On Saturday, March 24, The Blacks’ Annual Gala will be held at the exquisite oceanfront resort the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in the main iconic Sparkle Ballroom. This year’s gala will feature a performance by multi Grammy Award winning artists Queen Latifah and Tony Bennett.

As a guest and donor of the event you can expect top tier entertainment, a celebrity red carpet reception, exciting live and silent auctions, unlimited cocktails and gourmet cuisine. The gala also features an After Dinner Celebration featuring Deborah Cox, top DJ’s including DJ Irie and DJ Entice and surprise performers. Tickets start at $650 for an individual to $25,000 for the Platinum Level front row table. Individual tables of ten are offered this year. Founded by Lea Black, both Lea and her husband, acclaimed attorney Roy Black are committed to making each gala bigger and better than ever each year. The red-carpet cocktail reception starts promptly at 6:30 pm and the gourmet sit down dinner begin at 8:30 pm in the Sparkle ballroom. Dress is red carpet ready. All proceeds from the gala benefit The Consequences Charity and Foundation are 501c3 not-for-profit organizations providing educational resources and experiences for kids in need.

For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Jason Clarke at 305.443.8980 or jason@theblacksannualgala.com. Or visit the website www.theblacksannualgala.com.

Tony Bennett photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/Getty Images

On Monday, March 19, Tony Bennett, the legendary seventeen-time Grammy Award winning artist, will be hosting the “Tony Bennett All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala.” The two-part event will begin with a day-time Round Robin tennis tournament at The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. The event, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes a champagne reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, exhibition matches with the top stars where tennis enthusiasts will get the chance to play with Alejandro Sanz and tennis legends such as Novak Djokovic (#1 in the world), The Bryan Brothers (Twin Professional Tennis Players ranked #1 tennis team in the world), Caroline Wozniacki (#4 in the world), Mardy Fish (#8 in the world & #1 American), Kim Clijsters (US Open Champ), Ana Ivanovic (Former No. 1 in the WTA) and Ryan Harrison (18-Year Old who is considered by many to be the next great American men’s tennis player), Cliff Drysdale (Grand Slam Legend) & Darren Cahill (ESPN Analyst) among many others. Tony Bennett, a lifelong fan of the sport of tennis, will perform “God Bless America” at the tennis tournament. In the evening, Tony Bennett will host a gala at the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens where guests will enjoy a seated dinner provided by Cristoforo Pignata (Puntino Italian Restaurants and catering, who is bringing in three of his top chefs from his 5-star hotels in Italy for the event), followed by live performances by Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz (multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winning artist) who will join Bennett on stage to perform duets from Bennett’s #1 CD, DUETS II. The Bryan Brothers Band will also perform for invited guests, celebrities & professional Tennis players in attendance.The benefit gala event will be honoring Sean Wolfington, the chairman of The Wolfington Charitable Foundation which actively supports charities that serve the poor and defend the defenseless. Tony Bennett’s All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala will benefit Exploring the Arts, Team Bryan and the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation. Tickets are open to the public and can be purchased by going to www.TonyBennettEvent.com.

Food Truck Lunch at Apollo Bank

Join Apollo Bank this Thursday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the best lunch in town! Come mingle at the community bank and enjoy munching on all of the delicious food from some of Miami’s best food trucks. Food trucks include Ms. Cheezious, Gastropod, Sugar Rush, La Camaronera, and Cuban Cube. Free parking available.

**DUE TO THE WICKED WEATHER, FOOD TRUCK LUNCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL THURSDAY, MARCH 15!

The 3rd Annual Hearts and Stars Gala

South Florida’s premiere social and philanthropic events make its return on Saturday, March 10 at the waterfront estate Shangri La on Hibiscus Island. Benefitting the Little Lighthouse Foundation, the anticipated celebration will feature an evening of cocktails, delectable cuisine, fashion, and an incredible silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets or VIP tables, visit www.heartsandstarsgala.com. Ticket prices are currently $125.00 for general admission and $175 for VIP access. All proceeds from Hearts & Stars Gala benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF). www.thelittlelighthouse.org. For sponsorship information or for additional information, contact Jason Venger at info@thelittlelighthouse.org. 

March’s SAMBAHOUR Dedicated to Japan

SUSHISAMBA dromo continues its popular after-work affair, SAMBAHOUR, by celebrating the diverse cultural background and culinary inspirations of Brazil, Japan and Peru. This month, every Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., SAMBAHOUR will showcase the distinct tastes of Brazil with food and drink specials as well as surprise entertainment from contests, lessons and holiday celebrations to unique, cultural performances. For more information and menu specials visit www.sushisamba.com. 

Blo Hosts an Evening with the Accessory Artists

Join Blo Brickell on Wednesday, March 14, to preview online retailer, Accessory Artists, who will be in-bar with a collection of fashion, fine and vintage jewelry. Marcy Roth, curator of AccessoryArtists.com is bringing fashion favorite labels Kara Ross, Vanessa Mooney, Zariin, Isharya, Rachel Reinhardt, Lee Angel, Deepa Gurnani cuffs, Pame Designs, Kelacala Q and Saily Kay, to name a few.  Jewels will be up to 50% off. The event runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.  For more information and to rsvp go to   blobrickell@blomedry.com. 

Dance NOW! Miami

On Saturday, March 17, Dance NOW! Miami returns to the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This stunning and newly renovated historic venue will host a concert for suitable for all ages. Dance NOW! has invited students from the Academy of Arts and Minds Dance Department to join the company presenting work choreographed by Directors Diego Salterini and Hannah Baumgarten. Tickets are priced at $10 at the door or online at www.dancenowmiami.org.

Rachael Ray and Tricia Johnson at Amstel Light Burger Bash

 Romero Britto and Ingrid Hoffman were each spotted at Mondrian South Beach Wednesday night – the two were at the hotel for separate, private events. The artist attended a private dinner with Bank of America executives while the chef and TV personality was the guest of honor at the BlackBerry Fan Night event attended by several of the brand’s top Miami fans. Guests were invited to delight in cocktails and tapas prepared by Asia de Cuba Executive Sous Chef Nicolas Walker while experimenting with the BlackBerry Playbook tablet’s cutting edge capabilities.  

Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the famous shoe designer, who owns Il Borro wines, hosted an exclusive wine tasting at Rachel Dominguez’s restaurant, The Dome Restaurant & Caviar Bar on Tuesday night. 

During the week Serendipity 3 on Lincoln Road had many surprise guests enjoying their renowned Frozen Hot Chocolate. First up,” Vanilla Ice Ice Baby” Robert Van Winkle was spotted enjoying chilly beverage along with a Cake Martini.  Also famed Chicago Chef and restaurateur Charlie Trotter and wife Rochelle indulged in the tasty treat; Food Network Star Rachael Ray and Tricia Johnson stopped by the Serendipity 3 pop-up counter at Burger Bash getting their brain freeze on with some of the chocolate deliciousness. 

“Ice” Van Winkle also dined at SUSHISAMBA dromo along with Chef-lebrity Guy Fieri.  The group celebrated the annual Brazilian Carnaval celebration. Fieri returned the following night with Food Network great, Emeril Lagasse, mentioning to manager Maxi Silva that had brought his friends to his favorite place BAM! Guy Fieri also joined the Mardi Gras celebration at WALL’s installment of Favela Beach Tuesday. 

Cleveland Cavaliers, Andreas Varejao and Anthony Parker were spotted at The Rooftop at The Perry South Beach. New Orleans Saints, Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore Soul Trained their way into the hearts of the ladies by the DJ booth;  The duo made Pretty Ricky’s “Grind on Me” the anthem of the day. 

Gary Nader welcomed renowned dancer, actor and photographer Mikhail Baryshnikovto Miami for his first solo photography

Gary Nader, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gloria, and Emilio Estefan

exhibition, “Dance This Way” on Thursday, February 23. Other invited guests included:  Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Romero Britto. Also in attendance were Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program Founder & President, Jennifer Valoppi and Board Member Karen Piazza, as well as Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho. 

Film star and wine enthusiast Antonia Banderas introduced Anta Banderas Wines at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. 

Will Ferrell dined at Edge, Steak & Bar on Wednesday evening. The comedic master is in town for the South Beach comedy festival.

Emeril Lagasse at The Q

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The annual Bacchanal/gorge-fest otherwise known as the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) blew into town last weekend for a four day eating/drinking marathon, leaving our scale shaking its head and asking, “What have you done?” come Monday morning. SOBEWFF kicked off with Moët Hennessy’s barbecue bash named The Q on Thursday night hosted by larger-than-life personalities:  Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri.  Other festival highlights included Party Impossible, the Chefs’ After-party at the Dream Hotel, Diamond Dishes at the yet-to-be opened Marlins Park, Best Thing I Ever Ate Late Night Bites & Sweets and the festival’s closing party, Trucks on the Beach.  So now we fast and purge, after acting like Ms. Pac-Man with a tape worm for four straight days; and apologize to the liver, if we can find it- we are guessing it may have left the building. 

The Q

Hosted by Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse, The Q started the weekend revelry on Thursday night, a fitting replacement to the beloved, marquee event Bubble Q which was retired last year.  Just as much fun as Bubble Q, this party was our first SOBEWFF experience of 2012 and served as a reunion of local and national foodies and chefs, who imbibed in champagne and cocktails and filled up on enough barbecued meats to stumble out of the enormous tent with Gout. Read the rest here »

It Girl Expo at SOHO Studios

Lori Riviere and Maria Maloof, the ultimate It Girls and founders of the It Girl Group, bring together South Florida fashion aficionados and stylish senoritas for not one, but two nights of not-to-be missed shopping and fun with the 2012 It Girl Spring Shopping Expo on Wednesday, February 29and Thursday, March 1, at SOHO Studios in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP. A VIP ticket grants early entry into the It Girl Expo as well as goody bag of products to further enhance it girl status. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.itgirlexpo.com.

Iran Issa-Kahn Exhibit at ARTEAMERICAS

On Friday, March 2, join ARTEAMERICAS and Iran Issa-Kahn for a preview party celebrating the famed photographer’s newest exhibit at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Issa-Kahn will signing her book, a long awaited collection of the artists’ photographs, on Saturday March 3, between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. For more information and a complete schedule for ARTEAMERICAS 2012, visit www.arteamercas.com.

Poolside Shopping and Deals

GUYandGIRL Boutique presents a pool-side pop up shop located at the Shelborne Hotel and Resort this Saturday, March 3. Guests will enjoy complimentary rose while shopping top brands including J Brand, Tom Ford and GUYandGirl Boutique’s Private Label. The shopping event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Ricky’s Brunch and Day Party.

If you’re headed to Aventura, venture to Desigual, the multicolored clothing line from Barcelona, Spain.  Shoppers will receive a one day only Friends and Family shopping exclusive, 25% off purchase! Enjoy drinks, light bites, and music from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3; join the Desigual fan page on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/Taraink.

DALI Miami

Aficionados of the acclaimed and equally flamboyant surrealist artist Salvador Dali will, for the first time in South Florida, have an extraordinary opportunity to view an extensive collection of work, Wednesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 11 when DALI MIAMI will bring more than 200 works of his expansive artistic repertoire to the Design District’s iconic Moore Building.

DALI MIAMI is being produced by Nick Betancourt and Michael Rosen, president and CEO of Colored Thumb, a driving force behind many of the area’s top art exhibits including Art Basel, Art Expo, and RedDot Fair. Curator of the show is Reed V. Horth President and curator of Robin Rile Fine Art, a specialist in Dali’s prodigious output, who will be providing the original paintings, drawings, lithographs, photographs and marquis sculptures from the master, valued at approximately $8 million. Among these treasures will be Dali’s seminal bronze “Venus de Milo with Drawers” (1964- 114cm), the gouache original “Spring Rain” (1949), the full set of “Dix Recette d’Immoralité” (1973), the rare original intaglio “The Grasshopper Child” (1934), and his Daum glass masterpiece “Montre Molle” (1971), depicting his quintessential melting clock. Taking his vision for a provocative exhibit one step further, Rosen has arranged for a continuous showing of the 1929 film, “Un Chien Andalou,” the iconic 17-minute French surrealist film in which Dali collaborated with friend and director Luis Buñuel. This graphic work explores the destructive elements of the psyche. The film clearly expresses pure surrealism and its relationship to the unconscious. Dali Miami has also secured celebrity chef Adrianne Calvo for the opening night reception who will recreate recipes inspired by Dali’s Cook Book. Since opening “Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard and Wine Bar in South West Miami, Calvo appears on The Food Networks “Chopped” and NBC’s ‘South Florida Today”, among other projects, Calvo is the author of a cookbook collection, “Maximum Flavor,” has for several years participated in the South Beach Food and Wine Festival and has been featured on The Food Network’s original series, “Chopped.”  DALI MIAMI will be open to the public Wednesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 11 at The Moore Building.  General Admission is $ 25 and VIP tickets are $90 with a preview VIP reception March 7^th where they will be filming an episode of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Miami”. Tickets and further information is available at www.dalimiami.com.

The Betsy Presents Pocket Guide To Miami Architecture

The Betsy- South Beach will host an exhibition and book signing reception to honor the release of the Pocket Guide To Miami Architecture (W.W. Norton, $24.95) with author Judith Paine McBrien and illustrator John F. DeSalvo, on Thursday, March 8 at 8PM. An illustration of The Betsy’s façade is included in the book and will be on display along with drawings of many other local buildings. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 305-760-6902 or visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.

American Fine Wine Competition Continues

Join the Fifth Anniversary of the American Fine Wine Competition as it continues with a unique array of events benefiting local charities and promoting American wines. Recently, the AFWC conducted a competition with 635 wines from wineries across America on Thursday, March 8. The winning wines concluded with 12 wines winning medals for Best of Class and Best of Show. The next event at Allied Kitchen & Bath in Fort Lauderdale will provide guests with an opportunity to taste some of the wines from the recent competition, meet this year’s judges, and peruse AFWC wine booths. Attendees will also have the option to participate in a small silent auction, also benefitting the foundation.  Tickets to the public costs $25 per person; proceeds benefitting the Dan Marino Foundation Vocational College. To purchase tickets contact Joannah at 954-332-5977 or johannah@alliedkb.com. For additional information, regarding the AFWC visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.com or contact Shari Gherman: 561.504.VINE.