceeds will go to support melanoma skin cancer research at the University of Miami and a program called Team for Life that helps get life-saving heart defibrillators out into Miami. The run/walk will take place at Crandon Park South on Key Biscayne. Race day registration and packet pick-up begin at 6:30am and the race start time is 8:00am. Private skin screening stations will open after the race. An awards ceremony will also be held after the race. All participants receive free t-shirts. Early online registration is $20 for individuals and $15 for UM students. Race day registration is $25 for individuals and $20 for UM students. For more information, and to register, visit www.GoldenKey5k.com.

The District Factory 

In honor of Andy Warhol’s famed studio “The Factory”, The District Factory, an evening shopping event & mash-up, set to launch Saturday, April 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Miami Design District, during Art & Design Night, shines a spotlight on the emerging designers and artists who are single-handedly manufacturing the hottest trends. Partners of this eagerly anticipated launch include Miami Design District, MIAMI Magazine, and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Receiving a portion of the evening’s proceeds is Dress for Success Miami. To learn more about The District Factory, visit www.DISRTICTFACTORY.com.

Food and Garden Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Come see what’s cooking at Fairchild during a celebration of fresh fruits and vegetables and the gorgeous gardens they grow in on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Gather new tips and recipes from our popular culinary demonstrations taught by local chefs using local products. Go green at the farmers’ market where local growers showcase the best organic fruits, vegetables and herbs available in South Florida. Sample a variety of spring beers and summer ales at the Beer Garden. There’ll even be a Spring Flower Market where you can buy beautiful fresh cut flowers! All weekend, children will enjoy hands-on activities and special culinary programs just for them. Invite the whole family to come out and learn how to cook and enjoy food that is fabulously fresh, healthy and in season! For more information visit: www.fairchildgarden.org .

Driven to Dine

Driven to Dine is a one-of-a-kind, luxurious dining experience taking place on Saturday, April 14. It kicks off with an exclusive cocktail reception where guests will sample an array of wines and spirits compliments of Total Wine, enjoy delectable appetizers provided by Le Cordon Bleu, and participate in a live auction. After the reception, guests will gather into groups of 8 and select a sealed envelope containing the name of one of several top restaurants in South Florida. With their destination unknown, diners will adjourn to a stretch limousine, which will ferry them to the restaurant for an elegant multi-course, heart healthy dinner sure to please their palates. After an amazing meal, limos will return guests to the place of origin. The FHRI hand-selected some of South Florida’s most prestigious restaurants to partner with in this year’s Driven to Dine. They include: 1500˚ at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, CRAVE, db Bistro Moderne, Edge, Steak & Bar at the Four Seasons Miami, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, La Cofradia, RED The Steakhouse, Tudor House, Truluck’s and J&G Grill at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Tickets for Driven to Dine cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests; or $625 per person. the cocktail reception, at a private residence, will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests, or $625 per person; to purchase tickets visit www.heartofachef.org.

The Third Annual Dream Makers Gala

The Foundation of Debbie’s Dream (CSC) will host the third annual Dream Makers Gala on Saturday, April 21, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood beginning at 7:00 p.m. Co-Chairs Susie Alvarez Cope, Jason Chalik, and Ani Solarana hope to exceed the $180,000 raised at last year’s Gala. “Expect the Unexpected” is the evening’s theme. The event will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auctions followed by dinner, dancing, fabulous live auctions, and award presentations. Lisa Petrillo, Entertainment Reporter at CBS4, will be the guest speaker. Award recipients being honored at this year’s Gala for their dedication and commitment to CSC’s mission include Michael A. Choti, MD, from Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Mary Lynn Swartz, former CEO of Westside Regional Medical Center; Jennifer Kapp, CSC Board of Directors; and Meredith Clements, Society Scene Editor of the Sun-Sentinel. Tickets for the Gala are $175 per person, and sponsorships range in price from $600 to $25,000. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, call 954.475.1200 or email Events@CantStomachCancer.org.

The Miami Marlins are set to kick off their historic 2012 baseball season against the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, April 4 at Marlins Park. The inaugural Miami Marlins Opening Night at the state-of-the-art Marlins Park will feature three fan giveaways: a Commemorative Lanyard presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and Pepsi, a Tic Tac Pack (to be utilized in fan participation with a special pregame ceremony) and a commemorative Opening Night Marlins Playbill. A special edition of the Marlins Magazine will also be available throughout the ballpark. The first pitch for Opening Night is set for 7:05 P.M. and ESPN will carry the nationally-televised game. Ballpark gates at Marlins Park will open at 4:00 P.M. and on-site parking garages will open at 3:00 P.M. For parking and transportation information, fans can visit www.marlins.com/parking. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats no later than 6:15 P.M. for the inaugural Opening Night pregame ceremonies, with never-before-seen special events presented by 19 time Grammy award winning producer and Miami’s very own Emilio Estefan. Pregame ceremonies will include a video and on-field tribute to Miami, full team lineups for the Marlins and Cardinals, the debut of the new Marlins theme song, Marlins Tonight, legendary musician Jose Feliciano performing the National Anthem, a Fireworks Spectacular, a flyover with four F-16’s from Homestead Air Reserve Base and much more.As part of the historic celebration, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and Marlins Owner Jeffrey H. Loria, together with Miami-Dade County and City of Miami Commissioners and representatives will be part of a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 A.M., on the West Plaza. Opening Night at Marlins Park will also include a pregame party on the West Plaza from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M., featuring live music on the Main Stage with renowned artists. Fans are encouraged to stay for the post-game party on the West Plaza with live music and entertainment, immediately following the game. The game will be broadcasted on WAXY 790 AM and WAQI 710AM (Spanish).

On Tuesday night, Rémy Martin presented Chris Bosh’s 28th Birthday Celebration at the ‘Chris Bosh Supper Club’ at Miami’s Prelude by Barton G. Complete with blackjack and craps tables, guests enjoyed signature “Boardwalk Bosh” Rémy Martin cocktails while flapper girls and dapper waiters offered guests cigars to highlight the playful 1920s theme.  The Boshs’ were joined by the newly-engaged LeBron James and Savannah Brinson, who sat together with Wade.  Bosh’s “Boardwalk Empire” got underway with more Rémy Martin cocktails as comedians DeRay and Gary Owen took to the stage. DeRay poked fun at LeBron’s blazer matching the tablecloth and then asked Adrienne what she was expecting, to which she replied excitedly, “A boy”. Rémy Martin then presented Chris with his birthday present – a surprise performance by Grammy-winning artist, Chrisette Michelle, who wrapped up the evening by singing “Happy Birthday” to Chris.

On Sunday, award-winning hip hop artist, Wyclef Jean closed out Miami Music Week performing an intimate 4 hour set at Ricochet Bar & Lounge presented by CîROC Vodka. Dedicating his “raw” performance to Whitney Houston, Wyclef pulled guests on the stage during “Hips Don’t Lie” and taught a female fan how to play guitar while performing one of his famous tracks. Later, Wyclef took a break from his set by joining fans at the bar for a CîROC coconut specialty cocktail.

Celebrities including Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah and Deborah Cox performed at the fabulous, over-the-top Black Gala on Saturday night. Check back next week for photos and a rundown of the gala details.

DJ Armand Van Helden stopped into The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar with two others and tried out some of Chef Dewey’s new vegetarian dishes.

Supermodels Irina Shayk and Anne V – also known as Cristiano Ronaldo and Adam Levine’s girlfriends – stopped by The Forge Restaurant on Friday night for dinner to celebrate Anne V’s bday.

Paris and Nicky Hilton were spotted in the VIP booth at Ultra Music Festival with Paris’ boyfriend DJ Afrojack noshing on bites by Philippe Chow.  Lil Jon was also seen devouring Philippe Chow owner Stratis Morfogen’s delicious satays.

The Shelborne South Beach weekend’s lineup included famed DJs Armand Van Helden, Bob Sinclar (who created such a stir that the Fire Marshall had to close down the door) and Sander Kleinenberg.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The “M” in WMC could easily stand for Madness or Mayhem on any given year, however, this year the “M” took on new meaning, as Madonna released her new CD, MDNA and made a surprise appearance at Ultra during a set by Avicii. 

On Friday night, several hundred Madonna fans danced by the pool bar enjoying the ocean breeze at the Delano for the exclusive release party for MDNA, Madonna’s latest album which officially launched on Monday and is already number 1 on the Billboard charts in over 35 countries. Read the rest here »

Rafael Nadal

Paris Hilton and Afrojack were spotted at WALL Tuesday night, kicking off Winter Music Conference. They danced all night to music by Afrojack’s protégé Bobby Burns and at one point, Afrojack got on the turntables for an impromptu DJ set. Also in attendance were Paula Abdul and her boyfriend.

Rapper Lil Jon was spotted at the Perry South Beach on Monday. He was seen poolside, conducting business on his laptop and enjoying margaritas.

Rafael Nadal was seen Monday at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami where he is staying in the Presidential Suite. Rumor has it the hotel even has his favorite meal on the menu, Rafa Pasta, linguini and shrimp. Also on Thursday, world #5 ranked tennis player David Ferrer and world #10 ranked tennis player Janko Tipsarevic, also staying at the hotel, will conduct a private tennis clinic with kids from Miami Children’s hospital.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Vince Young was spotted at STK Miami last Tuesday night, enjoying the off season with his girlfriend and a group of 10 friends.

Chef David McMillan of Montreal’s Joe Beef visited Eating House over the weekend. McMillan is a fan of Eating House’s chef/owner, Chopped champion, Giorgio Rapicavoli. 

Paula Abdul was spotted at SUSHISAMBA Dromo last Tuesday, she stopped by with a group of friends and tried some new sushi rolls.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

24 Hour Pet Adoption Match-A-Thon 

On Friday, March 30, join the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services and The Cat Network, Inc., together with several local rescue groups for the very first 24 hour adopt-a-pet marathon where hundreds of deserving animals will be available for adoption. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided at the park for all ages.  The around the clock adoption event will begin at 11:59 p.m. at Tropical Park; Adoptions will start at $30. Free parking is available; admission is free. To get involved or for more information about the ASPCA ‘Mega Match-a-thon’ event, please visit www.humanesocietymiami.org, e-mail dani@humanesocietymiami.org or call 305.749.1825.

 Harding Dinner Series at 9517 

Chow Down Grill’s Chef Joshua Marcus, who has perfected his skills at BLT Steak, Timo and China Grill, and John Donovan, owner of the current “it-bar”, Blackbird Ordinary, have created a one-week-only gastronomic extravaganza that will temporarily take over the Surfside space you may know as Chow Down Grill. At the culinary helm is Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog of Gastropod fame, who will be “experimenting” with foods and flavors of the moment including the ubiquitous Beet Composition: black sesame soil, hibiscus gastrique, wood sorrel; Arepa 2012: popcorn milk pudding, queso blanco; and Cancha Duck Pastrami: pumpernickel streusel, mustard seed caviar, Brussels kraut. Serving up 10-20 tempting, thought-provoking dishes, guests can expect to see anything from green tomato chips to tubes of dough served with Chinese sausage cream. Beginning Friday, March 30, this exclusive “by reservation only” dinner will seat 22 people per seating; two seating per night 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., ending April 5. For just $79, each guest will have the opportunity to try some of the boldest dishes on the Miami culinary circuit to date, while getting up close and personal with one of the most innovative teams around.And for those who do not make reservations in time – there’s no need to worry, while the chance to partake in the “official” tasting dinner is off the table for now, there will be more than 20 seats made available nightly, where guests can eat from a special ala carte menu. This is just the first of many pop ups to be held here. Be sure to stay tuned for the announcement of future pop-up dining experiences that will a part of the “destined to be unforgettable” Harding Dinner Series at 9517. Visit www.hardingdinnerseries.com to make your reservation, for an up-to-date schedule of events, and more information on local guest chefs. For more information, visit www.hardingdinnerseries.com or contact the Harding Diner Series at 305.674.1674.

Flash Mob America with Timbaland 

On Friday, March 30 at 7:30 PM, Flash Mob America (www.flashmobamerica.com) will make history with Timbaland, other featured celebs, and world renowned Choreographer, Fatima Robinson, with a special flash mob, to be shown on a global outlet that will be seen by at least 100 million people worldwide. The flash mob will take place at a secret location in Miami (Rehearsals same day at 3:00 p.m.; Details to come after signing on. Those who wish to participate can sign up at: http://www.flashmobamerica.com/event-registration/timbalandfatima-robinson-flash-mob/.

The Ludus Athletics Model Beach Volleyball Tournament 

This weekend join Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year 2012 Nina Agdal for the 3rd Annual Ludus Athletics Model Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 on 11th and Ocean Drive. The event is open to the public where all of the top modeling agencies will form co-ed teams and compete in this amazing 2-day tournament. This year the tournament has partnered up with the National Volleyball League and their Olympic gold-medal Volleyball athletes will participate in the event by coaching each of these agency teams. Champions, Olympic US qualifiers and number four-ranked team in the world April Ross and Jennifer Kessy will be present at the event as two of the ten pro coaches representing the NVL. Proceeds from the event will benefit Models4Water. Finalists & winners will receive an all expense weekend getaway to the luxurious Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Here, four teams will compete in a rematch at the resort’s grand opening of Therapy Beach Club, on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; for more information on the event visit www.modelbeachvolleyball.com. 

The 5th Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon 

On Sunday, April 1, celebrities, professional athletes, and corporate teams will meet on the sunny shores of South Beach for the 5th Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon. The highly anticipated race expects to draw more participants than ever as 3,000 participants from over 21 countries will be joining the fierce competition.  The Nautica South Beach Triathlon benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a portion of the proceeds goes directly to pediatric cancer research.  Last year, the event raised $275,000 for St. Jude and organizers of the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, the sister event to the popular Nautica Malibu Triathlon, are expecting to raise more than last year and already the sign-up and registration numbers have exceeded 2011’s figures. Confirmed celebs participating this year include: Carolina Panther’s running back DeAngelo Williams, Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan, The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, X-Men’s James Marsden, The Office’s Paul Lieberstein, Cougartown’s Josh Hopkins, Pirates of the Caribbean’s Greg Ellis, Traffic Light’s David Denman, and The Finder’s Geoff Stults and Mercedes Masohn, Josie Loren, star of ABC Family’s Make It or Break It, and Jake T. Austin, star of the Emmy winning, Wizards of Waverly Place  and the upcoming Huckleberry Finn.  In addition, pop/R&B singer-songwriter and actress, JoJo, will sing the national anthem; for more information on the triathlon visit www.nauticasobetri.com.

 Trina Turk Luncheon on Gilt Miami 

Gilt’s local curators have put together an all-star line-up of their Miami favorites in dining, beauty, fitness, and fashion as a reflection of member’s top picks. First up this is a Gilt City exclusive event, tickets to the Trina Turk Luncheon and Colores del Verano New Collection Preview Trunk Show Shopping Event on Thursday, April 5 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The $50 event ticket includes a three-course meal, glass of champagne, non-alcoholic beverages, informal modeling collection and overview and meet-and-greet from Tina herself. Ticket sales are available on Gilt City Miami: http://www.giltcity.com/miami/trinaturkluncheon. 

Cecconi’s  Sunday Brunch

Cecconi’s Miami Beach presents the launch of “Sunday Feast,” the first-ever brunch series at the intimate outdoor restaurant nestled on the ground floor of Soho Beach House beginning at 11:00 a.m. The brunch series will feature an extensive buffet designed by Executive Chef Sergio Sigala and Pastry Chef Oscar Bonelli, along with live music. The indulgent buffet-style spread is comprised of five staple categories featuring new options and older favorites, including an Egg Station, omelet or scrambled, made to order with bacon, avocado and additional accompaniments; Sweets Station, waffles and ricotta pancakes, pastries and fresh-baked croissants, and homemade torta; Raw Bar, oysters, salmon tartar, shrimp and fish salad; Carving Station, complete with roasted beef and pork, quinoa salad, meatballs and macaroni and cheese; and a traditional Cold Cuts spread. The $35* feast includes one complimentary Bellini, or a glass of orange or grapefruit juice. A full a-la-carte cocktail menu is available, as well as tableside Bloody Mary cocktails handcrafted by Cecconi’s mixologists via a roving cart. Reservations are encouraged at 786.507.7902 or miami@cecconisrestaurant.com *Tax and gratuity are additional. The cost includes 50% off valet parking.  

The 18^th annual Bali Ha’i Party 

The 18^th annual Bali Ha’i Party – presented by Grove Village On Grand and Whole Foods Market – will take place Sunday, April 1, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. South Florida’s favorite garden party/food & wine fundraiser is held at The Kampong, an exotic botanical oasis in Coconut Grove that offers the perfect setting for the event, which features exquisite wines, champagnes and exotic libations along with tempting culinary samplings from 30 top South Florida restaurants. In addition, a cornucopia of luxurious auction items will be available for bidding by event participants. And for 2012, event producers are thrilled to announce Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard, social writer for The Miami Herald’s Steph Sez column will be guest emcee. VIP tickets are $250.00 per person and include VIP Lu`au Party at the Point from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and the Main Event from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. VIP Platinum Tickets for $300.00 include the Main Event and Lu`au Party at the Point plus the Tiki Lounge Party at the Point at 8:00 p.m. Main Event tickets, $150.00 per person ($175.00 per person the day of the event), include main event from 5 to 8 p.m. VIP ticket sales – limited to 250 guests – and VIP Platinum ticket sales – limited to 50 guests – are not available the day of the event. 70% of the cost of tickets is a tax deductible contribution. Complimentary parking with shuttle service for event guests will be provided at Plymouth Congregational Church; for more information visit www.balihaiparty.com.